Tag: relationship research

September sees surge in sign-ups on affairs site as children return to school

The key findings

* Registrations on married dating site IllicitEncounters.com surged in the first week of September.
* The website recorded an 18% year-on-year increase in sign-ups – and 77% of them were parents.
* The 35-44 age bracket, often juggling kids and careers, saw the biggest surge in new users, and women accounted for nearly three-quarters of new registrations (73%)
* Sex and relationships expert says the return to routine after a stressful summer can be a catalyst for infidelity.

As children across the UK returned to classrooms, it wasn’t just pupils starting something new this September. Parents, too, appear to be embarking on fresh adventures – of a more illicit kind.

According to new data from the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, IllicitEncounters.com, the first week of September saw a significant surge in new members.

The affairs dating site has recorded an 18% year-on-year increase in sign-ups in the first week of September – and 77% of sign-ups were parents, suggesting that the return to routine has sparked a new wave of affairs.

This trend was overwhelmingly being driven by women, who accounted for nearly three-quarters of all new registrations last week (73%).

Adults aged 35-44 – a demographic largely comprised of parents with young children – were the most active, making up 31% of all new joiners, followed closely by 25-34 year-olds (24%). 

Sarah*, a 42-year-old marketing manager and mother of two from Surrey who signed up to the affairs site last week, said, “The first day the house was empty, the silence was deafening. For six weeks, I’d been a referee, a chef, and a chauffeur. Suddenly, I was just… me again. And I realised I didn’t have a clue who that was anymore,” she explained. “My marriage had been on autopilot for years. Signing up wasn’t a premeditated decision; it was about finally having the time and mental clarity to do something just for me. It was the first thing I’d done that was entirely my own secret in a decade.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, said the “back-to-school effect” is a well-established trend on the site. “This September surge is something we see year after year. Parents, particularly women, go from weeks of constant family time to suddenly having hours of freedom during the school day. That shift creates both opportunity and desire.

“The summer holidays often put huge strain on relationships – routines are broken, stress levels are higher, and any cracks in a marriage become more visible. When September arrives, many women tell us they crave excitement, attention, and a sense of self outside of their roles as mums and wives. Signing up to the site becomes their way of reclaiming that.

“What’s striking about this year is the scale of it – an 18% jump shows that appetite for discreet connections is growing stronger, especially among women in their thirties and forties who are at the heart of family life.”

*Name has been changed

Results
Age breakdown of new users from the 1st to 7th September:
18-24 – 7%
25-34 – 24%
35-44 – 31%
45-54 – 18%
54-64 – 13%
65+ – 7%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore married dating on Illicit Encounters.

Having an affair significantly improves mental health, according to study

The key findings

* Almost three-quarters (73%) of women surveyed said their affair had improved their mental health, boosting confidence and reducing stress.
* More than six in ten admitted they see their affairs as a form of “self-care” or “me time” to cope with daily pressures.
* Sex and relationships expert says the results show affairs are often used as a coping strategy, not just lust-driven behaviour.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

Women who cheat are reporting better mental health, according to new research which suggests infidelity is increasingly being used as a form of self-care.

A survey of 1,500 women carried out by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs dating site, found that almost three-quarters (73%) of those who had an affair said it had significantly improved their mental health. Many described reduced stress, higher confidence and a rediscovery of identity outside of their roles as partners, mothers, or employees.

The study also revealed that more than six in ten women see their affairs as a form of “me time” or self-care to help cope with the demands of daily life, while a further 26% said they sometimes felt this way. 

When asked what had led them to stray, the most common drivers were emotional support and understanding (34%), the boost to self-esteem that comes from feeling desired (31%), and stress relief or an escape from routine (22%). Just one in ten said their primary motivation was physical excitement.

For many women, the emotional rewards outweighed the physical. Sarah*, a 42-year-old from Surrey who took part in the survey, explained: “I was drowning in responsibilities – work, kids, the house, and a marriage that had grown cold. I’d lost myself completely.

Having an affair gave me back a part of me I thought was gone forever. It wasn’t just about sex, it was about being seen, heard, and desired. Honestly, it’s been better for my head than any spa weekend.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Sex and relationships expert Jessica Leoni from IllicitEncounters.com said the findings shine a light on a side of infidelity that is rarely discussed.

“The results challenge the stereotype that affairs are purely about lust or reckless behaviour. For many women, they function as a coping strategy – a way to reduce stress, feel desired and reconnect with their sense of self. While not everyone would view infidelity as a solution, there’s no denying that the women we surveyed overwhelmingly felt it had a positive impact on their mental health.”

