* Piers Morgan stormed to first place in UK’s Sexiest Man 2025 poll after ranking 40th last year.

* Jeremy Clarkson loses out after his two-year reign, whilst Danny Dyer, Dermot O’Leary and Jonathan Ross round off the Top 5.

*  2,000 women rate 50 of the most famous and culturally relevant men from across public life on a scale of 1 to 10, based on their sex appeal.

* Poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan has been named the UK’s “sexiest man” in a new poll of 2,000 women – dethroning two-time champion Jeremy Clarkson, who slips to second place in this year’s rankings.

The annual survey, conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating site for married people, asks its female members to rate 50 of the most famous and culturally relevant men from across public life on a scale of 1 to 10, based on their sex appeal.

It marks a major comeback for Morgan, who languished in 40th place just last year. But whether you love him or loathe him, there’s no denying that his signature no-nonsense style, quick wit and unshakeable self-belief have struck a surprising chord with women in 2025.

Joining Morgan and Clarkson in the top three is new entry cockney actor Danny Dyer, whose blend of bad-boy charm and blunt East End charisma seems to have appeal with female voters. Meanwhile, TV favourite Dermot O’Leary enjoyed a strong rise in this year’s rankings, jumping from 10th to 4th, closely followed by chat show veteran Jonathan Ross, who leapt a remarkable 18 places to claim 5th.

In the survey which asked women who (if given the chance) they would choose to have an affair with, Sunday Brunch presenter Tim Lovejoy made his debut landing 6th, but perhaps one of the biggest surprises of this year’s poll is the appearance of Tory Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Jenrick in 7th place. 

Comedian Bob Mortimer took 8th place, whilst presenter Ben Shephard landed 9th, and funny-man Romesh Ranganathan will undoubtedly be disappointed, having dropped three places this year (10th).

The results weren’t without a few eyebrow-raising exits from last year’s top spots. Hollywood actor Tom Holland fell from 2nd to 17th, Cillian Murphy dropped from 5th to 20th, and Idris Elba slipped to 25th after ranking 6th in 2024. Even Prince William, who had previously enjoyed a surge in popularity, tumbled from 3rd to 31st, while his brother Prince Harry failed to make the Top 50 altogether.

New entries included McFly’s Danny Jones, who courted controversy in March after being caught kissing Maura Higgins at the Brit Awards, with the headline-grabbing moment helping him land in 12th place. Post Office campaigner Alan Bates also made a shock entry into the Top 50, coming in at 41st.

Politics had an unusually strong showing this year. Nigel Farage, one of the UK’s most polarising public figures, soared from 39th to 11th. Even Boris Johnson saw a modest rise, climbing two places to 28th.

Sporting stars also featured throughout the list. England defender Kyle Walker impressed at 13th, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held steady at 14th, and David Beckham, despite being a regular on “sexiest man” lists in decades past, dropped eight places to 19th.

The full list spanned celebrities, politicians, athletes and other public figures – proving once again that sex appeal is about far more than good looks. From quiet confidence to outspoken charisma, the qualities that turn heads in 2025 are refreshingly varied.

Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, said: “We were expecting surprises this year, but even we were taken aback when Piers Morgan soared to the top of the table. His unapologetic style clearly taps into something deeper for a lot of women – confidence, conviction, and not being afraid to ruffle feathers.”

UK’s Sexiest Man 2025 Top 10

1. Piers Morgan
2. Jeremy Clarkson
3. Danny Dyer
4. Dermot O’Leary
5. Jonathan Ross
6. Tim Lovejoy
7. Robert Jenrick
8. Bob Mortimer
9. Ben Shephard
10. Romesh Ranganathan

* Affairs site IllicitEncounters.com saw a 39% spike in sign-ups from school employees ahead of the Easter break.

* Teachers top the list of school staff who have signed up for ‘extra-curricular activities’ (36%), followed by caretakers (21%) and teaching assistants (16%).

* 87% of school workers admit that they plan to cheat while their partners are stuck at work.

