One in four adults have been spurred to pick up a new hobby after being captivated by a TV show or film, according to a poll. The survey of over 4000 revealed that young adults aged 18 to 24 are twice as likely as the average adult to embrace a new pastime after watching something on TV, with half feeling inspired to try something new.

Over 40% of those in the 18-24 age group have even revamped their style and fashion choices under the influence of Some viewers have also snapped up related merchandise and even signed up for fan clubs.

The most common inspiration drawn from viewing, as per the Sky study, is researching a historical or scientific topic after seeing it featured. Other actions triggered by TV shows or films include whipping up a new dish, learning a foreign language or delving into a different culture.

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Dana Strong, Group CEO at Sky, commented: "Our data shows that the way people are watching TV is changing. Tech-savvy and engaged viewers are setting the pace, but these audiences are no longer just amongst the younger generations."

She described this as a 'pivotal moment' for the UK entertainment industry, adding, "audiences no longer just crave choice, but a better and more engaged viewing experience, which is both simple and personal to them."

The research also identified four distinct viewer personalities, with the majority being trendsetters. Amongst this group, a whopping 89% said they enjoy 'buzz-worthy' content.

The other three viewer categories are 'dreamers', 'detectives' and 'casuals'. Dreamers are those who seek escapism, immersing themselves in grand storylines, with the group predominantly made up of 64% females compared to 36% males.

Dreamers are also fans of binge-watching an entire series in one go, prefer entertainment that doesn't require too much thought, and use TV as a way to relax and unwind after a long day.

However, they're prone to multitasking, with 66% likely to be checking texts and messages on their mobile while also watching the big screen.

Detectives are viewers driven by news and curiosity, with two thirds tuning into traditional live broadcast TV multiple times a week. They're generally not fans of binge-watching, with only 17% confessing to doing so.

Casual viewers are creatures of habit, sticking to familiar genres, but a tenth admit they never watch with their full attention.