Love Island 2022 star Jacques O’Neill is on track to make a “small fortune” and become one of this year’s hottest contestants in this year’s series, despite stop crying early – and he’s already doing better than bomb Adam Collard.
Rugby pro Jacques, who was linked to paramedic Paige Thorneadmitted he couldn’t “go on like this” and said he didn’t feel like himself when he announced his departure in scenes aired on July 12.
The 23-year-old then got out struggling with his mental health and ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] and next feud with returning Islander Adam as he watched Paige for himself.
Adam and Paige may now be coupled – and loved – with Jacques recently erasing all traces of his former partner from Instagram as she moved on, but the athlete still has everything to play for in his post-villa career as his popularity grows.
Jacques is currently expected to earn up to an eye-watering £69,000 per sponsored post on Instagram, according to the digital agency 10 Yetiswith the star recently over 1,000,000 followers on Instagram, just behind Ekin-Su Cülcüoğlu.
Noting that he’s gained 590,000 followers since his dramatic departure, CEO and co-founder Andy Barr added: “While returning islander Adam Collard stole Jacques’s girl, Jacques is already doing better on the outside, with his following faster than Adam’s in the space of four years.
“He could make a small fortune just from one of his social platforms.”
Lily Freeman, PR expert and account director at W Communication expects Jacques to be overwhelmed with sponsorship and job opportunities at the moment, but urges the star to stick with his ‘niche’ to capitalize on his popularity.
“Jacques has a really great opportunity to come out of the villa and forge a real niche for himself by working with brands that align with existing passions and personal experiences. He really should stay away from your classic teeth whitening or fast fashion brand deals.
“While these offerings will of course benefit Jacques financially, if he’s going to work with lots of random brands, it’ll keep brands from building bigger, more authentic partnerships with him.”
After reviewing success stories from past shows, she continued, “I can really see Jacques following in the footsteps of the likes of Chris Hughes and Dr. Alex, who have made a name for themselves by talking openly about their own mental health issues, working with brands such as Movember and CALM.”
If other islanders are also listening in, hoping to take advantage of their brands in a real way, Lily has another piece of advice for strengths.
“Luca’s background as a fishmonger means he could have some really funny collaborations with the likes of Fish Flops or even Sarson’s Vinegar, and Davide could even be next. Gino D’Acampo on breakfast TV.’
Following the news that Jacques has signed with ex-islander Scott Thomasagency The Social PR, Andy predicted a strategy on their part to build a committed following, but repeated Lily’s warning.
His new management’s strategy will be to build and track his brand as quickly as possible so that he has a solid foundation from which to hang commercial deals. That said, he needs the public to be involved or brands will walk away,” he stressed.
According to The sunJacques is already being courted by fashion brands, TV producers and major sports broadcasters – and sports is something Lily definitely thinks should stay in the mix.
“Jacques has a sports background from his rugby career, so being able to talk about mental health in the sporting world is a very important and impactful message that could lead him and become known as a pioneer,” she suggested.
An insider appeared to confirm this was one of Jacques’ hopes, telling the publication: “All of this could lead to him becoming a millionaire in the near future, but Jacques is most passionate about becoming an ambassador for ADHD and mental health.
“It’s things like this that are close to his heart and he wants to help young people who are going through the same struggles.”
Scott, who finished third with Kady McDermott in series two of Love Island, revealed that he was eager to land the 23-year-old because he “really respected some of the courageous decisions he made to protect his own sanity.”
“His honesty and vulnerability were admirable,” he noted.
“I am personally very excited to help Jacques on his journey, having gone through the whole process myself and learning so much along the way.”
Love Island airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
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