* Survey conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

With schools closed for the Easter holidays, a surprising trend has emerged among overworked school staff  – and it doesn’t involve lesson planning and marking homework.

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site, reported a 39% spike in new registrations from school employees last week in the lead-up to the Easter break. 

The site conducted a poll of 600 randomly selected members who joined between the 31st March and the 6th April, and found that 83% work in education. 

The data reveals that teachers account for 36% of the new school staff signups, followed by caretakers (21%), teaching assistants (16%), dinner ladies (12%), school admin employees (9%), and headteachers (4%).

According to the site’s poll, a whopping 87% of these school-based members admitted they are planning to meet lovers while their partners are at work, taking advantage of the unique freedom the break offers. In fact, 64% said school holidays were the only time they could arrange daytime meetups without raising suspicion.

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, says, “School holidays are often some of the busiest times of the year for our site, especially among teachers and other staff. The school breaks create a rare window of opportunity for affairs to flourish. While partners are stuck in the 9 to 5 grind, school staff have the freedom to explore without interruption.

What’s interesting is the emotional honesty we see in people joining the site. Many are in long-term, loving relationships, but there’s a sexual void they’ve quietly carried for years.”

One such member is Amy*, who works in a school in Yorkshire. Married for over a decade to a man suffering from long-term health issues, she describes her relationship as “perfect – except for the complete lack of sex.” After spending years suppressing her desires, she turned to IllicitEncounters last year. 

“I was secretly miserable,” she said. “My husband has ED and it’s been that way for years. There’s loads of support out there for men going through that – how to protect their self-esteem, how to help them emotionally – but almost nothing about how to cope if you’re the wife. It felt like I didn’t exist in the conversation.”

Amy admits that she’ll be using the school Easter break to meet with members of the affairs site. “Holidays are ideal,” she explains. “No one’s suspicious if I’m out during the day. Everyone assumes I’m just enjoying my time off.”

She insists her affair isn’t a betrayal, but a release. “I don’t want romance – I’ve got that at home. What I needed was a physical outlet, a chance to feel like a woman again. This site made that possible. It’s safe, private, and surprisingly empowering.”

*Name has been changed

Breakdown of school staff sign-ups

Teachers – 36%
Caretakers – 21%
Teaching assistants – 16%
Dinnerladies – 12%
School admin staff – 9%
Headteachers – 4%
Other – 2%

* IllicitEncounters.com has developed a unisex scent scientifically formulated to reduce affair guilt by 67%.

* Created by a renowned British neurochemist, the perfume uses pheromone technology to activate confidence and suppress anxiety.

* More than 2,000 bottles sold within the first 48 hours.

* The fragrance is available exclusively to members of IllicitEncounters.com.

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating site for married people has unveiled a new perfume exclusively for its members: “Eau de Innocence”, the first-ever pheromone unisex scent scientifically designed to suppress post-affair guilt.

The fragrance, priced at £99.99 per 100ml bottle, is formulated using a unique blend of dopamine-enhancing compounds and cortisol blockers to reduce stress and anxiety after an illicit encounter, allowing users to return home feeling confident and composed.

With an alluring scent featuring warm vanilla, smoky oud, and zesty bergamot, the affairs site claims the perfume creates ‘an irresistible aura of confidence and control’.

IllicitEncounters.com spokesperson Jessica Leoni explains: “We know from our members that the biggest challenge of having an affair isn’t the affair itself – it’s the guilt that can come afterwards. Our ‘anti-guilt’ fragrance is designed to counteract that feeling, allowing people to enjoy their encounters without emotional baggage.”

Developed over four years in collaboration with renowned British neurochemist Dr. Noah Candish, the fragrance is infused with a synthetic version of a pheromone found in naturally dominant, high-status individuals. In a controlled study of 200 IllicitEncounters.com members, 67% reported feeling significantly less post-affair guilt after using the fragrance, thanks to its unique formula that

• Lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone associated with guilt and anxiety
• Enhance dopamine production, increasing feelings of pleasure and self-assurance
• Activate ‘power pheromones’, similar to those found in confident, successful leaders

Dr. Candish explains: “Guilt is a biochemical response triggered by a hormonal imbalance. By manipulating the wearer’s neurochemical state through scent, we’ve developed a product that enhances self-confidence while muting anxiety. The result? A guilt-free, worry-free return home after a passionate affair.”

