Traditional Ted has beaten Pooh, Paddington, Baloo, Rupert and Sooty as the nation’s all time favourite cuddly bear according to a new poll.

The survey conducted by Travelodge investigated Britons fascination with teddy bears, following a record number of 75,000 cuddly bears being left behind by customers; at it 452 hotels in the last 12 months.   

The bear poll of 6,000 Britons revealed, the nation’s most loveable bear is the classic teddy bear who originated in 1902 in New York. Classic Ted has appeared in cult TV programmes such as Playschool (Big & Little Ted), Andy Pandy (Teddy) and Brideshead Revisted (Aloysius).   

The famous Disney character Winnie the Pooh came in second place as Britain’s most loved bear. Third place was awarded to the polite immigrant bear from Darkest Peru, with his old hat, battered suitcase, duffle coat and love of marmalade sandwiches – Paddington Bear.

Tatty Bear also known as ‘Me to You Bear’ won fourth place in the poll and Britain’s fifth most popular bear, famous for his catchphrase “Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy” is Sooty bear. Listed below is the nation’s top ten favourite cuddly bears:

  1. The classic Teddy bear such as Little and Big Ted from Playschool
  2. Winnie the Pooh
  3. Paddington Bear
  4. Tatty Bear
  5. Sooty
  6. Care Bears
  7. Yogi Bear
  8. Fozzie Bear
  9. Rupert the Bear
  10. Super Ted / Baloo

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said: “We are definitely a nation obsessed with teddy bears. We have never had as many as 75,000 cuddly bears left behind in Travelodge hotels before. Our hotel staff have worked extremely hard in reuniting the bears with their owners. Interestingly the owners have not just been children, we have had a large number of frantic businessmen and women call us regarding their forgotten teddy bear.”

“As well as the thousands of cuddly bears being left behind in Travelodge hotels, we have had an influx of requests from the general public on how they can get their hands on our Mr Sleep bear. In response to this demand we are currently speaking to manufactures to create a collection of cuddly Mr Sleep and Z squad toys.”   

Dawn James, Arctophile and editor of Teddy Bear Times said; “I am not surprised that the traditional teddy is the nation’s favourite bear. It’s a design that has lasted for well over a hundred years and most people have had a traditional teddy bear as part of their toy collection whilst growing up.”

Further findings from the research revealed that over half of British adults (51%) still have a teddy bear from their childhood and Briton’s average teddy bear is 27 years old.

Fourteen per cent of parents surveyed said they had passed down their favourite teddy bear to their children as a keepsake. Eight out of ten parents reported the first toy they brought their child was a teddy bear and 62% of parents said it is important for a child to grow up owning and loving a teddy bear as it helps them to develop a more caring nature.

The survey also revealed its not children who like a bed time cuddle with their teddy bear, 35% of adults admitted they find it comforting sleeping with a cuddly bear as it aids sleep. 

Interestingly the survey also found not all men outgrow their companionship with their teddy bear. As a quarter or males reported they take their teddy bear on business trips with them. As it reminds them of home and helps them to nod off because they miss a bedtime cuddle from their partner. Also to avoid the embarrassment of taking a teddy bear to bed in adulthood 15% of men use a teddy bear style hot water bottle. 

Fourteen per cent of male adults surveyed stated their teddy bear is their best friend and they will share their intimate secrets and problems with their bear  

Corrine Sweet, Psychologist, commented on the research findings and said: “Cuddling a teddy bear is an important part of our national psyche it evokes a sense of peace, security and comfort. It’s human nature to crave these feelings from childhood to adult life, which is why 51% of Britons have kept hold of their faithful teddy bear. 

It’s not surprising, then, that taking a teddy bear on a business trip is popular, even among men (25%).  As a bedtime bear evokes feelings of home, warmth, and can help you nod off ; just like in babyhood.”

Dawn James, Arctophile and editor of Teddy Bear Times said; “Teddy Bears represent happiness and security in childhood. They are the friend that always listens and never criticises. This is why so many adults hang on to their childhood bears, because they see them as a lifelong friend.”

Travelodge latest sleep campaign is fronted by Mr Sleep and the Z squad who are a collection of cuddly toys that wage war on anyone or anything that prevents its customers from getting a good night’s sleep. The advert was directed by award winning commercials director Daniel Kleinman who has directed television commercials for companies such as Guinness, Levis, Audi and Smirnoff.