Big Brother reboot pulls in 2.6m viewers after five years away

Big Brother UK sneak peek

Big Brother returned to TV screens on Sunday night pulling in a staggering amount of viewers.

The show, which was pre-recorded, aired simultaneously on ITV, ITVX and ITV2, with the programme dominating the 9pm slot across the schedule.

The last civilian version of the show back in 2018 only drew in 0.9 million and last night’s episode marked the show’s highest viewing figures in a decade.

The Big Brother reboot has been highly anticipated since it was first announced and pulled in 2.6 million viewers, as new presenters AJ Odudu and Will Best welcomed the latest contestants.

Despite the staggering views, the reboot didn’t compare to Strictly Come Dancing’s launch show which attracted 6.6 million viewers on BBC One.

READ MORE Win a pair of tickets to The Coronation Street Experience

It also failed to compare to Big Brother’s first ever series on Channel 4 back in 2002, where it had an average of 5.3 million viewers.

It later hit its peak of 10 million viewers and a 51 per cent share tuning in to see Kate Lawler win the series.

Loyal fans were thrilled to see the original reality TV show return, however, some were left less than impressed after bosses brought in a new voiceover artist.

Taking to their X, formerly known as Twitter, fans complained about the decision as @kyrapex begged: “Noooo they need to fire this big brother voice and get someone else.”(sic)

Don’t miss…
Big Brother launch show sees unlikely star emerge as distracted fans speak out[WATCH]
Ex Big Brother hosts Davina McCall and Emma Willis break silence on reboot[INSIGHT]
Big Brother star breaks down in tears and exit ‘sealed’ after savage show twist[LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

@LukeelkinsTV complained: “Big Brother’s voice is so cringe.”

@rygeorgetilley commented: “I HATE the Big Brother voice.”

@shanhart_ added: “I WANT THE OLD BIG BROTHER VOICE BACK.”

Marcus Bentley has narrated every Big Brother series to date, and he quickly assured fans he was returning to the show when he tweeted: “Listen guys I’ve had a lot of this tonight – but just to reiterate, for some who think I wasn’t on the show this evening – I am not the voice of the diary room Big Brother- never have been.

“I’m the narrator of the show and I was narrating the show when all the housemates had entered.” (sic)

Speaking to The Independent, Marcus said: “I’m so grateful that I’m part of the show moving into a new era,” he says. “And all the people who loved the show, who’ll be coming back to watch it, know who I am. I’ve been love-bombed by people telling me, ‘It wouldn’t be the same without you.’ It’s really lovely to hear.”

@hannah_may21stated fumed: “I am sorry they’ve ruined Big Brother with this voice-over???”(sic)

While @bigslizzy noted: “This big brother voice ain’t it at all.”(sic)

Despite the first show being pre-recorded, the series will now be aired live with a 24-hour livestream being available for fans to watch whenever they need.

With the contestants only having been in the house for less than 24 hours, drama ensured almost immediately as the threat of eviction came early for Olivia.

Big Brother airs weeknights and Sunday’s from 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

Source: Read Full Article