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LANKY PANKY

Women prefer long-legged fellas because they are expected to be healthier and wealthier

A new study that got women to rate attractiveness based on leg length has found that long legs suggest a man will make a good mate

WOMEN go weak at the knees for men with long legs, a study has found.

Blokes with a bit extra below are expected to be healthier and wealthier.

 Peter Crouch would be considered too lanky
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Peter Crouch would be considered too lankyCredit: Fame Flynet

That suggests they will make a good mate, according to the researchers.

But lanky men, such as beanpole striker Peter Crouch, are out of luck because the gangly look is associated with poor genes.

The findings come from a study in which 341 women were shown computer generated images based on real men.

They were asked to rate their attractiveness as the arms and legs were adjusted but their heights remained constant.

 Anthony Joshua is 6ft 6in
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Anthony Joshua is 6ft 6inCredit: Alamy Live News

Men scored highest when their legs, measured from hip to ankle, were a little bit longer than average.

It means a man 5ft 9in tall (175cm) has an optimum leg length between 34.2inches (86.8cm) and 34.4inches (87.3cm), the Cambridge University researchers say.

Longer legs are said to indicate high economic status, robustness and good nutrition.

 Pointless star Richard Osman is the same height as Peter Crouch at 6ft 7in
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Pointless star Richard Osman is the same height as Peter Crouch at 6ft 7inCredit: Getty - Contributor

They may also be a sign of biomechanical efficiency when walking or running.

Short legs, however, have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and dementia.

The length of arms relative to the body made no difference to attraction. Looking like a giraffe was found to be a turn-off too.

That may not come as a surprise to 6ft 7in Crouchie, 37, who nonetheless is married to model Abbey Clancy, 32.

When he was once asked what he would be if he were not a footballer, he quipped: “A virgin.”

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