Molly-Mae Hague
Molly-Mae Hague pictured with her outfit to the National Television Awards (NTA) held on 10 September, 2025. @mollymae/Instagram

Molly-Mae Hague has become one of Britain's most recognisable television personalities, moving from her 2019 appearance on Love Island to a career as a businesswoman, documentary subject and now National Television Award (NTA) winner. Her rise reflects how reality television alumni can extend their influence well beyond the confines of the villa.

Her NTA win marks a significant moment in a career built on reinvention and sustained media attention. It has also sparked debate about how reality stars navigate the shift from contestants on entertainment shows to established figures in mainstream British culture.

From 'Love Island' to National Profile

Hague, 26, born in Hertfordshire in 1999, first came to prominence as a so-called 'bombshell' contestant on Love Island in 2019. She quickly paired with professional boxer Tommy Fury, and the couple went on to reach the final of the ITV2 series, according to the BBC. Although they finished as runners-up, their relationship has continued outside the show. The birth of their daughter Bambi in 2023 has ensured they remain in the public eye.

Unlike many former contestants, Hague built on her following after leaving the programme. Her social media presence grew to millions of followers during and after the series, making her one of the UK's most sought-after influencers, VICE reported.

Business and Documentary Work

Hague expanded into business ventures soon after her television debut. In 2021 she was appointed creative director at online retailer PrettyLittleThing, a move that generated praise for her commercial appeal but also criticism in the context of debates around fast fashion, according to Metro. She also launched her own self-tanning brand, Filter by Molly-Mae, which continues to perform strongly in the beauty market.

Her profile developed further with the release of Molly-Mae: Behind It All on Amazon Prime, a documentary exploring her personal and professional life. The programme showed her attempts to balance business demands, family life and the scrutiny that accompanies a large online audience. While reviews to the documentary were mixed, it reinforced her ability to attract attention beyond the Love Island franchise.

NTA Recognition and Reaction

On 10 September 2025, Hague won her first NTA in the Authored Documentary category for Molly-Mae: Behind It All. The series, which chronicled her ventures and family life, drew a wide audience and consolidated her position in British popular culture.

Reaction to her victory was divided. Some viewers argued that her subject matter was less weighty than rival entries such as There's Only One Rob Burrow and Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, according to coverage in the Daily Mail. Others defended the decision, noting her ability to engage large audiences and reflecting the growing legitimacy of reality TV alumni within the awards circuit.

A Career Still Evolving

Hague's trajectory from Love Island contestant to NTA-winning media figure illustrates the opportunities available to reality stars who combine business ventures with media projects. While her career has not been free from controversy, she has remained a consistent presence in the public conversation.

Her success highlights the changing shape of British celebrity, where reality television provides a platform but does not set the limit. For now, Hague stands out as one of the most prominent personalities to emerge from the format, with a career that continues to develop in line with public interest.

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