Tag: Jessica Leoni

Women are more attracted to ‘dad-bods’ than chiselled abs, study finds

The key findings

* 68% of women say they prefer a dad-bod over a gym-honed physique.

* Bodybuilders are out, balance is in – just 6% of women found overly muscular men appealing, favouring a more relaxed, relatable look.

* Nearly three-quarters of women say men with dad-bods feel more approachable and less intimidating.

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

In a revelation that might have gym fanatics rethinking their routines, a recent poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating website for married people, has found that the ‘softer’, more relatable physique is overwhelmingly preferred by women over sculpted abs.

The survey of 2,000 female members delivered a clear verdict: a significant 68% of women stated they find a ‘dad-bod’ the most attractive physique. 22% prefer an athletic build, and just 6% said they’re attracted to bulked-up bodybuilder frames. On the opposite end of the spectrum, only 4% said they’re attracted to overweight physiques.

When asked why the dad-bod was so appealing, the top response – at 73% – was that women felt these men were more approachable and less intimidating. Many ladies (58%) also felt that men with this physique seemed to prioritise fun and enjoyment over rigid routines, suggesting a more balanced lifestyle. 

Confidence was another key factor – 52% said a man with a dad-bod seemed more self-assured in his own skin. Women also described the look as more real and less high-maintenance (45%), and 25% insisted dad-bods simply make better cuddlers.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, commented on the surprising findings: “This poll confirms what many of us have long suspected – the dad-bod is no longer just accepted, it’s adored. 

It reflects a shift in what women want: someone comfortable in his skin, who’s fun to be around and doesn’t take himself too seriously. Let’s face it – a partner who prioritises pleasure over protein shakes can be incredibly appealing.”

Results
Preferred Male Physique:
Dad-bod – 68%
Athletic build – 22%
Bodybuilder physique – 6%

Overweight – 4%

Top Reasons for Dad-Bod Preference:
More approachable and less intimidating – 73%
Looks like they prioritise fun/enjoyment over strict routine – 58%
Suggests more confidence – 52%
More ‘real’ and less high-maintenance – 45%
Better cuddlers – 25%

Scorching Temperatures Send Affairs Site Sign-Ups Soaring During a ‘Cheatwave’ as UK Baked on the Hottest Day of the Year

The key findings

* Affairs site IllicitEncounters.com saw a 58% surge in new sign-ups in the past four days – peaking on Tuesday as temperatures hit 34.7°C

* Women made up 62% of new members, with the biggest spike among 35–44-year-olds

* 68% of new members said the heat made them feel “more impulsive,” while 55% admitted the weather gave them the “final push” to cheat

* Experts say “sundrunk” Brits lose inhibitions in hot weather, entering a holiday mindset even at home

As Britain sweltered through its hottest day of the year, with temperatures hitting a blistering 34.7°C in London, experts are warning of an unexpected side effect of the heatwave – a dramatic surge in cheating. 

Dubbed the ‘cheatwave’, this phenomenon has seen sign-ups to the UK’s leading affairs site, IllicitEncounters.com, skyrocket by 58% over the past four days, peaking on Tuesday as the mercury climbed to its highest level.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Experts point to a dangerous cocktail of hormonal surges, lowered inhibitions, and “heatwave hedonism” that drives otherwise loyal partners to stray. “When the sun blazes, so do passions,” says Jessica Leoni, sex and relationship expert for IllicitEncounters.com. “We see this with every heatwave – the hotter it gets, the more people seek excitement outside their relationships. Extreme heat essentially rewires our impulses.”

From Saturday to Tuesday, new registrations on the affairs site surged by 58% compared to the same period last year, with Tuesday being the peak. Women accounted for 62% of new members, with the most common age group being 35-44-year-olds (45%), followed by 45-54-year-olds (32%).

One member who joined on the hottest day of the year, “Sarah” (39, from Brighton), admits the scorching weather pushed her over the edge. “I’d been unhappy for months, but the heatwave was the final nudge,” she says. “Yesterday, I was lying in the garden, sweating, bored, and scrolling on my phone. The sun made me feel restless – like I needed to do something reckless. By 4PM, I’d signed up.”

