FROM Billie Faiers to Stacey Solomon, it’s clear that mummy millionaires are on the rise.
But as the net worths of celebrities such as Lucy Mecklenburgh and Holly Willoughby continue to rise, how do their famous husbands weigh in?
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It appears that our favourite female celebrities are doing it all – not only are they hands-on mums at school drop-off, but they’re also cashing in to provide for their families too.
And whilst you might assume that McFly star Tom Fletcher earns more cash than his wife Giovanna, here, we reveal the mums bringing home the bacon for their families and earning, in some cases, five times more than their famous counterparts.
Here, we have the rise of the Beta man – the men living in the shadows of their famous wives – with one man not forking out a penny for his home, whilst another relied on his presenter wife to cover the bills.
We spoke to Celebrity PR expert, Edward Hopkins, to get his thoughts on the female celebs that are cashing in and earning more than their male partners.
Edward told Fabulous: “It’s important to recognise the supportive role their partners play in this dynamic.
“These partnerships highlight how modern relationships can thrive on mutual respect and support, with both partners contributing to their shared success in various ways.
“Their partners’ encouragement and understanding are crucial in allowing these women to shine and break new ground.
“This kind of teamwork is a wonderful example for everyone, showing that true partnership involves uplifting each other and celebrating each other’s successes.
“I think it’s incredible to see female celebrities like Billie Faiers and Stacey Solomon challenging outdated stereotypes about gender roles.”
Ed acknowledged that such celebrities are an ‘inspiration’ for their young fans, as he added: “These individuals are working hard to provide for their families, and it’s truly inspiring.
“They’re showing everyone, especially young audiences, that success isn’t limited by gender.
“Their achievements are breaking barriers and setting a great example for future generations.
“It’s all about determination and passion, and they are living proof that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work.
“By achieving great success, they are not only providing for their families but also redefining what success and ambition look like.
By paving the way for a more equitable future, they are inspiring young audiences to dream big and break free from societal expectations
Edward Hopkins
“This shift is a strong statement against the traditional notion that one gender should be the primary breadwinner.
“Their stories highlight the importance of resilience and perseverance, motivating many to pursue their goals regardless of the challenges.
“Their dedication and hard work not only lead to financial independence but also show that traditional roles are becoming obsolete.
“By paving the way for a more equitable future, they are inspiring young audiences to dream big and break free from societal expectations.
“Their achievements are a testament to the power of determination and the endless possibilities available to those who dare to strive for them.”
Billie Faiers
She went from being ‘Sam Faiers’s sister’ when she first made a brief appearance on reality show The Only Way Is Essex, but now, Billie Faiers is estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping £4 million.
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The mum-of-three, 34, was initially a step behind her younger sibling as she joined the cast of TOWIE, but soon became a regular member from the second season.
Following this, she and Sam then went on to have their very own reality show – Sam & Billie: The Mummy Diaries.
I think it’s incredible to see female celebrities like Billie Faiers challenging outdated stereotypes about gender roles
Edward Hopkins
After nine series, Billie became the star of her very own show, alongside her husband, Greg Shepherd, 39, – Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries.
Not only has their show been going for six series so far, but Billie is also raking in the cash from her very own clothing collections with In The Style and Asda.
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Meanwhile, her hubby works in the city and makes his money as a ticket scout and businessman.
He has also worked as a broker, and according to Glassdoor the average wage of a broker in London is over £40k, with salaries increasing to as much as £100k.
Although it’s likely that Greg makes a pretty penny through the families’ reality TV show, with Billie’s impressive net worth, it’s likely that he’ll need to do a few more sponsored posts to catch up with his blonde-bombshell wife.
Lucy Mecklenburgh
Despite being part of The Only Way Is Essex’s original cast – Lucy Mecklenburgh, 32, looks to have made most of her money after the show.
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Last year, it was revealed that the star and her fiance Ryan Thomas, 40, had bought their FIFTH property together.
Building an empire of homes, the mother-of-two also celebrated a £1m turnover with her lifestyle brand, RWL.
The online platform offers fitness plans and dietary advice to fans, as well as useful workouts.
The brunette beauty’s fortune is now thought to total £3 million, over half a million more than her hubby, Ryan Thomas, who is reportedly worth around £2.5 million.
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After being declared bankrupt in 2013, when he was hit with a £40,000 tax bill he couldn’t pay, Ryan came back to business starring in multiple reality TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Masterchef.
But after paying back every penny of what he owed, the star reportedly earned a whopping £500,000 to appear on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, and has been in high demand TV appearances and magazine deals since winning.
Reality TV salaries revealed
Towie:
Cast members are put into four pay bands based on their popularity.
