The actress delivers better opening ratings for the show than Akshay Kumar, Khatron Ke Khiladi's former host

Move over Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra is the new Khiladi on the reality TV block.

Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 3 opened with a 5.5 television viewing rating (TVR) -- the biggest ever opening in all the seasons the show has had, beating the ratings (4.4) that Akshay set in previous seasons. KKK3's opening ratings have bested other shows -- 10 Ka Dum, Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain and Sach Ka Saamna -- as well.

Says Priyanka, "I am delighted with the response that KKK3 has received. That the show has garnered a fabulous opening and has had a consistently high viewership, is very encouraging, " adding, "I am grateful for all the support I have received so far."

Refreshing appeal

Reacting to the ratings, Ashvini Yardi, head programming, Colors, says, "After two successful seasons, we thought it was time to refresh the show with a new format. With 13 khiladis and 1 haseena host, it was a risk that paid off extremely well. The opening rating of 5.5 reflects the audience's preference for novelty.

She continues, "Signing Priyanka Chopra as the host added freshness to the format and has helped us garner more eyeballs. The first-week viewership rating for KKK3 is higher than the earlier two seasons or any other reality show on other channels."