For many of us, the return of hit reality TV show Shipwrecked is already the best thing to come out of 2019. After waiting for six long years, we can’t wait to be glued to our screens once more and watch a bunch of 18 to 24-year-olds fight for survival on two islands in Tonga and Fiji. But as we start the new series, we can’t help but wonder, whatever happened to the original cast?

Unlike most of those who go onto reality TV today, the contestants weren’t already well-known and they certainly didn’t have a big online following. Social media wasn’t as big and as influential as it is now, so after the show had finished, they didn’t have the same journey as our favourite Love Islanders or Big Brother stars.

We’ve done some digging and found out where some of our favourite contestants ended up - and you might be surprised with a few famous faces.

Stephen Bear - Series 8

Many of you will recognise this serial reality TV star and may be shocked to know that he actually made his TV debut on Shipwrecked back in 2011.

Since then, Stephen Bear has gone on to become a huge social media influencer and public figure. In the seven years that have passed, he has won Celebrity Big Brother, dated Geordie Shore’s Charlotte Crosby, hosted TV show, Just Tattoo of Us and elevated his fame on the well-loved show, Ex on the Beach.

Today Stephen continues to appear on our screen from time to time and has an online following that reaches into the millions - something that has only elevated his fame.

Naomi Millbank-Smith - Series 5

Seen as one of the original Shipwrecked beauties, Naomi Millbank-Smith has also had a successful career following her appearance on the TV show.

After leaving the island, Naomi became a regular on both the party scene and the front covers of various magazines.

Now a mother-of-one to her son Joshua, Naomi is a popular lifestyle blogger, influencer and model. With her own blog and a strong following across Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, she has worked with well-known brands including Daniel Wellington, Godiva and Silkfred.

Sarah Jane Crawford - Series 3

After appearing in series three, Sarah Jane Crawford has gone on to become a well-known presenter.

After landing the spot to present The Hits music video channel in 2007, Sarah went on to make a name for herself by presenting X Factor spin-off show, The Xtra Factor, The MOBO Awards and many other shows across the BBC and Channel 4.

Besides presenting on TV, Sarah has also become a leading radio presenter and voice-over artist. Best known for radio work with Hits Radio and formally with BBC Radio 1Xtra, she really is a big name both behind the mic and online.

Jeff Brazier - Series 3

Since he first appeared on our screens in 2001, Jeff Brazier has probably become one of the biggest stars to come from Shipwrecked.

Whilst some may recognise him as the former husband of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, Jeff is in fact now a popular TV presenter and reality star.

During the early stages of his career, he appeared on many TV shows such as Celebrity Wife Swap, The Farm and Dancing on Ice. Today, he continues to work in the world of TV but as a presenter on the likes of This Morning and ITV’s lifestyle show Sunday Scoop.

Mark Byron - Series 7

Back in 2009, Mark left behind his life as a sandwich maker at Subway to jet off to the South Pacific and feature in series 7 of Shipwrecked.

As an on-screen natural, Mark was a big personality on the island and has since found fame as a reality TV star and social media influencer.

Following his time on Shipwrecked, he unsuccessfully auditioned for the X Factor. However, determined to still remain in the spotlight, he later appeared in the 15th series of Big Brother and is now a regular on the panto circuit.

Lara Goodison - Series 6

Lara was one of the youngest contestants to hit the island and her appearance on Shipwrecked saw her come 18th on Nuts’ Top 50 Sexiest Reality TV Babes in May 2008.

Besides being one of the most beautiful contestants the show has seen, Lara has also proven to have strong acting skills as she has now pursued a successful career in acting.

Despite not having any official training, Lara has landed roles in hit TV shows such as Doctor Who and the BBC’s, The Cut.

Today she continues to work on screen whilst also running her own art class business, Brush and Bubbles and keeping fans updated on her Instagram.

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