UK’s Most Ideal Holiday Driving Companions

Recent research has identified the celebrities British people would most like to accompany them on a UK holiday road trip. Topping the list of preferred drivers is Jeremy Clarkson, with TV personalities, sports stars, and even a royal figure making the cut as well.

The survey, commissioned by Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, also delved into who Brits would most like to have as passengers for an enjoyable journey. Comedian Peter Kay, star of the TV sitcom Car Share, emerged as the top choice, followed by other TV favourites known for their storytelling abilities – Stephen Fry and Bob Mortimer.

While Jeremy Clarkson is the unanimous choice for both men and women as the ideal driver, the rest of the top five show some variation. Both genders included David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton in their selections, but their remaining choices differ. Men favoured comic actor and car enthusiast Rowan Atkinson and Clarkson’s long-time co-presenter James May, while women leaned towards style and sophistication, choosing James Bond star Daniel Craig and Princess Anne.

The Nation’s Top 5 Holiday Drivers

Similarly, when it comes to picking a favourite passenger, Peter Kay remains the top choice across the board. His comedic insights and experience with Car Share likely contribute to his popularity. For men, storytelling is key, with Stephen Fry, Bob Mortimer, and Frank Skinner joining Kay in the top five, rounded off by actress Emma Watson. Women, however, seem to prefer musical entertainment, with Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Stacey Solomon making their top five alongside Kay and Fry.

The Nation’s Top 5 Holiday Companions

Notably, the research highlighted regional differences in preferences. In Scotland, for example, the excitement of the journey is important, with actor Jason Statham, known for his action-packed driving roles, being the top pick as a driver. Meanwhile, Peter Kay, although popular nationwide, was outshone by Ed Sheeran in Eastern England and Northern Ireland, and didn’t even make the top five in London, where local icon Adele took the lead.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “It’s been fun to see who the nation would choose as their driver and fellow passengers to ensure happy journeys this summer holiday.  The choices give an indication of how we like to spend our time in the car – sharing stories and songs – but we don’t need celebrities with us to do that.”

“While it might be nice to imagine handing over driving duties to a celebrity, the reality for most of us holiday motorists is that we are ultimately responsible for the happiness of our passengers.  As well as making sure they’ve got the right audiobooks and music downloaded, drivers mustn’t forget to make all the pre-travel checks on their car. The one sure fire way to remove any happiness from a holiday journey is to end up stranded on the hard shoulder.”