I’m A Celebrity pulls in viewers to score ratings success

The return of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has been a ratings hit for ITV.

The opening episode of the series, which is being filmed for the first time in Wales due to the coronavirus pandemic, attracted a TV audience of 13.8 million, consolidated viewing figures from the broadcaster show.

This is the second highest TV audience in the 18-year history of the show.

Only the final of the 2004 series – which saw Kerry Katona crowned winner – has pulled in bigger comparable ratings.

It also means I’m A Celebrity has pulled in the biggest TV audience for any non-news programme so far this year.

Four other transmissions have attracted higher ratings, but all have been connected to the Covid-19 pandemic.

These were broadcasts by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in March and May; a televised address by the Queen in April; and a BBC news special in October.

This year’s series of I’m a Celebrity has seen a host of famous faces tackling challenges inside the castle instead of the Australian jungle.

BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North faced several of the first trials with journalist Victoria Derbyshire and Sir Mo Farah also undertaking some gruelling tasks.

Former Strictly dancer AJ Pritchard and actress and singer Jessica Plummer had to navigate a series of pitch black rooms and tunnels during the latest trial.

The pair were tasked with finding their way around a darkened course in search of stars in an effort to earn meals for the camp.

They got six stars out of a possible 12 after working together to gather the tokens.

A teaser clip for Tuesday night’s episode shows soap star Shane Richie coming face to face with 200 spiders during a trial.

West End star Ruthie Henshall and classical singer Russell Watson were late entries into the castle.

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