Washington, Mar 11 : Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole has been named ''Britain''s Most Hated Celebrity'' in a new poll.

The England defender, married to Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, topped the list after bagging 15 per cent of votes in onepoll. com survey, reports Contactmusic.

Ashley has earned the anger of rival fans over his refusal to sign a contract worth 53,000 pounds a week with former club Arsenal and last year was found to have cheated on his pop singer wife with a blonde hairdresser.

He continued to upset the British public when he turned his back on referee Mike Riley as the official tried to give him a yellow card for a high tackle in a game last season.

He sealed his place as Britain''s least-loved celebrity after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly at a charity function this week.

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson came second, controversial TV host Jonathan Ross stood third and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo the fourth spot.

In the survey of 4,000 adults, Sir Paul McCartney''s ex-wife Heather Mills came fifth.

Britain''s Most Hated Celebrities are:

1 Ashley Cole - 15 per cent
2 Jeremy Clarkson - 9 per cent
3 Jonathan Ross - 8 per cent
4 Cristiano Ronaldo - 7 per cent
5 Heather Mills - 7 per cent
6 Wayne Rooney - 6 per cent
7 Peter Mandelson - 6 per cent
8 Frank Lampard - 6 per cent
9 Gordon Brown - 5 per cent
10 Lord Fred Goodwin - 5 per cent
11 Gordon Ramsay - 5 per cent
12 Kerry Katona - 4 per cent
13 Russell Brand - 4 per cent
14 Dwayne Chambers - 3 per cent
15 Trinny and Susannah - 3 per cent
16 John McCririck - 3 per cent
17 Steve McClaren - 2 per cent
17 David Van Day - 1 per cent
19 Chris Moyles - 0.5 per cent
20 Hugh Grant - 0.5 per cent (ANI)