Ant and Dec top ‘most wanted guest’ list at Christmas

While, on the other hand, Ant and Dec, The Duchess of Cambridge, The Queen, Prince Harry and Miranda Hart have all been voted as the nation’s most desired Christmas Day house guests, according to a poll by Travelodge.

With 56 per cent of Britons travelling next week to spend the festive season with family and friends, Travelodge surveyed 2,500 adults across Britain to investigate the nation’s views on yuletide entertaining.

Research revealed half of British households reported their Christmas guests just get under their feet and prove to be a hindrance.

Six out of ten British women reported the pressure of creating the perfect Christmas for guests is one of the most stressful jobs of the year. On average women spend 322 hours which equates to nearly 14 days preparing for the perfect Christmas Day for family and guests.

Other key findings revealed that the mother in law is the most dreaded Christmas guest, followed by mum, as both women will interfere with the day’s planned proceedings. Sixty eight per cent of women said it really annoys them when their mother in law or mother tries to take over on Christmas day.

When respondents were asked who would be their perfect Christmas house guest, topping the poll were members of the royal family and the nation’s favourite comedians.

Topping the guest list were cheeky Geordies Ant and Dec, followed by the Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen, Prince Harry and award winning comedienne, Miranda Hart.

The remainder of the top ten listing includes TV presenter Holly Willoughby, American singer songwriter Taylor Swift, popular politician Boris Johnson, sports hero David Beckham and Prince Charles.

Listed below are the nation’s top ten most desired Christmas house guests.

Ant and Dec

The Duchess of Cambridge

The Queen

Prince Harry

Miranda Hart

Holly Willoughby

Taylor Swift

Boris Johnson

David Beckham

Prince Charles

Further research revealed that, to help create the perfect Christmas at home, a third of hosts have suggested to their guests who are staying with them over the festive season to book themselves into a nearby hotel so both parties can obtain some much-needed space.

Over a third of British women surveyed reported they get more stressed looking after guests who are staying over during the festive season than cooking Christmas dinner.

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “We are experiencing a growing trend in more Britons booking themselves into a nearby hotel when visiting family and friends over the festive season. This year we have already experienced a double digit increase in room sales from Christmas Eve right through to New Year’s Day. By staying in a hotel you can alleviate the pressure and everyone can really enjoy the festive season without getting under the hosts’ feet.”