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Daily Express Online, 17 March 2009
Mamma Mia! Pierce Brosnan Voted Sexiest Irish Celebrity
Mamma Mia star Pierce Brosnan’s Irish eyes must be smiling today as he tops a national UK poll to unearth the sexiest Irish celebrity, with 14% of the country and over a quarter (26%) of UK women finding him the sexiest Irish star. Bad boy Colin Farrell and singing stunner Andrea Corr both came in second place polling 10% of the vote each, with Hollywood hell-raiser Colin also scoring with the boys – 3% of British men think he’s the sexiest Irish star.
The YouGov* survey, commissioned by communications consultancy Eulogy! to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, wasn’t good news for all – poor Louis Walsh must have mislaid his X Factor as he didn’t score a single vote when even smooth-tongued presenter Terry Wogan managed 2% of the vote. And, unlike their music, musicians Bono and Bob Geldof didn’t even get a look-in in the top 10, both polling enough votes for an equal fifteenth place (1% each).
The top ten sexiest Irish celebrities are:
1 Pierce Brosnan 14%
2= Colin Farrell 10%
2= Andrea Corr 10%
4 Ronan Keating 7%
5 Nadine Coyle 6%
6 Christine Bleakley 6%
7 Jonathan Rhys Meyers 4%
8= Zoe Salmon 3%
8= Enya 3%
8= Samantha Mumba 3%
The top three sexiest Irish women, as voted by the men, are: Andrea Corr in first place (with 19%), the One Show’s Christine Bleakley second (with 11%) and Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle third (with 10%). However, Bangor beauty and Dancing On Ice star Zoe Salmon scored highly in her home region of Northern Ireland with 16% – coming in overall first place in Northern Ireland.
And the sexiest men, as voted by the women: Pierce in first place with 26%, Colin Farrell second with 17% and Ronan Keating third with 13% of the vote.
Eulogy! CEO Adrian Brady comments on the findings, “As a communications consultancy we absolutely recognise the power of celebrity and their relationship with brands and the public. Pierce Brosnan has obviously become the housewives’ favourite after his singing debut on Mamma Mia – the success of the film has introduced him to a whole new audience after Bond. As for Louis Walsh, unfortunately he’s still sorely lacking in the magic X Factor”.
Stephen Hughes, director of northern Europe, Enterprise Ireland, comments: “As one of the biggest export markets for the Irish economy, it’s vital that Irish brands are known, understood and welcomed in Britain. Along with our goods and services, it’s pleasing to see our well known celebrities are also making in-roads into the hearts and minds of British consumers. This poll acts as a reminder on how closely linked Britain and Ireland really are on numerous levels not least when it comes to business and culture but on appreciating our celebrities!”
