The longstanding myth that Bounty is the least favourite chocolate in a tub of Celebrations has been debunked by surprising new research.

A survey of 4,000 people uncovered that for 14% of Brits, no Christmas is complete without a passionate debate over which sweet treat reigns supreme in a selection box.

The study was launched by Celebrations, rallying chocolate fans to share their opinions using the hashtag #MyFavourite.

Galaxy retains its spot near the top but it’s the caramel variety that's clinched third place, with Snickers nipping at its heels.

Against odds, Bounty has triumphed over the likes of Twix and Milky Way to land itself amongst the top contenders, bucking trends and leaving Mars to languish at the bottom of the British chocolate hierarchy.

In a twist of fate, Maltesers has soared to victory with an impressive 43% of participants crowning it their favourite outshining second-placer Galaxy which garnered a commendable 34%.

Meanwhile, the Mars variety only managed to score 18% of the vote.

Interestingly, Belfast stands apart as Mars bars steal hearts there, with a staggering 91% majority, turning the tables on the nationwide results.

Londoners' love affair with Maltesers has spurred celebrities Roman and Martin Kemp to champion the treat, riding through London streets in a festive rickshaw honouring the city's favoured treat, the Mirror reports. 

Weighing in on the perennial festive confectionery squabble, presenter Roman Kemp adds his perspective: "Nothing says Christmas like an argument over the chocolate tub.

"Whether it's about who gets the last one or why no one's eating the Bounty, the debates are endless. I'm firmly on Team Maltesers, but dad is very much Team Twix."

A significant number of families, 33% to be exact, admit to having a 'first pick' strategy when the lid pops open on the festive chocolate box.

The occasion sparks household disputes, with 12% agreeing that arguments erupt over who gets to select the first treat.

Adding to the sweet selection saga, 20% of surveyed individuals advocate for a form of confectionery democracy, suggesting each member should claim one chocolate before anyone goes in for seconds.

The top Celebrations in order are: 

1. Maltesers

2. Galaxy

3. Galaxy Caramel

4. Snickers

5.Bounty

6. Twix

7. Milky Way

8. Mars