Australian reality TV stars have revealed the ‘nightmare’ contractual detail that will end their budding careers as influencers.
For the stars of hit shows like Married At First Sight and The Bachelor, becoming an influencer seems like the next logical step after rising to reality TV fame.
However, contestants have indicated that the shows’ strict social media rules are hindering them from launching successful careers on the platforms.
Contestants on most Australian reality TV shows are required to give up their social media accounts while the show is airing, with stars expressing frustration.
An anonymous MAFS star told Yahoo! Lifestyle they would ‘never’ have signed up for the series if they knew how strict the contracts were for the Channel Nine show.
Meanwhile, a contestant on the 2024 Seven Farmer Wants A Wife series told the publication that it was “too late” for her to pursue a career as an influencer when she finally regained control of their social media.
‘When I had access to my Instagram account, I would get tons of collaboration and sponsorship messages in my inbox, but once I took control, those opportunities dried up,’ they explain.
A former contestant on The Block added: ‘It’s a nightmare and the access you’re giving to a complete stranger feels like a huge invasion of their privacy.’
Australian reality TV stars have revealed the ‘nightmare’ contract detail that will end their burgeoning careers as influencers (Picture: MAFS Cast 2024)
A Farmer Wants A Wife participant said it was ‘too late’ for them to pursue a career as an influencer when they finally regained control of their social media (Pictured: Joe and Sarah)
A source claimed that there have been official complaints from recent reality TV stars about the strict rules, leading to networks considering a number of new strategies.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Channel Nine and Seven for comment.
The cast of 2024’s MAFS has been trying to capitalize on their newfound TV fame since the series aired earlier this year.
Lucinda Light will hit the road later this year after a sold-out speaking tour in the UK, and is also in talks to take the tour Down Under.
The celebrant also said she hasn’t ruled out a return to the TV screen and dreams of starring in Dancing With The Stars and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.
Contestants on most Australian reality TV shows are required to give up their social media accounts while the show is airing (pictured: Eliza and Liberty in The Block)
“I really want to be on one of those dance shows where you wear sequin outfits, learn to dance and get really fit,” she said. Yahoo Lifestyle.
‘I think it would really stimulate my expressive, creative side and I have no doubt I would have a lot of fun doing it.’
Eden Harper returned to her day job just days after filming wrapped on MAFS, but she’s also signed up with an influencer talent company as a side gig.
When asked what her “day job” is by several fans during a recent Q&A, Eden replied, “I still work as a recruitment manager in the medical industry. The day after I got home from filming, I went back.”
After finding fame on MAFS this year, Lucinda Light will hit the road later this year following a sold-out speaking tour in the UK, and is also in talks to bring it Down Under
Eden Harper returned to her day job just days after filming for the 11th series of MAFS, but she’s also signed up with an influencer talent company as a side gig
In addition to her full-time job, Eden has also launched a career as a social media star, signing up with the One Daydream (ODd) talent team.
Lauren Dunn has signed with one of Australia’s top celebrity talent agencies, SF Celebrity Management, but insisted she has no plans to become an influencer and instead wants to launch “a career in media television”.
Their co-stars, including Sara Mesa, Tristan Black and Tim Calwell, have also made a series of nightclub appearances to cash in on their newfound fame.