Christmas TV is a disappointment for most viewers, a survey has found. More than half (57 per cent) stated Christmas TV was 'not as good as it used to be'. A quarter (24 per cent) called it 'totally overrated' while only nine per cent deemed it 'excellent festive entertainment'. Less than half polled (40 per cent) said they'd watch up to three hours of TV on Christmas Day, compared to 3.8 hours on a normal day. Almost two-thirds of viewers (66 per cent) will watch the Queen's Christmas Day message. Campaigners have already criticised the number of repeats shown at Christmas. BBC highlights this year include a one-off return of To The Manor Born, a festive edition of Doctor Who, and the final ever Extras, while ITV's viewing includes a one-off from Westlife, An Audience With Celine Dion and a Midsomer Murders special. The survey of 2,000 people also discovered 56 per cent will check emails at Christmas, while 38 per cent will surf the internet. Many intend to catch up with friends on sites like Facebook. Niall McKinney, founder of trade website UtalkMarketing, which commissioned the research, said: "The chocolate box image of families crowded around their TV sets next to a roaring log fire simply doesn't exist in today's Britain. "The internet has transformed the way we spend our time and Christmas Day or not, many of us still like to feel connected by going online to check in with distant friends or simply clear our inboxes." Do you agree that Christmas TV is a disappointment? CLICK here to find out more about what's on TV this Christmas.
