They're universally admired (5)
I believe the answer is:
stars
If this is the answer, I'm afraid I cannot explain it.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stars that I've seen before include "Horoscope (colloq.)" , "plays a leading role" , "Leading performers (with stripes?)" , "Celebs - constellation" , "Celestial bodies of hot gases" .)