The lure of Love Island
Is the hit show about finding true love – or £££ in the bank?
Tens of thousands of hopefuls applied for this year’s Love Island, which sees sexy singles couple up to win the public vote. This year, there are two series, such is the show’s success, with the first Winter Love Island already underway and making headlines.
Controversy started before the series even started when host Caroline Flack stepped down in December after being charged with assault. She’s been replaced by Laura Whitmore. Already, things in the new South African villa are looking interesting.
Coupled up Mike and Leanne seem solid and could go far – while Callum and Shaughna are the biggest characters (who could forget Shaughna declaring she was ‘marking her territory’ when she leaned in for a smooch!).
Paige Turley and Sophie Piper also stand out. Paige – an ex of hit singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi – appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012, and you could say Sophie has a head-start as sister of TV presenter, Rochelle Humes.
But what’s the big draw (apart from a serious suntan and the £50k winners’ prize)? Is this genetically blessed lot in it for love, or to boost their bank account? It clearly wasn’t enough for posh boy Ollie Williams, who left last week, realising he was still ‘in love’ with his ex – though getting slammed after his ‘trophy hunting’ pictures emerged might be another reason.
‘Show mances’ aside, some Love Island relationships have lasted the course – like 2016 runners-up Olivia and Alex Bowen, who have their own reality show. Last year’s Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard – currently starring in primetime shows Dancing On Ice and The Greatest Dancer respectively, are still together, and runners-up Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are, despite a few hiccups, still an item.
Either way, looking at previous series, it’s clear why a coveted spot is like hitting the jackpot. Many past stars were scouted on Instagram and already had a healthy fanbase, making a living from social media posts – which skyrocket after they star on the show.
In monetary terms, influencer Molly Mae is the number one Love Islander of all time. Boasting 3.5 million Instagram followers, according to Odds Monkey, she receives £15,000 per post. Her fella, boxer Tommy, saw his followers jump to just under three million.
Second most successful female is Dani Dyer – EastEnder Danny’s daughter, the 2018 winner alongside her now ex, Jack Fincham.
So, what of the cast of 2020? It would be naïve not to imagine that this year’s perma-tanned crew are hoping to not only to find ‘the One’ under that sizzling African sun, but seriously boost their social media profile – so when they leave, they can sit back and watch the pounds, the sponsorship deals and the celebrity party invites roll in... Love Island is on ITV2 nightly at 9pm.