Australian reality TV stars have revealed the ‘nightmare’ contract detail that is ending their budding influencer careers.
For stars of hit shows like Married At First Sight and The Bachelor, becoming an influencer seems like the next logical step after finding fame on reality TV.
However, contestants have revealed how the show’s strict social media rules are getting in the way of them launching successful careers on the platforms.
Contestants on most Australian reality shows are required to turn off their social media while the show is airing, a rule stars have shared frustration about.
An anonymous MAFS star said Yahoo! Lifestyle They would ‘never’ have signed up for the series if they had known how strict the contracts were for the Channel Nine show.
Meanwhile, a contestant on the 2024 series of Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife told the publication it was “too late” to pursue a career as an influencer when she finally regained control of her social media.
“I had so many messages about collaborations/sponsorships in my inbox when I was allowed access to my Instagram, but by the time I was in charge those opportunities had dried up,” they explained.
One former Block contestant added: “It’s been a nightmare and the access you give to a complete stranger feels like a massive invasion of privacy.”
Australian reality TV stars have revealed the ‘nightmare’ contract detail that is putting an end to their budding influencer careers (pictured: MAFS 2024 cast)
A Farmer Wants A Wife contestant said it was “too late” to pursue a career as an influencer when they finally regained control of their social media (pictured: Joe and Sarah).
One source said there have been official complaints from recent reality TV stars about the strict rules, prompting the networks to consider some new strategies.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine and Seven for comment.
The 2024 MAFS cast has been trying to cash in on their newfound TV fame since the show aired earlier this year.
Lucinda Light is set to hit the road later this year after a sold-out lecture tour in the UK, and is also in talks to bring the tour Down Under.
The birthday girl also said she hasn’t ruled out returning to television screens and dreams of appearing on Dancing With The Stars and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.
Contestants on most Australian reality shows are required to hand over their social media accounts while the show is airing (pictured: Eliza and Liberty on The Block)
“I’m really looking forward to being on one of those dance shows where you can wear sequin leotards, learn to dance and get really fit,” she said. Yahoo Lifestyle.
“I think it would really stimulate my expressive and creative side and I have no doubt I would have a lot of fun.”
Eden Harper returned to her regular job just days after wrapping filming on MAFS, but she also signed with an influential talent company as a side gig.
When asked by several fans what her “day job” was during a recent Q&A, Eden responded, “I still work as a hiring manager in the medical industry. I came back the day after landing home from filming.”
After finding fame on MAFS this year, Lucinda Light is set to hit the road later this year after selling out a speaking tour in the UK, and is also in talks to take her to Australia.
Eden Harper returned to her day job just days after wrapping filming on the 11th season of MAFS, but she also signed up for an influential talent company as a side job.
In addition to her full-time job, Eden also launched a career as a social media star, signing on to the One Daydream (ODd) talent team.
Lauren Dunn has signed with one of Australia’s biggest celebrity talent companies, SF Celebrity Management, but insisted she has no plans to become an influencer and instead wants to launch “a career in media and television”.
His co-stars, including Sara Mesa, Tristan Black and Tim Calwell, have also been making a series of nightclub appearances to cash in on their newfound fame.