Former EastEnders Star Unveils Jaw-Dropping Earnings: A Look Back at the Show's Generous Pay Scale
In a recent podcast appearance, a former EastEnders star has revealed the eye-watering earnings actors once received per episode on the beloved BBC soap. This stunning revelation has sparked curiosity among fans, especially considering the current stars' earnings are rumored to be lower due to recent scheduling changes.
Rory Jennings, who played the troubled teen Craig Dixon in 2007, shared his experience on The Fellas podcast. He disclosed that he earned a substantial £1,000 per episode, with the potential to double that amount if the episode was included in the omnibus repeat. Jennings explained the concept of the omnibus, which aired on Sundays, providing a second chance for viewers to catch up on the week's episodes.
"It worked out to £1,000 per episode, but remember, this was back in the day with the Sunday repeat," Jennings said. "You had the Omnibus on Sundays, which was essentially a second chance for those who might have been hungover from the week's episodes."
The actor further clarified that actors received 80% of their salary again for the Sunday omnibus repeat, resulting in an additional £1,000 per episode. This meant that actors could theoretically earn £4,000 per week if they appeared in four episodes, with the Sunday omnibus providing an extra 80% of their fee.
Jennings' time on EastEnders was brief, lasting only two months from July to September 2007. His character, Craig, was involved in several criminal activities, including an attack on Patrick Trueman and the grooming of Ian Beale's daughter, Lucy. The character was eventually imprisoned after attempting to murder Patrick.
This isn't the first time a former EastEnders star has discussed the show's pay. Last year, Ross Kemp, who played Grant on the show, appeared on the Graham Norton Show and shared a similar anecdote. Kemp revealed that he often hoped to appear in only one scene per episode, as he would still be paid the full amount.
"I was quite friendly with the camera crew," Kemp said. "So, when I found out they weren't filming the episode I was in, I'd pop in for a pint or two and a packet of crisps. It took them a year to figure it out!"
These revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the generous pay scale of EastEnders and the creative strategies some actors employed to maximize their earnings. As the show continues to evolve, it's intriguing to consider how these pay structures have changed over time.
