Love Island ratings plummet by almost one million views for first winter launch
Love Island ratings dropped by almost a million views for the first ever winter launch.
TV bosses introduced a few shake-ups for the first ever winter series including Laura Whitmore taking over Caroline Flack's hosting job.
It turns out 800,000 people less tuned in than for the show's most recent summer run, according to rating reports from the BBC .
The popular reality dating show – which is now in its sixth series – was watched by a total of 2.51 million on Sunday's launch.
Love Island spoiler – Jealousy rages in the villa as twins threaten to split couples
Love Island star Ollie Williams sparks conspiracy theory over links to Lucie Donlan
This is in stark comparison to the 3.3 million fans who made sure to tune in for the debut episode of the summer series last year where Amber Gill and Greg O'Shea were crowned winners at the end.
However, although these figures see a massive dip in viewership, they also only take into account those who were watching the show live.
These ratings fail to include all the bust fans who later tuned into ITV Player to catch their fix of the dating show.
Love Island fans complain to Ofcom about 'racism' after Nas likened to Aladdin
Love Island's Ollie Williams hosts shooting parties in more unearthed blood sport pics
For the first time ever in the show's history, there will also be a second series airing later this year in the usual summer slot, which sees contestants set up home at the original villa in Majorca.
While the show has adapted many changes this year, one of the most talked about was of course the arrival of a new host in the form of Laura who is standing in for Flack.
Flack stepped down from her role as host of Love Island after she was charged with assault by beating following an alleged row with her boyfriend Lewis Burton led to her arrest.
However, there were no hard feelings from Caroline as she publicly sent a message of support on social media to Laura.
The former host of the show took to her Instagram stories to share her excitement for Laura and admitted the called the first episode of a new series is always "the best one".
She wrote: "Massive good luck to Laura, Iain and the team for tonight's launch show…
"The first one always the best one. Caroline x."
Shortly afterwards Laura reposted the picture on her own Instagram stories, writing: "Thank you! XXX."
Producers have suggested the door is always open for Caroline to return to the show.
The launch episode on Sunday introduced the starting 12 singles, who include Rochelle Humes’ younger sister Sophie, Lewis Capaldi’s ex-girlfriend Paige, and the first ever identical twins to take part, Eve and Jess.
Controversy has already hit the contestants as Ollie was exposed as a big game hunter in his spare time and Connor was criticised by viewers for snapping at Sophie.
Source: Read Full Article