Titchmarsh tops 'best neighbour' poll

Hi, we've just moved in next-door.......

Television gardener Alan Titchmarsh could be Britain's favourite neighbour, according to a survey.

The BBC presenter topped a poll to find out who people would most like to live next door to.

Kylie Minogue, once known as one of the world's most famous Neighbours when in the Aussie soap, was third.

But she can take some satisfaction from beating her pop singer rival Victoria Beckham.

I just get on with my mowing and my pruning and my pottering

Alan Titchmarsh

The NOP survey was commissioned by Bradford & Bingley Estate Agents and published on Friday.

More than 1,000 people were given a choice of eight households and asked to give their preference of neighbour.

Titchmarsh, who lives in Hampshire, gained 29% of the vote, followed by husband and wife comedy duo Dawn French and Lenny Henry with 22%.

And he told BBC Breakfast: "I'm probably very quiet. I just get on with my mowing and my pruning and my pottering.

"I keep my head below the fence."

He said his preference would be for a classical musician who plays the triangle, so the noise level would be low.

And his own neighbours were very considerate, he added, and never pestered him for gardening advice.

"They're very good about that. What makes a good neighbour is someone who doesn't impinge on you too much and take you for granted."

Celebrity inflation

Kylie was very popular among the men surveyed - 85% of her voters were male.

But the notorious Slaters of EastEnders' Albert Square only scored 4%, along with Richard and Judy Finnigan.

Alan, fancy popping round to do some weeding?

Norman Cook's reputation as one of the most famous DJs around, Fatboy Slim, may have put off people who like the quiet life.

Cook and wife Zoe Ball only got 3%, the same as Tony and Cherie Blair.

Dominic Hicks, an estate agent in London's trendy Primrose Hill, told Breakfast having famous neighbours could push up the price of your property.

But he added this could have a negative effect if people thought the price hike was falsely inflated.