Under the dazzling spotlight of Love Island, not everyone managed to hold onto the crown of fame once the villa lights dimmed. Some contestants rose to become bona fide media personalities, breaking free from the reality TV mold to make their mark in journalism, fashion, or business. Others slipped into obscurity, scandal, or simply failed to maintain public interest. DailyMail+ has unveiled a controversial ranking—an unspoken hierarchy of former Love Island stars—ranging from those hailed as the next Stacey Dooley to others who were unceremoniously kicked out of VIP dinners at the BAFTAs for bad behavior. And this snapshot lays bare the glittering yet ruthless world of post-reality TV celebrity.
At the very top of the food chain are Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. Since leaving Love Island in 2019, the golden couple has turned their fame into a multimillion-pound empire. Molly-Mae served as creative director for PrettyLittleThing, while Tommy continued to build his reputation in the boxing ring. The pair regularly appear at elite fashion events, enjoy lavish getaways, and openly tease a wedding that’s shaping up to be the influencer equivalent of a royal affair. They’re not just Love Island’s most successful alumni—they’re a brand in themselves.
Another star who’s conquered a very different domain is Zara McDermott. Once known for her bikini-clad days in the villa, Zara has made a stunning pivot into investigative journalism. With a series of hard-hitting documentaries airing on the BBC, she’s now being compared to Stacey Dooley—not just for her style of reporting but for her fearless commitment to uncovering social issues. From reality contestant to respected broadcaster, Zara represents a new breed of ex-Islander: articulate, aware, and unafraid to rewrite her own narrative.
But not every former contestant managed to maintain an upward trajectory. Curtis Pritchard, once known for his onscreen romance with Maura Higgins, is now a textbook example of post-show fade. Attempts to break into acting and theatre fell flat, and his social media influence has dwindled. These days, Curtis’s name mostly appears in “Where are they now?” articles, a stark contrast to the headlines he once dominated.
Perhaps the most dramatic fall from grace belongs to Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. After winning Love Island in 2022, her post-show career has been riddled with setbacks—from failed beauty ventures to messy contract dissolutions. But the defining moment came when she was reportedly kicked out of a VIP BAFTA dinner for causing a scene and behaving disrespectfully. The incident not only triggered widespread backlash but also left brands wary of associating with her. It was a hard crash from the red carpet to red flag territory.
Meanwhile, countless other contestants—once the talk of the nation—have faded into irrelevance. Some returned to their pre-Island day jobs, while others tried their hand at OnlyFans or launched low-profile podcasts. Love Island may have given them a shot at fame, but it’s also a stage that demands ruthless self-management. Without it, the spotlight doesn’t just dim—it vanishes.
From power couples to party crashers, the Love Island hierarchy is more than tabloid fodder—it’s a cautionary tale. Stardom is fleeting. And while fame from a TV villa might come quickly, staying relevant takes far more than a perfect tan and 15 minutes of fame. Just ask Zara McDermott—sometimes, to truly rise, you have to break free from the narrative that made you.
