It seems Britons haven’t just taken a shine to new U.S. President Barack Obama, as his wife Michelle has today been voted favourite celebrity mum.
Her ambition and drive as a career woman combined with her refusal to let politics interfere with family life - she is devoted mum to two daughters - has won her many British fans, with over half (52 per cent) choosing her as the celebrity mother they most like and admire.
She beats well-known British celebrity mums Fern Britton, Jools Oliver and Kate Winslet to the top spot in the Persil poll, with her perfect balance of family and working life. Victoria Beckham slips just outside the top five with Angelina Jolie following closely behind.
The research also reveals the defining qualities of a mum in 2009 as being multi-skilled (84 per cent), versatile (63 per cent) and confident (46 per cent) - qualities that Michelle Obama epitomises.
Celebrity Top Ten:
1. Michelle Obama
2. Fern Britton
3. Jools Oliver
4. Sharon Osbourne
5. Kate Winslet
6. Victoria Beckham
7. Angelina Jolie
8. Coleen Nolan
9. Katie Holmes
10. Kerry Katona
A significant two out of three women agree that they have more freedom than their mothers and grandmothers and it’s potentially this freedom that allows celebrities like Michelle Obama, Fern Britton and Sharon Osbourne to ‘have it all’.
The survey was commissioned by Persil to celebrate 100 years of helping mum be tough but gentle. Persil spokesperson Assunta Faiello comments: "Michelle Obama illustrates just how things have changed for women over the past century. Her ability to combine a happy family and home life with a successful career plus being wife to one the most powerful men in the world is admirable to say the least!"
Mums still remain the primary role model for the majority of Brits with over half (52 per cent) seeking advice and support from their mothers before any one else. The survey also revealed the best advice mums had passed on, including:
1. Always be yourself
2. Never look back
3. Say please and thank you
4. Treat others as you want to be treated
5. Always own up to your mistakes
Tagged in Fern Britton Michelle Obama