British BBQs – A sense of humour required

Sudden downpours, undercooked bangers and swarms of wasps – a sense of humour seems to be a prerequisite for most British BBQs and perhaps that’s why Matt Lucas and David Walliams have just been voted Britain’s ultimate barbecue guests. The golden TV duo scooped 45% of votes in a poll of 3,000 Brits commissioned by garden wood-care specialist Sadolin.

After the crown princes of comedy, the next most popular duo was Prince William and Kate Middleton receiving 13% of the votes, perhaps from those hoping for a return invite to the most eagerly awaited wedding. Not faring quite so well was younger brother Harry, who along with girlfriend Chelsey Davy, came bottom of the poll with 5.5%.

Wayne and Colleen Rooney, meanwhile, scored third place with 12% of the votes – proving particularly popular, as you would expect, with both Mancunians and Liverpudlians. Posh and Becks trailed behind with only 10%.

And when it comes to politics, it seems it’s more bad news for Gordon Brown and wife Sarah, with David and Samantha Cameron edging ahead with 7.5% of votes, compared with the Browns’ 7%. That said, Labour majorities look safe in Wolverhampton and Glasgow, where 14% and 18% respectively, opted for the PM. Neither leader got a look in on the invite front in Aberstwyth though, so if you’re invited to a BBQ there, talk of Westminster is probably best avoided.

Commenting on the results, Julie Olsson, marketing manager for Sadolin, said: “Easy chat and a sense of fun are obviously important considerations when thinking of your guests, so it’s no surprise that a pair as charismatic and witty as the Little Britain duo topped the poll.

“But as well as hosts giving careful thought to their invite list, it’s important to make sure that the backdrop is up to scratch. So before even drawing up your guest list, give the deck a lick of stain and the furniture an oil and that way your garden will be ready for giving any of your friends and family the red carpet treatment.”

For more information, visit Sadolin.co.uk.