Within 48 hours of launch, more than 2,000 bottles of “Eau de Innocence” were sold, with stock expected to run out before the weekend.

“We anticipated strong demand, but this has exceeded all expectations,” says Leoni. “The success of this fragrance proves that people aren’t looking for permission to cheat – they just want to enjoy themselves without unnecessary emotional turmoil.”

Eau de Innocence is available exclusively to members of IllicitEncounters.com.

* After decades in a passionless marriage, Lisa, 55, discovered a world of excitement, luxury, and desire when she began dating married men through IllicitEncounters.com.
* Powerful, high-achieving lovers shower her with extravagant dates, lavish gifts, and unwavering attention.
* Lisa admits she has no intention of being in a traditional relationship again, preferring the freedom that comes with dating married men, and avoiding “the boring stuff” faced by monogamous couples.

After 32 years in a marriage that had lost all passion, Lisa* knew she needed more. The intimacy had faded, the spark was gone, and life had become routine. That’s when she made a decision that would change everything – she joined a dating site for married people.

Eighteen years ago, she discovered IllicitEncounters.com, and what started as curiosity quickly became a gateway to a world of powerful, high-achieving men who know exactly how to treat a woman.

“The men I meet are nothing like my ex-husband,” Lisa says. “They are accomplished, confident, and they understand how to make a woman feel special. They’re generous – not just financially, but with their time, attention, and effort. It’s a level of chivalry that seems to have disappeared in most relationships.”

Since joining, she has had affairs with 16 men, all of whom are successful, driven, and commanding in their own right. From investment bankers to pilots, senior military officers, and even diplomats, these men don’t just whisper sweet nothings – they plan extravagant dates, give lavish gifts, and make her feel desired in a way her husband never did.

Lisa has dined at Michelin-starred restaurants and sipped champagne on private yachts. One lover gifted her designer handbags, while others have showered her with expensive perfumes and high-end lingerie. 

“It’s about the effort these men put in. The planning, the gestures, the desire to impress me – it’s intoxicating. I don’t need their money, but I do love how they spoil me.”

She’s had champagne picnics, private cabin getaways, and luxury shopping trips. Every man brings something different to the table, but the one thing they all have in common?

“They are alpha males. Confident, direct, and incredibly successful. They know what they want, and they know how to get it. That’s what makes them irresistible.”

Now, she feels sexier, stronger, and more confident than ever – and she loves the attention she gets from the men she meets on IllicitEncounters.com.

“Gallantry is a lost art, but not with these men. I expect good manners, intelligence, and a strong belief in themselves. That’s what makes an affair work – it’s about mutual admiration and energy.”

Lisa has no desire to be in a traditional, monogamous partnership again. “Every married couple I know is miserable. The women feel ignored, the men feel trapped. Meanwhile, I get to have the passion, the excitement, the amazing dates – without any of the boring stuff.”

And with nearly two decades of incredible affairs behind her, she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“Meeting married men has given me everything I was missing in my marriage – passion, adventure, and a renewed sense of self,” she says. “It’s not just about the affairs; it’s about living life to the fullest.”

*Name has been changed

* The Irish accent has emerged victorious as the UK’s sexiest accent, winning the hearts of both men (29%) and women (32%).
* Unfortunately, people from the West Country have less to celebrate today, as their distinctive drawl was voted the least attractive across the board.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

As the Irish prepare to paint the town green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, they can now add “sexiest accent in the UK” to their list of reasons to toast.

In a revealing new poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, the Irish accent has been crowned the nation’s most irresistible. And let’s be honest, who can resist the lilt of an Irish brogue?

In the battle for the UK’s sexiest male accent, Irish men claimed the top spot with a resounding 32% of women’s votes – leaving other contenders in their wake. The ever-charismatic Cockney accent followed closely behind, garnering 26%, while the rugged Scottish brogue secured third place with 17%.

