Since kicking the winning drop goal with just seconds to go during the Rugby World Cup final against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, star athlete Jonny Wilkinson has become one of the most talked-about men in Britain.
Greeted along with the winning England team by thousands of cheering fans upon his arrival at Heathrow airport on Tuesday, Jonny has already begun pipping another sports pin-up, pal David Beckham, in some popularity polls.
The 24-year-old hunk was voted the most desirable neighbour in Britain, landing the top spot ahead of Becks as well as actors Ricky Gervais and Shane Ritchie in the survey, conducted by Cheltenham & Gloucester building society. He's also won a place on a list of top 25 "sex gods", compiled by another magazine.
However, down-to-earth Jonny seems to be wary of getting caught up in the excitement surrounding his newly-minted hero status. "I'm after a bit of peace and quiet – I haven't seen all of my family for a long, long time now," he says, adding: "I've tried to take things as they come."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
