Reality show’s big switch-off
BIG Brother’s viewing figures have fallen by half since it moved to Channel 5.
The reality show switched from Channel 4 in 2011 when its launch night was watched by 2.6million fans.
But the latest series, the 18th, which began on Monday night, only managed to bring in a paltry 1.3m viewers.
The show, hosted by Emma Willis, began at 8.30pm, the same time as Coronation Street’s second part special started on ITV. Many reality TV fans then turned over to watch the launch of Love Island on ITV2 at 9pm instead. The show, set in Mallorca, shared much of the audience.
But Big Brother managed to beat its reality rival in the ratings war, having 6.6% share of the British telly audience with Love Island on 6.5%.
Across the two-hour programme, the Channel 5 show, featuring wannabes such as Kayleigh Morris and Lotan Carter, peaked at 3m viewers, compared to 2.1m for the programme fronted by Caroline Flack. Despite losing THE foul-mouthed launch night led host Emma Willis to spend most of the show apologising.
Posh Arthur Fulford exclaimed “f ***** g hell!” as he entered the house.
And Lotan Carter said “f*** it” when Emma chatted to him. Mum and daughter Charlotte Keys and Mandy Longworth also turned the air blue. FANS lashed out after it was revealed some contestants had not applied for the show. Lotan asked ® the battle of the viewers, Love Island is heading in the opposite direction to its rival show. The new-look programme drew in 400,000 on its first series launch night two years ago. It has more than trebled its figures with 1.3m tuning in on Monday evening. Presenter Caroline tweeted her joy: “Well done team love island! Ratings up 40% on last year. Wow. Thanks for tuning in guys.” And for some reality telly addicts, there was simply too much choice with 180,000 watching at least 50% of both shows. It proved a real headache for many diehard reality TV fans, some calling the choice a “hard decision”. Amy Parker said: “Why do I have to choose between Love Island and Big Brother?” While Twitter user Broonyyy moaned: “Big Brother or Love Island – what to choooose.” And heathersolleyx said: “choosing between Love Island and Big Brother is such a hard decision”. Tom whether he had “applied for this”, with the Dreamboys stripper saying: “No. I was in Marbella, mate, and I had a message on Facebook.”
Fan Matt Wilkinson said: “Such a shame @bbuk is being heavily structured.”
A Big Brother spokesman said: “Housemates are discovered in various ways.” REP Ellie is the favourite to win BB, with bookmaker Coral giving odds of 5-1. Coral’s John Hill said: “Along with Tom and Imran, she is the early front runner to be the last contestant standing.” A FAMILIAR face was spotted by Twitter users when “till operator” Ellie Young showed up. The babe has been on ITV2’s Ibiza Weekender.
Laura McNulty posted: “Is Ellie gonna mention she’s spent 2 summers in Ibiza as well or just gloss over that little titbit?” EX On The Beach star Kieran Lee jumped into bed with Ellie and Kayleigh Morris after a boozy first evening.
Clearly enjoying the attention, Ellie jostled with the honey trapper while Kayleigh – who has a boyfriend – was more coy.