STOCKHOLM - Marie Fredriksson is the celebrity that Swedes would most like to wish a Merry Christmas to.

  In a survey conducted by Telia, the Swedish telephone company, 10,500 Swedes were asked who they would must like to phone to wish a "God Jul." Marie was the clear first choice with 23 percent of the vote.

  While popular across the country, Marie had an especially strong appeal with women and those who live in
Mälardalen and Västra Götaland.
  In the survey published on the Telia Sonera website, the company reveals that Henrik "Henke" Larsson comes second with 15% of the votes. This well-known first division soccer player has been signed with Fútbol Club Barcelona since the beginning of this season and suffered an injury in the field which will keep him from playing for some months.


  Other personalities in the list are His Majesty the King of Sweden (4th; 10%), the princess Madeleine (6th; 8%) and Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson (9th; 3%).


  Surely it is not only Swedes who wish to send Marie their best holiday wishes. The Daily Roxette, on behalf of all her fans, wish Marie and all her family all the best for this Christmas and for the new year.

Additional reporting by Judith Seuma.

• Aftonbladet's article (In Swedish)