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ALMOST 8 MILLION VIEWERS WATCH OPENING BIG BROTHER LAUNCH SHOW

The opening two shows of the fourth series of Big Brother have proved the original reality TV show is as popular as ever. Almost 8 million viewers watched the opening show, making it the highest rating Big Brother launch show ever and the highest rated show on Channel 4 during 2003 so far.

Unofficial overnight viewing figures from Barb have indicated that last night’s (Friday 23 May) 8.30pm launch show was watched by an average 6.9 million viewers and a 29.3% share of those viewing television at the time. At it’s peak the show was watched by 7.6 million viewers and a 32.3% share. 46% of this audience were 16-34’s and 42% ABC1s. This is 16% up on last year’s first Big Brother programme, which reached 5.9 million viewers and a 26% share. 2002’s launch show had a similar audience profile with the opening show attracting 45% 16-34’s and 43% ABC1s.

The later 10.45pm show where the housemates had to make surprise nominations attracted 5.2 million and a 32.6% share peaking at 5.4 million and a 35.4% share.

Unofficial overnight ratings take no account of viewers who may have video recorded the programme.

Last night's performance is the highest ever Big Brother debut. In 2001 the Big Brother launch programme reached 3.5 million viewers and a 17% share and Big Brother's debut in 2000 secured 3.6 million and a 17% share.

Friday’s Big Brother launch show was also the highest rated show on Channel 4 in 2003 beating Wife Swap which was watched by an average 5.9 million viewers in January this year.