New research from TalkTalk TV shows that more Brits will invite friends and family over for talent show finales such as The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing than any other TV event - including The Royal Wedding, Big Brother and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Whilst 3.4 million homes will tune in with their nearest and dearest to see who will be crowned the winner of this year's X Factor[1], The Queen won't be pleased as more Brits admit to socialising in front of the talent show than state occasions such as the recent Diamond Jubilee and the Royal Wedding.
The Eurovision Song Contest also pipped Ma'am to the post, with 11% of homes hosting a party to listen to the best Euro talent fight it out for points. Other big TV events drawing a gathering include charity shows such as Children in Need, highlights of the awards season such as the Oscars and soap storyline climaxes, such as the infamous 'Who shot Phil Mitchell’episode of Eastenders.
The findings came after TalkTalk TV interviewed 3,000 avid TV viewers about how, why, what and when they watch the box as part of its TV Tribes Report, produced in collaboration with Dr Helen Wheatley at the University of Warwick.
Dr Helen Wheatley said: "The research shows that people continue to turn to television for group entertainment. Shows such as The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing are at the heart of our conversations with family, friends and even colleagues. It's nice to see a desire amongst British homes to hold on to traditional social rituals: getting the family together and sharing special TV events with friends,.”
TalkTalk's Tristia Harrison said: "TV parties are something friends and families have been enjoying for years. When you think about the fantastic choice of TV programmes this time of year – from big ticket entertainment shows, blockbuster movies and the long-awaited Christmas specials - it’s easy to see why we’re choosing to stay in and entertain friends in front of the TV.”
TalkTalk's TV Tribes Report was commissioned to mark the launch of Essentials TV package including YouView TV, totally unlimited broadband, and evening and weekend calls for £7.50 a month, plus line rental. It is Britain’s lowest price for TV, broadband and calls and offers savings of up to £190 in comparison to BT’s equivalent package over an 18 month period.
To find out what type of TV viewer you are visit talktalk.co.uk/tvtribes
SHOWS BRITS INVITE FRIENDS OVER TO WATCH:
1. ‘The X Factor Final’
2. ‘Eurovision Song Contest’
3. State occasions
4. The finale of ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’
5. The finale of ‘Big Brother’
6. The climax of a soup story line
7. ‘Children in Need’
8. ‘Comic Relief’
9. ‘Last Night At The Proms’
10. ‘The Oscars’
* Outside of sport