Sam Thompson and Ellie Leach may have been crowned winners of two of the biggest shows on telly - but it seems other stars linked to their respective series will walk away the top earners.
Made in Chelsea star Sam was crowned King of the Jungle as he took home the I'm A Celebrity 2023 title. While former EastEnders actress Ellie secured the Glitterball trophy alongside dance partner Vito Coppola. However, some other stars of the shows are likely to be taking home bigger winnings.
It comes after Sam fumed he wasn't allowed to keep any of his prizes after winning I'm A Celeb. During an appearance on This Morning, the reality star shared that he had to give back all his keepsakes, including the iconic I'm A Celeb crown and sceptre as he told hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson: "I didn't get to keep anything! They wouldn't let me keep anything!" Here are the stars likely to be doing better than the winners themselves...
I'm A Celebrity
Winner Sam's best friend Pete Wicks is reaping the rewards of his success without having to step foot in camp. The 2023 series was a struggle as ratings dropped and some viewers boycotted the show over Nigel Farage's appearance. Over four million less viewers tuned in to see Sam get crowned the winner and be greeted by best pal Pete.
However, the former The Only Way Is Essex star appears to have won over a legion of new fans. As fans will already know, Sam and Pete have been close friends ever since they appeared on Celebs Go Dating together back in 2019. They have since set up podcast Staying Relevant and often share prank videos online.
The duo are heading on tour in 2024 with the Staying Relevant with Sam Thompson & Pete Wicks UK tour now selling out in light of Sam appearing on I’m A Celeb. Pete's own income will see a boost and with reports Sam could earn over £2 million per social media post, it is likely Pete could also see huge endorsement deals of his own thanks to his suddenly much more relevant friend.
Pete is able to benefit from I'm A Celebrity much like members of the 2023 cast, without having to take part in any Bushtucker trials or stay in camp.
Strictly Come Dancing
Despite Ellie taking the top spot of this year's dance competition, many believe Bobby Brazier is the real winner. It comes after reports suggest he is set to make over £2 million over the next year. The 20-year-old EastEnders actor was partnered with Dianne Buswell on the BBC show and made it to the final.
They missed out on the Glitterball trophy, but Bobby is set to reap the rewards from his appearance on the show. TV bosses are said to be wanting to sign up Bobby with independent production companies that create films for major TV channels including the BBC are fighting to sign him. Pitches heard by the Sunday Mirror include EastEnders actor Bobby exploring the theme of parental loss.
He was just five when his reality star mum Jade Goody died of cervical cancer in 2009 aged 27. There have also been reports Bobby could be 'the next Harry Styles' after chiefs at Universal Music and Sony are apparently looking to sign the "triple threat" up for a singing career.
"Bobby has shown an amazing ability to connect with an audience and there is real hype around him," a source told The Sun. "A lot of people have their eyes on Bobby and think the future could be very bright if he wanted to try his hand at music." While dancer Dianne believes Bobby has what it takes to become a Hollywood star.
She said: “When I first met Bobby he was just something really, really special – a star in the making. For me, this is showing that anything is possible – and it’s Bobby goes to Hollywood. I truly believe that one day Bobby will be in Hollywood. I do believe he’s going to be something massive because just knowing him and seeing him, his hard work, just the way he is with people...It’s the small things, for me, that makes him this beautiful star. And even if he doesn’t see it now, I truly believe he will be something magical.”
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