There are 13 seasons of the ITV dating show under its belt. Love Island has become synonymous with helping members find both love and signature offerings.
Maura Higgins has become an American sensation since appearing on the show in 2019, Molly-Mae Hague has founded a million-pound empire, and Olivia Attwood has struggled to a career in podcasting and documentaries (and a relationship with Pete Wicks). Success can come as soon as you leave the villa. Last year’s Yasmine Pettet, Tony Lytes and Shakira Khan, known by fans as the big three, have taken their place in the world of Love Island as the new hosts of Love Island: The Report.
With our 2026 series finale set to air in less than a week, it’s only natural that fans have begun to speculate on who could make the biggest earnings once the show airs. From Grafties to Casa Amor, our islanders have spent two months showing the public who they are and, having gained thousands of followers while they were locked down in Mallorca, they are ready to step out into a life that is very different to before.
I wonder what their salaries might look like once they enter the villa? That’s our Love Island Actors of 2026 can earn money in the first year…
Who will make the most money on Love Island UK?
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede explained that winning the show doesn’t always mean leaving with the biggest earning potential: “We’re not getting another Maura Higgins, Olivia Attwood or even Kim Cetinay and Amber Davis. The real winners are the competitors who walk away with loyal fans, not just a trophy. Brands today are buying authenticity and are less interested in actual airtime.”
So who can fend off most brand deals? Let’s look at their expected first year salary…
Ellie Chadwick and Finley Maddock
©ITV
Estimated earnings for the first year:
Ellie: £600,000–£1 million
Finley: £150,000–300,000
Ellie, who went through a difficult ordeal with her partner Finley, became an instant favorite before deciding to leave the show. Proving you don’t have to win the show to get a big payday, it has been suggested that Ellie could make her biggest success this year – earning between £600,000 and £1million in her first year on the show. Not only is she one of the most beloved girls on the show, but leaving Finley has reportedly only added to her “real appeal.” Nick says: “Sometimes leaving without the crown and the pressure of winning is the smartest career move.”
As for Finley, he can expect to earn between £150,000 and £300,000 in his first year. This is, of course, a considerable amount, but it does not quite correspond to Ellie…
Lorenzo Alessi and Julia Majska
©ITV
Estimated income for the first year: £500,000–800,000 each
Fan favorite Lorenzo has emerged as the favorite to win the show alongside serious bombshell Julia. Calling Lorenzo this year’s golden boy, Nick says: “Being a crowd favorite gives him something that money can’t buy, which is trust. Brands love islanders who genuinely like people, and this opens the door to big deals in fashion, fragrance, travel and lifestyle.”
As for Julia, she came just in time. Saying they have the “chemical brand dream,” they have the potential to be breakout successes this year (and our winners too, if early polls are anything to go by!)
Cavan Murphy and Jasmine Muller
©ITV
Estimated income for the first year: £300,000–£500,000 each
From turning heads to sibling intervention, few in the villa have had as dramatic a journey as Cavan and Jasmine. “Cavanagh and Jasmine’s Casa Amor rollercoaster and Lorenzo’s living triangle have kept them in the conversation throughout the episodes, and that fame should lead to a stable paid partnership – even if the story hasn’t always been smooth sailing,” Nick shares.
Tommy Stagg and Yasmin Hadlow
©ITV
Estimated income for the first year: £250,000–450,000
Sweet and lovable Tommy and Yasmin were one of Love Island’s most classic couples. Described as “built for social media”, they can expect some fashion and lifestyle brands to turn to us if they manage to keep the spark alive.
Simba Kudiwa and Angelista Gunda
©ITV
Estimated income for the first year: £150,000–£300,000 each
If there’s one couple that keeps us on our toes, it’s Simba and Angelista. After initially abandoning Angie at Casa Amor, Simba worked hard to try and win her back. Saying they “might surprise everyone” with how their careers develop outside the villa, Nick says: “Sometimes the contestants who don’t dominate the montage enjoy the longest careers because viewers don’t get tired of them.”
Samraj Toor and Micah Harris
©ITV
Estimated income for the first year: £75,000–200,000 each
It hasn’t been the easiest ride for Samraj and Mika, who have found themselves in the bottom three more than once during their time in the villa. Claiming that repeatedly hitting the bottom could make brands “nervous”, it is believed they may have to reinvent themselves outside the villa to become “long-term commercial names”.
Aidan Murphy and Priya Jaswal
©ITV
Estimated income for the first year: £150,000–100,000 each
With only a few days left until the finale, it was an unfortunate moment for Aidan and Priya when they got into an argument. Tensions rose between the Grafties couple after clips showed Aidan flirting with other people, including sister Jasmine, who entered the villa for Family Day.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the pair, who started out as friends, one viewer wrote: “Julia is right, Aidan and Priya’s relationship is fake.” Another added: “How will everyone sit there and defend Priya and Aidan when they are clearly put together for convenience.”
Even though their relationship hasn’t won over fans, Nick says the couple “really can go all-in” when it comes to their careers. “I see Aidan doing some good social media and fashion campaigns and even doing presentations.”
Nick spoke with Mecca Bingo.
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Charlotte Roberts is a Grazia UK writer specializing in SEO. She spends her days covering all things celebrity, culture and entertainment – from movie reviews to actor explainers.