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First episode of Love Island was most-watched ITV2 programme ever

Amazing news for the Love Island team!

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Love Island’s launch episode has scored the highest viewing figures ever for ITV2, according to consolidated data.

It was previously confirmed that the premiere episode smashed ITV2’s ratings records, but a revised figure shows even MORE people watched than initially thought!

The first programme of the new series, which aired on Monday, June 4, had a consolidated audience of 4.1 million after seven days, and a share of 18.5%.

The consolidated data includes those who tuned in to watch the show in the seven days after the programme first aired.

Caroline Flack returned as host of Love Island (Credit: ITV)

Compared to last year’s equivalent episode, the new series’ opener was watched by 2.1 million more viewers.

Read more: Love Island viewers turn on Eyal for upsetting Alex

ITV said the episode had the biggest audience on a digital channel since the London Olympics on BBC Three in 2012.

The broadcaster also said that the show, which aired from 9pm until 10.35pm last Monday, was seen by a further one million fans on non-TV devices, in addition to the 4.1 million.

The overnight ratings for the show have remained steady in the week and a half since the fourth series kicked off.

Last Monday’s launch was watched by 2.9 million in the overnight ratings, and the most recent episode – which aired on Tuesday – drew an average overnight audience of 2.8 million.

Love Island: Alex upset with Eyal for kissing Megan in front of him
There was drama last night between Alex and Eyal (Credit: ITV)

Love Island, which sees hopeful singletons live together in a Spanish villa for weeks on end in order to find love and win a cash prize, has become a hit in recent years for the channel.

The latest episode saw tensions reach fever pitch in the sun-soaked villa, as contestants Rosie Williams and Adam Collard had a row, as did Eyal Booker and Alex George, who are both competing for newcomer Megan Barton Hanson’s affections.

On Wednesday night’s episode, viewers will see a recoupling following the shock exit of Niall Aslam.

Love Island's Niall Aslam and Georgia Steel on first date
Niall left the villa on Tuesday (Credit: ITV)

ITV2 announced on Tuesday that construction worker Niall, 23, had left the villa for “personal reasons” which have not been disclosed.

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His exit left Georgia Steel without a partner, so a recoupling will take place, also allowing the three newcomers – Megan, Josh Denzel and Charlie Frederick – to couple up for the first time.

Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2.

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