Reality veterans Bobby Norris, James ‘Diags’ Bennewith, Georgia Kousoulou, and Chloe Sims were in the top tier, which meant they commanded £450 an episode.
Others were paid £350, £250 or £90 if they were a newcomer trying to prove their worth.
Geordie Shore:
The MTV show reportedly paid cast members £1,000-a-month for their wild antics in the early days of the show.
Veteran Sophie Kasaei revealed the cast had to work other jobs to supplement their income.
She said: “When we first started the show we got absolutely nothing.
“The most we ever got was £1000 a month and we couldn’t survive on that, obviously after tax as well.
“Most of us worked at the call centre because in Newcastle there’s a lot of call centres because we can sell you the dream, we’re very friendly and warm and trustworthy.
Gogglebox:
Each household is paid the same monthly allowance of £1,500.
A show insider revealed the fee is then split amongst contributors at their own discretion.
They also get to tuck into a free takeaway of their choice twice a week to keep them fuelled during long filming sessions.
The armchair critics have to watch 12 hours of telly a week in total – which is divided into two six-hour stints.
I’m A Celebrity:
The jungle show is a jewel in ITV’s crown with a bumper budget to boot. Payments are tailored to the individual, with the greater their fame or controversy factor, the bigger the cheque.
Nigel Farage reportedly bagged £1.5m for the last series – the most in its history.
While eventual series winner Sam Thompson was a snip at £80,000. This Morning’s Josie Gibson is said to have pocketed £100k while Britney’s sister Jamie Lynn received an impressive £250k.
Ryan has previously admitted that he wasn’t the best at looking after his money after apparently earning around £100,000 a year during his time as Jason Grimshaw on Corrie between 2000 and 2016.
But when he became a father to 14-year-old Scarlett – who he shares with ex Tina O’Brien – the star claimed that he learnt to look after his finances.
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon, 34, and Joe Swash, 42, have become one of the nation’s most loved celebrity couples thanks to their down-to-earth personalities and hilarious and real Instagram accounts.
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As a result of their relatable social media platforms, the pair have bagged a number of lucrative career opportunities, boosting that all-important net worth.
And with Stacey in particular having hosted Loose Women and Sort Your Life Out, it appears that the mum-of-five, 34, is a force to be reckoned with.
Their achievements are breaking barriers and setting a great example for future generations
Edward Hopkins
Early in 2024, it was revealed that the DIY savvy mum, who shot to fame following The X Factor, was making a whopping £3 million a year, averaging out to around £58,000 a week.
As a result, Stacey was able to splash out a massive £1.2million on Pickle Cottage – and Joe didn’t put in a penny.
It was reported that Stacey, who is estimated to be worth around £5 million, solely stumped up the cash for their Tudor-style Essex property, which is set in 2.5 acres and boasts an outdoor swimming pool.
Everything to know about Stacey Solomon
It’s not known why Stacey went alone in the purchase of their dream home, but her ex-EastEnders actor partner Joe is reportedly worth over £1 million.
After leaving EastEnders as Mickey Miller back in 2008, Joe went on to appear in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! where he was crowned the winner.
Not only did he present the spin-off show Celebrity Extra Camp for ten years, he also took part in the All Stars spin-off in 2023.
But despite his success, Joe has declared bankruptcy twice, once in 2009 and once in 2013.
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Where Stacey is concerned, thanks to her investment in small businesses and of course, her ASDA collection, the 34-year-old has made a name for herself as a mummy influencer as well as a DIY specialist.
Stacey’s main firm, Key Map Entertainments, is worth just shy of £3 million – and she’s also branched out into cosmetics.
She registered the company Belle & Rose Ltd, named after her youngest two daughters.
Ferne McCann
Ferne McCann, 34, has been in the showbiz industry for over a decade, when she made her TOWIE debut in the ninth series, back in 2013.
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Since then, Ferne’s net worth has accumulated steadily, after landing various brand deals and TV opportunities away from TOWIE.
Not only this, but she also came third on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015, with plenty more lucrative deals continuing to land in the star’s lap.
After welcoming her first child, Sunday, back in 2017, the Essex star filmed her own reality TV show Ferne McCann: First Time Mum for ITVBe, which has since been titled Ferne McCann: My Family & Me.
As well as raking in cash through her reality show, the star, who previously told The Sun that she has “many strings to my bow”, has also done a variety of sponsorship deals, including a £200k deal with the fashion line MissPap and a Poundland beauty range worth tens of thousands.
With three million Instagram followers, Ferne can also demand up to £8,800 per post, according to Influencer Marketing Hub, and has worked with everyone from Gordon’s Gin and Cadbury to Asda’s clothing company George.
Ferne’s most recent venture is Shoorah, and as a result, is worth a whopping £5.5 million.
