Love Island’s return helped break records for ITV2 on Monday night, bringing in the digital channel’s highest overnight ratings ever.
The first episode of the new series pulled in an impressive average of 2.9 million viewers from 9pm.
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'Love Island' host Caroline Flack
ITV
The show peaked at a whopping 3.4m at one point during its 95-minute slot.
The average figure beats the previous record for ITV2, which was set during last year’s series finale when 2.6m watched live.
The number who tuned in to see the series premiere has more than doubled year-on-year, as 1.3m watched the first episode of the 2017 series.
‘Love Island’ was also the most-watched show at 9pm across all channels on Monday night, even beating BBC One and ITV in the slot with a 16% audience share.
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This year's 'Love Island' cast
ITV
Last year, ‘Love Island’ trounced rival reality show ‘Big Brother’ in the ratings, with Channel 5 bosses delaying the start of the 2018 series to avoid a clash - a decision which now seems very wise.
She says: “Dating has never been great for me. It’s such a personal thing but you’re doing it on national television. Falling for someone, not liking someone, letting someone’s feelings down. I’m the sort of person that would rather be hurt than have to tell a boy I don’t like them.”
Claim to fame? She is the daughter of ‘EastEnders’ actor Danny Dyer, and also appeared on ‘Survival Of The Fittest’ earlier this year, but was forced to pull out after just a day due to a shoulder injury. (credit:ITV)
Samira Mighty(02 of11)
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Age: 22
Occupation: West End star
From: London
She says: “Everyone in the West End knows everybody. So it will be a big shock when they see me on this show.”
Claim to fame? Definitely the shows I was in – ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Dreamgirls’. (credit:ITV)
Eyal Booker(03 of11)
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Age: 22
Occupation: Model
From: London
He says: “We can’t ignore the fact I have curly hair and people seem to like that. I train pretty hard so I’ve got a decent body. Hopefully I’m just a funny person that people like.”
Claim to fame? “I was in a pop band once called EverYoung. We had small time success and toured the country, built up a little fan base and there was fan girl hysteria. They’d follow us around and come to our gigs and stuff so that was a little taste.” (credit:ITV)
Dr Alex George(04 of11)
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Age: 27
Occupation: A&E doctor
From: Carmarthen, west Wales
He says: “You’re recorded 24 hours a day and I just want to make sure that I behave in the right way. I absolutely love my job, I’ve worked since the age of 13 to get here and I go to work every day and I genuinely enjoy it. I would probably go back and do it part time, if I could mix it with TV work I would. I think there’s probably room for a new TV doctor!” (credit:ITV)
Hayley Hughes(05 of11)
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Age: 21
Occupation: Model
From: Liverpool
She says: “I’ve only been in one relationship, and only slept with one guy. I was with him for five years. We got together at such a young age, when I was 16. You just grow up, and grow apart. It’s still quite raw.”
Claim to fame? “I’ve modelled for some fashion brands, and I did an advert for ITVBe. I’ve modelled full time now for two years. I did a pageant, which I won, and then got scouted by an agency in Manchester. I go to drama school as well.” (credit:ITV)
Kendall Rae-Knight(06 of11)
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Age: 26
Occupation: Retail manager
From: Blackpool
She says: “This time last year I was in a five year relationship, I was engaged, had a house, and I was all settled down ready to have children. He proposed in the June and then three months later said he didn’t love me anymore. He left. Now, seven months down the line, I feel like I’m ready to move on and start dating.”
Claim to fame? “I won Miss North West. I represented the whole of the North West in the Miss England final, which was in 2015.” (credit:ITV)
Laura Anderson(07 of11)
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Age: 29
Occupation: Cabin Crew
From: Stirling, Scotland
She says: “I like a rugged, real man. And someone that knows what they want. Age isn’t a big deal at all. Some 22 year old guys are very mature and know what they want. My ex was 38 and had no idea what he wanted, so you can’t discriminate against age.”
Claim to fame? “There are loads of celebrities that have flown on our airline who I have served. I once served Channing Tatum.” (credit:ITV)
Adam Collard(08 of11)
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Age: 22
Occupation: Personal trainer and gym director
From: Newcastle
He says: “I’m very loyal to my friends. I think you’ll be surprised, I think there’ll be a bromance as much as there’ll be a romance.” (credit:ITV)
Jack Fincham(09 of11)
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Age: 26
Occupation: Stationary sales manager
From: Kent
He says: “When I walk into a room I always make a statement. Not necessarily on purpose, I’m just so clumsy so I’ll walk in and knock something over. Everyone knows ‘Jack is here!’” (credit:ITV)
Niall Aslam(10 of11)
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Age: 23
Occupation: Student and construction worker
From: Coventry
He says: “I am looking for love mainly. Obviously I’m looking for a fit girl but I’m assuming pretty much all of the girls in there are going to be fit and above my level anyway. I’m going in there with an open mind to find love.” (credit:ITV)
Wes Nelson(11 of11)
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Age: 20
Occupation: Electrical and nuclear systems design engineer
From: Staffordshire
He says: “I’m looking for someone I can settle down with and tame my wild lifestyle. I am 20 years old but I’d say I am ahead of my age in terms of maturity and in terms of who I am and my mannerisms.”
Claim to fame? “My Instagram. A few of my videos went viral when I was kickboxing and I’ve got a large Instagram following. I’ve dated people who are Instagram famous but no actual celebrities.” (credit:ITV)