I’M A CELEBRITY SMASHES STREAMING RECORDS AS HUGE YOUNG AUDIENCE TUNES IN

The new series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! has roared back onto screens with a huge audience, particularly among younger viewers, marking an impressive win for ITV as it continues its push to attract the 16–34 demographic. Consolidated figures reveal that the launch episode was watched by a massive 10.8 million viewers, showcasing the star power and enduring appeal of one of Britain’s most successful reality TV formats.

On the night of broadcast, the launch drew an overnight audience of 7.3 million viewers, which came in slightly lower than the 2024 premiere by around one million. However, any concerns about dwindling audience interest were quickly overturned once catch-up figures were included. A staggering 3.5 million viewers tuned in after the original showing, giving ITV its biggest audience for any programme since the Euros in July 2024.

The show’s digital performance has been even more impressive. The series has now been streamed 35 million times on ITVX, which represents a massive 26% increase compared to last year’s launch period. That surge in activity helped propel ITVX past 100 million total streams in just one week, highlighting how the platform continues to grow as a major player in the UK streaming landscape.

The launch episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! drew a consolidated audience of 10.8 million viewers – Credit: ITV/Shutterstock

One of the most notable successes for ITV this year has been the show’s performance among younger audiences. Despite increasing competition across streaming platforms and social media, I’m A Celebrity has attracted 2.5 million viewers aged 16–34, the largest young audience the broadcaster has recorded since the 2022 World Cup. This is a major win for ITV, which has invested heavily in digital-first promotion, viral marketing, and social media tie-ins designed to bring younger viewers back to prime-time TV.

Industry analysts are already describing this year’s launch as a turning point for the show, proving that even in a rapidly changing media landscape, major entertainment formats can thrive when they adapt to shifting viewing habits. ITV bosses will no doubt be celebrating as the data suggests that I’m A Celeb is no longer just a traditional TV hit but increasingly a streaming powerhouse with strong multi-platform appeal.

This year, they’ve added Twitch streamer AngryGinge to the lineup, a major hit with Gen Z, thanks to his more than five million followers across social media – Credit: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock

The huge interest in catch-up and streaming also reflects the changing behaviour of younger audiences, many of whom prefer watching at their own pace rather than tuning in live. As one insider noted, “The Jungle has become one of the biggest social viewing moments of the year, and young audiences want to watch in a way that suits their lifestyle.” This has fuelled not only high viewing figures but also a surge in online engagement, with clips from the opening episode circulating widely across TikTok, Instagram, and X.

This year’s cast, featuring a mix of actors, athletes, reality stars, broadcasters, and viral personalities, has already sparked intense discussion online. Younger viewers in particular have helped drive trending hashtags and reaction clips, providing ITV with invaluable organic promotion. With early signs showing strong interest, producers will be hoping this momentum continues as the campmates face even more trials in the coming weeks.

For a show now more than two decades old, the continued growth among younger viewers is a rare achievement. ITV will take this as confirmation that I’m A Celebrity remains one of its most important franchises, both on television and online. And with viewing figures climbing and social buzz intensifying, all indications point towards another record-breaking season in the Jungle.