Further down the list, the Welsh accent charmed 8% of voters, while Geordies rounded up 6%. But it’s the West Country folk who’ll be feeling the sting of rejection, with their distinctive drawl taking the unfortunate title of least attractive accent – scoring a mere 1%.

But it’s not just Irish men who are winning hearts – the women are equally captivating. When men were asked to vote for the UK’s sexiest female accent, Irish topped the charts again, with 29% of the vote. The melodic Scottish tones claimed second place with 25%, and the soft, sweet Welsh accent came in third with 19%.

Sadly, the West Country accent once again found itself at the bottom, tied with the Brummie accent, both scraping just 1% of the votes. 

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com who conducted the poll, wasn’t surprised by the results and explained why the Irish voice has such undeniable appeal:

“The Irish accent’s popularity makes perfect sense – it’s musical, warm, and playful, while still managing to sound incredibly seductive. It’s the kind of voice that can make you feel instantly at ease, yet also leave you completely captivated. 

On the other hand, accents like the West Country’s, while full of character, just don’t seem to carry that same romantic allure. They have their own kind of charm, but it seems they’re more likely to remind people of cosy countryside life than fiery passion.”

Results
Sexiest Male Accents (Female Vote):

1. Irish – 32%
2. London (Cockney) – 26%
3. Scottish – 17%
4. Welsh – 8%
5. Geordie – 6%
6. Yorkshire – 3%
7. Mancunian – 3%
8. Brummie – 2%
9. Scouse – 2%
10. West Country – 1%

Sexiest Female Accents (Male Vote):

1. Irish – 29%
2. Scottish – 25%
3. Welsh – 19%
4. London (Cockney) – 11%
5. Geordie – 7%
6. Scouse – 3%
7. Yorkshire – 2%
8. Mancunian – 2%
9. Brummie – 1%
10. West Country – 1%

* Bonnie Blue’s soaring popularity amongst men is causing real tension in relationships, with 67% of UK women saying they feel threatened by their partner’s fascination with the adult star.

* 78% of women who discovered their partner’s interest in the star said it sparked arguments, with many feeling anxious about being compared to Bonnie Blue.

* Over half of men (52%) admitted their fascination with Bonnie Blue has made them less satisfied in their current relationships, while 39% have lied about watching her content just to avoid fights.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

She’s the woman everyone’s talking about – and not always for the right reasons. OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue shot to fame after allegedly sleeping with 1,057 “barely legal and barely breathing” men in just 12 hours. But while British men can’t seem to get enough of the controversial adult actress, women are far less enthusiastic.

A new poll of 1,000 women conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site, found that two thirds of women (67%)  say they feel threatened by their partner’s fascination with Bonnie Blue. The issue has become so widespread that 41% of women admitted they’d actually caught their partner watching Bonnie’s content – and for most, that discovery hasn’t gone down well. Of those women, 78% confessed it had led to arguments, showing just how much Bonnie’s influence is stirring up insecurities and disputes at home.

So why exactly is Bonnie Blue such a source of tension? Many women say it’s because she embodies qualities they feel they can’t compete with. Of the women who felt threatened by the star, a huge 76% said they felt intimidated by her confidence and experience, while 62% feared their partner was comparing them to her. 

For more than half of women surveyed (54%), the concern went deeper, with worries that their partner was fantasising about being with someone like Bonnie. And for 47%, the pressure was more intimate – they admitted feeling anxious that they’d never be able to match Bonnie’s adventurousness in the bedroom.

But it’s not just women who are feeling the effects of Bonnie’s growing influence. Men are increasingly aware of the tension their interest in her is causing – and some are taking drastic measures to keep the peace. 

In a separate poll of 1,000 UK men, 39% admitted they’d lied about watching Bonnie’s content just to avoid an argument. Even more concerning, nearly half of men polled (52%) confessed that their fascination with Bonnie had left them feeling less satisfied in their current relationship.

For many women, this growing obsession feels like an impossible standard to live up to. Samantha*, 32, from Manchester, knows this feeling all too well. She says she’s caught her boyfriend watching Bonnie’s videos on multiple occasions – and it’s left her questioning everything.

