ITV has pulled off a broadcasting coup, with its latest series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! successfully attracting a massive wave of young viewers back to live television. The secret weapon? Two Gen Z social media titans: rapper Aitch and content creator Angry Ginge.
The Digital Invasion of Mainstream TV
Industry insiders are hailing the 2025 series as "priceless TV," crediting the Manchester-born influencers for achieving what many thought impossible. Since the launch episode, the show has drawn a consolidated audience of 2.5 million viewers aged 16-34. This figure marks ITV's largest young demographic since it broadcast the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
A source close to the production explained the seismic shift: "We're now seeing young viewers who haven't watched live TV in years suddenly tuning in. They are posting watch-along reactions online, debating fiercely in comment sections, and supporting their favourite campmates with the intensity usually reserved for online fandoms." The source added a telling insight into modern broadcasting strategy: "TV has realised it doesn't need to fight the digital world – it can recruit it, integrate it and ride the wave."
A Tale of Two Mancunian Contenders
The two frontrunners, Aitch (real name Harrison Armstrong, 25) and Angry Ginge (real name Morgan Burtwistle, 24), were friends long before entering the jungle. Their parallel journeys have created a unique dynamic, making the race for the crown incredibly tight.
"Aitch versus Angry Ginge is a tricky one because they are practically the same person," revealed a source close to both stars. "They're both from Manchester, have the same friends, the same vibe, and they share a lot of the same followers on social media – it's going to be tough to call."
Behind the scenes, their respective teams have worked strategically not just to secure victory, but to ensure each man's distinct personality shines through for the voting public.
Personal Missions and Powerful Campaigns
For Aitch, currently at 9/4 odds to win, the show has provided a platform for a cause close to his heart. A major reason for his participation was to raise awareness for Down Syndrome, which his younger sister, Gracie, has. In a deeply emotional segment, 16-year-old Gracie was flown out with her parents and twin sister, Hattie, for a surprise jungle reunion last Friday.
The moment captivated the nation, with thousands of young fans taking to social media to say they were "sobbing" after watching it, followed by a surge of "Vote Aitch" pleas. A source from his camp stated simply: "If the public see Gracie in the jungle, then he has won the show, it's as simple as that."
Meanwhile, the team backing 6/5 favourite Angry Ginge has mobilised the might of the online creator community. In a significant endorsement, the UK's most popular content creator, KSI, urged his 75 million social media followers to back the star, posting: "Angry Ginge… let's get this man to number one."
The Real Winner: A Revitalised ITV
While the nation debates whether Aitch or Angry Ginge will be crowned the next King of the Jungle, the undisputed victor so far is ITV itself. The network has demonstrated a masterful understanding of contemporary media consumption, seamlessly blending traditional broadcast with digital culture. The success extends far beyond their performances in challenges like the Celebrity Cyclone; it's rooted in their authentic online appeal translating directly to television ratings.
This series proves that by embracing digital stars, mainstream TV can not only survive but thrive, capturing an audience many had written off as lost to streaming services and social media platforms alone.
