Digital TV News

Dermot O'Leary named top TV talent on Valentine's Day

Tuesday 14 February, 2012

By Anthony Hill

X Factor host is officially the most fanciable man on UK television.

It's usually him doing the talent spotting, but today Dermot O'Leary has been singled out as TV's most desirable Valentine's stud, after topping a poll that asked the nation’s women to name their dream small screen date.

The host of ITV's X Factor got 14% of the vote in Freeview's survey to find British television's most fanciable stars. The subscription-free digital TV company also quizzed the nation's men, 16% of whom named This Morning beauty Holly Willoughby their ideal Valentine.

A Freeview spokeswoman said: "It's clear TV presenters provide an extra reason to tune in and watch TV.” She added: “A candlelit dinner at home and watching a romantic film is the perfect Valentine's Day date - it's easier on the pocket than a trip out to the cinema or to a restaurant.”

Researchers spoke to 2,000 Brits for the study, in which Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch, who got 6% of the ladies’ vote, narrowly beat Strictly Come Dancing winner Harry Judd to second place in the list of loveable lads.

The men's second favourite TV date, with 10% of the vote, was actress Karen Gillen - perhaps better known asDoctor Who sidekick Amy Pond. Caroline Flack, the host of ITV2 spin-off The Xtra Factor, came third with a 9% share of male affection.

Britain's Top 10 TV Valentines:

Male:

1. Dermot O'Leary - 14%
2. Benedict Cumberbatch - 6%
3. Harry Judd - 5.4%
4. Steve Jones - 4.9%
5. Paddy McGuiness - 4.32%
6. Mark Wright - 4.02%
7. Simon Cowell - 4.02%
8. Professor Brian Cox - 3.8%
9. Dan Stevens - 3.73%
10. Philip Glenister - 3.71%

Female:

1. Holly Willoughby - 16%
2. Karen Gillan - 10%
3. Caroline Flack - 9%
4. Nigella Lawson - 7%
5. Louise Redknapp - 5.1%
6. Fearne Cotton - 4.7%
7. Tess Daly - 4.6%
8. Tulisa Contostavlos - 4.5%
9. Alesha Dixon - 4.2%
10. Michelle Keegan - 4.1%

Photo by CeresB