The new series of BBC One’s Amandaland puts influencers firmly in the crosshairs of comedy, sending up real-life mums who make a living – or at least a healthy side income, from social media.
Starring Lucy Punch as aspirational divorcee Amanda Hughes, the six-episode comedy series shows the peaks and pitfalls of posting content for a living.
But whilst the six-episode series may offer a candid portrayal of life as a wannabe influencer – for those who have cracked the code and successfully carved a career from ‘the socials’, there are untold gains to be enjoyed.
Indeed, so polished are some of the UK’s biggest influencers, they’re barely recognisable from their first forays into the world of Instagram and TikTok.
From cleaning creators Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch to television star Sue Radford and YouTube sensation Louise Pentland – scores of influencers have often undergone significant changes in looks, style and lifestyle over the years.
So, can you recognise your favourite influencer before they rose to fame? Read on to discover how some of the most popular social media figures have drastically changed since their first social media post…
MRS HINCH
Mrs Hinch – real-name Sophie Hinchcliffe (pictured) – shot to fame after posting her step-by-step cleaning tips on Instagram in 2018
The social media sensation, who first began posting videos and photos in 2018, has changed her look dramatically
Her image has evolved dramatically in that time, as she’s transformed from grime-busting home cleaning to chic lifestyle content creator – with her cleaning tips a little less front-and-centre
When Sophie Hinchcliffe first began posting videos and photos in 2018 showing how she cleaned her home in Malden, Essex, and affectionately referring to herself as ‘Mrs Hinch’, she quickly won fans with her down-to-earth approach.
Eight years on and the social media star is one of Britain’s most popular influencers, with 4.8million followers on Instagram.
Her image has evolved dramatically in that time, as she’s transformed from grime-busting home cleaning to chic lifestyle content creator – with her cleaning tips a little less front-and-centre.
The mother-of-three’s looks have also changed significantly, with the vibrant makeup she sported in early appearances on ITV’s This Morning – just as fame was calling – now long gone in favour of a more subtle look.
Indeed, the star, married to husband Jamie, has even won a contract with Garnier to promote skincare – and she now regularly makeup videos, showing how she carefully contours her face.
SUE RADFORD
Dubbed the mother of ‘Britain’s biggest family’, Sue Radford (seen with her husband Noel) has soared to popularity online – and looks unrecognisable since she first graced our television screens in 2012.
The star of Channel 5’s 22 Kids and Counting has publicly undergone a dramatic weight loss transformation – losing three stone without resorting to weight loss jabs
Dubbed the mother of ‘Britain’s biggest family’, Sue Radford has soared to popularity online – and looks unrecognisable since she first graced our television screens in 2012.
The star of Channel 5’s 22 Kids and Counting has publicly undergone a dramatic weight loss transformation – losing three stone without resorting to weight loss jabs.
Taking to Instagram in January to showcase her toned physique, the 51-year-old, dressed in a spandex sports bra, leggings, and a matching jacket, said she was heading to the gym after completing her household chores, in what she called a ‘productive Monday’.
In an interview shortly after, Sue said how ‘proud’ she was of herself after embracing a new healthy lifestyle with strict diet and intense exercise regime.
‘I think because so many people are taking [weight-loss medication] now, they automatically assume you are – but no I haven’t’.
Sue and her husband Noel have reaped the benefits of their hugely successful television show and, as of February last year, had a net worth of £975,000, according to The Sun.
The Lancashire-based family have made their riches from filming six seasons of their Channel 5 show, 22 Kids And Counting, book deals and their own online pie business.
Fans of the family have previously accused the family of living lavishly, with the Radfords forking out £7,000 at Christmas alone – though both parents have insisted they are ‘not wealthy’.
While Sue previously lamented being called an ‘influencer’, there’s no denying that the family’s social media platforms have become an integral part of their income.
LEONORA SMEE
Former international showjumper Leonora Smee was raised partly in America before moving back to the UK, specifically Henley-on-Thames, when she was six
Now, the ‘richtok’ Influencer showcases her lavish life online – and in February took to Instagram to show off her Valentine’s Day ‘countdown calendar’ from her older husband, including a £180 Dior ribbon, to her 189,000 followers
Former international showjumper Leonora Smee was raised partly in America before moving back to the UK, specifically Henley-on-Thames, when she was six.
At 18, she became the youngest member to compete as a flat-race jockey at the Magnolia Cup charity race at Glorious Goodwood in 2014.
She met her husband Mark, from Glasgow, who made his wealth in asset management but now runs an equestrian company, while she was competing at a horse show in England.
However, after a serious riding accident, she transitioned into the luxury sector, first working for Cartier before creating her consultancy and later entering the influencer world.
Now, the ‘richtok’ Influencer showcases her lavish life online – and in February took to Instagram to show off her Valentine’s Day ‘countdown calendar’ from her older husband, including a £180 Dior ribbon, to her 189,000 followers.
However, in reality, the concept had not been dreamt up by her husband, but by her astute social media team, following the success of a similar Advent series last year.
‘I cannot believe he’s done this again,’ the influencer wrote alongside a clip of her giggling as she soaked up Vitamin D from her sun lounger.
