The upcoming third season of Love Island: All Stars promises drama and 'unfinished business', but a new report reveals the returning Islanders are signing up for surprisingly modest pay cheques. Despite the potential for massive fame and fortune after the show, the stars themselves are paid a standard weekly fee that pales in comparison to their potential earnings from brand deals and other TV appearances.
Reality TV Royalty for a Fraction of the Price
The new series, which launches on Monday 12 January at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX, features a line-up of fan favourites and former winners. Headlining the cast is Millie Court, the 2021 winner, who returns to the villa following her split from fellow champion Liam Reardon. She is joined by other notable names including series 10 winner Jess Harding, fan favourite Whitney Adebayo, and Jack Keating, son of Boyzone's Ronan.
However, an insider has disclosed to The Sun that all contestants, regardless of their previous popularity or social media following, receive the same flat rate. Each All Star is paid £2,000 per week for their participation. This means a contestant who stays for the entire run of the series would bank just over £8,000.
"Obviously it's more than they'd earn doing a regular job, but as far as reality TV salaries go, it's not that huge," the source stated. They highlighted that participants could command significantly more for appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing or Celebrity Masterchef, not to mention the lucrative fees from nightclub personal appearances and Instagram advertisements.
The Real Currency: Exposure Over Cash
The primary motivation for returning, therefore, appears to be strategic career exposure rather than immediate financial gain. The source explained, "The reason they sign up, however, is nothing to do with the money - it's great exposure which allows them to cash in when they leave the villa." This model has proven successful for past Islanders like Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, who have built multi-million pound empires post-villa.
The salary disparity with other major reality shows is stark. While the BBC does not confirm figures, reports suggest Strictly Come Dancing celebrities earn a flat rate of around £25,000, with finalists seeing their pay rise to approximately £75,000—over nine times the potential All Stars earnings.
Fan Reaction and 'Unfinished Business' Theme
ITV has billed the new season around the theme of "unfinished business," teasing potential reunions between ex-islanders. Narrator Iain Stirling expressed his approval of the concept, stating it was "quite nice to move it into the forefront."
Fan reaction to the All Stars concept has been mixed. On social media platform X, some viewers questioned the premise. One user commented, "Something very tragic about the love island all stars concept. Just a bunch of z list people desperately clawing at fame." Another echoed, "What’s the point in all stars?... it’s just a cling for some more fame. I will be watching tho ofc."
Despite the cynicism, many fans are already picking their winners. Support is rallying behind returnees like Whitney Adebayo, with one supporter writing, "Love Island Star Whitney is officially apart of the OG Lineup for Love Island All Stars Series 3... My winner already." Others pledged to support Millie Court and Jess Harding.
The full confirmed line-up for the original group includes:
- Millie Court (Series 7 winner)
- Whitney Adebayo (Series 10)
- Jess Harding (Series 10 winner)
- Belle Hassan (Series 5)
- Helena Ford (Series 12)
- Leanne Amaning (Series 6)
- Ciaran Davies (Series 11)
- Sean Stone (Series 11)
- Tommy Bradley (Series 12)
- Charlie Frederick (Series 4)
- Shaq Muhammad (Series 9)
- Jack Keating (Series 8)
With the stage set for romantic entanglements and strategic gameplay, Love Island: All Stars returns, proving that for its contestants, the real prize is often waiting outside the villa gates.
