In the past, only a few individuals could transition from the entertainment industry to politics, with business moguls often dominating political leadership while actors like Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger broke the mold by winning high-level political positions.
Today, having a background in television or film can actually benefit one’s political career. For instance, Tory MP Esther McVey started her career on GMTV, Robert Kilroy-Silk moved from politics to TV and back to politics, and current US President Donald Trump gained fame from The Apprentice before entering politics. Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a TV comedy star who won his country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Recently, reality TV figure Spencer Pratt, known for his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother with his wife Heidi Montag, announced his intention to run for mayor of Los Angeles following the destruction of their home in last year’s wildfires. Let’s explore the journeys of other TV personalities who ventured into the political realm, including both successes and near-misses.
One notable attempt that fell short was Katie Price, who ran for MP in the Stretford and Urmston constituency under her modeling alias Jordan, advocating for free plastic surgery and more nudist beaches. While Price did not win, she has since become a vocal advocate against online abuse, particularly targeting disability hate crimes.
Gogglebox’s Josh Tapper transitioned from the popular TV show to a position in the government’s Cabinet Office before running as a Labour MP in Hertsmere, Hertfordshire. Although not successful in his bid, Tapper managed to significantly reduce the majority of his Conservative opponent.
Renowned British TV personality Eddie Izzard, a long-time Labour activist, sought to become a candidate for Brighton Pavilion in 2023 but ultimately was not selected. Tracy Brabin, known for her role in Coronation Street before entering politics, served as a Labour MP for Batley and Spen from 2016 to 2021 and now holds the position of Mayor of West Yorkshire.
Before his presidency, Donald Trump rose to fame as a reality TV star on The Apprentice, amassing a substantial fortune and eventually defeating Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Notably, Trump’s reality TV persona played a significant role in his political journey.
Journalist Martin Bell left his BBC news career to run for a parliamentary seat in Tatton, Cheshire, defeating the incumbent Neil Hamilton. Gyles Brandreth, a familiar face on morning television, also briefly served as a Tory MP for the City of Chester before returning to his TV career.
In a recent development, Spencer Pratt declared his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles at a rally organized by fire-affected residents. Pratt emphasized the need for real action in the city, stating that his campaign is more than just politics—it is a mission to bring about change and challenge the existing system. Pratt’s decision to run for mayor follows the loss of his and Heidi Montag’s home in the wildfires.