* 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.

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%