[Amy]

The opening show of the third series of Celebrity Big Brother has proved the original celebrity reality TV show is as popular as ever. Almost 6 million viewers watched the opening show, giving Channel 4 another ratings victory (following the success of Desperate Housewives) and making it the highest rated show on Channel 4 during 2005 so far.

Unofficial overnight viewing figures from Barb have indicated that last night’s (Thursday 6 January 05) 9.00pm launch show was watched by an average 5.2 million viewers and a 21.7% share of those viewing television at the time. At it’s peak the show was watched by 5.7 million viewers and a 23.6% share. 38% of this audience were 16-34’s and 44.2% ABC1s.

This is almost double the usual 9pm to 10pm Channel 4 slot average, which was 2.6 million and an 11% share during 2004. The figures also compare favourably with previous Celebrity Big Brother series. The second series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2002 averaged 4.5 million viewers and a 20% share across the series, while the first 2001 series averaged 5.0 million and a 21% share.

A Channel 4 Spokesman said, “ We are delighted that following the success of Desperate Housewives, we have had another strong night and such a fantastic start to 2005.”

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

Celebrity Big Brother is an Endemol UK production for Channel 4.