I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here has premiered to an audience of 1.3million, beating its 2015 premiere by 100,000.

According to OZTAM figures, as reported by Mumbrella, the reality show lost out only to Channel Seven’s coverage of the men’s Australian Open final – which saw Novak Djokovic beat Brit Andy Murray in straight sets.

The match drew 1.6 million viewers, down on two million in the previous year, which also featured Djokovic and Murray.

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I’m a Celebrity‘s success no doubt had something to do with persistent rumours that cricket champion and media personality Shane Warne would be going into the African jungle for a series of gruelling and often disgusting challenges.

Warnie was also joined by contestants such as former Australian Idol contestant Anthony Callea, former AFL player Brendan Fevola – who said he was keen to show viewers he’s just “a happy dude” –  and DJ Havana Brown.

The show will see the celebrities compete for a $100,000 cheque for their charity of choice.

The cricketer had fooled some fans by posting alternative plans on social media, but the heavy advertising for I’m a Celebrity had promised “an international cricket superstar”.

Warne’s appearance capped off a long week for the cricketer, who on Friday announced his charity – The Shane Warne Foundation – would close after being accused of donating as little as 20 cents for every dollar of profit in previous years.