Despite being the cream of the crop when it comes to reality TV stars, it turns out that the cast of The Challenge Australia 2022 were paid absolute peanuts to appear on the show.
While OnlyFans and teeth-whitening endorsements may see reality stars rake in the big bucks, you’d be shocked to discover just how much they actually earnt while starring on Network Ten’s brand-new reality TV show.
In episode 233 of the So Dramatic! podcast, one insider dished to host Megan Pustetto just how much contestants earned for starring in Ten’s latest reality series and hint: it’s not much at all.
“They aren’t getting paid anything,” the insider explained, adding, “Just a standard daily allowance to cover expenses.”
They also revealed that each cast member was given the same allowance fee, however, those who stay on the show longer will obviously end up getting paid more.
Apparently, this was why Too Hot To Handle‘s Harry Jowsy declined to do the show: because the pay wasn’t good enough. And TBH, we don’t blame him!
Jessika Power Was Paid More For Big Brother VIP Than For The Challenge Australia
News of the show’s lowly pay cheque for contestants comes following Jessika Power revealing that she felt the offer for The Challenge Australia left much to be desired compared to her previous reality TV stints.
ICYMI: The 29-year-old was initially slated to appear on the new Paramount+ series as part of the star-studded cast, however, Jessika revealed that she was dropped from the show just days before filming due to a “creative decision” made by producers.
Chatting to Megan Pustetto in episode 210 of the So Dramatic! podcast, Jessika didn’t disclose the exact amount she would’ve copped had she appeared. However, she did offer a comparison for another show she was on.
“The pay cheque wasn’t as big as Big Brother [VIP],” she confessed. “But once you get to your third or fourth show, it’s not about the money.
“It’s about getting to do TV again.”
Jessika reportedly pocketed $20,000 for her appearance on Channel Seven’s celebrity iteration of Big Brother in 2021. However, this has never been confirmed by the reality star herself.
Jessika Power Slams Reports She Was Cut From The Challenge Due To ‘Pay Disputes’
While Jessika wasn’t impressed with the pay cheque offered by The Challenge, the OnlyFans model reputed claims made by Daily Mail Australia that she was dropped from the show after being told her appearance fee “would be slashed due to budget cuts”.
Taking to her Instagram Story at the time, Jessika blasted the publication for the “fake as sh*t” write-up.
Noting that she was “once again” left in the lurch without being asked for comment, Jessika called the outlet out for calling the story an “exclusive”.
“You can’t call it an exclusive when it’s a pile of [poop emoji],” she penned. “Stop writing fake-ass articles on me.”
Want even more goss? Listen to episode 235 of the So Dramatic! podcast with Megan Pustetto below!
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