HomeTVNOW TV crowns Mari Burkinshaw the winner of their Box Set Sabbatical

NOW TV crowns Mari Burkinshaw the winner of their Box Set Sabbatical

NOW TV has crowned London freelance print designer Mari Burkinshaw at the winner of their Box Set Sabbatical competition.

The 29-year-old from Woolwich beat over 1,000 other entries to win the prize. Her memorable video caught NOW TV’s attention and you can see it below:

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”384658″ player=”531″ title=”NOW TV Box Set Sabbatical winner”]

 

Mari had been working full-time at a fashion brand before going freelance in January. She will now get Ā£35,000 so she can spend her time catching up on TV boxsets from the comfort of her living room.

She said: ā€œI was working full-time in an office, commuting long hours, juggling family commitments, not to mention maintaining a social life, or even finding time for myself! I realised I wanted to have more flexibility and decided to leave.

ā€œAround the same time ā€“ I saw NOW TV was offering a paid sabbatical to spend a year watching box sets ā€“ and as a huge TV fan I realised this was the perfect opportunity for me. With so many amazing entries, I genuinely didnā€™t expect to win, and Iā€™m absolutely delighted to spend the next year catching on all the shows Iā€™ve missed.ā€

Mari’s entry featured 21 different box sets including Sex and the City, Westworld, Big Little Lies, The Handmaidā€™s Tale, The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones.

Speaking about her win, Mari said: ā€œI decided to enter when there was just three days to go ā€“ so I pulled out all the stops to get my entry in on time ā€“ even raiding my sisterā€™s jewellery box to dress up in costumes.

ā€œIā€™ve always been one of those people who stay up far too late catching up on a box set and squeezing in shows. Winning this paid sabbatical from NOW TV means I can genuinely take time off, re-balance my priorities, spend time with people I love ā€“ and watch some amazing TV, such as The Sopranos and The Wire ā€“ and not feel any guilt, something I didnā€™t imagine would be possible. Itā€™s a dream!ā€

Mari’s entry impressed the competition’s judges, including TV buff and comedian Joel Dommett. He commented: ā€œThey were ALL so good. I say all – some were terrible, but all the good ones were REALLY GOOD. It was so tough to help pick a winner – so many entries with incredible songs, artworks, poems and loads more. People put so much time and effort into making it special.

Mari’s entry was visually interesting, fun and creative and I truly believe she is dedicated to the TV watching cause – what an unbelievably great gig she’s landed!”

Mari will also get a NOW TV Smart Stick, plus 12 months of NOW TV Passes, with access to over 300 box sets to help her truly immerse herself in a great television.

You canĀ sign up to NOW TVĀ to access all the box sets available.

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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