Where all the forgotten Love Island finalists are now after they failed to cling onto fame and fortune after ITV2 show
rocky roads Where all the forgotten Love Island finalists are now after they failed to cling onto fame and fortune after ITV2 show
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WHILST reaching the Love Island final might seem like a golden ticket to fame and fortune and an endless career in the spotlight, things don't always go quite to plan for the Islanders.
Despite most of the show's finalists going on to enjoy successful careers, including some as A-listers and multi-millionaires, for an unlucky few, they plunged back into obscurity just months after their time in the spotlight.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
8
These stars all reached the final of Love Island but quickly disappeared from fame
Credit: Rex Features
8
But what came to be of the once fan favourites?
Credit: Rex
Whilst many dream of the seven-figure deals that roll in for icons including Molly-Mae Hague, Ekin-Su and Maura Higgins - a handful of Islanders haven't been so fortunate.
As another four couples head into this Monday's Love Island final, will they be set for life or will one or two of them fall victim to the curse of disappearing from relevancy like these stars.
The Sun has compiled a list of the famous finalists who failed to strike it big and make an impact after their summer of love in the spotlight.
Paul Knops
8
Hunky Paul came second behind Dani Dyer but soon faded out of the limelight
Hunky model Paul was already well on the way to making a name for himself after becoming one of the world's most in-demand male models.
He was even chosen to be Britney Spears' love interest for her racy 2016 music video, Make Me..., which saw him getting hot and heavy with the star.
So when Paul strutted into the Love Island villa as a late entrant in 2018, it seemed like a no-brainer that he was on track to become a top star.
Paul coupled up with fan favourite Laura Anderson after her split from Wes Nelson.
Laura and Paul ended up making it all the way to second place - just behind Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham.
But the pair quickly split up after Majorca and whilst Laura remained in the headlines and on TV screens, Paul's star faded just as quick as his time in the villa.
Whilst his looks haven't faded, it seems the handsome fella prefers living a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of influencer life.
Love Island exes Laura Anderson and Paul Knops agree to move on in Christmas Reunion heart-to-heart
Paul still models and his Instagram shows him picture perfect at all times with his new long-haired locks.
Lana Jenkins
8
Lana failed to follow in the footsteps of the ladies who came before her
When blonde stunner Lana was revealed to be an Islander on series nine of the show in 2023, she seemed like a ready made celebrity.
She quickly found herself besotted with partner Ron Hall and they managed to make it all the way to second place in the villa.
But despite Lana aligning herself with the same team behind Olivia Attwood, she failed to make a dent in the entertainment industry after her time on the show.
Despite the expectation of big brand deals, Lana's commercial work was limited and it wasn't long until her romance with co-star Ron also crumbled at the same time her career stalled.
Although she failed to hit the big time, Lana still boasts 500,000 fans on Instagram and shows off glam snaps from her plush travels around the world.
She also runs her own home Instagram account to show off her passion for interior design.
Josh Oyinsan
8
Hunky Josh's career hasn't taken off 12 months on from the villa
Despite only winning the show last summer alongside then-partner, Mimii Ngulube, Josh struggled to translate his win into a long-lasting media career.
When Josh and Mimii quickly split following their win, interest in the couple wavered and Josh failed to land any major gigs despite being crowned a champion.
Whilst Josh has managed to land a number of paid partnerships on Instagram after the show, it pales in comparison to some of the brand deals landed by his counterparts.
His passion for wellness and advocating for the mental health of young athletes has been commendable however and earned him a legion of support.
Ched Uzor
8
Ched focused on fitness instead of fame
Series six Islander Ched was another star whose place in the final did not guarantee a lengthy career afterwards.
He found himself in a relationship with Jess Gale and the loveable pair managed to make it to fourth place on the programme.
But their love did not prevail and they called it quits shortly after the show.
Ched then found his own career disrupted by the Covid pandemic and he failed to land any big-money gigs.
However, despite turning his back on fame, Ched has managed to carve out an online fitness business.
Known for his impressive figure and muscly body, Ched has put this to use by helping his followers get in shape and achieve a dream body like his.
Titled Shred with Ched, he has launched the app to become an instant personal trainer to people up and down the country.
Some of the services that Ched offers includes one-to-one coaching as well as personally curated nutrition and workout plans for each client.
Tanya Manhenga
8
Tanya now hosts nightclub parties after Love Island
Like her co-star Lana, Tanya hoped that her time on series nine of Love Island would turn her into a money-spinning star.
However, the reality was very different.
After finishing in fourth place with then-boyfriend, Shaq Muhammad, Tanya struggled to replicate the success of the ladies who came before her after failing to couple up with a big-money fashion brand.
These days, Tanya is living a single life after splitting with Shaq and enjoys a jet-setting lifestyle.
Helping her travelling habit is her latest venture titled Grooves with TT.
