But as the net worths of celebrities such as Lucy Mecklenburgh and Holly Willoughby continue to rise, how do their famous husbands weigh in?
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.
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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.
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“I think it's incredible to see female celebrities like Billie Faiers and Stacey Solomon challenging outdated stereotypes about gender roles.”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.
Love Island and Towie stars look incredible as they glam up for Reality TV Awards
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
