The line between showbusiness and politics has blurred dramatically. Once the preserve of career politicians, the ballot box is now a target for stars from the worlds of television, film, and reality TV. While some have made a successful transition to power, others have found the path to elected office more challenging.
From Reality TV to the Campaign Trail
The trend, arguably led by America with figures like former actor Ronald Reagan and ex-bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, has firmly taken root. In the UK, former GMTV presenter Esther McVey became a Conservative MP, while actor and comedian Gyles Brandreth served as Tory MP for the City of Chester from 1992 to 1997 before returning to television.
Perhaps the most prominent example is former US President Donald Trump, whose fame was amplified by his role on The Apprentice from 2004 to 2015. Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a popular comedy actor before his election. The latest to join this fray is Spencer Pratt, known for Celebrity Big Brother, who announced a run for Mayor of Los Angeles after his home was destroyed in wildfires.
British Stars on the Political Stage
Several UK television personalities have tested the political waters with mixed results. In the 1997 general election, renowned BBC war correspondent Martin Bell famously traded his reporting for a white suit and a successful campaign as an independent MP, ousting the Conservative incumbent in Tatton, Cheshire.
Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin made a successful switch, serving as Labour MP for Batley and Spen from 2016 to 2021 before becoming the Mayor of West Yorkshire. Comedian and activist Suzy Eddie Izzard has been a long-standing Labour campaigner, though a recent bid to become the party's candidate for Brighton Pavilion in 2023 was unsuccessful.
Former Gogglebox star Josh Tapper leveraged his TV profile to secure a government job before standing as a Labour candidate in Hertsmere in the 2024 election. Although he didn't win, he significantly reduced the Conservative majority.
When Celebrity Campaigns Fall Short
Not every foray ends in victory. Former model and media personality Katie Price stood for Parliament in the Stretford and Urmston constituency under her pseudonym Jordan. Her unconventional manifesto, which reportedly included policies like free plastic surgery, failed to win over voters.
Despite this electoral setback, Price, now 47, has found a different political voice. She has addressed the House of Commons on multiple occasions as a campaigner against online abuse, particularly focusing on the disability hate crime targeted at her son, Harvey.
The convergence of celebrity and politics shows no sign of slowing. As public figures increasingly use their platforms to advocate for change, the journey from the television studio to the town hall continues to be a compelling and unpredictable narrative in modern public life.
