TV shows such as Dragons' Den and their panel of business giants are inspiring a new generation of job seekers, according to new research.

A survey of 2,012 British adults revealed that more than one in four (27 per cent) millennials have considered starting a business as a result of watching a TV show or film.

Thirty-five per cent of those aged 18 to 30 said they had taken 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 career choices include the Dragons' Den panel (14 per cent), 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' favourite TV series and characters are shaping their job choice.

However, despite nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of people saying they have researched a job or career path they have seen on the television, 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.

The results were published in the Careers on the Box report by Fletchers Solicitors.

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 led 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."

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