Ant and Dec on I'm A Celebrity
TV

I’m A Celebrity’s launch episode pulls in almost one million less viewers than last year as Ant McPartlin returns

Ant didn't host the show last year

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Fans of I’m A Celebrity were thrilled last night when Ant McPartlin returned alongside Dec Donnelly for the new series.

But the launch episode reportedly pulled in almost one million less viewers than last year’s series – which was hosted by Dec and Holly Willoughby – as 10 million tuned in.

The episode, which saw the likes of Caitlyn Jenner, Ian Wright and Roman Kemp head into the jungle, peaked at 10.9 million viewers, according to ITV.

Ant and Dec on I'm A Celebrity
The launch episode pulled in 10 million viewers (Credit: ITV)

Read more: I’m A Celebrity’s Kate Garraway squeals in first look at tonight’s Bushtucker trial

Last year’s launch episode, which saw This Morning presenter Holly stand in for Ant alongside Dec, drew in 11.6 million in the overnight ratings.

Holly filled in for Ant as he took most of last year off following his drink-drive arrest earlier that year.

It was the most-watched launch since 2013.

Sunday’s show saw Caitlyn, Ian, Roman, Jacqueline Jossa, Kate Garraway, James Haskell, Adele Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Andrew Maxwell and Myles Stephenson take on their first lot of challenges.

The ratings were higher when Holly made her debut (Credit: ITV)

They took on a string of challenges with Caitlyn and Nadine skydiving out of a plane from 10,000ft.

Kate, Andrew, Jacqueline, Ian, Myles and Roman had to walk across a 300ft plank in very winding conditions.

So good to see Ant and Dec back together in the jungle.

Andrew, Caitlyn, James, Jacqueline, Kate and Ian failed to win the challenges and were sent to the less-than-luxury camp.

Adele, Nadine, Myles and Roman were treated to Croc Creek.

Meanwhile, viewers expressed their delight over having Ant back with Dec.

I'm A Celebrity challenge
Andrew and Kate taking on the plank challenge (Credit: ITV)

One person said on Twitter: “So glad to see @antanddec back together presenting @imacelebrity this year.

“Ant isn’t Ant without Dec and Dec isn’t Dec without Ant especially when they’re on tele. Amazing duo. I’M A CELEBRITY wouldn’t be the same without them presenting.”

Read more: I’m A Celebrity viewers stunned as Ant McPartlin unveils new arm tattoos

Another tweeted: “What a brilliant first episode! So good to see Ant and Dec back together in the jungle. It’s going to be a great series!!”

A third added: “It’s nice to see the legendary duo back again Ant & Dec presenting I’m A Celeb. They’re so great & make the show fantastic.”

Tonight’s show will see Kate and Caitlyn take on their first Bushtucker trial, Bugged Out.

I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! continues Monday 18 November at 9pm on ITV.

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)