A survey of British adults has revealed that more than 1 in 4 millennials have considered starting a business as a result of watching a TV show or film.

In fact, 35 per cent of those aged 18-30 confessed to taking inspiration for their career path from their favourite TV shows and box sets, with business and law among the top careers to pursue as a result.

The business-based TV stars that are inspiring Brits’ career choices include the Dragons Den panel, and its personalities such as Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis, and Deborah Meaden.

Applications for university business degrees have increased more than 10 per cent over the past five years according to the latest UCAS figures, in further proof that Britons’ best-loved TV series and characters are shaping their job choice.

However, despite nearly two thirds of people saying they have researched a job or career path they have seen on the telly, for 38 per cent, the reality of working life and setting up a business differed from the silver screen, as they felt the television made their job look better than it is.

Ed Fletcher, CEO of Fletchers Solicitors, said: “The impact of TV role models shouldn’t be underestimated. We have seen in previous years how shows such as CSI have lead to a surge in forensic science course applications, and it seems that it is now the turn of business professions to benefit from an influx in interest and applicants.

“Growing up I was fascinated by those TV lawyers who fought against the odds to secure justice for their clients, and that still affects how I see my job today. It also suggests that TV production companies could have a role to play in helping inspire people into professions where there is going to be most need in 10 or 20 years’ time. With that in mind, perhaps we need shows that popularise engineers or mathematicians to help shape future generations.”