Atomik research have conducted a survey to discover the nation’s opinions on this year’s ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’. 44% of the nation watch the show with 71% watching the show every year. However this year’s change in host, following Ant McPartlin’s year out after his battle with addiction earlier this year, has proved to bring in new viewers. 20% admitted they have tuned in to the ITV big hitter just to see what Holly Willoughby brings to the show or whether Ant’s absence will be noticeable. 86% approve of her hiring.
But of course the big attraction of I’m a celebrity is the selection of campmates. Although early, audiences have already established their favourites and least favourite camp mates. The most liked camp mate is Torchwood’s John Barrowman who gained 25% of the vote second place goes to Harry Red Knapp 24%.
As for the most disliked camp mate, the results were less close, with actor Malique Thompson-Dwyer taking 18% of the vote, putting him at least 5% ahead of second place, TV personality, Nick Knowles who received 12%. Thompson-Dwyer’s unpopularity was even greater amongst female watchers with 22% naming him as their least favourite, compared to just 14% of men.
Gender also seems to effect the popularity of other camp mates, including Coronation Street Sair Kahn who is disliked less by male viewers (7% v 14%). The Chase’s Anne Hegerty is also dividing the public, ranking 6% more popular with women (16% vs 10%).
Interestingly age also factor’s into the popularity of the camp mates. The most noticeable variation is the popularity of John Barrowman with 17% of 18-24-year-olds picking him as their least favourite camp mate compared to just 6% of 55-64-year-olds.
26% believe Barrowman will go on to win the show, and despite his early unpopularity, 17% picked Nick Knowles as this year’s king of the jungle. Harry Redknapp was also identified as an early front runner, with 20% of people thinking he’ll take the crown.
With another couple of week’s until the final, and more stars entering the camp the fate of the camp mates will have to wait to be seen, but viewers are certainly not likely to switch off any time soon.
