Yummy mummy Davina McCall has topped a new poll of the country’s ideal celebrity gym buddy – with superfit star Madonna at the bottom of the list. Davina’s down to earth attitude, fantastic figure achieved through exercise and good diet, catapulted the star to the top of the list, with people citing fitness fanatic Madonna as intimidating rather than motivating.

The survey from Fitness First saw the popular TV presenter, workout DVD guru and mother-of-three at the top of the wish list. The number two and three positions went to celebrities who people felt would entertain them whilst exercising and take their mind off a tough workout – in second was American superstar Will Smith third place went to Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles.

And Nell McAndrew came in fourth, well known for her inspirational passion for fitness. Most surprisingly, sporting hero David Beckham and Bond actor Daniel Craig were way down on the list, as their physique was perceived by those asked as unattainable. The survey was launched to coincide with plans by Fitness First to discover the benefits of working out in pairs on member retention and motivation.

“We know that gym goers like the idea of a gym buddy for motivation and Davina provides that perfect combination of someone who is fit and can motivate people but she doesn’t pose a threat in terms of being exercise obsessed,” said Fitness First’s national fitness manager Derek Crawford.

“Surprisingly celebrities such as Madonna and David Beckham were well down the list – people thought these superfit stars would intimidate them rather than help them improve their own fitness levels.”