Last night Love Island launched with its highest ratings in two years.
The show was watched by 2.2 million people (average 1.9 million) across all devices making it the highest launch audience since Summer 2022.
Meanwhile, with 400k and a 36% share of 16-34s, the show commanded the highest audience of the day in this demographic.
Since debuting on screens in 2015, Love Island has reached 36 million people, making it the biggest reality show of the past decade.
Additionally, since 2017, Love Island and all its affiliated shows have been streamed a massive 2 billion times.
It has also been the most watched programme of the day for the 16-34 demographic just under 400 times.
Episode 2
In tonight’s episode, we see the Villa is left shocked at the arrival of Love Island’s first celebrity contestant, reality royalty Joey Essex. Nicole says, “No, this isn’t happening!”
Maya assures the Islanders: “He’s not a passing visit, he’s actually here.”
Joey replies: “Staying here for good baby.”
Episode 2
Maya says, “Joey, you have six gorgeous girls in front of you. Do you like what you see?”
Joey says, “I do like what I see.”
Maya says, “Anyone giving you a little twinkle in your eye yet?”
Episode 2
Joey says, “Yeah course. I can see a little twinkle in someone’s eye for sure.”
Maya then says, “Joey, in 24 hours you will have the opportunity to steal one of these beautiful girls.”
Speaking in the Beach Hut, Mimii says, “Joey Essex might be the biggest plot twist to happen on Love Island.”
Episode 2
The girls waste no time in getting together for a debrief on tonight’s events. Nicole says, “Girls. Hands up if you fancy Joey Essex.”
But which of the girls are interested in getting to know Joey more?
It’s time for the first Love Island game of the series – a classic game of dares with a twist. Each Islander will pick a phone out of the box and whoever’s phone it is will have to complete a dare.
Episode 2
Mimii is dared to snog the Islander she’d rather be coupled up with. Mimii heads over to Ayo and the pair lock lips. Reflecting on the kiss in the Beach Hut, Mimii says, “I’ll give him his accolades – it was a good kiss.”
Harriett is soon dared to perform a lap dance for an Islander choosing current partner Ciaran and ending her performance by planting a kiss on his lips.
New arrival Joey is dared to kiss three Islanders of his choice and chooses Samantha, Harriett and Nicole to snog.
Episode 2
Samantha is dared to kiss the Islander who she had an instant connection with and wastes no time in leaning in for a smooch with Ronnie.
Ronnie is then dared to kiss the two Islanders who he thinks has the best bodies choosing Jess and Harriett, leaving Samantha less than impressed.
Jess and Ronnie head to the terrace for a chat.
Episode 2
Jess says, “I’m happy with how things are going. I’m not going to complain.”
Ronnie says, “First kiss done.”
Jess says, “What do you rate it out of ten?”
Episode 2
Ronnie says, “9.6.”
Jess says, “What was the room for improvement?”
Ronnie says, “I don’t know. Do you want to see now?”
Episode 2
The pair then share a kiss. Could this be the start of a blossoming romance or have Jess or Ronnie got eyes for other Islanders?
It’s a new day in the Villa and Joey is keen to get to know all the girls more.
Jess and Mimii ask Joey what his game plan is for the day. Joey says, “My game plan is just to get to know everyone really, I want to get to know all the girls on a personal level and who I vibe with most.”
Episode 2
Mimii asks, “Who are your top three?”
Joey says, “Obviously, I’ve got to keep my cards close to my chest.”
Later that evening the Islanders gather around the fire pit. Joey receives a text which reads, “Joey, it’s now time to make your decision.”
Episode 2
Joey says, “It’s obviously been tough because I have got to know all of you girls on a nice level. And obviously got to know all you boys on a cool level – I feel like we’re tight and we’re getting on well but this is Love Island….”
Who will Joey decide to couple up with?