“At first, I tried to brush it off, but then it kept happening,” she says. “It’s like she’s everywhere, and I started to wonder if I was ever enough for him. She’s so confident and adventurous – and suddenly I felt like I had to be the same just to keep his attention. It’s exhausting, and it’s made me so insecure.”

According to Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, this tension is becoming more common in relationships as Bonnie Blue’s star continues to rise.

“Bonnie represents the ultimate fantasy for many men – she’s confident, sexually liberated, and totally in control,” says Leoni. “But for a lot of women, that fantasy starts to feel like competition. When you’re constantly worried that your partner is comparing you to someone like Bonnie, it can take a real toll on your self-esteem and your connection as a couple.”

Leoni believes open communication is key when it comes to tackling these kinds of issues. “If Bonnie Blue is becoming a source of conflict in your relationship, it’s important to talk about it. Be honest about your insecurities and set some boundaries if you need to. The more you keep quiet, the more resentment builds – and that’s when real damage happens.”

* Tesla and X owner Elon Musk tops the poll, beating Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett and Snapchat’s Evan Spiegel.

* Other notable names in the top 10 include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, BrewDog CEO James Watt and, controversially, US President Donald Trump who landed in 9th place.

* 2,000 women ranked 50 global entrepreneurs on their “sexiness,” with tech titans and self-made billionaires dominating the top 10.

* Poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Elon Musk has controversially been crowned the world’s sexiest entrepreneur by UK women.

The Tesla boss and owner of X topped a poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site, beating off stiff competition from the likes of Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel and Diary of a CEO star Steven Bartlett.

Famed for his unpredictable personality and his increasingly polarising role in American politics, Musk’s allure clearly remains undiminished when it comes to his sex appeal as he topped the poll scoring an impressive 9 out of 10.

The UK’s very own Steven Bartlett claimed second place scoring 8.5 out of 10, proving his appearances on Dragon’s Den and podcasting charm have the ladies swooning, while Snapchat’s Evan Spiegel, whose clean-cut good looks and billionaire lifestyle have long made him a heartthrob landed him in third place.

The poll from IllicitEncounters.com involved 2,000 of its female members, who were asked to rank 50 of the world’s most famous and influential business figures from most to least sexy, scoring them between 1 and 10 based on their “sexiness.”

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos took fourth place, while BrewDog CEO James Watt, who married TV personality Georgia Toffolo in a secret Scottish wedding on the weekend, rounds off the top five.

The top 10 also saw social media giants and tech titans dominate, with LinkedIn’s Jeff Weiner in sixth, Monzo co-founder Tom Blomfield in seventh, and Farfetch founder José Neves placing eighth. 

In a somewhat controversial result, Elon Musk’s “boss”, US President and business mogul Donald Trump secured ninth place, while Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones took the final spot in the top 10.

The list of 50 names featured a mix of high-profile entrepreneurs and business leaders from various industries, broken down into categories across tech, retail, media, and investment.

British entrepreneurs made a strong showing throughout the rankings, with Gymshark founder Ben Francis taking 12th place, Calm co-founder Michael Acton Smith coming in 15th place and Virgin’s Richard Branson placing 18th. Alan Sugar’s appeal, on the other hand, appears to be waning despite his non-nonsense attitude on ‘The Apprentice’, coming in last.

Other notable tech billionaires rated by UK women included Apple’s Tim Cook who landed in 28th place, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was further down the list coming just 39th. 

Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, commented on the results saying, “Elon Musk’s victory has come as quite a surprise considering how much of a controversial figure he’s become lately, but the sheer level of his appeal shows just how much women are drawn to powerful, unpredictable men with money. His mix of intellect, wealth, and risk-taking clearly makes him irresistible. Add in his penchant for drama and his relentless ambition, and you’ve got the ultimate bad boy billionaire.

It’s also great to see UK entrepreneurs like Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones flying the flag in the top 10 – proving British brains, charm, and business savvy are a very sexy combination.

