ROMANTIC Northern men say they would prefer to go on holiday with their wife or girlfriend than sexy, stunning film stars, a Bolton holiday shop's survey has revealed.

But when it comes to choosing an ideal man for a holiday, Northern woman would rather snuggle up with Boyzone lead singer Ronan Keating than their "other half".

The different outlook of the sexes was highlighted in a survey of more than 3,500 customers of the Holiday Hypermarket, which has a big branch at the Middlebrook Retail Park.

The findings are sure to leave the majority of the North's loyal men in a state of confusion.

The men placed their partner ahead of Meg Ryan, star of When Harry Met Sally, and Michelle Pfeiffer, who set male hearts thumping when she starred in a figure-hugging suit as Catwoman in the hit movie Batman Returns.

The two Hollywood megastars could only manage second and third place behind the men's regular partner.

But for women, the Irish frontman of chart-topping Boyzone was the main attraction, leaving Braveheart's gallant hero Mel Gibson and Titanic's baby-faced Leonardo di Caprio trailing in his wake.

John Donnelly, managing director for Holiday Hypermarkets, said: "Our research has certainly unearthed some interesting results but unfortunately we can't promise any film and pop stars as holiday partners."

The survey also asked Northern folk for their favourite destination and despite naming American stars as dream partners, Australia came out on top.

And men in the North are not alone with their romantic tendencies as those from the South also put their partner top in an identical survey.

But once again the women went for a star, with ex-ER favourite George Clooney fitting the bill.

Still, at least our women can take some comfort in the fact that Northern men are not like those in the Midlands.

They find the idea of holidaying with the rich and famous too much to resist - and say they would instantly drop their wife or girlfriend for Madonna, Marilyn Monroe and Linda Lusardi.

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