Why TV shows have successfully hooked us to fish from our sofas

Other successes include Deadliest Catch, Wicked Tuna and now the latest cult hit on the block, ITV 4’s Monster Carp.

Even A-list stars, including David Beckham, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford and Rita Ora, are hooked on the hobby.

As Rita says: “It’s a random thing to do, but I like it. You just sit there and wait.

Maybe living through lockdown taught us the value of patience in this full-throttle world?

Monster Carp presenters Tom Dove, 33, and Neil Spooner, 41, are convinced that’s a huge factor behind the nation’s growing love affair with fishing shows.

That, and fascinating insights into quirky facts, such as why fish don’t have eyelids, and which breed is the fastest (the sailfish, top speed 68mph).

“Fishing has certainly been one of the winners of Covid lockdowns,” says Tom. “It’s a great outlet for people and the programmes are nice, easy-watching – the sunsets, the countryside.