With such a diverse mix of visionaries, mavericks, and moguls, it’s clear that success is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”

World’s Sexiest Entrepreneurs: Top 10

1. Elon Musk
2. Steven Bartlett
3. Evan Spiegel
4. Jeff Bezos
5. James Watt
6. Jeff Weiner
7. Tom Blomfield
8. José Neves
9. Donald Trump
10. Peter Jones

* A survey has found that people who play board games are more likely to have an affair, with Monopoly, Scrabble, and Cluedo being the top games of choice for cheaters.

* 91% of board game players confessed to lying during games to win, while 21% used game nights as a cover for affairs.

* Experts say the strategic thinking and risk-taking skills honed in board games can translate into a knack for infidelity.

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

Playing board games requires tactical thinking, strategic planning, and sometimes a touch of ruthlessness – all skills that, as it turns out, may also be handy when having an affair. A new study conducted by affairs site IllicitEncounters.com suggests a surprising link between board game habits and infidelity.

The poll surveyed 1,600 members about their board game preferences and their experience with cheating. The results revealed that people who regularly play board games are more likely to be unfaithful. Among respondents, 24% reported playing board games regularly, 58% said they played occasionally, and 18% said they never played board games.

When it comes to the cheater’s choice of board games, Monopoly, the game of cutthroat deals and ruthless property grabs, came out on top with 34% of respondents naming it their favourite. Scrabble, the word game that rewards cunning and creativity, came in second at 29%, while Cluedo made it into the top three with 15%.

91% of board game players admitted they’ve lied during a game to win, while 1 in 5 (21%) said they’ve even used board games and “games nights” as a cover to meet up with a lover.

One person who took part in the poll, Harriet*, 39, confessed that her ability to think several moves ahead in Chess helped her plan her affairs with military precision. “I’d plan my alibis weeks in advance, just like I’d plan my moves in a game. It became a challenge to see how long I could keep it going without getting caught. With board games, you do whatever it takes to win. I guess I applied the same logic to my relationships.”

Jessica Leoni, IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationships expert, isn’t surprised by the findings. “Board games – especially strategic ones like Monopoly or chess – require careful planning, patience, and sometimes a little deception. Those same qualities often come into play when someone is conducting an affair. People who excel at these games tend to be comfortable with risk, can think long-term, and know how to cover their tracks – all of which are essential traits for those managing a secret relationship.” 

Leoni also points out that the drive to win can be a common factor. “For some people, having an affair isn’t just about dissatisfaction in their current relationship,  it’s about the excitement of conquest and getting away with something. That’s a dynamic we see in competitive game players too.”

So, the next time your partner suggests a cosy night of Scrabble or a cutthroat round of Monopoly, you might want to keep an eye on their strategy – on and off the board.

*Name has been changed

Results

Top board games played by cheats:

Monopoly – 34%

Scrabble – 29%

Cluedo – 15%

Chess – 9%

Trivial Pursuit – 5%

Cards Against Humanity – 2%

Other – 6%

* 61% of respondents admitted to engaging in emotional affairs with AI chatbots in the past year.

* 2 in 5 people confess to having disclosed deeply personal thoughts and emotions to their AI companions – things they had never shared with their real-life partners.

* Experts warn that reliance on AI for emotional support may create distance in real-life relationships.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

A recent study conducted by extramarital affairs site IllicitEncounters.com has shed light on an emerging trend in modern relationships: emotional cheating through the use of AI bots. 

The poll, which surveyed 2,000 members – an equal split of men and women – revealed that a staggering 61% had used an AI chatbot to engage in an emotional affair over the past year.

One of the most striking findings of the survey was that over half (56%) of respondents admitted to sharing intimate details and personal struggles in their relationships with their AI companions. For many, these chatbots provided a judgement-free space to express frustrations, fears, and unmet emotional needs.

Even more concerning, nearly 2 in 5 (41%) of participants confessed to disclosing deeply personal thoughts and emotions to their AI companions – things they had never shared with their real-life partners. This suggests that many people find AI chatbots to be safer and more understanding than their human counterparts.

