There are two types of people in this world: those who book time off work to sit in bed and watch TV and fools.

That’s according to a survey by BT TV, which found that 48 per cent of Brits have used their holiday days to enjoy TV this year. Two in five (42 per cent) telly fans, meanwhile. say they have intentionally booked annual leave for the express purpose of watching TV.

The results arrive as people prepare for Christmas, wondering whether to claim their leftover annual leave. Indeed, days off from work are usually used to get away for a break, but the average person in 2014 has used a day and a half of their holiday to curl up on the sofa and enjoy their favourite shows instead. Some have gone even further, with over a fifth (22 per cent) using their days for a binge-viewing marathon.

As the festive break approaches, with a recent report suggesting that most TV schedules will consist of repeats, it is no surprise that 21 per cent of BT’s respondents feel that their holiday days are their main chance to catch up on missed shows. Indeed, 16 per cent of TV fans now intend to take time off in the run up to Christmas for some quality catch-up time.

Netflix appears to be the catch-up service of choice, with Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black and House of Cards topping the chart of things most likely to be watched this Christmas. White Collar and House – just added to Netflix UK – complete the top five, followed by Sherlock, The Inbetweeners, The Killing, Doctor Who and The Originals.

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