The cast of Love Island All Stars 2026 are enjoying a luxurious escape from the dreary British winter, basking in a five-star villa in South Africa while earning a handsome salary for their participation. This year's contestants, including familiar faces like Millie Court, Scott Van-Der Sluis, and Whitney Adebayo, are reportedly receiving a significant pay increase compared to previous series, making their time in the villa not just a quest for love but a lucrative professional opportunity.
How Much Are the Love Island All Stars Cast Being Paid?
According to reports from The Sun, the 2026 All Stars contestants are being paid a generous £3,500 per week. This payment is designed to cover their expenses and compensate for any loss of earnings from their regular jobs or commitments while they are away filming the show. With the series scheduled to last for six weeks, this means that some islanders could potentially bank a total of £21,000 for their stint in the famous villa, a tidy sum for what many viewers might see as a holiday in the sun.
A Notable Increase from Previous Years
This year's salary marks a substantial rise from what previous All Stars contestants received. In the 2023 and 2024 series, participants were paid £2,000 per week, which is £1,500 less than the current rate. This increase highlights the growing value and popularity of the Love Island franchise, as producers invest more in attracting high-profile returning contestants.
In contrast, first-time contestants entering the standard summer series of Love Island typically receive much lower compensation. They usually have their basic living expenses, such as rent and bills, covered and are paid around £375 per week, a fraction of what the All Stars earn. This disparity underscores the premium placed on experienced islanders who bring existing fan bases and media attention to the show.
Additional Benefits and Opportunities
Beyond the weekly salary, the All Stars cast still have the chance to win the £50,000 prize fund at the end of the series. Moreover, appearing on one of television's most popular dating shows often leads to lucrative deals and endorsements post-show, boosting their profiles and earning potential even further. A source commented, "Whilst most of the all star islanders can command that for one Instagram post, it’s still a tidy pay day for sitting in the sun and finding love. There is of course the added benefit of the hoped-for boost to their profiles that appearing on the dating show brings so all in all it’s a great opportunity."
It is also believed that the All Stars cast could still charge for the first week of the show, despite a delay caused by local wildfires in South Africa, ensuring they are compensated for their time regardless of production hiccups.
Overall, the increased salary for Love Island All Stars 2026 reflects the show's enduring appeal and the strategic move to reward returning contestants handsomely, making their participation a financially rewarding venture amidst the glamour and drama of the villa.
