The things that embarrass Britons the most

Sunburnt and drunk British holidaymakers with beer bellies are one of the things that embarrass Britons the most.

A survey of 1,000 adults for internet search engine Ask Jeeves found that obsession with celebrities, the class system and TV soap operas have topped the list of shame, followed by public transport, the cost of living and MPs, the Daily Express reported.

The survey showed that women were particularly embarrassed about the behaviour of Brits abroad, especially football fans and the sight of rubbish, while men, were more aggrieved that foreigners think reality shows best represent British television and that One Direction are the zenith of their British musical talent.

Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan, warm beer, public transport, Gordon Ramsay and Xenophobia also made it to the top 20.

A spokesman for Ask Jeeves said that Britain has a lot to be proud of and much of that is recognised by others all over the world.