Richest Strictly Come Dancing Celebrities

How Strictly Come Dancing Stars Are Cashing In on Instagram Sponsored Posts

9 min

Ever wondered how much your favourite Strictly Come Dancing contestants make off the dance floor? We’ve crunched the numbers on their Instagram earnings, focusing on follower counts and engagement rates to reveal just how lucrative their sponsored posts can be. Curious to see where your favourite star ranks? Keep reading for a deep dive into the social media goldmine of Strictly celebs, and discover how these numbers might surprise you!

Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Ranking of Celebs by Earning Power

Rank Strictly Contestant Name    Instagram Handle Follower Count Engagement Rate Avg Price per Post in GBP
#1 Pete Wicks @p_wicks01 1,723,887 4.32% 3800
#2 Tasha Ghouri @tashaghouri 1,444,069 4.35% 2439
#3 Jamie Borthwick @jamie_b10 358,687 5.07% 1713
#4 Samantha Quek MBE @samquek13 222,060 1.16% 914
#5 JB Gill @jbgill 189,632 1.43% 845
#6 Shayne Ward @shaynetward 315,353 0.41% 719
#7 Tom Dean MBE @tomdean00 54,502 10.3% 670
#8 Nick Knowles @nickknowles 301,694 0.12% 609
#9 Sarah Hadland @hadderstime 41,382 6.02% 535
#10 Paul Merson @paulmerseofficial 74,685 1.74% 461
#11 Dr Punam Krishan @drpunamkrishan 51,566 4.35% 442
#12 Chris McCausland @chrismccauslandcomedy 65,751 1.43% 385
#13 Wynne Evans @wynneevans 50,514 0.7% 247
#14 Toyah Willcox @toyahofficial 42,583 1.25% 240
#15 Montell Douglas a.k.a. Fire @montytrackstar 13,324 1.53% 80

It’s that time of year again – Strictly Come Dancing fever has taken over the audience, and while fans tune in to see sequins, spins, and the occasional misstep, behind the scenes, another competition is unfolding.

This time, the prize is social media fame, and the currency is cold hard cash from Instagram-sponsored posts.

Pete Wicks: The Instagram Guru

When it comes to monetizing, reality TV star Pete Wicks knows what he’s doing. With an impressive 1.72 million following and a 4.32% engagement rate, Pete is far from a usual Instagram user.

We actually estimate he has the potential of earning a staggering £3,800 per sponsored post—more than four times the average of his fellow colleagues.

Pete’s success on Instagram is no accident. Considering his scruffy-chic aesthetic, candid posts, and charming persona, his followers are both numerous and engaged. Brands are likely lining up for him, and with these kinds of earnings, it’s no wonder.

Tasha Ghouri: Love Island to Instagram Queen

Coming in second is Tasha Ghouri, a Love Island icon who is no stranger to life in front of the camera—or the Instagram lens.

With 1.44 million followers and a slightly higher engagement rate than Pete at 4.35%, Tasha is another powerhouse, cashing in no less than £2,439 per sponsored post.

Her success is a clear proof that reality TV stars have mastered the social media game to their advantage. Tasha’s feed is more fashion-forward, promoting a positive body image advocacy, factors which have helped her gather a loyal following, making her a go-to for brands targeting young, fashion-conscious audiences.

Jamie Borthwick: From Soap Star to Social Star

EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick shows us you do not need a massive following to get an impressive earning. With less than a million followers, Jamie still makes serious money on Instagram.

Followed by 358,687 followers, Jamie boasts an impressive engagement rate of 5.07%, which translates to about £1,713 per sponsored post.

While his numbers may not be as eye-popping as Pete’s or Tasha’s, Jamie’s higher engagement rate shows that his fans are deeply invested in his content. And that’s music to brands’ ears—because in the world of Instagram, engagement is often more valuable than thin follower count.