About the research

Sarah isn’t alone. A poll of 1,000 new members found that 68% said the heat made them “more impulsive,” while 55% admitted they’d been considering an affair for some time – but the soaring temperatures gave them the “final push.”

Sexpert Jessica Leoni added, “The sunshine strips away inhibition. It’s like the British public have collectively entered their holiday persona – even if they’re not abroad. We call it ‘sundrunk.’ You’re not drinking rosé on the Med, but you’re mentally already there.”

‘Sexiest Politician’ Debate Makes It to Parliament

The key findings

* The annual poll by IllicitEncounters.com crowned Nigel Farage and Angela Rayner Britain’s ‘sexiest politician’.

* Results from the poll sparked a media frenzy, with discussions about the results aired on ITV’s Lorraine and This Morning, as well as Jeremy Vine’s show on Channel 5.

* The poll also became a talking point in the Houses of Commons when Reform MP Richard Tice brought up the topic in Parliament.

It’s the story that got everyone talking this morning – from daytime TV sofas to the green benches of Westminster. The results of this year’s annual UK’s Sexiest Politicians poll by IllicitEncounters.com didn’t just light up the press – it even made its way into the House of Commons.

That’s right. Reform MP Richard Tice stood up in Parliament this morning and, with a glint of mischief in his eye, declared: “It’s important to celebrate the awards given to honourable colleagues. So will the Leader join me in congratulating both the Deputy Prime Minister and also the honourable member for Clacton for winning the award in their respective categories as Britain’s sexiest politicians, on that well-known website IllicitEncounters.com? Does she recommend they have dinner together?”

The line earned chuckles across the chamber – and sealed the poll’s place in political pop culture history.

The cheeky parliamentary moment capped off a media frenzy that saw the poll discussed everywhere from ITV’s Lorraine and This Morning to Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 show, proving political sex appeal is no longer just tabloid fodder but mainstream conversation.

At the heart of the commotion? Nigel Farage and Angela Rayner, who were crowned the UK’s sexiest male and female politicians for 2025. Farage retained his title for the second year running, proving once again that his signature rebellious charm and unapologetic swagger haven’t lost their edge.

Rayner, meanwhile, soared from fifth place last year to first, her fiery wit and fierce authenticity striking a chord with admirers across the political spectrum.

Not far behind Farage was Robert Jenrick, who narrowly missed out on the top spot by a single percentage point. Also climbing the ranks were James Cleverly, jumping from seventh to third, and newcomers Dan Aldridge and James McMurdock, who made bold debuts in the top five.

On the women’s list, Reform UK’s Sarah Pochin made an immediate impact with a second-place debut, nudging last year’s winner, Suella Braverman, into third. Labour’s Jade Botterill and Conservative Julia Lopez rounded out the top five.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, said: “When we first ran this poll, we never imagined it would end up being spoken about in the House of Commons – but here we are. Whether it’s on Lorraine, This Morning or in Westminster, it’s clear this light-hearted look at power and attraction has struck a national chord.

Farage holding onto his crown, Angela Rayner rocketing to the top, and Robert Jenrick becoming a surprise heartthrob – it all proves that in politics, it’s not just policies that turn heads. Power, presence and a bit of cheek clearly go a long way.”

Results
Sexiest Male Politicians
Nigel Farage, Reform UK – 21%
Robert Jenrick, Conservative – 20%
James Cleverly, Conservative – 14%
Dan Aldridge, Labour – 12%
James McMurdock, Reform UK – 10%
Darren Jones, Labour  – 6%
Lee Anderson, Reform UK – 5%
Ed Davey, Liberal Democrats – 3%
Keir Starmer, Labour – 2%
Other – 7%

Sexiest Female Politicians

Angela Rayner, Labour – 22%
Sarah Pochin, Reform UK – 19%

Suella Braverman, Conservative – 15%

Jade Botterill, Labour – 14%

Julia Lopez, Conservative – 12%

Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour – 7%

Laura Trott, Conservative – 3%

Esther McVey, Conservative – 2%

Other – 6%

UK’s Sexiest Politicians For 2025 Revealed

The key findings

* Nigel Farage and Angela Rayner are officially the UK’s sexiest politicians.

