Sex is a very important part of most people's relationships. Satisfaction between the sheets often makes for a happy relationship. However, some people can live without lovemaking, including some of the biggest names through history! Whether for religious reasons, a test of love or sexual embarrassment these famous figures all were celibate at some point...

The 19th century German composer Ludwig van Beethoven was inspired by the women he loved to write his musical masterpieces. Ironically, Beethoven is claimed to have died a virgin at aged 56 in March 1827. Biographer Norman Lebrecht claimed in his book ‘Why Beethoven’ that he was absolutely certain that the composer never had any sexual encounters throughout his life.

The ‘Battlefield’ singer grew up in a very strict Christian household and vowed to remain celibate until she married husband Dana Isaiah in 2017. She said: "I don't want to give away bits of my soul to lots of different guys - I want to give all of myself to the right man on the right night. And the right night is my wedding."

She’s known across the world for playing Phoebe Buffay in ‘Friends’, but did you know that Lisa and her husband Michael Stern waited until they wed in 1995 to have sex? Lisa said: "I don't know if you'd characterise me as uptight, but I understood what it is to be so afraid of sex - of your sexuality. “For me it was just, 'No, I'm saving myself because I have to make myself worthy of the kind of man I have in mind.'"

In 2012, long-time ‘Project Runway’ host Tim Gunn revealed during ABC’s ‘The Revolution’ show that he had not been with anyone for 29 years. He said: "Do I feel like less of a person because of it? No, not even remotely." Gunn hasn't been in a committed relationship since the early 1980s.

Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, best known as Mother Teresa, dedicated her entire life to the Catholic Church. The nun was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women who dedicated their lives helping the poor. Mother Teresa’s devotion remained with God until her death on September 5, 1997 aged 87.

Kevin and his younger brothers stayed true to their Christian roots and wore purity rings for the majority of their adolescence. Despite siblings Nick and Joe eventually removing their chastity bands, Kevin continued to wear his with pride until his wedding night with wife Danielle in 2009. Kevin said: “I could’ve gotten married the day after we got engaged. We’d have gone crazy waiting any longer.”

The English monarch, who reigned from 1558 – 1603, famously died the 'Virgin Queen'. Resistant to matrimony, Queen Elizabeth refused to get wed despite having many suitors. She remained devoted to her country instead. Queen Elizabeth I was celebrated for her celibacy.

Belieb it or not... clean cut pop star turned bad boy turned dutiful husband Justin Bieber had a period of celibacy before he wed Hailey Baldwin in 2018. After rekindling his romance with Hailey, the couple continued to refrain from having sex until they tied the knot. Justin said: “[God] doesn’t ask us not to have sex for him because he wants rules and stuff. He’s like, I’m trying to protect you from hurt and pain. I think sex can cause a lot of pain. Sometimes people have sex because they don’t feel good enough. Because they lack self-worth. Women do that, and guys do that. I wanted to rededicate myself to God in that way because I really felt it was better for the condition of my soul. And I believe that God blessed me with Hailey as a result.”

Considered to be one of the hottest telenovela stars, Mexican actor Eduardo Verástegui drastically changed his lifestyle in 2002 and took a vow of celibacy for religious reasons. He has used this time, according to CNN, to prepare himself to be the best husband he can be.

In 2010, at MAC's Viva Glam event, Lady Gaga revealed she had decided to give celibacy a go for a short time. She spilled: "I can't believe I'm saying this - don't have sex. It's not really cool anymore to have it all the time. It's cooler to be strong and independent. It's OK not to have, it's OK to get to know people. I'm celibate, celibacy's fine."