ITV celebrate Big Brother ratings

Big Brother achieved its highest launch since 2012 last night as it returned to screens, with 2.6 million viewers across ITV1/STV and ITV2 on all devices, and winning its 9pm slot.

As well as being the most streamed show of the day across ITVX, The ITV1 show ranked number one in its timeslot for both total viewers and young adults (16-34) and Big Brother was the UK’s number one show of the day for young adults (16-34) across all networks.

For young adults (16-34) Big Brother delivered a combined market share of 48.7% making this the highest launch market share since the format aired on Channel 4 in 2006 (58.9%). With 0.7 million TV viewers in the 16-34 age range, the show achieved a share of 26% across both channels, and 36% specifically on ITV2. 

The highest rating programme on Sunday went to BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing 6.64m (42.2%) followed, also by the Beeb’s, Antiques Roadshow with 4.73m (31.4%). Countryfile also performed well with 4.01m (30.0%). Big Brother Late and Live on ITV2 pulled in an impressive, for the channel, 393k.

The series is set in new studio location however viewers will recognise many features of a classic Big Brother house – the hot tub once again takes prize of place in the garden, the bathroom boasts luxurious lounging areas for late night gossiping, and the heart of the living space is a modern, circular sitting area where housemates will face each other as they learn their fate from new hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best on live eviction nights.

An exciting new addition to the house includes, for the first time ever, an upstairs area with a glass wall which will allow the housemates to overlook the communal living area. The upstairs area can be entered either via stairs or a specially installed mobility lift to ensure the area is fully accessible to all housemates. Elsewhere in the house, the plush bedroom features a number of single and double beds as well as a large pampering station for the housemates to spend time digesting the latest antics of their fellow housemates whilst they primp and preen themselves for another day in the house.

One of Big Brother’s most iconic and recognisable features, the Diary Room returns with a captivating and vibrant new look for this reimagining of the original reality show.

Big Brother returns on ITV2 and ITVX tonight at 9pm.