* The Reform UK leader has managed to hold on to his crown for the second year running, whilst Angela Rayner shot to the top after coming 5th in 2024. 

* The Tories remain the sexiest party (33%), but Labour (31.5%) and Reform UK (27.5%) follow closely behind.

* The results come from an annual survey of members on IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating website for married people.

The UK’s ‘sexiest politician’ annual poll by IllicitEncounters.com has revealed some surprising shifts this year – but one man in particular is standing firm.

Nigel Farage has once again been crowned the UK’s sexiest male politician, securing 21% of the vote. The Reform UK leader, whose cheeky grin and maverick charm seem immune to fading appeal, topped the male rankings for the second year running.

Hot on his heels – just one tantalising percentage point behind – was Conservative Robert Jenrick, who earned 20% of the vote, firmly establishing himself as Westminster’s newest pin-up.

In a major leap, James Cleverly has surged from seventh place last year to third in this year’s poll. Labour’s Dan Aldridge and Reform UK’s James McMurdock made their debut on the list, securing fourth (12%) and fifth place (10%) respectively.

Notably, Prime Minister Keir Starmer saw a steep decline in votes, falling from 3rd place in 2024 to 9th in this year’s rankings.

Among female politicians, Angela Rayner’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Labour’s deputy Prime Minister has surged from fifth place last year to claim the top spot, as her blend of working-class grit, fiery wit, and unapologetic passion appears to have won over male voters in droves.

Following closely behind was Reform UK’s Sarah Pochin, who took 19% of the vote, making a striking debut in this year’s poll. 

Suella Braverman – last year’s winner – still holds strong in third place with 15%, Labour’s Jade Botterill followed in fourth with 14%, and Conservative Julia Lopez rounded out the top five with 12%.

Overall, the Tories once again came out on top taking 33% of the total vote share across both male and female categories, making it the sexiest party – but only just. Labour followed closely behind (31.5%) and surprisingly, Reform UK is inching closer with 27.5% of the vote.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Commenting on the results of this year’s poll, Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com said, “Farage has proved once again he’s the political equivalent of that leather jacket in your wardrobe – slightly controversial, impossible to get rid of, and somehow still looking good after all these years. 

In politics, power is an aphrodisiac – and our members are never shy about telling us who gets their hearts racing. This year’s results show that confidence, conviction, and a little controversy remain irresistible traits.”

Results
Sexiest Male Politicians
Nigel Farage, Reform UK – 21%
Robert Jenrick, Conservative – 20%
James Cleverly, Conservative – 14%
Dan Aldridge, Labour – 12%
James McMurdock, Reform UK – 10%
Darren Jones, Labour  – 6%
Lee Anderson, Reform UK – 5%
Ed Davey, Liberal Democrats – 3%
Keir Starmer, Labour – 2%
Other – 7%

Sexiest Female Politicians

Angela Rayner, Labour – 22%
Sarah Pochin, Reform UK – 19%

Suella Braverman, Conservative – 15%

Jade Botterill, Labour – 14%

Julia Lopez, Conservative – 12%

Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour – 7%

Laura Trott, Conservative – 3%

Esther McVey, Conservative – 2%

Other – 6%

Boffins are declared best in bed, according to new poll – Brains trump brawn when it comes to sex appeal

The key findings

* 79% say intelligence makes someone more sexually attractive – with degree-holders rated better in bed.

* People living in university towns are more likely to have more pulling power, with Cambridge declared the city with the best lovers.

* Doctors, academics and lawyers top the list of most lusted-after careers when it comes to lovers.

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

It turns out brains really are the new six-pack – with clever clogs declared the best lovers in Britain, according to a new poll from IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs site.

In a survey of 1,500 members, a staggering 79% admitted that intelligence made someone instantly more sexually attractive, with nearly seven in ten (68%) claiming degree-holders were better in bed than their non-graduate counterparts. For 74% of respondents, the most memorable sex of their life came courtesy of someone they’d describe as “intellectual.”

