Kevin the Carrot ranks among top 20 best mascots of all time, study finds

The Andrex Puppy, the Dulux Dog and the PG Tips Monkey have been crowned the nation’s favourite mascots of all time.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed Tony the Tiger (17 per cent), Basil Brush (14 per cent) and the Wombles (14 per cent) were also among the top 20 best. While Kevin the Carrot (13 per cent), Churchill the dog (13 per cent) and Percy Pig (13 per cent) made the list too. Followed by the Clangers (12 per cent) and Colin the Caterpillar (12 per cent).

placeholder image — The study was commissioned by Plusnet to celebrate the arrival of its own new mascot | Getty Images

The study was commissioned by Plusnet, to celebrate the arrival of its own new mascot, a giant, pink and furry plus-one recently spotted out and about with Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh.

In an interview, the singer and presenter revealed the identity of her companion as Plusso.

Part cheerleader, part deal-hunter, the fluffy pink plus loves spotting great deals and sharing them as it emerged 38 per cent of adults are spending less on non-essentials because of rising living costs.

Cilesta van Doorn, a spokesperson for Plusnet, which is giving away a year of free broadband to 100 existing customers, said: “The research shows just how much Brits love a memorable mascot, with humour and a playful personality among the qualities that help them stand out. “We’re joining the fun with Plusso, our loveable new mascot, and there was no one better than fellow Yorkshire favourite Kimberley to show him the bright lights of London.

“We might have a fresh look and a fluffy new face, but what matters hasn’t changed: reliable broadband at a great price, backed by our award-winning, UK-based customer service team.”

The research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found the Hovis boy on the bike (29 per cent), the Cadbury Dairy Milk drumming gorilla (29 per cent) and ‘Should have gone to Specsavers’ (25 per cent) were the top adverts that stuck with viewers.

It also found humour (58 per cent), a memorable catchphrase (46 per cent), a good jingle (39 per cent) were the key ingredients for creating a memorable moment.

But 39 per cent considered a mascot to be key, with the character needing to have a funny or playful personality (33 per cent), be a little bit mischievous (26 per cent) and cute (21 per cent) if they want to stand out.

Sharing her tips to save money on household bills, Kimberly Walsh, said: “Do a bills MOT once a year.

“I sit down with a cuppa every January and go through every direct debit. You'd be amazed what's still going out that you forgot about.

“Never just roll over. When a contract ends, the price often goes up. Set a reminder a month before so you can figure out what you need next and get the better deal.

“Check you're not overpaying for broadband. With three boys online, we need it to work, but that doesn't mean paying over the odds. Comparing takes 10 minutes.

“Who doesn’t love a bargain? We all have to spend money on broadband, right? But I prefer to have a little bit left over for other stuff, you know… like shoes.”