The couple concerned, Stephanie and Dom Parker, from Kent, are known for enjoying a glass of something alcoholic on screen – so much so that they once tipped over the sofa.  "Even if you haven't seen the show, you'll recognise the type, because some of us seem to be becoming more like them," the Grocer said.  The comparison extended to the type of drink consumed, it appeared. The strength of tipples drunk at home had risen from 4.8 per cent to 5.5 per cent over the past year.  Sparkling wine was particularly popular, with sales growing almost 15 per cent in a year. Many drinkers had "traded up" from Cava to Prosecco and Champagne, the report found.  Fruit ciders, such as pear or raspberry, were more popular, while an increase spirits sales was driven by a rise in popularity of mixing home-made cocktails.  In total, households spent £11.6 billion on alcohol for the home in the 12 months to July, the research found, an increase of 3.3 per cent on the year before.  Kevin Mucahey of Kantar, which compiled the figures for the Grocer, said the trend could continue.  "We've had the World Cup and a good summer, which helped," he said. "But the overall market is still depressed."  Half of drinkers, however, said they were trying to moderate, drinking on fewer occasions and having fewer glasses, the Kantar research agency found.  This was reflected in the number of drinks served in the home falling, it said, despite the amount spent and consumed rising overall. The report said: "This could suggest we're simply pouring ourselves bigger drinks."
We're drinking more at home and less at the pub, with couples staying in to   watch television such as Strictly Come Dancing and Downton Abbey