Russian and Polish hopefuls determined to join the dating website have to be prepared for the thumbs down, rather than an enthusiastic welcome.

“Along with those from the United Kingdom, Russian and Polish men are coming almost to the bottom of the list”, Greg Hodge, the managing director of BeautifulPeople.com, told the news.pl.

The website, which prides itself on having 540,000 members around the world, has rejected 1.8 million candidates so far. The recruitment process is simple. Applicants have to submit a current photo and their profile. The existing members of the opposite sex then vote whether or not to admit them.

So, what’s wrong with Russian and Polish men? Why are they rejected so often?

Greg Hodge says Scandinavian and South American males, who top the beautiful people list, tend to put more emphasis on appearance and keeping fit than their Russian and Polish counterparts.

In effect, only 9 percent of Russian men, as well as 9 percent of Polish men, are voted in.

Women from the two countries are faring much better, however. Thirty nine percent of Polish women applying for membership are accepted, puts them in seventh place. Top of the list are Norwegian women. (kk)