Actress and TV presenter Joanna Lumley is popular with the over-50s.

Many over-50s would like to have an Absolutely Fabulous time when travelling, research has found.

Thirty-five per cent of people in this age group told a poll that veteran British actress Joanna Lumley would be their favourite travel companion, over Michael Palin of Monty Python fame, who was 25 per cent.

Crooner Michael Buble tempted 10 per cent of those polled, and the recently sacked Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson also made the list compiled by Silversurfers.com, which quizzed 1,000 Britons.

Lumley said: “I am thrilled and delighted to have been chosen, and my next travel programme in China, Mongolia, Siberia and Russia is just especially for all those sweet but absent travelling companions who voted for me, and who are in my thoughts wherever I go.”

The poll also revealed that TV has a huge impact on destination choice, and the popular ITV show Death in Paradise had inspired 34 per cent of those question to travel to Guadeloupe.

The grizzly goings-on in BBC hit Broadchurch comes a close second with 29 per cent and ITV’s long-running Sunday night regular Downton Abbey drew 10 per cent to Highclere Castle.

I am thrilled and delighted to have been chosen

“This survey shows that the over-50s are still looking for far flung adventure, and that TV programmes have a big impact on their decisions,” said Martin Lock, CEO of Silversurfers.com.

“As for travel companions, I’d rather go with Michael Palin as my guide, but I’m sure my wife would prefer Michael Buble!”

Top 10 travel companions

1. Joanna Lumley - 35%
2. Michael Palin - 25%
3. Michael Buble - 10%
4. Len Goodman - 8%
5. Ben Fogle - 6%
6. Daniel Craig - 4%
7. Bear Grylls - 4%
8. Judith Chalmers - 4%
9. Jeremy Clarkson - 3%
10. Angelina Jolie - 1%