Highest-paid celebs who appeared on reality TV
CELEBRITIES can earn eye-watering sums by appearing on reality TV shows – here we reveal some of the highest earners.
Politician Nigel Farage bagged a staggering £1.5million sign-on fee for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! last year and lasted 23 days.
Rapper Ray J was reportedly offered £810,000 to appear on Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) in 2017 but left after seven days.
Stormy Daniels was rumoured to have been offered £750k to appear on CBB only to not show up and pull out of the show before going in. She claimed to have pulled out due to a custody battle for her daughter making her feel “uncomfortable” about going on TV
Former Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallet was reportedly paid £750,000 to appear on CBB in 2018. She quit the show after falsely claiming fellow housemate Ryan Thomas had punched her.
TV presenter Noel Edmonds was paid £600,000 to appear on I’m A Celebrity in 2018, which was then the highest fee offered, but was voted out by the public first.
David Gest lasted 13 days in the CBB house despite reportedly being paid £600,000. He pulled out due to ‘medical reasons’ on the 2016 show
Meanwhile, her partner, Lorri Haines, 33, who has featured on her family reality show, works as a real estate agent.
According to his Instagram, Lorri is also an entrepreneur and part-time jeweller, boasting an impressive collection of Rolex watches as well as a Ferrari.
According to company records, Lorri Christopher Haines ran firms Rex Global Ltd and Tungo Ltd, a media technology start-up, but has since resigned from these roles.
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Since 2020, the businessman has been an investor for Capsa Funds and he was also the founding executive director at Infinity Bracelet for over four years, until 2019.
He is now the CEO of Shoorah, the couple’s mental health and wellbeing tech start-up, and according to 44bars, is estimated to be worth just half a million behind Ferne, at £5 million.
Holly Willoughby
From children’s TV to presenting gigs, Holly Willoughby, 43, has been gracing our TV screens for nearly two decades.
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She’s hosted an array of popular TV programmes, from This Morning, to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity Juice and Dancing on Ice.
Not only does she have her own book, Reflections, but she has also launched a new career project with her lifestyle brand WYLDE MOON.
According to the mother, the brand is ‘a space full of things that I love and people that inspire me… from beauty and fashion, to energy and healing.’
Meanwhile, her husband, Dan Baldwin, a 49-year-old TV producer, has worked on a number of hit television shows including Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad and Virtually Famous.
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He is also the producer behind the hit game show The Wheel and also worked on Celebrity Juice, which Holly also took part in.
Dan even launched his own media production company, Hungry Bear Media, which he is the managing director of.
Whilst the couple, who live in a £3 million home in South West London, tend to keep their private lives very low-key, it is estimated that Holly’s net worth is around £10 million, whilst her husband is worth around £2.5 million.
Emma Willis
Emma Willis, 48, landed her first big presenting job in 2002, and after that, went on to guest host CD:UK, This Morning and Loose Women.
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By 2014, Emma had made a name for herself in the television world having co-presented shows such as the ITV2 spin-off series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! NOW!.
She then replaced Brian Dowling as the presenter of Big Brother after producers believed she was the real successor to Davina McCall.
In 2015, Emma was announced as the host of The Voice UK and The Voice Kids.
In October 2018 she even had her own show, as she trained at Princess Alexandra Hospital’s busy maternity ward for a show called Delivering Babies on the W Channel.
Not only does she host This Morning from time to time, but she also won Celebrity Bake Off in 2022.
As a result, Emma, who is now presenting Love Is Blind alongside her hubby, is worth an estimated £6.5 million.
Matt and Emma on Love Is Blind
EMMA WILLIS and her husband Matt are the latest couple to present a TV show together – but unlike some telly spouses, they won’t be chatting to celebs on a sofa.
They are fronting new dating programme Love Is Blind — and the title seems ironic to Matt, who first met presenter Emma when he was in chart-topping band Busted.
He said with a laugh: “Love wasn’t blind for me. I was like, ‘That’s the fit girl from MTV, I’m going to go straight for that!’.”
Matt, 41, admits he felt like he was punching above his weight with the former model, now 48.
He added: “I’ve always felt like that. I knew from very early on in my relationship, ‘I’m going to grab on for dear life’. And I’ve managed to stick it out for 20 years. We’re quite soppy these days.”
It sounds like Emma was just as bowled over.
She said: “I would have fallen in love with Matt’s personality. But obviously the way somebody looks is going to play a part in it.
“Yes, when you see someone, you need to be attracted to them.
“But the concept of Love Is Blind is seeing if that emotional connection has more longevity than just a physical one that might fizzle out.”
The Netflix dating show is a global smash hit following six series in the US — hosted by married couple Nick and Vanessa Lachey — as well as versions in other countries.
