Former Big Brother contestant Chanelle Hayes has departed from her nursing position after only 12 months to pursue a career on OnlyFans, according to sources close to the reality television personality.
The 37-year-old mother of two is believed to have struggled with the demands of healthcare work, particularly the limited time available for patient care and restrictions placed on her social media activity.
Sources indicate Ms Hayes felt increasingly frustrated by her inability to provide patients with the attention she believed they deserved, whilst simultaneously facing constraints on her online presence that differed from those applied to other nurses due to her public profile.
A source close to Ms Hayes revealed: “After years of study and dedication, Chanelle has made the difficult decision to step away from her nursing career.”
Chanelle Hayes addressed the career switch on social media
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The insider explained that whilst Ms Hayes had entered the profession with genuine intentions to help others, she became increasingly distressed by time constraints that prevented her from delivering the standard of care she desired.
“The emotional strain of not being able to give the level of care she wanted eventually became too much to bear,” the source added.
Ms Hayes had pursued nursing following various career changes, having previously worked as a glamour model after her Big Brother appearance and later operated a cake-making business in Wakefield.
The former reality television personality received numerous requests from supporters who had followed her since her modelling days, encouraging her to establish a presence on the subscription-based platform.
Chanelle Hayes shot to fame as a teen on Big Brother
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PA
“Chanelle received countless messages and requests from fans who have followed her since her modelling days,” the source added.
“Many encouraged her to join OnlyFans, and after careful consideration, she decided to take that step.”
Additionally, Ms Hayes encountered difficulties with social media restrictions throughout her nursing training and employment.
“Having built a public profile long before entering nursing, she was told throughout her training that she couldn’t post online in the same way as other nurses,” the source explained.
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This restriction reportedly meant Ms Hayes was “constantly worried about her social media and what was acceptable.”
After news of the career switch hit headlines, Ms Hayes took to Instagram to respond to fans and naysayers alike, defending the decision.
Alongside an old modelling snap, Ms Hayes penned: “I did a thing!! Free the boobs!! Looking back at old shoots really got me think… ‘I am HOT! I should do this again!!’ So I did!! After YEARS of being a ‘no… I am now a firm YES!!”
In a separate post, she also hit back at those who may have been disparaging about the decision. “I used to really care what people thought of me. Then one day, I tried to pay my bills with their opinions,” she began.
“Plot twist: I’m building multiple income streams and I’m not apologising for it. Travel business, mentoring, health and wellbeing, and yes—OnlyFans.
“Every platform is a business move. If you’re here to judge, cool. If you’re here to build, let’s go. I only vibe with people who get it.”
Chanelle Hayes pictured in 2007
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PA
Ms Hayes first gained public attention on Channel 4’s Big Brother in 2007 when she was 19, leaving the programme on day 62 after clashing with fellow housemates and missing her family.
Following her reality television appearance, she was voted the second Sexiest Female Housemate Ever and pursued glamour modelling before exploring various career paths including music, releasing a single that reached number 63 in the charts.
The Yorkshire resident underwent gastric sleeve surgery in August 2020, subsequently losing eight stone and dropping from size 18 to size 6.
She married accountant Dan Bingham in June 2024 and is stepmother to his 17-year-old daughter Amelia, whilst raising her own sons Blakely, 15, and Frankie, eight.