Essex

Valentine's Poll finds Essex celebrity still popular

Russell Brand still popular in Essex according to Valentines poll

Essex boy Russells cheeky "brand' of home-grown talent is still holding its own against Hollywoods elite according to a Valentines Day poll commissioned by First UK Bus.

The poll asked people to choose the male and female celebrities they would most like to sit next to on the back seat of a bus on Valentines Day, and Russell Brand scored almost twice as highly in Essex than anywhere else in the UK.

Pulling in over 6% of all votes from Chelmsford in the male category, Grays own Brands popularity was less noticeable in Worcester, where he failed to get any takers " losing out to Northern funny man Peter Kay, and High School Musicals Zak Efron.

Chelmsfordians participating in the poll chose George Clooney as their top male celebrity, with 20% of the vote, with Brad Pitt coming in second place with 15.56%. Current Dr Who, David Tennant, was third with 13.3%.

Regional variations continued, however, with the loyal Scots helping West Lothian-born David Tenant beat both George and Brad to the number one spot in Edinburgh.

While Cheryl Cole topped the female celebrity poll both nationally and in Chelmsford (polling 17.4% in the county town), glamour model Jordan (Katie Price), grabbed second place with 14.29% of the vote, ahead of Oscar-nominated actress Kate Winslet (11.43%).

So popular was Brighton-born Katie Price, that she knocked former Bond girl Halle Berry down the list, sharing 2.86% of the votes with Amy Winehouse, and Celebrity Big Brother contestant La Toya Jackson.
Interestingly, it appears that Jonathan Ross recent antics havent diminished his charm and appeal for the people of Chelmsford " with 4.44% of the votes, he proved more popular than Stephen Fry, David Beckham (both scored 2.2%) and Celebrity Big Brother winner Verne Troyer (who failed to get any votes).

The survey of 3,000 people also found that while many people had found love " or at least a date or two on the bus " Chelmsford residents are shyer than they make out, with only 14.81% admitting to flirting "occasionally' with fellow passengers.

It also revealed that in many UK cities more people are finding future partners on the bus than through online dating sites. Topping the list of places in the UK where a bus ride is likely to lead to love was Aberystwyth with 50% of people having married someone they met on the bus.

Nicola Shaw, Managing Director of First UK bus, says: "While clearly many people still find their partner at work or through friends, it is interesting to see that in some places more people have found lasting love on public transport than through online dating sites. In these cash-strapped times, I think people can take heart from the results of this poll, confidently cutting their subscriptions to expensive online dating sites in favour of taking a trip on the bus; it could be the most exciting journey of their lives!'

And love might not be the only thing you find on the bus this Valentines Day as First bus passengers in Chelmsford and Colchester will be left with a warm and cosy feeling thanks to a special Valentines giveaway. In the run up to 14 February, First will be handing out heart-shaped hand warmers to many of its customers visiting travel shops in the towns.

Nicola continued: "Weve had a number of special hand warmers made and well be at various locations throughout the UK on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February handing them out to our customers. They are our Valentines gift to our customers, underlining how much we care and sharing some love and warmth!'

First is the UKs largest bus operator running one in five local services. For more information about First or any of its local bus operations, log onto: www.firstgroup.com.

The survey, which was commissioned by First UK Bus " the UKs largest bus operator, took place online between 23 - 27 January 2009 collating the views of 3000 people in the UK. The survey was hosted and managed by www.onepoll.com.