I'm A Celeb 2023: viewing figures for launch show featuring Nigel Farage plummeted by two million

Overnight viewing figures have shown that more than two million viewers turned off for the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here launch show.

According to the figures, around seven million people tuned in to watch as cast members such as Nigel Farage and Jamie-Lynn Spears touched down in Australia and made the journey to the jungle campsite. This was down more than two million from 9.1m for the 2022 launch show.

The inclusion of former UKIP and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has caused controversy, with some planning to boycott the show over his involvement. The divisive political figure is reportedly being paid £1.5m by ITV to appear on the show.

During the launch show, he said that while he was considered "a hero" to some, others considered him a "villain". Farage, who has already been chosen by the public to take part in the next bushtucker trial, added: "In the jungle, you're going to find the real me."

Other stars joining Farage in the jungle include actress, singer, and sister of pop superstar Britney Spears, Jamie-Lynn Spears. ITV producers are reportedly fearing that the American entertainer is on the verge of quitting the show after only a few days in the jungle after reports that her behaviour away from the cameras is isolated and she remains separate from the camp.

Other castmates include This Morning's Josie Gibson, YouTuber Nella Rose, reality star and podcaster Sam Thompson, JLS member Marvin Humes, Eastenders actress Danielle Harold, First Dates Maitre D' Fred Sirieix, food critic Grace Dent. Jockey Frankie Dettori and former boxer Tony Bellew will join the camp as late additions this year.

Rose has been chosen alongside Farage to take part in the next buchtucker trial. Farage told The Sun ahead of his stint in the jungle that he would be exempt from some trials including weight-bearing challenges due to a medical condition.