Samantha Quek MBE: Sports Meets Social

Olympic hockey player Samantha Quek takes fourth place with her 222,060 followers and an earning potential of £914 per post.

While her engagement rate is on the lower side at 1.16%, Samantha’s athletic background and MBE make her an attractive option for brands seeking to align with health, fitness, and inspiration.

Her content may not be in a “classic influencer” style, but her loyal fanbase is likely drawn to her achievements off the dance floor, which adds value in its own right.

JB Gill: From JLS to Instagram Cash Flow

JB Gill, of JLS fame, rounds out the top five with 189,632 followers and an earning potential of £845 per post.

With an engagement rate of 1.43%, JB is not the most active influencer on the platform, but his fans still love him for his music and TV appearances. His success on Instagram mirrors a common trend: stars who found fame in pre-social media often have a quieter presence on the platform but can still earn a neat sum.

The Power of Engagement Is Not Just a Numbers Game

Olympic swimmer Tom Dean might only have 54,502 followers, but with a good 10.3% engagement rate, he could rake in £670 per post. Tom’s influence shows that having a small but loyal and interactive audience can be just as valuable as having a larger, less engaged one.

Similarly, Sarah Hadland (Miranda) and Dr. Punam Krishan demonstrate that quality can trump quantity.

Sarah’s 41,382 followers interact with her posts at an impressive 6.02% rate, which means she could earn £535 per post. At the same time, Dr. Punam Krishan, with her medical expertise and relatable content, can pocket £442 per post thanks to her engaged audience.

The Dark Horse: Nick Knowles and the Engagement Conundrum

Surprisingly, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles has one of the highest follower counts among the Strictly crew—301,694 to be exact.

Yet, his engagement rate is a dismal 0.12%, meaning that despite his fame, Nick’s Instagram presence is somewhat underwhelming.

His potential earnings reflect this, with an estimated £609 per post. It’s a stark reminder that being a household name doesn’t always translate to social media success.

Montell Douglas is the Instagram Underdog

At the bottom of the Instagram earnings leaderboard sits Montell Douglas, aka Fire. With just over 13,000 followers and an engagement rate of 1.53%, Montell is looking at a modest £80 per post.

While this might seem small compared to Pete’s £3,800, it’s still an impressive figure for a platform that was once just about sharing vacation snaps and brunch pics!

How Engagement Influences Earnings

In social media, it’s not just about the number of followers but how actively they interact with your content. Contestants with high engagement rates, even with fewer followers, can command higher earnings per post. Brands value influencers who foster interaction, making engagement a key metric for determining Instagram earning potential.

Hidden Gems: Small Followings, Big Impact

While the spotlight often shines on stars with massive followings, some Strictly contestants prove that quality trumps quantity. These influencers might not boast millions of followers, but their high engagement rates make them valuable for brand collaborations. Their audiences are dedicated, engaged, and actively interact with their content, making them hidden gems in the world of Instagram marketing.

  • Nina Wadia – 38,000 followers
  • Greg Wise – 45,200 followers
  • Ugo Monye – 34,100 followers
  • Dan Walker – 55,400 followers
  • Katie McGlynn – 47,500 followers

CasinoAlpha’s Insights on Strictly Celebs & Their Earnings

Instagram is more than just a social platform—it has become a business, and engagement is the key to unlocking its potential. Whether you’re a reality TV star, a soap actor, or an Olympian, your value to brands is less about how many people follow you and more about how many people actually care.

As we watch the Strictly stars twirl and tango their way through the season, it’s clear that for some of them, the actual payday might not come from the trophy—but from a well-timed Instagram post.

Anca Iamandi
AuthorAnca IamandiSenior Author & Editor at CasinoAlpha

Anca's analytic skills developed in Generative Linguistics allow her to bring you clear and concise gambling-related content. Her texts will help you understand casinos, bonuses, fees, and rules and forget about all the gambling myths that pull you down. She's a strong advocate of safe gambling.