Young Brits respect reality TV stars more than PM David Cameron

LONDON, England – The results of the poll to assess the impact reality TV has on 1,000 Britons aged 11-17, their opinions of reality TV and the stars it creates, were announced today.

The survey reveals that young Britons have a higher opinion of reality TV stars than David Cameron, with only 4.1% of respondents favoring the Prime Minister over celebrities such as Mo Farah (18.1%), Kim Kardashian (9.9%) and even Paris Hilton (4.8%). Cameron did fare better than Prince Charles, with only 2.8% of respondents selecting the next heir to the throne as their most respected personality.

The survey also revealed that the future health of the government appears to be under threat with only a very small number of young Brits aspiring for a career in politics. When asked ‘what they wanted to be when they grow up’, the majority (18.7%) said becoming a doctor, with only 3.7% of respondents choosing to become a politician. Teacher was second most popular choice (13.4%) followed closely by police officer (13.2%).

Young Brits are also more concerned about their own personal wealth than being a good neighbour. When asked ‘what was the most important to them’ nearly one third said ‘having lots of money’ was more important than ‘being kind’ (16.7%) or ‘being intelligent’ (20%). Girls seem to be more concerned with being popular (22.3%) than boys who prefer money (34.3%).

The need for reality TV stars to be good role models and help inspire the younger generation is significant as only half (50.3%) of respondents said that they have ‘more respect’ for their parents than their favourite reality TV star.

When it comes to creating reality TV shows nobody does it better than record producer and television personality mogul, Simon Cowell. When asked ‘Which of the following reality TV Shows do you find most inspiring?’ 14.1% of respondents selected Britain’s Got Talent, with X Factor a close second (13.9%).

X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini was the most popular female music reality TV star (13.3%) – One Direction were the most popular music reality TV act overall (17.5%).

Kim Kardashian is famous for being famous with 11.3% of respondents selecting the American television and social media personality as their favourite celebrity TV star. Joey Essex came second (10.8%) – and while Paris Hilton is more respected than Cameron, 6.8% of respondents chose Ashleigh and Pudsey as their favourite celebrity TV star over the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton.

Rachel Richardson, Editor of Fabulous, whose editorial team chose to use Andy Warhol-inspired imagery for the magazine front cover said:

“It’s shocking – but unsurprising – that children would rather chase fame and become a reality TV star than become a politician. Getting onto a hit show and making an impact can lead to a vast fortune and a lifestyle that many people can only dream about. It also looks like it’s a lot more fun than parliament!

“The odds are stacked against wannabes as only a small percentage of reality stars make serious money, but the ones that do rake it in.”