It’s bad news for gym buffs and influencers, with just 18% saying their fittest lover was also their best, and only 6% confessing that someone active on social media had ever left a lasting impression. In fact, more than half of respondents said they found bookish partners to be more adventurous in bed, while 59% said postgrads were the most confident and communicative between the sheets.

Many members cited emotional intelligence as the real turn-on, with 52% agreeing that “smart people make sex feel more meaningful.” When asked what they look for in a lover, 63% said they were more likely to message someone who mentioned a university degree in their profile – a strong indicator that smart is, quite simply, sexy.

The survey also revealed the most lusted-after careers, with doctors (61%), academics (37%), and lawyers (36%) topping the list. Tech workers (30%) and teachers (27%) also scored highly, while reality TV stars and influencers were considered the least desirable partners (6%).

In a battle of the brainy cities, Cambridge (64%) came out on top as the place most associated with the best lovers, followed by Oxford (59%), Edinburgh (57%), London (56%) and Bristol (49%). Whether it’s punting or passion, it seems university towns have a clear advantage when it comes to pulling power.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationship expert at IllicitEncounters.com, said “This poll busts the age-old myth that the best lovers are the ones with the best bodies. What we’re seeing time and time again is that our members value curiosity, creativity and communication far more than physical perfection – and that’s what brainy people tend to bring to the bedroom.”

She added: “Smart lovers know how to listen, how to tune in, and how to make their partner feel seen. And when you combine that with emotional intelligence and a little imagination, you’re in for fireworks – not just between the sheets, but beyond.

So if you’ve been spending all your time in the gym, you might want to swap the dumbbells for a decent book – because when it comes to sex appeal, brains are back in fashion.”

Results
Top 10 Brainy Cities with the Best Lovers

  1. Cambridge – 64%
  2. Oxford – 59%
  3. Edinburgh – 57%
  4. London – 56%
  5. Bristol – 49%
  6. Glasgow – 44%
  7. Manchester – 42%
  8. Leeds – 39%
  9. Brighton – 29%
  10. Durham – 23%

Top 5 Most Lusted-After Careers:

  1. Medical Professionals – 61%
  2. Academics / University Lecturers – 37%
  3. Lawyers – 36%
  4. Tech Professionals / Engineers – 30%
  5. Teachers – 27%

 5 Least-Desired Careers

  1. Reality-TV Personalities / Influencers – 6%
  2. Personal Trainers / Fitness Instructors – 8%
  3. Estate Agents – 9%
  4. Retail workers – 10%
  5. Accountants – 11%

Brits Reveal the Final Straw That Drove Them to Cheat – And It’s Not What You’d Expect

The key findings

* 72% of cheaters say they never planned to stray – a single trigger tipped them over the edge

* Top reason? Feeling invisible at home – emotional neglect beats lack of sex

* 1 in 5 started an affair within just two weeks of their relationship’s breaking point

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

Silent treatment is driving Brits into the arms of someone else – with nearly three-quarters of cheaters saying a single event tipped them over the edge, according to a racy new poll.

The survey of 1,500 members of IllicitEncounters.com – the UK’s leading affairs site – found 72% of users never planned to cheat, but a single trigger pushed them into an affair.

Top of the list? Feeling invisible at home, with 48% saying emotional neglect was the final straw. One respondent said: “I could have set fire to my hair at the dinner table and my partner wouldn’t have noticed.”

Not far behind were those stuck in a sex rut – 44% admitted they hadn’t had a roll in the hay for months, while 39% said things went cold after the kids flew the nest, leaving them living with a stranger.

33% said their partner forgetting an anniversary pushed them over the edge, 28% caught their partner flirting on social media before deciding enough was enough, and a quarter of respondents said constant passive-aggressive jabs wore them down.

And once they hit that breaking point, 18% admitted they kicked off the affair within just two weeks – no messing about.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, said: “It’s not always about the steamy affair or wild lust – sometimes, it’s just about wanting to feel seen. When your partner forgets your anniversary or only speaks in sighs and sarcasm, it chips away at how valued you feel.”

