THE Essex accent has been voted the least attractive in Britain.

Despite the popularity of ITV show Towie, only 1 per cent of people said they found the way people in the county talk sexy- behind Brummie, Scouse and Geordie accents.

Supermarket chain Asda spoke to more than 2,000 people across the UK as part of a Valentine's Day poll.

The dulcet tones of people from Northern Ireland and Scotland topped the chart, closely followed by Queen's English.

Asda expects its voice recording teddy bears, which allow partners to make a proposal, do an impression or confess a sin, to be its biggest seller ahead of February 14.

As well as conducting its poll, bosses enlisted the help of celebrity impersonator and Britain's Got Talent star Francine Lewis, who uses the bear to record famous voices- including Towie star Amy Childs.

She said: “A talking Amy Childs may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Asda customers loved it! I’m hoping my bears can help the Essex unlucky in love find a voice that will help them find someone special this Valentine’s Day – it’s all about making the right impression!”

Michael Figg, buyer at Asda, added: “We love all of our customers’ accents, but it’s clear some are more popular than others."