One in four blokes has a ‘man crush’ on a male celebrity or TV star – with David Beckham topping the list, it has been revealed. Researchers who polled 2,000 men found a large percentage of them to be comfortable enough with their sexuality to admit they envy, admire or even find other men attractive.
Becks’ sporting prowess, family man image and worldwide reputation as an all-round good bloke confirmed him as the man most likely to strike awe and admiration in the heart of the average man.
The study of 2,000 men, which was commissioned by the Celebalike app, saw brains are valued too, with the ever-charming Stephen Fry emerging runner up.
The everlasting desire for every man to think himself James Bond saw Daniel Craig place third, while one of the world’s most powerful men, President Barack Obama, proves the fourth most idolised man for British blokes.
A spokesman for the Celebalike app said:
“Every man has his heroes and those he aspires to be like.
“Living up to the image of a David Beckham or a Brad Pitt may not be realistic but what’s clear from the results is that ability and intelligence rank highest when picking their idols.
“It’s good to see such a range of respected talent showing the men who truly inspire and prompt a bit of hero worship from the average man.”
The list of biggest man crushes showed a mix of sporting heroes, movie stats and business role models – actor Will Smith rounded off the top five.
Formula One racer Jenson Button courts a legion of envious males, while the effortless cool of Johnny Depp sees him finish seventh.
Footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo features just above business mogul Sir Alan Sugar, with Brad Pitt completing the top 10.
TV tough men Idris Elba and Ray Winston are well regarded, while comedian Russell Brand is also pedestalled.
Star of BBC’s Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch’s inclusion is no mystery, while Simon Pegg, Karl Pilkington and the much-adored Bill Nighy all make the top 30 man crushes for British men.
Sporting heroes are forever remembered and the different striking styles of Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry see them both included.
Raw talent was the most important factor in winning adulation, with intelligence the second most lauded quality.
Confidence and a quick wit were also likely to cement a person’s place on the list.
And more than half of those who admitted to having a man crush were adamant that, if they ever met that man in real life, they’d definitely get on well and could be best mates.
Such is the devotion to their idol that a fifth of blokes in relationships said that if their man crush ever chatted up their partner they’d feel ‘proud’ or ‘privileged’.
The Celebalike spokesman added:
“We often build ourselves on the role models we look up to, whether on the screen, a sports pitch or in real life.
“We may not always be able to live up to the perfectly crafted image of today’s superstars, but we can find out who we most resemble by finding our celebalike. Of course there’s no guarantee the results will be flattering.”
BRITISH MEN’S BIGGEST MAN CRUSHES
1. David Beckham
2. Stephen Fry
3. Daniel Craig
4. Barack Obama
5. Will Smith
6. Jenson Button
7. Johnny Depp
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
9. Sir Alan Sugar
10. Brad Pitt
11. Ricky Gervais
12. Idris Elba
13. Hugh Laurie
14. Alan Shearer
15. Bruce Willis
16. Ray Winstone
17. Russell Brand
18. Jeremy Clarkson
19. Thierry Henry
20. Benedict Cumberbatch
21. Simon Pegg
22. Gordon Ramsay
23. Pierce Brosnan
24. Bill Nighy
25. Christian Bale
26. Louis Theroux
27. Karl Pilkington
28. James May
29. David Mitchell
30. Jeremy Paxman
