Top showbiz honour for Ant and Dec

Geordie duo Ant and Dec have been named Britain’s favourite TV personalities.

The pair, both 28, beat The Office star Ricky Gervais, who came second, and chat show host Jonathan Ross in the Radio Times poll.

The stars of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, Pop Idol, and Saturday Night Takeaway, were up against actors, performers, and other presenters in the survey.

Comic Peter Kay came third, followed by Ross, Shane Richie (EastEnders Alfie Moon), and The Osbournes.

Those known for their sharp tongues also made it on to the list, like Pop Idol’s Simon Cowell (18th) and The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson (41st).

A recent poll showed that 70% of people do not know which of the duo is Ant or Dec.

The pair, who live two doors from each other in west London, sit together as they appear on TV: Ant on the left Dec to the right.

Ant told the Radio Times: “It helps viewers recognise us. It’s weird to realise that 70% don’t know which is which. Maybe no one cares. Fair enough.”

Dec said: “It’s not cool to be popular. But who wants to be cool?

“I’d prefer to be popular and watched by millions rather than a select few who ‘get’ it.

“I’ve never regarded myself as cool.”