The launch of the new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has proven to be a ratings triumph for ITV, pulling in a massive consolidated audience of 10.8 million viewers.
Streaming Fuels Audience Surge
While the initial live broadcast on Sunday night attracted 7.3 million viewers – one million fewer than the 2024 launch – the power of catch-up viewing dramatically boosted the final figure. A whopping 3.5 million people watched the opening episode on ITVX after its live airing.
This consolidated result marks ITV's largest audience since the UEFA European Football Championship in July 2024. The streaming service itself is breaking records, with the series being streamed 35 million times on ITVX, a significant 26 per cent increase compared to the same point last year.
Capturing the Gen Z Audience
A key success for the broadcaster has been the show's growing popularity with younger demographics. The consolidated number of viewers aged 16-34 reached 2.5 million, making it ITV's biggest hit with this age group since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
This is a direct result of ITV's concerted effort to attract younger viewers by casting popular online personalities. This year's lineup includes Twitch streamer AngryGinge (real name Morgan Burtwistle), who has over five million social media followers. His friendship with 25-year-old rapper Aitch has already become a major talking point.
The strategy is paying off, with the show's app receiving a huge 1.5 million votes for a single Bushtucker trial on Monday night.
Jungle Success Breeds Real-World Opportunity
The jungle experience is proving exceptionally lucrative for AngryGinge. His witty commentary and growing friendship with campmate Ruby Wax have not only entertained viewers but have also significantly grown his online presence.
Since entering the camp, he has gained over 1.4 million followers on Twitch and 900,000 subscribers on YouTube. Furthermore, his team is reportedly fielding numerous offers for TV projects, major brand deals, and a book contract.
A source stated, 'Since the moment Ginge stepped foot in the jungle, the commercial interest has gone through the roof.' Broadcasters, including ITV, BBC, and Channel 4, are said to be preparing approaches, convinced his authentic and unfiltered personality could make him a mainstream TV star.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues nightly on ITV1 and ITVX.
