While many believe that participating in a reality show is a passport to fame and wealth, the opposite is often true.
Sadly, the latter seems to be the case with the current crop of contestants on the long-running series My Kitchen Rules.
An anonymous contestant on the 2024 season revealed to Daily Mail Australia that the going rate for up-and-coming TV chefs was $1,100 a week, just above minimum wage.
The Australian minimum wage is currently $24.10 per hour, or $915.90 per week based on 38 hours.
The contestant said appearing on the reality show meant a pay cut for many, claiming one of those chosen ended up in the red after filming.
“It certainly did not cover our usual salaries,” they said.
‘I think one of our cast mates got into debt after filming.’
Despite the show attracting huge audiences each season, the show’s popularity is often not reflected in how contestants are compensated, according to a Seven casting executive.
While many may think that a participation in a reality show is a passport to fame and wealth, the opposite is often true.
“A lot of people still think that appearing on television will make you rich and famous,” they said.
“It is not.”
They added that the thrill of being selected for the show often outweighs the meager pay.
“When they see their contract, most applicants are so excited to be chosen that they don’t care about the money and that’s what the producers expect,” the source revealed.
Sadly, the latter seems to be the case with the current crop of contestants on the long-running series My Kitchen Rules.
An anonymous contestant from the 2024 season revealed to Daily Mail Australia that the going rate for up-and-coming TV chefs was $1,100 a week.
A former MKR contestant also revealed to Daily Mail Australia that during his time on the show, he was forced to work far beyond the expected hours of someone earning just above the average minimum wage.
“The filming was longer than we were told and there was no overtime,” the contestant revealed.
“We didn’t expect to be forced to be there for so long. Some nights we filmed well into the night.”
“It certainly didn’t cover our usual salaries,” they said. “I think one of our cast mates was in debt after filming.”
The anonymous casting executive also pointed out the disparity between what reality show hosts can earn versus the salaries of contestants who generate interest in the shows for Australian audiences.
“Television is crazy,” they said.
“If you’re the host of the show, you could make millions. However, if you’re the main character and usually the reason people talk about your show, you can make as little as $70 a day.”
A source also revealed that Now to love This month, contestants were paid $1000, but they had to pay for food with that amount to practice.
“It’s tough. We were spending up to $600 a week on food because we were encouraged to cook as much as possible,” the source said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
While MKR stars are reportedly paid a pittance for their time, the situation is worse on Seven’s Made in Bondi reality series.
One former MKR contestant also revealed to Daily Mail Australia that during their time on the show, they were forced to work far beyond the expected hours of someone earning just above the average minimum wage.
A source exclusively told Daily Mail Australia that the cast were paid as little as $70 a day, meaning they could have earned more working a minimum wage job.
‘The Made In Bondi cast’s salaries are more embarrassing than the show’s stories,’ the source confirmed.
‘The main cast is paid minimum wage and I was told some cast members were making $70 a day.’
The parents of one of the castmates were said to be seriously worried that the show would ruin her reputation as a socialite, and the low salary did little to ease their fears.
“He would make more money as a busboy,” the source added. “It’s not worth the risk of ruining the family’s reputation.”