TV

I’m A Celebrity launch 2018 breaks all series’ records

It was the most-watched by far

The first episode of the new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – starring new presenter Holly Willoughby – has become the most-watched launch episode in the show’s history.

ITV said the episode has been watched by 13.7 million viewers over the past seven days, according to consolidated data.

The overall number has grown from the original overnight ratings, which showed that 11 million people tuned in for the first episode.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity fans admit they don’t want Ant McPartlin to come back

The broadcast, which aired on November 18 and saw Willoughby make her debut as Ant McPartlin’s replacement alongside Declan Donnelly, grew by one million viewers in the consolidated data compared to the equivalent episode in 2017.

Consolidated ratings include those who have recorded the broadcast and watch up to seven days later.

ITV also said that an additional 479,000 viewers watched the programme on its online video on demand service the ITV Hub, bringing its total audience to 14.2 million.

The 2018 launch is the second most-watched episode in the show’s history, and is only behind the finale of the 2004 series, which saw Kerry Katona crowned the Queen of the Jungle.

That episode was watched by a total of 14.7 million viewers.

The latest series kicked off with 10 new celebrities – including football boss Harry Redknapp, DIY SOS host Nick Knowles, former EastEnders star Rita Simons and The Chase’s Anne Hegerty arriving into the jungle following a series of tricky tasks.

i'm a celeb holly dec
Viewers have been loving Holly on the show (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Holly Willoughby divides I’m A Celebrity fans with latest outfit

Former Deal Or No Deal host Noel Edmonds entered the jungle days after the other campmates.

It is the first time McPartlin is absent from hosting I’m A Celebrity since it began in 2002, as he continues his extended break from TV following a drink-driving conviction.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! continues on ITV.

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