Attention married men. You know how we always say technology is an enabler? Well, don't shoot the messenger, but it just might enable your dissatisfied spouses to seek comfort in the arms of another this festive season.

IllicitEncounters.co.uk, which proudly declares itself as the UK's largest extra-marital dating site, is warning that the first 31 days of the new year are among its busiest, as put-upon wifies everywhere decide they've had enough.

"The majority of British divorces occur in January and February. Christmas can be a stressful time - especially for wives and mothers, who are often expected to perform an array of domestic duties, from preparing Christmas dinner to buying the majority of the presents," explained spokesperson Sara Hartley.

"There are so many possible arguments to be had. If a couple are already having problems, the added pressure that Christmas brings could force them to make drastic decisions about their future. Some may decide to break up; others may seek an escape. That's where we come in."

Indeed they do. Stepping into the romantic vacuum like a Shakespearian villain, IllicitEncounters.co.uk is promising that this year it will be ready for the rush on its services, which sees 20 per cent of annual members sign up in just a month.

Server upgrades and new staff at the ready, all the site needs now is for 2010 to roll around and deposit its slurry of loveless married couples to its door. Gotta love the internet.

28 Dec 2009