The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Sarah Marshal
I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has consistently been one of the most-watched shows in the TV calendar – but a controversial addition to the line-up could have changed things this year.
The reality show is an annual ratings winner for ITV, pulling in an average of nine to 11 million viewers throughout each series.
However, the 2023 launch episode lost a huge number of viewers compared to previous offerings, with an average of just seven million viewers.
While this still makes I’m a Celebrity the biggest entertainment launch across any channel, it was still down from the peak of 10 million, and average of 9.1 million, who watched the launch episode in November 2022 .
Viewers are attributing the dip to the inclusion of controversial ex-politician Nigel Farage. Since the GB News host was revealed in the line-up, long-time fans of the show announced plans to boycott it, and the ratings dip has been branded “the Farage effect”.
We want to know if you’re actively avoiding I’m a Celebrity this year due to Farage? Whether you’re boycotting or not we are keen to hear your view.
More generally, we’d also like to know whether you think ex-politicans should take the plunge into reality TV after their stints at Westminster come to a close. Naturally divisive figures is it best they retire quietly? Or do you enjoy seeing a different side to our ex-party leaders, MPs and cabinet members?
