Third of Brits say Christmas TV is ruined by slow internet speeds

Watching TV on Christmas Day with relatives and a box of chocolates is no longer the uninterrupted pleasure it once was, figures show.

Slow internet speeds are causing huge disruption to viewing as millions of households now rely on broadband to stream movies, TV shows and sport.

Figures show almost a third of people – 31 per cent – find slow speeds cause disruptions to their post-Christmas lunch relaxation in front of the telly.

Another 17 per cent who watch sport over the festive period via streaming platforms also say their service is unreliable with the picture breaking up and dropping out altogether.

Women are more likely to be angered by slow broadband speeds affecting Christmas viewing – with 62 per cent saying it is a problem with popular shows disappearing from the screen, but only 38 per cent of men report the same issue.

Men are more frustrated by slow broadband speeds when it comes to watching live sport with 58 per cent angered by disappearing pictures compared to 42 per cent of women.

Gathering around the TV after Christmas dinner is a staple for many families – but slow internet can threaten the festive fun

More households now rely on internet to watch TV as streaming has become the default choice for many

Broadband provider Lightspeed asked 2,000 UK adults if slow broadband speeds affected festive TV viewing to come up with the findings.

Group CEO Brett Shepherd said: ‘We’re all too familiar with the frustration of slow broadband stopping us from enjoying out favourite TV shows.

‘One minute you are engrossed in a drama or game and the next you are fiddling around with the remote or your internet router to re-connect.

‘More and more families now watch their favourite shows on catch-up or stream live sport making high speed broadband more important than ever before.’

Older people struggle the most the problem when trying to relax with 26 per cent of Baby Boomers – those aged 60 and over – getting frustrated while watching a show followed by 22 per cent of Generation X – those aged 45 to 60  – and 23 per cent of Millennials – those aged 29 to 44.

Just 5 per cent of Generation Z – those aged 14 to 28 – said slow broadband speeds disrupt their Christmas viewing.

When it comes to live sport streaming older people again struggle the most with 28 per cent of Boomers saying it is a problem compared with 21 per cent of Generation X, 23 per cent of Millennials and just 5 per cent of Generation Z.