Results
Do you view your affairs as a form of ‘me time’ or ‘self-care’ that helps you cope with daily life pressures?
Yes, absolutely: 65%
Sometimes: 26%
No, not really: 9%

What drove you to have an affair?
Emotional support/understanding: 34%
Feeling desired/boost to self-esteem: 31%
Stress relief/escape from routine: 22%
Purely physical excitement: 10%
Other: 3%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore affair dating on Illicit Encounters.

Resident doctors’ strike triggers surge in affairs as medics fight off boredom

The key findings

* IllicitEncounters.com has reported a 26% jump in sign-ups from healthcare professionals since the resident doctors’ strike began on Friday.
* A poll of new members working in the ‘Healthcare & Medical’ sector reveals the top reason for signing up was simply “boredom” during the walkout.
* A married resident doctor admits he turned to infidelity because of a combination of boredom, work stress and a struggling relationship with his wife.
* Relationship experts explain how stress, routine disruption, and even boredom can be powerful catalysts for infidelity.

As thousands of resident doctors across England and Wales continue their walkout, it seems not everyone is spending their downtime on the picket lines. 

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, has reported a 26% increase in sign-ups from users in the ‘Healthcare & Medical’ sector between Friday and Monday, compared to the same period last year – coinciding exactly with the latest wave of industrial action.

According to a poll of 1,000 new joiners from the medical sector during the strike, the number one reason for signing up was simple: boredom. With rotas suspended and daily chaos swapped for unexpected quiet, 38% said they turned to the affairs site purely because they were bored while not working. 

A further 24% admitted that more free time than usual pushed them to explore new connections, while others cited workplace stress (15%), frustration with home life (11%), and long-term loneliness caused by erratic schedules (7%).

One new member Daniel*, a married resident doctor from Manchester who joined the married dating site on the weekend, said, “I’m usually working insane hours, constantly under pressure. But with the strike, suddenly I had this gaping void in my schedule. My wife’s still at work, and I’m just… bored. I’ve been home, pacing, watching TV, and it just hit me – this is the perfect time to explore something new, something just for me. It’s not ideal, but the boredom, combined with the underlying stress of my job and a frosty relationship with my wife, just pushed me to sign up.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, commented on the unique trend: “The doctors’ strike creates a very unusual scenario. For many in the medical profession, their lives are defined by relentless work and immense pressure. When that routine is suddenly disrupted, it can lead to unexpected feelings of boredom, isolation, or a need for release. 

Our data suggests that for some, this newfound, albeit temporary, freedom is being channelled into seeking discreet connections. It highlights how stress, routine disruption, and even boredom can be powerful catalysts for individuals to explore avenues for emotional and physical fulfillment outside their primary relationships.”

Results:

Top 5 reasons for joining IllicitEncounters during the doctors strike:
Boredom while not working during the strike – 38%
More free time than usual / empty schedules – 24%
Workplace stress and need for release – 15%
Frustration with home life – 11%
Loneliness due to unusual working hours – 7%
Other – 5%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore married dating on Illicit Encounters.

The ‘Kiss Cam Effect’: Affairs Site Reports 31% Spike in CEO Sign-Ups After Coldplay Concert Goes Viral

The key findings

* Viral Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ moment sparks panic among execs, driving a 31% surge in CEO-level sign-ups

* IllicitEncounters.com saw a sharp uptick in high-profile professionals seeking discreet dating compared to the same period last year

* Sex and relationships expert calls it a “masterclass in how not to behave when mixing business and pleasure”

In the days following that now-infamous Coldplay concert moment – when now former Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron, and his Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot, found themselves unwilling stars of the kiss cam – IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, has recorded a dramatic 31% increase in high-profile executive sign-ups.

Dubbed the ‘Kiss Cam Effect’, new data from the site reveals this spike came directly after the viral clip exploded across social media, showing the red-faced pair squirming as Coldplay frontman Chris Martin quipped: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

For executives with reputations to protect, the message couldn’t be clearer: indiscretion in the digital age can be career-ending.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, explains, “The Coldplay ‘kiss cam’ moment was a masterclass in how not to conduct a discreet relationship in public. It’s gone viral because it’s awkward, juicy, and deeply relatable. But behind the humour is a stark warning – especially for high-powered professionals.

Our data shows a clear panic response from the executive world – from Thursday to Sunday, we saw a huge 31% rise in sign-ups of CEOs compared to the same period last year, and this peaked on Saturday when Byron’s resignation was announced. 

It seems the message is loud and clear: if you’re going to mix business with pleasure, at least do it discreetly. This incident has brutally underscored the absolute necessity of privacy for high-profile individuals, driving them straight to platforms like ours – where discretion is not just encouraged, but built-in.”

