US expat reveals 12 cultural icons Brits love that no one in US has ever heard of

A US expat has provided a list of 12 cultural icons that she’d “never heard of” before leaving America.

Kalyn, who runs the popular YouTube channel, has shared her thoughts on 12 beloved figures that are instantly recognisable to Brits but failed to make a name for themselves .

Kalyn, who has lived in the UK for nearly a decade, admitted that she had never heard of some of Britain’s most iconic characters before making the move.

Her list of 12 well-known figures includes , who she described as a “nice character” who “clearly doesn’t deliver across the ocean”.

It also provides some rather surprising and not-so-surprising names, including one that Kalyn suggests could be “straight out of a horror film”.

1. Postman Pat

Kalyn revealed that she’d never seen an episode of the beloved children’s Postman Pat but inexplicably knows the theme song. She added that Pat seems like a “nice character” but “clearly doesn’t deliver across the ocean”.

2. Moomins

Other characters that left Kalyn perplexed include the Moomins, which she speculated could be hippos or an “alien kind of creature”. She was aware that the Moomins originated elsewhere ) but believed that every Brit is familiar with them.

3. Pingu

The lovable claymation penguin Pingu also made the list, with Kalyn revealing that the show is “not well-known” in America. She joked that if you mention Pingu in the US, locals would probably assume you just pronounced ‘penguin’ incorrectly, reports .

4. Mr Blobby

Mr Blobby, the bizarre pink character from the 90s, also made an appearance on Kalyn’s list. Kalyn remarked: “Next on my list of British cultural icons that I had never heard of, and this is where the term ‘cultural icon’ gets very loose, but it is something or someone called Mr Blobby.”

She continued with her observations: “Mr Blobby’s definitely something mentioned here in like jokes and memes and it all goes way over my head. I have no idea if Mr Blobby is meant to be a fun children’s character or if he’s something straight out of a horror film.”

5. Guy Fawkes

Regarding Guy Fawkes, she admitted it was “strange” to label the an icon, yet Kalyn pointed out his notoriety in Britain during Bonfire Night and the tradition of burning Guy Fawkes effigies.

Nevertheless, she noted that Americans have “zero idea” who he is because he “doesn’t really relate” to their history.

6. Father Ted

In the case of Father Ted, Kalyn recognised that he is known as the “bumbling” Catholic priest, though his fame doesn’t extend to Americans, leaving most US citizens clueless when his name comes up in conversation.

7. David Brent (The Office)

For David Brent from The Office, Kalyn stated that, unlike Ricky Gervais’ famed character, most Americans are oblivious to him, instead referencing the US iteration of the show, which stars Steve Carell as Michael Scott.

8. Bananaman

Kalyn confessed she’s never seen Bananaman, the UK comic superhero from The Beano and The Dandy, admitting that other Americans would be clueless about him.

9. The Chuckle Brothers

The Chuckle Brothers, portrayed by Paul Elliott and his late brother Barry, were beloved figures on British television with their programme ChuckleVision. Yet, Kalyn revealed her familiarity with the duo is “very low”.

10. Ant and Dec

While Ant and Dec are household names in Britain, Kalyn acknowledged she was “not aware” of the Geordie duo, despite noticing they appear in “various places”.

11. Take That

Kalyn suggested that Take That, despite the group’s immense fame, is largely unrecognised by most Americans. She mentioned a similar lack of recognition for Robbie Williams but admitted to enjoying some of the band’s tracks.

12. Mary Berry

In conclusion, Kalyn noted that , once an unknown figure in America, has now “made a name” for herself beyond the UK.