(1888PressRelease)
January 15, 2008 - Ant & Dec are set for a lucrative 2008 after topping the chart of the most-watched TV presenters of the year according to research by MPG, the global media arm of Havas Media.
The Geordie pair, who found fame on the BBC children’s show Byker Grove, were watched by a staggering 51 per cent of the nation at least once in 2007 – putting them ahead of Dermot O’Leary, Philip Schofield, Gary Lineker and Tess Daly, their nearest rivals for the title.
Newcomers breaking into the Top 10 of this year’s report, which will be published by media agency MPG next week, include: Dermot O’Leary, who came a close second behind the dynamic duo thanks to his deal to present ITV1’s rating-winner X-Factor; Bruce Forsyth, in at No.7, and the Top Gear boys Richard Hammond (6th), Jeremy Clarkson (8th) and James May (9th).
After achieving the top spot in last year’s report, thanks to the 2006 World Cup, Gary Lineker has slipped down to fourth position. Previous high entrants Chris Tarrant, Davina McCall and Kate Thornton have dropped out of the Top 10 completely.
While this year’s Top 10 is heavily male-dominated – only Tess Daly (No.5) prevented a clean sweep - a number of talented girls, including Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby, are bubbling just under the chart after being signed to present high-rating programmes including Dancing on Ice and Comic Relief.
Martyn Stokes, strategy director at media agency MPG, commented: “Our analysis shows that Ant & Dec are the new kings of British TV presenting. We predict their popularity will carry on growing throughout 2008 due to ITV’s continued investment in Saturday evening TV, leading to further fame and a higher possibility of success in the US.”