STACEY SOLOMON
On her way to stardom: Stacey Solomon pictured as a fresh-faced contestant in 2009 during her time on The X Factor
Movie star glow-up: The 36-year-old mother-of-five pictured this week in Miami. Clearly a savvy entrepreneur, Stacey is now every inch the stylish businesswoman, with a chic wardrobe to match
The British celebrity who shot to fame as a fresh-faced X Factor contestant back in 2009 has carved out an enviable career in the years since, with clothing ranges, skincare brands and TV shows galore.
In recent years, she has built a significant social media following where she shares insights into her family and home life at ‘Pickle Cottage’, alongside budget-friendly DIY and organisation tips.
This week, the online star, 36, cut a glamorous figure in Miami, donning a dazzling silver gown after jetting into Florida.
Stacey, who has two sons, Zachary and Leighton, from previous relationships and has three children, Rex, Rose and Belle, with husband, Joe Swash, has won 6.1million followers on Instagram with her wholesome family, lifestyle and travel content.
Clearly a savvy entrepreneur, Stacey is now every inch the stylish businesswoman, with a chic wardrobe to match.
Captioning the photo of herself in Miami, the star wrote: ‘Feeling beautiful.’
EMMA SHELDON
When Emma Sheldon first launched her blog, EMtalks, in March 2012, she could not possibly have foreseen how her life would change
Now, she boasts 140,000 followers on her Instagram page, where she shares an insight into her glamorous life of travel and brand partnerships
When Emma Sheldon first launched her blog, EMtalks, in March 2012, she could not possibly have foreseen how her life would change.
At the age of 18, the fresh-faced youngster quickly gained a wealth of popularity and won Cosmopolitan’s ‘Best Newcomer’ award that same year.
Now, she boasts 140,000 followers on her Instagram page, where she shares an insight into her glamorous life of travel and brand partnerships.
Alongside revealing her ultimate ‘non-negotiables’ for staying in shape and best ‘wellness habits’, Emma’s chic and stylish outfits place her at the forefront of the influencer scene.
Posing on the front cover of DYSON, Emma captioned her post: ‘If only I could go back and tell little frizzy damaged hair Em who got laughed at for starting a blog ears ago that she’d be on set with Dyson.
‘I’d tell her it all works out. If your dreams don’t scare you they’re not big enough. chase them down. forever grateful for these opportunities & proud of myself for never quitting. I need a make up artist & hairdresser by my side every day.’
LOUISE PENTLAND
Louise Pentland, who operated under the online moniker, ‘Sprinkle of Glitter’ and became famous for her pink hair, quickly established herself as a key figure among scores of young teenagers
Now, the 41-year-old boasts a staggering 3.5million followers on Instagram and has a weekly radio slot on BBC Northampton
She was one of the select few in the beloved ‘the Brit crew’ – a savvy selection of UK-based influencers who skyrocketed to online fame in the early 2010’s – and known as online star Zoella’s best friend.
Louise Pentland, who operated under the online moniker, ‘Sprinkle of Glitter’ and became famous for her pink hair, quickly established herself as a key figure among scores of young teenagers.
However, the mother-of-two later announced she was ‘quitting’ her YouTube channel and shifting more towards ‘mumfluencer’ content, sharing the realities of divorce and single motherhood.
Now, the 41-year-old boasts a staggering 3.5million followers on Instagram and has a weekly radio slot on BBC Northampton.
The bestselling author also recently gave her followers an insight into her ‘magical’ second wedding at the prestigious Corinthia London hotel.
Reflecting on her ‘silent dread’ at turning 40, Louise, who revealed she had recently ‘topped up’ her Botox, told HELLO!: ‘Externally, I say how it’s a privilege to age and how I’m not worried at all, but internally I did have some concerns.
‘Was my life going to drastically change? Would people consider me “old”? Is “old” bad? In such a beauty-focused world, would my social media work dry up?
‘I don’t think I’m alone in overthinking the milestones and I found myself in quite a spiral.’
LORNA LUXE
Fashion influencer Lorna Luxe, whose real name is Lorna Andrews, has built up an impressive online platform by sharing fashion content and lifestyle with her more than 27,000 followers (pictured in 2016)
The social media star has been bravely candid about the recent devastating loss of her husband, John, to stage four adrenal cancer at the age of 64
Fashion influencer Lorna Luxe, whose real name is Lorna Andrews, has built up an impressive online platform by sharing fashion content and lifestyle with her more than 27,000 followers.
Before she rose to online fame, Lorna studied English literature and music at Newcastle University and worked as cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic for eight years.
The social media star has been bravely candid about the recent devastating loss of her husband, John, to stage four adrenal cancer at the age of 64
Lorna and John met when she was 25 and in the midst of her eight-year stint as a Virgin Atlantic air hostess, before marrying in NYC shortly after and going on to live together in Hove, East Sussex, and later Horsham and Warwickshire.
At the BAFTA Television Awards this week chose to wear the same gown she wore to their wedding in 2010 in New York.
She wrote: ‘BAFTA TV… a right rollercoaster of emotions wearing my wedding frock but I know John would have loved every second of this and I think he’d be ever so proud seeing me back in the dress where it all started.
‘*I feel very lucky to have had a wing girl in @isobellorna_ to go with, she’s become one of the bestest of mates I could wish for’ (sic).
