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GRACE was the breakout star from Love Island, known for stirring the pot in the villa with her former boyfriend, Joey Essex. She’s poised to make millions, following a path similar to that of Molly-Mae Hague.
Currently, Grace Rosa Jackson is the beautiful new partner of England footballer Marcus Rashford, 27, with whom she has been dating for several months.
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According to a source from The Sun, the two are “infatuated” with each other after the footballer whisked her on multiple dates around Cheshire, where they reportedly “connect well and share numerous interests.”
Marcus appears to have found the perfect blend of intelligence and allure in 26-year-old Grace, who shines as both an astute entrepreneur and a model, as well as being a prominent social media influencer.
Brand expert Carla Speight believes this powerful football pairing signifies a true “meeting of minds” and has the potential to emulate the iconic Posh and Becks.
“Grace has the potential to be the next Victoria Beckham — she’s already well-versed in the industry, which will also benefit Marcus,” says Carla.
At 27, Marcus should start contemplating life after football.
Carla Speight, brand expert
“He witnessed the influence he can have through his successful school meals initiative during the pandemic, so he’s aware that he can utilize his platform for positive change.
“I’m excited to see what strategic choices they make as a couple.
“At 27, if he plays his cards right, he’ll be planning beyond his football career. He’s now with Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s management firm.
“Marcus could replicate David Beckham‘s success. While he has already ventured into sports marketing, he has kept a relatively low profile beyond that, making it fascinating to see where this Love Island connection leads him.”
‘Born for Love Island’
Originating from Manchester, Grace was expected to be the first millionaire from this season of Love Island, with brands eager to collaborate with her, including the retail giant PrettyLittleThing.
In fact, shortly after her departure from the villa in August, Grace signed a lucrative six-figure deal with fashion brand EGO, which her representative called a “monumental achievement” since “no other contestant has landed a deal of this scale right after leaving the show.”
Love Island fans observe a ‘hint’ that Grace’s affections may have shifted towards a Casa hunk
There are many comparisons between her and Molly-Mae Hague, the former partner of boxer Tommy Fury, who shifted from working at Boots and serving as a lifeguard to amassing over £6 million as a model and influencer, garnering 8.3 million followers.
A source remarked back then: “Grace is on track to hit millionaire status, with many brands referring to her as the next Molly-Mae.”
Before entering the Love Island villa, Grace had already set off on a promising career, having modeled for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty line and the online retailer Fashion Nova, as well as promoting Conor McGregor’s Irish stout.
Grace was previously recognized as a co-owner of Social Clubhouse, a social media management company that launched in 2021, as well as an events business called Vamos, though she is no longer listed with either on the Companies House.
This September, she established her own media company, Grace Rosa Ltd.
Grace’s Instagram boasts 593,000 followers, showcasing her chic and bold outfits for 2024 — a strategy she’s skillfully monetized.
Her photos, often taken in stunning locations worldwide, cleverly invite followers to “shop the look,” prompting many online commentators to claim she was “destined for Love Island.”
She engages her audience with posts from picturesque beaches in Marbella and Miami, vibrant yacht parties in Ibiza, stylish bars across Paris, red carpet events in London, and occasionally from her hometown of Manchester.
Being single during my prime years in my mid-20s seems unfathomable to me.
Grace Rosa Jackson
Given her lively lifestyle, it’s no wonder the emerging star once mentioned challenges in finding love, expressing: “People struggle to keep up with my way of life!
“I adore going out and traveling frequently . . . it’s the lifestyle I crave, and it benefits my business. “To sit home alone — I can’t fathom why I’d do that during my prime years in my mid-20s.”
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This realization, combined with the potential for significant career advancements from increased visibility, motivated Grace to join Love Island this past June.
She commented: “This is an opportunity that would challenge me beyond my comfort zone — I don’t date often. I tend to end up in ‘situationships’ with people I know aren’t right for me.”
Producers were likewise enthusiastic about her as a standout contestant.
A source stated that Grace was regarded as “the perfect contestant” due to her striking looks and considerable appeal — she was the ex-partner of The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex.
He was an unexpected presence on Love Island, being the only widely recognized contestant this year.
Upon Grace’s entrance into the villa on Day 12, she instantly captured Joey’s interest, even though he was already coupled up with Liverpudlian makeup artist Samantha Kenny.
During the show, Grace revealed they shared “a history” from their time together in Ibiza the previous summer.
The duo was also seen at a Halloween party in matching outfits as Batman villains Harley Quinn and The Joker.
However, she mentioned that their “intense” relationship ended on “frosty terms,” leaving her “hurt and perplexed.”
Despite downplaying their past connection, the two made the most of their time together.
They shared multiple passionate kisses even in Samantha’s presence, until Grace opted to take Joey for a night of intimacy in the private Hideaway villa.
Reports indicated that their passionate exchanges were so intense that the producers of Love Island, renowned for their penchant for steamy scenes, found themselves with more footage than they could utilize.
An insider commented then: “Considering their prior acquaintance, their relationship has evolved rapidly and is quite heated — Joey is unable to keep his hands off her.”
They soon became an official couple, and Grace expressed hope about their potential relationship after leaving the villa due to her willingness to move to Essex — which had been a concern in their previous relationship.
However, just days later, their romance fell apart as a new blonde beauty, Jessy Potts, caught Joey’s eye.
While their relationship didn’t work out, and Grace briefly connected with fellow contestant Reuben Collins, she asserted that there was no animosity or “awkwardness” when they returned to “real life.”
Grace also gained various new opportunities, serving as a welcome distraction from thoughts of the Towie star, all due to the heightened visibility from their high-profile reality romance.
Now, Grace’s prospects appear bright again with her association with Three Lions standout Marcus.
The talented forward was previously engaged to childhood sweetheart Lucia Loi, whom he met when they were both 15, but they parted ways in the summer of 2023.
The striker is currently Manchester United’s second highest-paid player, earning £325,000 per week — but his earnings could soar even higher if their relationship thrives and they collaborate on endorsements.
I can envision Grace revitalizing Wag culture, which faded away after Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. She has the potential to shine the light back on the women.
Carla Speight, brand expert
Unlike Wags who lack careers and rely on their athlete partners, Grace is a formidable figure in her own right, independent of Marcus’s income.
With his fanbase and her fashion recognition, they could emerge as a prominent couple, rivaling any pairing in the Premier League.
“I believe every girl dreams of dating a football star, and Marcus is a clear upgrade from Joey Essex,” Carla argues. “I foresee Grace rejuvenating Wag culture, which has significantly diminished since Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Grace has the ability to redirect attention back to the women.
“With her experience, she could offer valuable insights to the Wags of footballers out there.
“She could also help Marcus navigate brand partnerships and future opportunities since she’s successfully paved her own way. This partnership marks a true confluence of talent.
“She possesses enough visibility to succeed independently of Marcus, but being in a relationship with him will likely elevate her even more. It’ll be intriguing to see where their journey leads next.”
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