‘Super-ambitious production schedule, genius casting and brilliant editing.’
It is no surprise that the judges branded the return of ITV2’s dating series “the entertainment moment of 2017”.
For seven weeks in summer last year, the third series of Love Island dominated the TV schedule, watercooler conversations and social media. The press was ablaze with gossip on the contestants, while 4 million tweets generated throughout the run made Love Island the most talked-about show on Twitter in 2017.
A string of twists – including the introduction of a second villa – maintained a constant stream of drama, coupled with the humour and wit of Iain Stirling’s voiceover.
The series, in which a group of single contestants couple up to be in with the chance of winning £50,000, also featured a cameo appearance from grime star Stormzy.
The stripped series was a ratings success, with the live final pulling in 3.1 million viewers – ITV2’s biggest audience since 2012. Its series average of 2.5 million was up by 1 million from the last series, and lifted ITV2’s slot average by 1.9 million.
It was the most-watched programme ever on ITV Hub, with 25% of overall viewing taking place via catch-up.
Crucially, the series delivered the channel’s biggest share of 16-34s, who made up 56% of its audience.
One judge concluded: “The total package that this programme delivers should be applauded and acknowledged. Super-ambitious production schedule, genius casting and brilliant editing.”
SHORTLISTED
Positioned as a support series for flagship Love Island, CelebAbility was ITV2’s highest-rating debut series of 2017, averaging 504,000 with a 3% share across the six weeks.
Hosted by Iain Stirling, the voice of Love Island, the celebrity gameshow triumphed with younger viewers, with 62% of its audience aged 16-34.
CELEBS GO DATING
Lime Pictures for E4
The fourth series of Lime Pictures’ fixed-rig dating format nearly doubled E4’s average timeslot share for the young demographic, with 16-34s representing 48% of its audience across the series.
A shake-up of the format, with former lovers reunited and the finale shot in Cape Verde, helped it grow its audience by 36% from series three.
JUST TATTOO OF US
Gobstopper for MTV UK
In MTV’s unique take on the well-trodden path of dating series, couples tattooed each other with outrageous designs, including tampons, exes’ faces and condoms.
Tapping into tattooing, a popular trend among young viewers, the series reduced the average age of the MTV audience from 32 to 28 and quickly become one of MTV’s top four shows alongside Geordie Shore, Ex On The Beach and The Valleys.
TASKMASTER
Avalon Television for Dave
The alternative gameshow from Greg Davies and Alex Horne continued to be one of Dave’s big hitters, up 167% against the slot average in its fifth series, peaking with 875,000 as a host of new celebrities performed silly tasks to impress the Taskmaster.
A hybrid of competition, reality and comedy, the Avalon format embodies the tone, character and voice of the Dave channel.
UNSPUN WITH MATT FORDE
Avalon Television for Dave
The fourth series of Avalon’s satirical show, in which comedian Matt Forde gives his take on the week’s politics, broke new ground when it secured an interview with former Donald Trump aide Anthony Scaramucci – its most high-profile interview yet.
The fast-turnaround series picked up a consolidated average of 167,600 across its run.
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