A new study conducted by TV and tech retailer Currys has analysed the earning potential of contestants from popular dating TV shows, with Love Island UK emerging as the frontrunner.
The study identified the most profitable dating show based on the average social media following of its contestants, using data from Influencer Marketing Hub that included a base engagement rate of 3%. Love Island UK topped the list, with contestants boasting an impressive average Instagram following of 1.24 million and an estimated earning potential of £2,528 per post.
While these figures are estimates, the Telegraph recently reported that former contestant Molly-Mae Hague has made over £6 million from her social media presence since her time in the Villa.
Love Island UK was also recognised as the biggest reality show of the past decade, amassing two billion streams since 2017. This summer’s series alone has been streamed 137 million times on ITVX, surpassing the Euros football tournament, which had 132 million streams.
Following closely behind is Too Hot to Handle, where contestants must refrain from physical contact to win. On average, participants have 1.12 million followers, translating to a potential earning of £2,279 per post.
In third place, although with the lowest chances of finding love, is Ex on the Beach UK. Contestants from this show average 1 million followers, leading to a potential earning of £2,120 per post.
TV show | Average contestant following | Engagement rate (3%) | Potential earning per post average ($) | Potential earning per post average (£) |
Love Island UK | 1,237,783 | 37,133 | $3,283 | £2,528 |
Too Hot to Handle | 1,116,044 | 33,481 | $2,960 | £2,279 |
Ex on the Beach UK | 1,037,958 | 31,139 | $2,753 | £2,120 |
Love is Blind US | 679,033 | 20,371 | $2,703 | £2,081 |
Love Island USA | 238,537 | 7,156 | $953 | £733 |
Married at First Sight Australia | 136,701 | 4,101 | $548 | £422 |
Married at First Sight UK | 115,067 | 3,452 | $462 | £355 |
Love is Blind UK | 107,243 | 3,217 | $430 | £331 |
The study examined the relationship statuses of 210 couples from seven popular dating TV shows to determine which programme is the best for finding lasting love.
To assess success rates, the analysis looked at factors such as the percentage of couples still together, the number of married contestants, and the number of children. The findings revealed that Love is Blind emerged as the most successful dating show, with at least one in three couples still together.
The US version of Love is Blind boasts a higher success rate of 33%, compared to the UK versions' slightly lower rate of 29%. However, it's worth noting that the UK edition is only in its first season, while the US has aired six seasons.
The study also found that Married at First Sight UK ranks third in success, with an 11% success rate. Of the 18 couples analysed from seasons 6 and 7, only two are still together, and just one couple remains married.
Both Love Island versions, UK and US, have a comparable success rate of 10%, with one in ten couples still together after the show.
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Overall, the analysis revealed that only 25 out of the 210 couples who were together at the show's conclusion are still together today, resulting in a mere 12% success rate for finding true love through reality TV. This percentage drops even further to 8% when focusing on married couples, with only 16 out of the 210 TV couples ultimately tying the knot.
| Love is Blind US | 21 | 7 | 33% |
| Love is Blind UK | 7 | 2 | 29% |
| Married at First Sight UK | 18 | 2 | 11% |
| Married at First Sight AUS | 61 | 6 | 10% |
| Love Island UK | 40 | 4 | 10% |
| Love Island USA | 20 | 2 | 10% |
| Too Hot to Handle | 19 | 1 | 5% |
| Ex on the Beach UK | 24 | 1 | 4% |
Ex on the Beach claims the title for the lowest chances of finding love, with just one out of 24 couples analysed (4%) remaining together after their dramatic tropical getaway.
Similarly, Too Hot to Handle also reports a dismal success rate, as only one out of 19 couples (5%) have managed to stay together following the show's challenges.
)
English (US) ·