Alan Titchmarsh says wife 'loves' famous rival he lost to in 'most attractive' contest

Gardeners' World icon Alan Titchmarsh has shared that his wife Alison 'loves' George Clooney – revealing that the dashing actor once ousted him for the top spot in a 'most attractive person in the country' competition.

Alan, who is synonymous with the renowned BBC programme and boasts a marriage nearing the 50-year mark, disclosed to the Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth podcast his wife's affection for the A-list star.

The former Gardeners' World star recounted: "My wife loves George Clooney.

"Well several years ago I did once come second (in a vote for the most attractive man in the country) to George Clooney. I mean, come on," reports the Express.

Adding a humorous twist to his tales, Alan spoke of how his waxwork at Madame Tussauds caused a bit of confusion among international visitors and was eventually moved to Blackpool's version of the famous attraction to resolve it. Reflecting upon his wax figure being re-located, he remarked: "My waxwork in Madame Tussauds, which I think has now been moved to Blackpool because Japanese tourists who were going to Baker Street had no clue who I was.

"But I was standing next to Brad Pitt, and I think perhaps there were too many people around him, so people felt sorry for me."

Gardening icon Alan Titchmarsh shared an amusing anecdote about a romantic blunder he made prior to meeting his wife Alison. The pair started their romance in the early 1970s, yet Alan had initially shown interest in the woman who would become his friend's wife.

During his chat with Gyles, he reminisced: "I pursued her. But we got on very well, we were always very comfortable. We had a couple of friends who were together in the operatic as well.

"In fact I asked my friend Steve’s now wife – they’ve just celebrated their golden wedding – I asked her out first, on Thursday.

"She said: ‘Oh I can’t do tonight, it’s the night I wash my hair.’"

Fans can tune into Alan on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh at 9.30am today (Sunday, November 17) on ITV.