In the past, only a few individuals managed to transition from the entertainment industry to politics, with business moguls typically dominating the political sphere while actors like Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger ventured into high-ranking political positions.
Today, having a background in television or movies can actually benefit one’s political career. Tory MP Esther McVey kickstarted her career on GMTV alongside Eamonn Holmes, while Robert Kilroy-Silk transitioned from politics to television and back to politics. Notably, US President Donald Trump gained fame on The Apprentice before his political journey, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky was a television comedy star who triumphed in his country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Reality TV figure Spencer Pratt, known for his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother with his wife Heidi Montag, recently declared his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles after losing his home in last year’s wildfires. Let’s explore the television personalities who successfully ventured into politics, as well as those who, like Katie Price, faced challenges in their political pursuits.
Katie Price, using her modeling alias Jordan, ran for MP in the Stretford and Urmston constituency, advocating for policies such as free plastic surgery and more nudist beaches. Although unsuccessful, she has since become an advocate against online abuse, especially disability hate crime affecting her son Harvey.
Josh, known from Gogglebox alongside his family, briefly entered government work after leaving the show and later ran as a Labour MP in Hertsmere, Hertfordshire. Though not elected, he significantly impacted his opponent’s campaign.
Renowned British TV personality Eddie Izzard, a devoted Labour activist, recently vied for the party’s candidacy in Brighton Pavilion but was not selected. Tracy Brabin, known for her role as Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street, transitioned into politics and served as a Labour MP before becoming the Mayor of West Yorkshire.
Before his presidency, Donald Trump rose to fame as a reality TV star on The Apprentice, amassing a substantial fortune. Martin Bell, a former BBC news reporter, donned his iconic white suit during a successful political campaign against Neil Hamilton in Tatton, Cheshire.
Gyles Brandreth, known for his TV presenting career, took a hiatus from television to serve as a Tory MP for the City of Chester. Spencer Pratt’s recent announcement to run for mayor of Los Angeles comes after his home was destroyed in wildfires, emphasizing his commitment to enact real change in the city.