She added: “Affairs don’t start with fireworks – they start with silence. And when home life feels like a cold shoulder, it’s no surprise people go looking for warmth elsewhere.”

Results
Most common affair triggers

“Felt invisible at home” – 48%
“Hadn’t had sex in months” – 44%
“Our kids left home and we became strangers” – 39%
“Partner forgot our anniversary” – 33%
“Caught them flirting on social media” – 28%
“Constant passive-aggressive comments” – 25%

What are ‘Invisible Affairs’? The New Infidelity Trend Experts Are Warning Couples About in 2025

The key findings

* 32% of cheaters say their most recent affair never became physical.

* ‘Invisible affairs’ take place entirely online – making them ideal for people who aren’t necessarily looking for a physical connection but feel the need to be “seen, heard and desired”.

 * 78% of people having ‘invisible affairs’ say they turned to virtual relationships because of a lack of emotional connection at home.

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

A new type of affair is on the rise in 2025 – and it’s one you might never see coming.

According to a new survey of 1,600 married users on IllicitEncounters.com – the UK’s leading dating site for affairs – 32% say their most recent affair never actually became physical.

Dubbed ‘invisible affairs’, these relationships are defined by the complete absence of physical contact, yet they can still spark deep emotional and sexual connections. Unlike traditional infidelity, they leave behind no telltale signs – no lipstick-stained collars, no unexplained receipts, and no need for physical cover stories. For many, this is the exact appeal: discretion, safety, and emotional intimacy without the risk of being caught in the real world.

The ways in which people are conducting these affairs are varied, but all remain digital. The majority – 74% – said they maintain their virtual relationships through regular phone calls, while 65% admitted to exchanging flirty messages or sexting. Nearly half – 47% – send intimate photos and videos, and 26% have engaged in virtual sex via video calls.

So what’s behind the rise of invisible affairs? Emotional dissatisfaction seems to be the biggest driving force. A striking 78% of those engaged in these virtual relationships said they were seeking emotional support they felt was missing in their current relationship. 

Meanwhile, 67% reported feeling less guilt because there was no physical cheating involved, and 61% said they preferred this type of affair simply because it’s easier to hide. Another 43% admitted they were attracted to the thrill and excitement of digital intimacy, while 38% said they wanted to maintain physical loyalty to their spouse.

One anonymous member, a 42-year-old accountant from Surrey, described how her virtual relationship developed with a man she met on IllicitEncounters.com. “We’ve never met in person – but we talk every night. It started as innocent flirting, and it’s developed into one of the most emotionally intense relationships I’ve ever had. I’ve always felt invisible in my marriage and I increasingly got the sense that my husband just wasn’t interested in anything I had to say or how I felt. Keeping my affair online doesn’t feel like I’m cheating on my husband in the traditional sense, and I don’t think I’ll stop any time soon.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert and spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, says the shift reflects how digital intimacy is redefining modern relationships. “Invisible affairs aren’t about avoiding connection – they’re about creating it in a new way,” she explains. “For many, these relationships offer a much-needed sense of being seen, heard, and desired, especially when that’s lacking at home.”

She adds: “They may not involve meeting in person, but the feelings involved can be just as powerful. These kinds of affairs highlight how modern infidelity is evolving – and how emotional needs often come before physical ones.”

Results

How are cheaters maintaining ‘invisible affairs’?

Phone calls 74%

Flirty messages/sexting 65%

Sending intimate photos/videos 47%

Virtual sex via video calls 26%

Why are people turning to ‘invisible affairs’?

Emotional unfulfillment in primary relationship 78%

Feel less guilty 67%

Thrill and excitement 61%

Want to maintain physical loyalty to partner 43%

Postnup Boom: How Cheaters Are Increasingly Locking Down Assets Before Getting Caught

The key findings

* 41% of people having affairs say they’d consider signing a postnuptial agreement to protect themselves if their infidelity is discovered.
* 22% have already consulted a solicitor since beginning their affair — citing fear of divorce fallout, revenge, or loss of children’s inheritance.
* High-earning professionals like lawyers, surgeons, and tech entrepreneurs are leading the surge in postnups as strategic pre-divorce safeguards.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

A growing number of unfaithful Brits are quietly protecting their wealth in case their secrets come to light. 

