Instagram has done something TV never could. It’s made reality stars feel like friends. You don’t have to wait for a new season—you just open the app, and they’re there. In your stories. On your feed. Selling perfume, posting gym selfies, or showing off their new baby.
In the UK, reality TV has become a bit of a star factory. From Love Island to TOWIE to Geordie Shore, new faces pop up every year. But only some of them manage to stay relevant after the cameras stop rolling. The secret? A good Instagram game.
Let’s take a stroll through the UK’s most-followed reality stars on Instagram. Not necessarily the loudest, but definitely the ones people keep following.
Molly-Mae Hague – 8.5 Million Followers
Molly-Mae didn’t win Love Island in 2019, but she definitely won the long game. While other contestants faded into the background, Molly built a brand. A big one.
She went from posting cute couple pics to landing major brand deals and becoming Creative Director at PrettyLittleThing. You’ll find her on Instagram here—she posts about fashion, her daughter Bambi, her home, and the occasional deep caption that’s surprisingly real.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when someone actually nails the influencer life, she’s the blueprint.
Tommy Fury – 5.2 Million Followers
Tommy Fury might’ve entered Love Island as a boxer, but it was his sweet side—and his relationship with Molly-Mae—that won people over.
His Instagram now balances dad life, boxing updates, and the occasional designer watch post. Fans like that he’s not just riding on Love Island fame—he’s still chasing boxing wins. You can follow him here if you like that “family man meets athlete” vibe.
And yes, he still calls Molly his rock (when they’re together).
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu – Around 4 Million Followers
Ekin-Su arrived late on Love Island 2022 and completely flipped the season. She was dramatic in the best way—funny, bold, and unpredictable.
Her Instagram is now a mix of glam shoots, red carpet moments, and the odd glimpse into her real-life chaos. She joined Dancing on Ice, landed a few ad campaigns, and kept the spotlight firmly on her. You can scroll through her page here.
You don’t have to love her, but you definitely can’t ignore her.
Dani Dyer – 4 Million Followers
Dani won Love Island in 2018, and honestly, she’s just really easy to like. She’s got that girl-next-door vibe that makes you feel like you’ve known her forever.
Her Instagram is full of family snaps, baby pictures, and laid-back moments. She’s not trying too hard, and that’s why people keep following. You’ll find her account here, where she posts updates that feel less like influencer content and more like catching up with a mate.
Maura Higgins – 4 Million Followers
Maura basically walked into Love Island 2019 and made it her show. She didn’t filter herself, and people loved it.
These days, her Instagram is polished but still punchy. She’s worked with Ann Summers, Boohoo, and even did a stint on Dancing on Ice. Her followers keep coming back for high fashion and that classic Maura sass. Want to see for yourself? Her profile is here.
She’s glam, sure—but she doesn’t take herself too seriously, and that’s rare.
Amber Gill – 2.9 Million Followers
Amber won Love Island in 2019, and she did it her way. No fake smiles, no drama for the cameras—just her being herself.
Her Instagram reflects that too. It’s got beauty tips, travel shots, and honest posts about mental health. She even wrote a romance novel. If you’re after more than just filters and product codes, her page is worth visiting.
She’s funny, stylish, and actually has something to say.
Gemma Collins – 2.0 Million Followers
We can’t do this list without The GC. Gemma Collins isn’t just a reality star—she’s a whole brand. From The Only Way is Essex to her own shows, she’s been entertaining us for years.
Her Instagram is chaotic in the best way. One minute she’s posting throwback pics; the next she’s selling shapewear or filming a podcast. If you want personality, confidence, and a bit of sparkle, this is her feed.
She’s living her best life, and we’re just lucky to watch it happen.
Luca Bish – 2.1 Million Followers
Luca was on Love Island 2022, and let’s just say opinions were split. But love him or not, he left the show with a big following.
He’s kept things pretty chill on Instagram—think streetwear, event appearances, and cheeky captions. There’s a casual energy to his posts that works. You can have a look here.
He’s not trying to be perfect, and people like that.
Gemma Owen – 1.7 Million Followers
Gemma, daughter of football legend Michael Owen, didn’t just ride the famous surname wave. She made her mark on Love Island 2022 with a no-nonsense, mature approach.
Her Instagram? Think sleek outfits, horse riding, and lots of beige. She’s signed with PrettyLittleThing and usually looks like she just stepped out of a luxury fashion shoot. You can check out her page here.
She’s not overly flashy. Just… composed. And that’s her niche.
Whitney Adebayo – 706K Followers
Whitney came out of Love Island 2024 like a star. She didn’t win, but she won hearts. Her one-liners, eye rolls, and general vibe made her unforgettable.
Her Instagram includes wigs (she owns a wig business), glowing selfies, and commentary on current trends. She’s relatable, sharp, and effortlessly cool. Her account is here if you want to follow someone who’s genuinely fun to watch grow.
She’s not your typical influencer—and that’s a good thing.
A Few More You Might Know
- Olivia Bowen – Over 3 million followers
- Charlotte Crosby – Nearly 9 million
- Kaz Crossley – Around 1 million
- Alison Hammond – 2 million and climbing
Some of them came from shows you might’ve forgotten. Others are still on your screen every weekend. Either way, their Instagram numbers say they’re not done yet.
Why Do They Still Have So Many Followers?
Because they get it. They know what people want to see—whether that’s polished outfits, relatable chaos, or baby pics in matching loungewear.
They post often. They stay real (or at least pretend to convincingly). And most importantly, they don’t disappear when the show ends. They use Instagram to keep the story going.
Final Thoughts
Fame doesn’t fade anymore—it just moves platforms. These reality stars went from confessionals and villa chats to millions of followers, sponsored trips, and clothing lines.
Some do it with glam. Some do it with humour. Some do it by oversharing. But they’re all playing the Instagram game, and playing it well.
Next time you’re scrolling, have a look at who you’re still following from that season of Love Island you swore you’d stop watching. Odds are, they’re still showing up—for a reason.
