My View: The X factor that makes Saturday night music night in front of the telly

When My Fair Lady's Eliza Doolittle sang these mournfully aspirational words, she was speaking for the entire British nation, past, present and future – although, these days, she would probably want to add a pizza and a TV to that list.

We British don't need much to keep us happy, so finds a wide-ranging survey this week by Radio 3 to gauge the mood of austerity Britain. True happiness can be found sitting on your sofa at home, watching TV and eating pizza and chocolate (also on Eliza's wish list).

This certainly chimes with me. My own idea of pure bliss is sitting on my ancient, creaky sofa on a Saturday night, with my husband, two children, a bottle of wine and a supermarket curry box (not necessarily in that order) and watching Strictly Come Dancing and then The X Factor.

The bliss is spoiled only when the two shows clash and we have to switch over from Pamela Stephenson's mesmerising tango to see the The X Factor opening, because you have to see what Dannii and Cheryl are wearing right at the start, when the judges enter (Cheryl is having such a style crisis this season, with the maroon hair, and the mini prom dresses, but I digress).

Anyway, the mere thought of being invited out on a Saturday night is alarmingly horrible, and now I know that most people feel the same way, so will you others please stop guilt-tripping us with your invitations to come round to your place so we can all see how sociable and sophisticated you are? We prefer our own squeaky sofas and mindlessly trivial banter about Cheryl's hair extensions, thanks very much.

The good news continues, as the survey reports that people living in Yorkshire are among those most content with their choice of area (I am about to burst with happiness ... or pizza), although there are clouds too, in the form of money worries, with two-thirds of the 2,000 questioned admitting that they were tormented by financial problems. In fact, the desire for more money emerged as the most important perceived key to happiness, over health, relationships and family.

More money for what, though? This survey points to a rather confused Britain, on the one hand anguishing over money, on the other recognising that actually we are content with relatively few of the creature comforts money can buy – just pizza, the telly and a bit of peace.

It's the thought of suddenly having these simple pleasures removed that torments us – a very real fear for those whose jobs are on the line and whose livelihoods are threatened. No wonder we are hunkering down this winter to watch Strictly and The X Factor. But next year will be brighter, I know it. Maybe we'll get another big musical talent show. Please, please let it be My Fair Lady.