One new user, a 45-year-old married CEO from Manchester (who asked to remain anonymous) said, “I watched that Coldplay clip with my stomach in knots. You could see it on their faces – they knew they were caught. I signed up to IllicitEncounters within minutes. I travel a lot with my PA and let’s just say things have got… blurred. There’s no way I’m ending up on TikTok and being forced to resign – so I figured if I want to have an affair, it has to be with someone outside of work and on a platform which guarantees discretion, so here I am.”

The surge in executive sign-ups signals a frantic dash among top professionals to find secure, discreet spaces for their affairs – before they become the next viral video.

IllicitEncounters.com says it’s seen similar sign-up spikes following other high-profile exposure moments, but few have triggered such a sharp, demographic-specific response as the Coldplay incident.

As Leoni puts it, “Discretion isn’t optional when your name’s on the office door. And now, more execs are realising that than ever before.”

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore affair dating on Illicit Encounters.

Affair surge expected on ‘Frisky Friday’ as schools break up for summer holidays

The key findings

* Tomorrow is ‘Frisky Friday’ – with a 71% surge in affairs expected as schools break up for summer
* Cheaters scramble for one last steamy meet-up before holidays make affairs harder to hide
* The most popular excuse for getting away to meet a lover tomorrow? Solo hobbies like golf, shopping and the gym top the alibi list
* One married mum admits she’s swapping her ‘pilates workshop’ for a hotel rendezvous
* The study was conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

Tomorrow marks ‘Frisky Friday’ – the day extramarital affairs are set to spike as the UK officially slides into summer holiday mode.

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading dating site for married people, is predicting a 71% increase in activity tomorrow compared to the average Friday, as schools across the country break up for summer. With family routines about to shift and holidays looming, thousands of cheaters are scrambling to squeeze in one last passionate meet-up with their lovers before family commitments make it harder to sneak away.

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com, said:
“Frisky Friday is like the Black Friday of affairs – it’s the final flurry before the summer holidays throw a spanner in people’s secret sex lives. When the kids are off school and spouses are around more, it becomes far more difficult to slip away unnoticed – so tomorrow is all about getting that final rendezvous before reality kicks in.”

About the research

According to a poll of 2,000 members making the most of Frisky Friday, the most popular alibi being used tomorrow is the solo hobby excuse – with 38% saying they’ll be heading to the gym, playing golf, going shopping or engaging in some other individual pursuit as cover for their affair. 

Another 29% will rely on the classic “working late” or other vague work commitments to justify their absence, while 17% say they’ll be “running errands” or attending appointments. Meanwhile, 11% will claim they’re simply meeting up with friends. The remaining 5% cited more creative excuses, ranging from volunteering stints to made-up fitness classes – one member even claimed to be helping walk rescue dogs this afternoon.

“People are creatures of habit – and that includes their alibis,” says Leoni. “For many people, the trick is to keep it boring and believable. The gym, work, or errands are all classic, low-risk covers because they’re solo and hard to verify. But some people get more inventive. The key is consistency and confidence – no one questions the person who looks like they’ve got it all together.”

One anonymous member, Shannon, a 44-year-old married mum of two from Hertfordshire, says she’s been planning her ‘Frisky Friday’ rendezvous for weeks. “I’ve told my husband I’ve booked a pilates workshop followed by lunch with a friend – but in reality, I’m spending the day in a hotel with my lover. My lover’s off on a family holiday next week, so this is our last chance to be together until September. We’ve both been counting down the days.” She adds, “It sounds mad, but there’s something thrilling about carving out time like this. It’s risky, but that’s part of the excitement.”

According to Jessica Leoni, “IllicitEncounters.com typically sees a sharp uptick in sign-ups and messaging activity in the week leading up to the school holidays – and this year is no exception. ‘Frisky Friday’ is now a well-known peak in the affairs calendar, with July consistently ranking among the busiest months for discreet encounters. For many, tomorrow marks the last opportunity for a summer fling before family beach trips, staycations and school holiday chaos take centre stage.”

Results
Top excuses people will be using on ‘Frisky Friday’ to meet their lovers:

38% will use their ‘solo hobbies’ (e.g. gym, golf, shopping) as their alibi.
29% will rely on ‘working late’ or other ‘work commitments’.
17% will be ‘running errands’ or have scheduled appointments
11% will be meeting up with friends
Other 5%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore discreet dating on Illicit Encounters.

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%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore affair dating on Illicit Encounters.

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.”

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore married dating on Illicit Encounters.

‘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%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore affair dating on Illicit Encounters.

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%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore affair dating on Illicit Encounters.

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%

Further Reading

For more on this topic, explore married dating on Illicit Encounters.