According to a new poll of 2,500 married members by IllicitEncounters, the UK’s leading married dating site, 41% say they would consider signing a postnuptial agreement – not as a romantic gesture, but as a financial safeguard in case their affair is discovered.

Of those considering it, 22% revealed they’ve already consulted a solicitor since starting their affair, exploring how to ringfence their assets and avoid a costly divorce. 

The motivations behind the postnup boom are striking. The majority of those surveyed – 67% – say they want to protect their wealth from being divided up in court. Another 44% say their primary concern is securing their children’s inheritance, while 31% admit they’re bracing for revenge – expecting their spouse to retaliate financially if the affair comes to light.

Certain professions are leading the charge. Lawyers were the most likely to be exploring postnups, making up 19% of those considering the move. They were followed by consultants (16%), surgeons (14%), and tech entrepreneurs (12%) – all high-pressure, high-income roles where reputation and financial stability are often tightly intertwined.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters, says the data points to a major shift in how modern affairs are playing out. “This isn’t just a legal trend – it’s a warning sign,” she said. “Affairs are no longer just emotional or sexual gambles. They’re strategic risks – and people are planning for the consequences before they even get caught. 

Postnups used to be rare, even taboo. But now they’re part of the cheater’s toolkit. Love may be unpredictable, but divorce can be expensive – and for many, protecting their wealth comes before protecting their marriage.”

One anonymous member put it bluntly: “If I get caught, I’ll lose my house and half my business. A postnup won’t protect my relationship – but it might just protect everything else.”

As extramarital relationships become more common among ambitious professionals, the rise in postnuptial agreements suggests that even betrayal now comes with a back-up plan.

Revealed: What Brits Will – and Won’t – Forgive When It Comes to Cheating

The key findings

* 71% of Brits say they would never fully forgive a partner for cheating.

* Only 12% believe a relationship can recover completely after infidelity.

* A drunken kiss is the most forgivable form of betrayal, with 89% saying they could overlook it.

* Poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading married dating site.

Can someone who cheats on their partner ever be trusted again? That’s the question at the heart of Netflix’s Cheat: Unfinished Business, which reunites eight ex-couples torn apart by infidelity to see if forgiveness – and even love – can be salvaged. But a new poll suggests the odds aren’t good.

A new poll involving 2,500 people (split evenly between men and women) by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading married dating site, has revealed that 71% of its members would end their relationship immediately if their partner was unfaithful. 

Despite their own involvement in affairs, only 12% of respondents said they believed couples can “fully recover” from cheating once the trust has been broken. Interestingly, the poll found that men were slightly more open to reconciliation than women: 38% of male respondents said they had previously forgiven a cheating partner and stayed together, compared to just 17% of women.

When it came to what kind of cheating people might actually forgive, the results were striking. A drunken kiss was seen as the most forgivable form of betrayal, with 89% saying they could potentially overlook it. Sexting followed at 66%, while just over half (51%) saying they could move past a partner secretly using dating apps. 

More subtle betrayals – like “micro-cheating” (flirty messaging, liking provocative posts, or maintaining ambiguous friendships) – were forgivable for 39%. But forgiveness dropped off sharply when it came to physical or emotional intimacy: only 23% said they could get over a one-night stand, and just 17% said the same for emotional cheating. Full sexual intimacy saw forgiveness plummet to just 9%, while paying for sex was seen as the most unacceptable breach – with only 3% saying they could ever look past it.

The idea of revenge after betrayal proved to be a divisive topic, with one in four people (24%) admitting they would consider “cheating back” if they found out their partner had strayed. 

The results also show a generational divide: Gen Z were the most likely to forgive infidelity (39%), followed by Baby Boomers (25%), Gen X (19%) and Millennials (17%). 

Geography played a role too – the Welsh were revealed as the least forgiving nation (36%), while the Scots topped the charts for being open to giving cheaters another shot (55%).

