A survey of UK adults by market research outfit Savanta has identified the nation’s dream workout buddies, with actors, sports stars, musicians and TV presenters ranking alongside real life partners.

The nationally representative survey of 2,271 adults found Scarlett Johansson, Dawn French, Jane Fonda and Joanna Lumley ranking closely behind leader, Barbie actor, Margot Robbie, with The Rock followed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Wicks, David Beckham and Mr Motivator.

Eight per cent of those polled chose their own partner or friend.

The workout buddies chosen were identified by unprompted questions, which gave the freedom to name anyone rather than choosing from a predetermined list.

The poll was commissioned by UK Active, organisers of National Fitness Day to drive consumer engagement with exercise.

Savanta also looked into the main motivators for exercising within the sample, finding mental health is the most popular reason for people being active today, with 54 per cent saying “they exercise to help their mental health and wellbeing” and 49 per cent that it was to “get in shape”.

Other motivating factors identified by the insight work included stress relief (41 per cent), improved confidence (32 per cent), socialising (16 per cent) and making new friends (8 per cent).

Huw Edwards, CEO of UK Active, said: “There are a million great reasons for being physically active throughout our lives and these findings show how much people value the social and mental health benefits, as well as the physical impact.

“We’re on a mission to make the UK the most active nation in Europe so we’re encouraging people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to commit to being more active.”