It is Tanya's own touring club night featuring exclusively Amapiano music.
The star held her first club night in Manchester earlier this year with plans for an event in London next month before taking it across Europe.
She also kept her post-villa income topped up with her own wig business, called Tay Slay Wigs.
Lauren Richardson
8
Lauren has quit fame altogether and works as a PE teacher
Lauren managed to make it all the way to the final of Love Island back in 2015.
Despite being coupled up with Josh Ritchie, that didn't help her when it came to securing a top career.
Whilst Josh has been a TV regular and shot to even greater fame thanks to his romance with Charlotte Crosby, Lauren quickly faded into obscurity.
Heavily tattooed Lauren is worlds away from the typical Islander, with her Instagram feed showing a much more demure and laid-back life in comparison to the glitz and glam of the usual crop of ITV2 stars.
Lauren hasn't updated her feed since 2021 and chooses to keep her life out of the spotlight.
Exactly a decade from her time in the Majorcan villa, Lauren has shunned fame and now works as a PE teacher and nutritionist.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Yasmin Pettet is left heartbroken as she reveals her beloved cat Miaow Miaow has died following cancer battle
Love Island finalist Yasmin Pettet has revealed her beloved cat Miaow Miaow has sadly died from cancer. The reality star, 24, often spoke lovingly about her pet during her time in the villa, but heartbreakingly, Miaow Miaow passed away from cancer at the age of 11 while Yasmin was still filming the show. Announcing the news on Instagram on Wednesday evening, Yasmin wrote: 'As I've spoken about her on the show I'm sure a lot of you will know I have a cat called miaow miaow who's been by my side for 11 years now. She continued: 'When I was filming Love Island I had a bad gut feeling something was off and when my mum and sister came into the villa I asked them and still felt like something was off. 'Rightfully they didn't tell me because I was still in the villa but after the final I called my sister and she told me that miaow miaow had cancer and died whilst I was away filming Love Island. 'I'm trying to be as active as I can be on socials but am taking time for myself to process this heartbreak. She concluded the heartbreaking post: 'RIP to my beautiful baby girl, you were so loved and will always be in my soul.' Yasmin, who came in third place with her partner Jamie Rhodes, 26, returned to social media earlier today to thank fans for their support throughout her journey. She said: 'My love island journey has been crazy to say the least but I really wouldn't have been able to do it without my Jamie, Toni and Shakira. 'I feel so grateful and blessed and can't wait to see what the future holds.' Jamie, who affectionately describes Yasmin as having 'black cat energy', praised her now that they're back home, writing: 'Absolutely smashed it, wouldn't want to do the journey with anyone else.' It comes after ITV released the voting breakdown for the final, confirming it was the closest result in the show's history. In total, Toni and Cach received 33.5% of the vote, with Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley taking 26.2% - showing the result was a close call. Yasmin and Jamie came third with 22% and Angel Swift and Ty Isherwood placed fourth with 18.3%. Toni and Cach won despite the bookies' odds revealing it was Harry and Shakira in the running to win, just hours ahead of the live final. And fans seemed delighted with the decision as they took to Twitter to wish the couple congratulations. They penned: 'Justice served well done Toni & Cach .. what a gentleman man he is'; 'Congratulations Toni and cach. First American and she won. Iconic moves'; 'a bombshell + a casa boy winning love island - iconic!'; 'Love island didn't disappoint with Cach & Toni winning'; 'Toni was her true authentic self'; 'Amazing winners - hats off to the producers for an elite season of #loveisland'. But it looks like Toni and Cach may be spending even more time together in front of the camera, as ITV are reportedly planning to offer the couple a spin-off show chronicling their long-distance relationship, according to The Sun.
