ITVs Im A Celebrity hit with over 100 Ofcom complaints days after show launch
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! preview
ITV has been hit with more than 100 Ofcom complaints over its casting of former UKIP leader Nigel Farage in this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Ahead of this year’s series, the line-up announcement instantly saw ITV come under fire as many fans claimed they’d be “boycotting” the programme over the inclusion of the politician who spearheaded the Brexit movement.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that 103 complaints had been made to regulator Ofcom, with 42 regarding the 59-year-old’s appearance on the show, 31 about right-wing politics, and 24 about a quip made by Ant and Dec about Sunderland.
Ahead of the series launch, the channel released a statement over the criticism faced by Nigel’s participation in the show.
ITV said: “I’m A Celebrity has always featured a diverse cast from all areas of public life and has a history of featuring political figures throughout its 20 years on screen.
READ MORE Nigel Farage accused of ‘playing a game’ on ITV show by former I’m A Celeb star
“As with any camp mate, viewers are invited to form their own opinions when the show begins on Sunday.”
During an episode form earlier in the week, Ant and Dec took aim at the north east city of Sunderland.
It came as Ant explained: “In case you’re not familiar with the Australian outback, it’s a barren, deeply hostile environment, that’s barely fir for human habitation.”
“Imagine Sunderland, but hotter,” Dec added as the crew laughed at the joke.
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The hit programme saw a smaller-scale backlash last year when former health secretary Matt Hancock joined the jungle camp.
It seems Nigel’s stint in the show has caused more of an outcry though and the channel has suffered a big loss in ratings.
The show lost more than two million viewers on Sunday’s debut of the after hundreds complained they wouldn’t be tuning in.
An average of seven million tuned in to watch the first episode of series 23 on Sunday, according to overnight ratings, with ITV reporting a peak audience of 7.8 million.
Last year’s first episode of the 2022 series saw an average of 9.1 million with a peak viewership of 10.3 million, according to ITV’s overnight ratings.
I’m A Celebrity… get Me Out Of Here! continues on Wednesday at 9pm on ITV.
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