The 20 most irritating habits that make you the worst TV companion
A new study of 2,000 Brits has found the top 20 most annoying habits for people to have while watching TV
If you've ever found yourself at your wit's end as someone chats away to you or hogs the remote while you're watching TV, you're definitely not the only one. A study of 2,000 British adults has revealed the country's most irritating TV viewing behaviours.
These included people who ask constant questions throughout a show, perpetually flicking between channels, and accidentally revealing crucial plot twists. The research was commissioned by M&M'S to mark the debut of its "It's More Fun Together" campaign.
It discovered that 24 per cent of Britons become frustrated when the person they're watching TV with munches their snacks too noisily, while another 21 per cent grow irritated with people who keep the volume too low.
Sam Thompson and Scarlett Moffatt host M&M'S Couch Confessions pop up at Battersea Power Station
(Image: PinPep)
However, it appears many of us are guilty of doing the same. A quarter of adults acknowledged they're dreadful viewing partners, owning up to continuously bombarding others with questions during programmes.
For nearly half, asking its mainly about understanding what is happening but 31 per cent confessed they simply weren't concentrating on what was happening. Despite these annoying habits, watching television together continues to be a strong way of bonding.
A third (33 per cent) of those polled said an evening in front of the telly with mates is just as enjoyable as doing an activity together. To honour these peculiar habits, MandM'S launched a "Couch Confessions" pop-up experience in London, featuring telly-obsessed celebrities Sam Thompson and Scarlett Moffatt.
Reality TV favourite Scarlett Moffatt revealed: "TV nights at home are my love language, chaotic, full of theme-tune singalongs and subtitle debates." She continued: "But hunkering down on the couch with Scott and Jude is what makes it so special.
"I love the little quirks that turn ordinary nights into unforgettable family moments, because watching together is always more fun, even if Jude is the remote-control-king nowadays." The study also revealed what Britons believe would enhance their television-viewing experiences.
A fifth (20 per cent) expressed a desire for snack bowls that perfectly distribute portions amongst viewers, whilst 19 per cent fantasised about a family-sized footstool allowing everyone to elevate their feet. Meanwhile, 15 per cent wished there was a device that automatically set the television to the 'perfect' volume.
Guests at the M&M'S pop-up encountered some of these innovations directly, alongside treasure hunts for TV treats. The experience also celebrated the nation's preferred methods of communal television viewing, featuring themed spaces modelled on the contemporary British lounge.
Regarding ideal TV viewing partners, Britons would most relish settling in with David Attenborough, Ant and Dec, and Olivia Colman. TV Personality and Radio Host, Sam Thompson, added: "I'm all about turning TV nights into a proper event with bean bags, onesies, volume up and a stash of snacks.
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"It's my favourite time to just hang out with mates, even if it takes us an hour to agree on what to watch and someone always falls asleep halfway through."
Brits shared their weird and wonderful TV rituals
(Image: PinPep)
TOP ANNOYING TELLY HABITS BRITS ADMIT TO:
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