Producers were said to be considering Chris and Rosie Ramsey, as well as Rochelle and Marvin Humes, to present the UK edition.
But Matt and Emma are the perfect choice — because they know romance can be a real roller coaster ride.
Producers were said to be considering Chris and Rosie Ramsey, as well as Rochelle and Marvin Humes, to present the UK edition.
But Matt and Emma are the perfect choice — because they know romance can be a real roller coaster ride.
“With any relationship, when things are good, things are good. But when things hit tough times, or when there’s a rock in the road, that’s when the real test happens.”
Emma added: “Everybody faces a bump. But how big that bump is and how they navigate those bumps are all different.
“Patience, give and take and being able to communicate are all key.”
Matt admitted to a magazine: “I put her through the wringer for a number of years. I came out of that rehab centre three days before we got married.
“She hadn’t said, ‘I’m not going to marry you’. But I knew that was on the cards.”
Emma added: “He had to make a choice. I didn’t want to leave, but I also couldn’t let it be my life, or the life of any kids we might have. Thank f*** he sorted himself out.”
Emma has since had three children with Matt — Isabelle in 2009, Ace in 2011 and Trixie in 2014.
While Matt still plays with Busted, who enjoyed a sell-out 20th anniversary tour last year, The Voice host Emma remains one of TV’s most popular presenters.
Working together on screen, though, is a full-circle moment after their first collaboration on jungle spin-off I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! NOW! in 2007, when Emma was pregnant with Isabelle.
She said: “People have always asked us over the years, ‘Do you think you’d ever do anything together?’.
“And we’ve always said we would if it made sense.
“But then Netflix just approached us and went, ‘What about this?’. And we’re like, ‘Oh, that kind of seems fitting. It’s an absolute yes from us’.”
On Love Is Blind, pairs of singletons sit either side of a pane of frosted glass.
Unable to see each other, they form connections through conversation alone — and after falling in love, some go on to propose.
Only then are they allowed to meet face to face, before going on a luxury holiday and later moving in together.
After just one month there’s a wedding day, when the bride and groom have the chance to say “I do” — or “I don’t”.
Emma said: “We want to intervene all the time, but we’re not allowed. All the way along, we asked, ‘Can we go and chat to them about that?’. And they’re like, ‘No’.
“‘Can I meet the families?’. ‘No’. ‘Can we go to the weddings?’. ‘No’.
“But I get it. Because I think if you want the relationship to work, and for them to thrive, you want it to remain in that bubble for as long as possible.”
Matt said: “I haven’t been on a date since I was 21. I’m 41 now, so the thought of doing it would just be strange.”
Emma added with a laugh: “Even online dating just seems like an absolutely bonkers concept.
“Me and Matt are so old that our relationship pre-dated apps.”
Although the net worth of Busted star Matt Willis, 41, is not publicly available, he previously opened up on relying on Emma financially.
Back in 2021, speaking on his When No One’s Watching podcast with comedian Matt Richardson, Matt made the surprising admission that after a difficult 12 months without a lot of work due to the pandemic, he was relying on Emma to foot the bill.
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The father admitted: “This year I’ve not paid towards anything this year, like I am a kept man, it’s brilliant.”
Speaking to Cosmopolitan magazine in 2018, Emma opened up on supporting her spouse financially, as she said: “Matt and I have always had phases where we support each other.
“We have savings and I’m working, so it works. I say, ‘Go to your acting class and get really f**king good, because one day I won’t have a job and you’re going to have to support me!”
Giovanna Fletcher
Whilst many people knew Tom Fletcher, 39, before they began to recognise his wife, Giovanna Fletcher, 39, it appears that the busy mum-of-three is actually cashing in more than her McFly husband.
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The star, whose brother is TOWIE star Mario Falcone, has been a YouTube star since 2011, and she has since amassed 184,000 subscribers on the platform.
She also has several books to her name, including Always With Love, Dream A Little Christmas Dream and Letters On Motherhood.
She’s most well-known for her being a podcast host of Happy Mum, Happy Baby, whereby she has a string of famous guests, including Kate Middleton and Kate Ferdinand.
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Giovanna was then thrown into the living rooms of many up and down the country, when she starred in series 20 of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, in 2020, whereby she was crowned winner.
As a result of her hard work, Giovanna reportedly has a net worth of £5 million, whilst her husband, English musician, composer, author and vlogger, is thought to be worth an estimated £3.5 million.
Tom shot to fame in the boy band McFly, where he wrote 10 UK number-one singles and 21 top-ten singles.
He is now one of the UK’s bestselling authors for children, with his books, including The Christmasaurus, The Creakers and There’s a Monster in Your Book.