Kiwis top in Australian poll

Rebecca Gibney. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi star Rebecca Gibney is the most recognised woman in Australia, according to a leaked insider report.

The Packed to the Rafters star is third on a list of the 250 top celebrities across the ditch, while another New Zealander John Clarke, aka Fred Dagg, is also in the top five.

The closely guarded list, compiled by market researchers, has been used for years to measure how recognisable and likable a star is but was leaked by the Australian newspaper yesterday.

Gibney was recognised by 90 per cent of respondents and received positive remarks from 70 per cent. More than a quarter of respondents said they regarded her as a "must watch" celebrity, a rating known in the business as a "Q-score".

The Audience Development Australia list is completed by 2000 viewers twice yearly online, with respondents shown names and photographs of celebrities and asked if they recognise them and then which celebrities they regard as a favourite.

Comedian Hamish Blake was top of the list, with Andrew Denton second, The Castle and Packed to the Rafter's Michael Caton fourth, and John Clarke fifth.

The report is often used by television executives to hire and fire talent.

Media buyer Steve Allen of Fusion Strategy said: "If you are an advertiser and looking for someone to present your product Q Scores is invaluable to give you the TV-watching public's view on how popular a personality is.

- staff reporter