Dad steals the shows on Christmas Day

·         Dads are the most likely to take control of the TV on Christmas Day

·         But also most likely to fall asleep in front of the TV, 44 minutes after Christmas dinner

We’ve all tried to take charge of the remote control on Christmas Day, but according to research by BT TV, a quarter of Brits (23 per cent) have the odds against them as dad gets there first.

Despite being king of the remote control, dads are also the most likely to fall asleep in front of the TV (39 per cent), followed by mum (14 per cent) and granddad (10 per cent). After a day full of present opening and turkey eating, the first family member will doze off in front of the TV 44 minutes after the Christmas dinner at 4.27pm*.

            However, the first to fall certainly isn’t the last, as 38 per cent of families will switch channels before the show or film ends – usually because too many people have fallen asleep (41 per cent).

When it comes to choosing what to watch, democracy and tradition are the most popular methods. Over a fifth of Brits (22 per cent) said they vote to decide what to watch, followed closely by creatures of habit who stick to the same shows, every year (21 per cent).

Beside the great Christmas tradition of The Queen’s Speech, 64 per cent of Brits will watch comedy shows and films, followed by drama (47 per cent), and action (29 per cent). With so much choice on TV, Brits will watch three shows or films and record another two. Whilst nearly half of the nation (45%) will be tuning in to live programmes, 25 per cent will be watching pre-recorded or on-demand box sets and films.

Kate Dean, Director of content, BT TV says: “Keeping the whole family entertained is a tough job, but with so much choice at Christmas, there’s something for everyone. So don’t worry if Dad steals the remote, or the kids get their way, BT TV’s new offering has it all rolled into one – with live TV, catch-up, Netflix and more – so you never miss out.

“Agreeing as a family what to watch live seems the best choice, with the option to record the rest and catch up at a later date.”

            BT TV’s newest offer includes BT TV, YouView, BT Sport and Netflix. For the first time, BT TV customers can sign up for Netflix alongside BT’s other products and services, with the added convenience of paying one bill directly through BT. The new BT TV package is £5.99 a month, and new customers will also receive six months free BT Infinity Broadband**.

BT TV Starter features up to 70 TV and radio channels (including Freeview HD) live pause, rewind and seven-day scroll back catch up, as well as on-demand services - like BBC iPlayer and 4oD. BT Sport will be broadcasting 38 exclusive live Barclays Premier League matches this season, with 69 Aviva Premiership Rugby games and much more.