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, said: “You might expect our members to be more open-minded about infidelity – but the opposite is true. What this poll shows is that even among people who stray, betrayal cuts deep. Trust is complex, and once broken, it’s rarely rebuilt. Netflix’s Cheat: Unfinished Business tackles exactly this issue – and our results show just how unlikely it is for couples to come back from that kind of rupture.”

Types of infidelity people are most likely to forgive:
Drunken kiss – 89%
Sexting – 66%
Secret use of dating apps – 51%
Micro-cheating – 39%
One-night-stand – 23%
Emotional cheating – 17%
Sexual intimacy – 9%
Paying for sex – 3%

Ages most likely to forgive infidelity
Gen Z – 39%
Baby Boomers – 25%
Gen X – 19%
Millennials – 17%

Country most likely to forgive infidelity
Scotland – 45%
England – 27%
Northern Ireland – 18%
Wales – 10%

Amanda Holden voted UK’s “sexiest woman” in 2025’s surprise-filled poll

The key findings

* Amanda Holden tops the first annual “UK’s Sexiest Woman” poll.

* Lily Allen, Stacey Solomon and Angela Rayner join her in the Top 5, alongside a mix of TV stars and unexpected political picks.

* 2,000 men rated 50 of the UK’s most famous and culturally relevant women on sex appeal.

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

TV royalty Amanda Holden has been crowned the UK’s sexiest woman, topping IllicitEncounters.com’s first-ever poll dedicated to female public figures turning heads in 2025.

In the site’s inaugural Sexiest Woman poll, 2,000 male members were asked to rate 50 of the most talked-about women in British public life – from TV favourites and pop stars to politicians and presenters – on a scale of 1 to 10 based on their sex appeal.

Amanda Holden took the crown ahead of the release of Netflix’s controversial new reality show, Cheat: Unfinished Business, thanks to her cheeky confidence and age-defying presence. She was closely followed by pop provocateur Lily Allen (2nd), while Stacey Solomon (3rd) proved her down-to-earth warmth and Essex charm has huge appeal.

One of the biggest surprises was Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, who claimed 4th place – upending political stereotypes and showing that no-nonsense sass and a killer blowdry are irresistible in 2025.

Meanwhile, This Morning’s Cat Deeley and TV it-girl Maya Jama made strong showings at 5th and 6th respectively. In the survey which asked men who (if given the chance) they would choose to have an affair with, Holly Willoughby, Zara McDermott and Carol Vorderman rounded out the Top 10.

GB News presenter, Ellie Costello, landed just outside the Top 10 in 11th place – narrowly missing out on a top-tier finish. Meanwhile, Eastenders star, Patsy Palmer, made a surprise re-entry into public affection after her stay in the Big Brother house, coming in strong at 13th.

Fashion icon Alexa Chung (17th) and actress-activist Jameela Jamil (19th) also featured high on the list, showing that brains and bold opinions never go unnoticed. 

Female politicians didn’t go unnoticed, with Suella Braverman taking 12th place while Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, found herself at 48th. 

Meghan Markle’s sparkle appears to be fading as she landed in last place at 50th. Meanwhile, Princess Kate fared slightly better than her sister-in-law, coming in at 27th.

The results come hot on the heels of last week’s ‘UK’s Sexiest Man’ results, which saw Piers Morgan rocket from 40th to 1st place, proving that controversy, confidence and charisma are firmly back in fashion.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, said: “This year’s list proves that men’s tastes are evolving – and fast. Whether it’s Amanda Holden’s glam power or Angela Rayner’s political punch, what’s clear is that confidence and individuality are the new sexy. We’ve seen the same with Piers Morgan on the men’s list – there’s a growing appetite for personality over polish.”

UK’s Sexiest Woman 2025 Top 10

  1. Amanda Holden
  2. Lily Allen
  3. Stacey Solomon
  4. Angela Rayner
  5. Cat Deeley
  6. Maya Jama
  7. Katie Piper
  8. Holly Willoughby
  9. Zara McDermott
  10. Carol Vorderman