Cadbury has found its new Milk Tray Man.

Cadbury's new Milk Tray Man Patrick McBride

Cadbury's new Milk Tray Man Patrick McBride

Patrick McBride, a 39-year-old firefighter from Liverpool, will front the chocolate maker's new famed advert campaign after he battled it out with over 20,000 hopefuls across the UK during a mass nationwide search.

Speaking about his win, Patrick - who was nominated for the role by his wife - said: "When my wife nominated me for this role I never thought I'd actually get it ... At the castings I had to talk about myself and what I do in the fire service. I put my full fire kit on and asked if anyone minded a fireman's lift, and presented a box of Milk Tray... I'm honoured to have been chosen to take on this iconic role."

Over the next year, the hunk - who has taken over the role from James Coombes - will make women swoon as he pulls on his black rollneck jumper and embarks on a mission to show the nation what "real thoughtfulness" is.

He explained: " I think it will sink in when the billboards are up and the ads are on TV. I think she'll be pleased she's married to the Milk Tray Man."

The advert first hit screens 35 years ago, with the slogan, "All because the lady loves Milk Tray", and saw the famous hero fight with sharks, jump off a cliff and play with death just to deliver a box of sweet treats to a beautiful female.