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm A Celebrity bosses 'plan to extend show for another FIVE years as they make bid to film in jungle until 2030'
ITV are planning for another five years of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and are reportedly in talks to film in the jungle until 2030. Bosses are said to be in negotiations with Australian authorities about securing the area of the jungle where the show is filmed. All going well, another five years would take the long-running ITV show up to its landmark 30th season. A source told The Sun: 'The production team are planning five years in advance, which is a long-term approach they haven't adapted before. 'But this is not a done deal with the local authorities and the negotiations have just started to secure the sight. 'They're not taking anything for granted but are hopeful all parties involved will be able to come to some kind of agreement.' Previously, only thee-year deals have been struck to secure the site in Murwillumbah - where I'm A Celebrity is filmed. If the show hopes to remain there until 2030, they will need the blessing of the local Tweed Shire Council. A spokesperson for the council confirmed ITV will need to seek permission to film on the site again and they don't give 'open-ended filming permissions to anyone'. The Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment. Jimmy Bullard is reportedly the latest famous face set to take part in the upcoming All Stars version of the series. The 46-year-old former footballer is said to be returning to the jungle alongside a number of other former I'm A Celebrity contestants from previous years. The ex-Soccer AM host will be hoping to do better than his original stint in 2014, when he was the first campmate to be voted off. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'Jimmy had a brilliant time in the original series he took part in and it really opened the door to his broadcasting career. 'He was voted off first last time and he felt he had a lot more to give. Now he's got the chance to get stuck in again, although he's a bit older so he is worried he might find it harder to rough it. 'His banter is still on top form though. Producers are hopeful he'll have a bromance with Harry Redknapp, who is also taking part.' As well as Jimmy and 2018 King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp, The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins - who lasted only three days in the jungle when she took part in the 2014 edition of the programme - and 2016's third-placed Adam Thomas are also set to take part. Adam memorably took part in a record 12 Bushtucker Trials during his time in the Australian jungle and returned to present the companion series I'm A Celebrity: Extra Camp with Joel Dommett and Emily Atack in 2019. A source told The Sun: 'This will be a glorious return for Adam as he established himself as a true fan favourite through his series in camp and then on the spin-off show. 'He's stayed in the limelight, too, with Waterloo Road and then on ITV alongside brother Ryan with challenge show 99 To Beat. 'It's the perfect time for him to head back into the jungle and affirm his position as Mr Bushtucker Trial.' Also rumoured to be taking part in this year's All Star's series is Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, who won I'm A Celeb in 2016. She is reportedly keen to take part now that she is a mum to show her young son how brave she can be. Ant and Dec's return as hosts was confirmed in February, with filming due to take place in South Africa later this year. Unlike in the main series, participants are not battling to become king or queen of the jungle, but instead they will simply be crowned 'Legend'. The first legends series aired in 2023 and saw the returns of former campmates Myleene Klass, Helen Flanagan and Jordan Banjo. A source said: 'That was one of the biggest entertainment shows of the year averaging 5.2million views across its consecutive weeknight run. 'We're very excited about bringing back campmates from over the years in a brand-new setting in South Africa.'
Spectator
5 hours ago
- Spectator
A mafia drama like no other
The Kingdom is a mafia drama like no other. It's directed by Julien Colonna whose father was a Corsican mob boss who died in 2006 (officially in a car crash although it's generally believed he was 'whacked'). And it's told through the eyes of a young girl. Think of it as The Godfather from the point of view of a teenage Connie Corleone. Or The Sopranos from the perspective of Meadow. Or just take it for what it is, which is tense, brilliant and rivetingly convincing. The film is set in Corsica in 1995 at a time when the island was experiencing deadly mob feuds as well as intense conflicts between nationalist groups. Colonna has deployed locals rather than professional actors which adds to that believability. The cast is led by Ghjuvanna Benedetti who is stunning in every possible way. She plays 15-year-old Lesia – roughly the age Colonna would have been in 1995 – and she's our point of view. She lives with her aunt in a village where school is out for the summer. (I'm a sucker for what I call 'the one long hot summer' film.) She flirts with a handsome boy. She heads to the beach with her friends. After a hunt she field-dresses a strung-up boar. Blood splatters her face. It's expected. It's the Corsican way. Violence is customary, always in the air. Her summer changes when she is whisked away to stay with her father Pierre-Paul (Saveriu Santucci). He's a crime boss, holed up in a villa, on the run from the police as well as rival gangsters. Their tit-for-tat killings appear to have been going on for ever. He adores her but he does not know her. Lesia isn't a talker. She is quietly watchful and sullen but he promises her a week of fishing and swimming. It's all change again, however, when Pierre-Paul and assembled 'uncles' gather round the television and watch a report on a car bomb that may well have been intended for him. From now on it's all safe houses, disguises, overheard conversations, glimpses of Pierre-Paul sending his lieutenants out in bullet-proof vests with guns. He tries to return her to the village but she smuggles herself back. At some level she comprehends that she has a limited time in which to bond. They're on the run together and she must now face the dangerous realities of his world and 'the kingdom' that he has created and that she will inherit. Or will she? Will she be able to break the cycle of retribution? (Colonna's father's father was also murdered by the mafia. Not a 'car crash'. Shot dead.) The film is understated, naturalistic, sultry, intimate, with a pervasive undercurrent of dread while Lesia and her father's relationship grows deeper. Pierre-Paul treats his daughter tenderly and with affection yet she knows, as do we, that he is capable of truly brutal acts elsewhere. How do you love a man like that? It certainly doesn't make being a mobster look like any fun, even though the fabulous cinematography makes Corsica looks stunning. You want to tell them: 'Pack it in and go for a nice swim, fellas!' It's not, I should have said, an especially bloodthirsty film. Most of the 'whackings' take place off camera, although it does ramp up at the end. The performances are terrific – as is the chemistry between the two leads. And I doubt you'll be able to take your eyes off Benedetti for a single second. It's Colonna's first major film and I hope there are many more. He may get to live a long life.