The study also revealed that 1 in 4 (26%) users reported forming a strong emotional bond with their AI chatbot. Unlike traditional forms of infidelity, which often involve a physical connection, emotional cheating with AI exists purely in the digital realm. Yet, for those involved, the connection feels real and significant.

Interestingly, despite the deep emotional ties being formed, 81% of respondents who admitted to having an emotional affair with AI stated that they felt no guilt about their chatbot relationships – not considering them to be “real” cheating. 

One person who took part in the study, identified only as “Janice,” shared her experience of forming a deep emotional bond with an AI chatbot. “At first, it was just casual chatting which began out of curiosity, but over time, I found myself turning to the AI more than my husband when I was feeling stressed or alone. It never judges me, always listens, and provides comfort in a way that my partner doesn’t always understand. I know it’s not a real person, but the connection feels real, and that’s what matters to me.”

Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, weighed in on the phenomenon, noting that AI chatbots are providing emotional support in ways that some partners fail to. “The rise of AI chatbots as emotional companions suggests that many people feel unheard or unfulfilled in their relationships. While these chatbots can serve as a temporary emotional crutch, they could also deepen the divide between partners instead of encouraging open and honest communication.”

Leoni also warned that relying on AI for emotional intimacy could pose long-term risks. “While it may seem harmless at first, forming an attachment to an AI chatbot could lead to emotional distance from real-life partners, making it harder to address underlying issues in the relationship.”

* Red Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday before Valentine’s Day, is the most popular day of the year for breakups.

* 31% of people break up to avoid the pressure of Valentine’s Day expectations.

* Of the 36% of people who ended a relationship in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, men are more likely to do so on Red Tuesday (62%) compared to women (38%), with millennials (ages 28-43) being the most likely to call it quits (40%).

* Study conducted byIllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

If you’re in a shaky relationship, tomorrow might not be your lucky day. The Tuesday before Valentine’s Day – dubbed Red Tuesday – is the most popular day of the year for breakups, and it has become a notorious time for couples deciding to call it quits.

A recent poll conducted by the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, IllicitEncounters.com surveyed 1,200 people and found that 36% of respondents have ended a relationship in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day – of those, 66% broke up with their partner on Red Tuesday.

The reasons vary, but the most common one – cited by 31% of participants – is wanting to avoid the pressure of Valentine’s Day expectations. For many, the thought of planning a romantic evening or buying a meaningful gift for a partner they no longer see a future with is enough to push them to end things beforehand. 

Meanwhile, 27% admitted they wanted to avoid the guilt of faking affection on the most romantic day of the year.

As for how people chose to deliver the bad news, 33% preferred to break up over the phone, while 29% opted for a text message. Surprisingly, only 26% ended things face-to-face, and a small percentage turned to social media (7%) or email (4%) to cut ties. A cold-hearted 1% admitted to ghosting their partner entirely.

Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 75% of people having an affair still choose to spend Valentine’s Day with their primary partner. However, 18% said they will prioritise spending time with their lover over their spouse, while 7% plan to skip celebrating altogether.

The poll found that men are more likely to initiate Red Tuesday breakups, accounting for 62% of them, while women make up 38%. 

When it comes to age groups, Millennials (ages 28-43) are the most likely to call it quits on this day, representing 40% of breakups, followed by Gen Z (18-27) at 34%. Gen X (44-59) accounts for 18%, and Baby Boomers (60-78) make up just 8% of those ending relationships on Red Tuesday.

Jessica Leoni, a sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com which conducted the poll explains the trend, “Red Tuesday breakups happen because people don’t want to fake their feelings on Valentine’s Day. Rather than go through the motions of romance, they’d prefer to be honest – even if it means heartbreak. 

It’s also a time when people reflect on their relationship and decide if they truly see a future together. Some feel trapped by Valentine’s Day and the expectations that come with it, and rather than putting in effort for a relationship they don’t see lasting, they cut ties instead. 

Ultimately, Red Tuesday has become a day of reckoning for many couples, and it’s no surprise that we see a massive spike in breakups right before Valentine’s Day.”