Montana Brown has warned the new Love Island stars to be mindful that fame and money 'don't last forever'.
The 25-year-old reality star, who appeared on the ITV dating show in 2017, admitted in an interview with Cosmopolitan that the first year after appearing on the programme was overwhelming as she was propelled to fame and fortune.
Admitting that she acted 'like a brat' after starring in the series, Montana wanted to remind the future contestants that the industry is disposable when it comes to reality fame.
Montana also added that in the years since her appearance, she has learned to stop comparing herself to others as she sets her sights on more important things than social media.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan magazine alongside Love Island stars Yewande Biala, Paige Turley and Samira Mighty, the reality stars opened up about their experiences on the show and top tips for the future Love Island cohort.
“The first year after Love Island, I behaved like a bit of a brat – people give you everything for free, and do everything for you," Montana explained.
"But you can’t forget that you’re quite disposable in this industry. Future contestants need to know what they’re getting into, and also understand that fame and money don’t last forever.”
While Montana admitted that there was pressure to look a certain way when she left the show, she has also learned to stop comparing herself to others.
She added: “In the beginning I was constantly looking in my peripherals to see what other contestants were doing. Who’s working with which brands? Who’s getting paid what?
"You psycho-analyse yourself, because you feel pressure to look a certain way in order to get the work. As time’s gone on, I’ve learned you can’t copy people. I had to find what I was passionate about beyond social media, and now use it as a place to keep up with my friends.”
Elsewhere in the interview, the Love Islanders touched upon the topic of being viciously trolled on social media as well as their struggles with dating after appearing on the dating show.
Montana's warning to the future cast comes shortly after she opened up about finally finding love with ex-rugby player Mark O’Connor.
The duo, who met during the pandemic last year, have fallen head over heels for each other despite not initially looking for love.
Detailing their relationship timeline, Montana told new magazine: "Mine and Mark’s relationship was born out of the second lockdown. I feel like good things always come when you are not expecting it."
*The July / August issue of Cosmopolitan is on sale from 10th June
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