What celebrity would you most like to go on holidays with? Well according to a new survey by popular travel and leisure website lastminute.com in Ireland, men voted Kathryn Thomas as their most desirable holiday partner, while women fancy taking off with Colin Farrell.
The straight-talking Carlow presenter and the reformed bad boy beat stiff competition for the number 1 spot. Kathryn rose above other TV presenters Gráinne Seoige and Sharon Ní Bheolain, who came in 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the battle for women’s hearts (and hormones!) Colin edged out Irish/American comic Des Bishop and rugby stars Tommy Bowe and Brian O’Driscoll to win.
Kathryn also reigned over former Miss Ireland Rosanna Davidson, who you might remember was on the receiving end of an on-stage quip by Thomas at the TV Now awards this year. The former No Frontiers presenter, of course, has a strong knowledge of the best holiday destinations, but her sense of humour was a more likely a factor in her popularity.
The top three personality traits that would attract respondents (of both genders) to their chosen celebrities are a good sense of humour, honesty and thoughtfulness. No surprise then that Irish politicians were voted the worst possible travel partner (43%), followed by one’s boss or ex partner.
The habit that would most likely make respondents dump their celebrity partner was rudeness to waiting staff with almost 3 in 4 selecting this. That was followed by picking one’s nose and nagging (though not specifically for nose-picking!). As for holiday destinations, the most popular holiday was a round-the-world trip (35%) followed by a tropical island getaway (27%).
Encouragingly (for both sexes) age proved nothing more than a number, as Miriam O’Callaghan (5th) beat off competition from Lucy Kennedy (6th) and Andrea Corr (7th). Irish actor Brendan Gleeson proved more popular with the ladies than Seán Og O’hAlpín.
Internationally, George Clooney was easily the most popular, proving three-times as admired as runner-up Johnny Depp. Brad Pitt and Leonardo diCaprio followed. Again, age wasn’t a factor with 65-year-old Helen Mirren earning more votes than Jordan and Jennifer Lopez combined.
Kylie Minogue was the number one international female travel companion followed by Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba.
Carey Withey of lastminute.com said: “We’re not surprised by the choices, there’s not many people, myself included, who wouldn’t mind holidaying with Colin Farrell! The survey results gave us a great insight into our customers’ holiday fantasies, lastminute.com can provide great holiday deals, but we can’t guarantee a celebrity will join them.”
The Results:
The independent survey was carried out in Ireland by research company iReach for lastminute.com. Survey respondents from each of the 4 provinces answered the survey. 1,000 people took part.
See below for a breakdown of the survey.
Most popular female celebs to holiday with (Irish):
1. Kathryn Thomas
2. Grainne Seoige
3. Sharon Ní Bheolan
4. Rosanna Davidson
5. Miriam O’Callaghan
Most popular female celebs to holiday with (International):
1. Kylie Minogue
2. Jennifer Aniston
3. Jessica Alba
4. Penelope Cruz
5. Cheryl Tweedy
Most popular male celebs to holiday with (Irish):
1. Colin Farrell
2. Des Bishop
3. Tommy Bowe
4. Brian O’Driscoll
5. Any member of Westlife
Most popular male celebs to holiday with (International)
1. George Clooney
2. Johnny Depp
3. Brad Pitt
4. Leonardo diCaprio
5. Matt Damon
Most annoying habits of a partner on holiday:
1. Rudeness to waiting staff
2. Picking their nose/Nagging (joint second)
3. Mobile phone obsession
4. Eating with mouth open
5. Belching
Worst Holiday Partner
1. Irish Politician
2. Boss
3. Ex Partner
Most popular first class perks:
1. Spacious seats
2. Lie-flat seats
3. Private cabin
4. Free drink
5. Gourmet food
For more information, contact us.
