Love Island stars ‘paid up to £10,000’ to plug NHS track and trace coronavirus tests on Instagram
LOVE Island stars were paid up to £10,000 to plug NHS track and trace coronavirus tests on Instagram, according to reports.
Chris Hughes, Shaughna Phillips and Josh Denzel were paid using taxpayer cash to tell followers testing is “free, quick and vital to stop the spread”.
Dozens of other influencers also cashed in on plugging the ads, reports.
No10 has not confirmed how much the stars were paid but a social media expert told the newspaper they could usually rake in up to £10,000 for an ad post.
While those with smaller followers can command between £150 and £200.
The posters were told to heap praise on the NHS but warned: “Don’t criticise the Government or its guidance.”
Chris told his 2.1million followers earlier this month how “getting tested for coronavirus is the best way for us all to get back to doing the things we love”.
He also posted a picture of himself in the pub with pals before the pandemic, saying: “I miss times like these! Getting tested is the best way for us all to get back to doing the things we love.
"We all play a crucial part in helping normalise this behaviour.
“I was worried I might have mild symptoms so I tested to be sure. It was so, so simple!”
The posts came before he was snapped partying in Mykonos, which has seen a surge in Covid-19 cases.
He was also branded "hypocritical" for posting the ad after he was pictured on a yacht in Ibiza with fellow Love Islander Anton Danyluk.
Shaughna, 26, posted an ad to her 1.5million followers on August 17 - weeks after she was pictured on a group night out in Marbella.
She said: “Guys I want to remind you about the importance of coronavirus testing and that it’s totally free, quick and is vital to stop the spread of coronavirus.”
While Josh told his 1.2million followers to get tested to “get back to the good times”.
None of the stars revealed how much they were paid for the ads.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, blasted: “Z-list celebrities should not be paid to push messages which plenty of people have been doing free of charge.
"If these influencers want to help with the Covid campaign, they should promote the message for free.”
A new "stripped back" track and trace app has been launched after the previous one proved too unreliable for contact tracing.
The previous app relied on NHS software and was only able to identify 75 per cent of nearby Androids and four per cent of iPhones.
The new version uses Apple and Google tech which is built into their devices and can detect 99 per cent of handsets.
Users are told local infection rates and can scan barcodes at venues to receive notifications of outbreaks.
They will also be able to check symptoms and book tests.
A Government spokesman said: “As a responsible government, we will use every means to keep the public informed and raise awareness of NHS Test and Trace.
Most read in UK News
"Our use of social media influencers has meant over seven million people have been reached.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“This is just one part of a wider campaign utilising TV, radio, social, print and other ads to ensure the public has the information it needs.
"All costs will be published as part of the regular transparency reports on gov.uk.”
