Love Island Season 12 Star Tipped as the ‘Next Molly Mae’ – And It’s Not Toni Laites

Love Island Season 12 Runner-Up Shakira Khan Crowned as the ‘Next Molly Mae’ With Influencer Stardom Predicted

Love Island Season 12: A New Star Emerges

The dust has barely settled on Love Island Season 12, but the conversation around the show’s contestants is only just beginning. Following the much-anticipated reunion bash in London, PR experts are already forecasting who could be the next household name to emerge from the villa. Surprisingly, it’s not winner Toni Laites who is being tipped for long-term success, but runner-up Shakira Khan, who many believe could be crowned the “next Molly Mae.”

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A Glamorous Reunion and Early Signs of Stardom

The reunion party brought together the summer cast for the first time since the grand finale, where Toni Laites and Cach Mercer were crowned winners. Paparazzi flashes, social media updates, and star-studded appearances made the event one of the hottest post-show gatherings of the year. While a handful of contestants, including Harrison Solomon and Sophie Lee, were absent due to other commitments, the night belonged to those who showed up ready to make their mark.

Among them, Shakira Khan stood out once again. Fans who had adored her journey on the show were thrilled to see her continue to shine outside the villa. Despite finishing second with her partner Harry Cooksley, Shakira’s fan following has only grown stronger, making her one of the standout personalities of the season.

Why Shakira Khan is Being Called the ‘Next Molly Mae’

According to Stacey Wong, a PR expert from Add People, the post-show grind is what truly separates reality stars from lasting influencers. Wong explained that Shakira has the qualities needed to step into the same sphere as Molly Mae Hague, who has become the gold standard for Love Island success stories.

“It’s often the case that second-place contestants end up building more influential careers than the winners,” Wong said. “Molly Mae herself didn’t win her season, but her relatability, strategic brand choices, and authentic connection with her audience made her one of the most successful influencers to ever leave the show.”

Shakira’s charm, relatability, and natural appeal to both media and audiences put her in prime position. She has already attracted more press coverage during her time in the villa than many of her fellow contestants. This early momentum could translate into lucrative brand deals, social media partnerships, and long-term entrepreneurial ventures.

The Challenges of Building a Personal Brand

However, experts also warn that success doesn’t come easy. Wong pointed out that influencers who fail to align with the right brands can quickly see their reputation falter. “We’ve seen examples where brand partnerships backfire and put stars in a worse position. For Shakira, choosing collaborations that match her values and personal brand will be crucial over the coming months.”

The reality TV to influencer pipeline has its challenges, but with the right strategy, Shakira has the potential to follow in Molly Mae’s footsteps.

Molly Mae: The Benchmark of Success

Molly Mae Hague’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved post-Love Island. Since leaving the villa in Season 5, she has gone on to build beauty brand Filter and fashion label Maebe, along with high-profile collaborations with luxury fashion houses. Her influence has extended beyond social media, with her Prime Video documentary, Molly Mae: Behind It All, now confirmed for a second season.

Her empire has cemented her as a role model for contestants like Shakira Khan, who aspire to replicate that level of influence and entrepreneurship.

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All Eyes on Shakira Khan’s Next Move

As Love Island Season 12 fades from TV screens, the real test for contestants begins in the world of branding, social media, and entrepreneurship. With PR experts already dubbing Shakira Khan the “next Molly Mae,” the spotlight is firmly on her to see if she can rise to the challenge.

Fans can continue to relive all the drama, romance, and entertainment of the series as Love Island Season 12 streams now on ITVX.

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