NEWS COPY
One in five Brits have identified the 'third person' in their relationship - as their TV, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 Brits found over 20 per cent of couples regularly row over their viewing habits, with "too much choice" being the number one cause.
Four out of ten confessed they have caused upset by watching new episodes behind their partner's back, despite committing to enjoying a new series together.
And a sneaky 21 percent of per cent of men even admitted they'd deleted their partner's recorded shows to make room for their own.
Simon Till, spokesman for EE TV, which commissioned the study, said: "With so much great TV available via live channels, catch up and on-demand, it's no surprise that some couples can't agree on what to watch and when.
"However, by making the most of the latest TV technology, such as streaming to tablets or utilising your set top box's storage, you can avoid arguments.
"It's possible to transform your TV troubles into a chance to spend quality time together."
The survey showed six in 10 adults have negotiated a peaceful outcome with their partner by agreeing to only watch their favourite shows when together.
But the results showed over one quarter wait until their partner has fallen asleep alongside them before secretly pressing play.
While a sneaky 15 per cent of men seek the security of a locked bathroom when they just can't wait for the next episode.
Sixty per cent of those who sneakily watch ahead also admitted to faking surprise throughout the show when their partner is unknowingly playing catch up.
But a fifth of adults admitted their clandestine TV watching habits have been rumbled in the past.
A third confessed they had been found out by letting a spoiler slip - while a red-faced 13 per cent said their partner had even caught them in the act.
A disgruntled 75 per cent of those in relationships said they often sit through shows they don't like just to please their other half.
Football was the most argued about TV event, followed by Formula One and the X Factor.
TOP TEN SHOWS THAT CAUSE ARGUMENTS
1. Football on TV
2. Formula One
3. The X Factor
4. Big Brother
5. Game of Thrones
6. Cricket
7. Downton Abbey
8. 24
9. Don't Tell the Bride
10. Geordie Shore
TOP 10 REASONS FOR TV TURMOIL
1. Too much choice so we can't decide
2. We argue over who has control
3. We watch more TV now with on-demand
4. Partner falls asleep while viewing
5. They give spoilers
6. They ask questions all the way through
7. One of us watching ahead without the other
8. They don't pay attention
9. They delete my saved shows
10. We never watch what I want.
ENDS
TV RELATIONSHIP - NEWS COPY
