Reality stars’ failed TV bids before fame

Reality stars are desperate for their 15 minutes of fame - but sometimes it takes more than one go to hit the big time. These six stars just didn't give up.

Traitors' star Paul Gorton is the latest to have an old game show appearance resurface - he went on Deal or No Deal in 2010 and walked away with just 10p.

Kai Widdrington joined the cast of Strictly in 2021 as a professional dancer. But aged 16 AND 18, he tried out for Britain's Got Talent.

She’s famous now for winning Love Island in 2020, but Paige Turley was on BGT first, aged just 14 in 2012 singing the iconic Birdy tune Skinny Love.

Before appearing on Strictly in 2022 and EastEnders, Molly Rainford was on the CBBC show Nova Jones. But she actually appeared in the BGT final aged 11, in 2012.

Nathanial Valentino made waves on Married At First Sight last year, having popped up on Geordie Shore in 2021. He was also on E4's Young Free and Single in 2015.

Fellow MAFS star Laura Vaughan had some reality TV experience before last year. She was on Celebs Go Dating in 2022, going on dates with Gary Lucy & Pete Wicks.