How Much Do EastEnders Actors Get Paid? Shocking Salary Facts

EastEnders is one of the most popular TV shows in the UK. It has been airing on BBC One since 1985. Many people love the drama, the families, and the twisty storylines. But one question fans often ask is, “how much do EastEnders actors get paid?”
This blog will answer that question in detail. We will break down how much actors earn, what affects their pay, and who the top earners are. You’ll also learn why some actors make much more than others.
The Basics of EastEnders Actor Salaries
When talking about how much do EastEnders actors get paid, it’s important to understand that not everyone gets the same amount. The pay depends on many things like the actor’s role, how long they’ve been on the show, and how often they appear.
Most EastEnders actors are paid per episode. This means if they appear in more episodes, they earn more money. New actors or those with small roles usually get less than the main stars.
Some actors are full-time and have contracts. Others may appear only in a few episodes per year. That’s why salaries can vary a lot.
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Average Per Episode Earnings
Now let’s look at the numbers. Many reports suggest that EastEnders actors make between £400 to £1,500 per episode. Some might earn even less if they are new or appear in background roles. On the other hand, long-time or famous actors can make much more.
Here’s a simple table to explain:
Actor Type | Average Per Episode Pay |
---|---|
New or Guest Actor | £400–£600 |
Supporting Cast | £800–£1,000 |
Lead Role or Veteran | £1,500–£3,000 |
As you can see, the pay can be low for small parts but much higher for main characters.
Yearly Salary Estimates
The yearly salary depends on the number of episodes the actor appears in. If an actor is in 50 episodes a year and earns £1,000 per episode, they can make £50,000 yearly. If they are in 100 episodes, that number doubles.
Some actors work nearly every week. They can earn over £100,000 per year. Others who only appear in a few episodes may earn around £20,000 to £30,000 annually.
The next table shows an estimate of how much they can earn per year:
Episodes per Year | Low Salary (New Actors) | High Salary (Lead Actors) |
---|---|---|
20 | £8,000 | £60,000 |
50 | £20,000 | £150,000 |
100 | £40,000 | £300,000 |
These numbers give a better picture of how much do EastEnders actors get paid when looking at yearly totals.
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What Affects Their Pay?
Many things can affect how much EastEnders actors get paid. The first is experience. Someone who has been on the show for years will earn more than someone who just started.
Another big factor is popularity. If a character is loved by fans or plays a big part in the story, the actor’s pay goes up.
Episode frequency also matters. The more episodes they appear in, the higher their income. A lead actor who appears every week will earn far more than a side character.
Also, contract type matters. Some actors are under long-term contracts and get a stable income. Others are paid only when they appear.
Top-Paid EastEnders Actors
Now, let’s answer the exciting part: who are the highest-paid actors on EastEnders? Some of the veteran actors make big money. According to media reports, Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, is one of the top earners.
He reportedly earns £200,000 to £300,000 per year. That’s because he has been on the show for a long time and plays a lead role.
Other top earners include:
Actor Name | Character | Reported Salary |
---|---|---|
Steve McFadden | Phil Mitchell | £200,000–£300,000/year |
Adam Woodyatt | Ian Beale | £200,000–£249,000/year |
Danny Dyer (former) | Mick Carter | £200,000–£249,000/year |
Lacey Turner | Stacey Slater | Six-figure income |
These top stars help boost the show’s ratings. That’s why they earn much more than others.
Do Newcomers on EastEnders Get Paid Less?
Yes, newcomers on EastEnders generally earn less than long-time cast members. Their pay often starts around £400 to £600 per episode, depending on their role. This is because they are still proving themselves in the show’s storyline.
New actors usually appear in fewer episodes at first, which also limits their yearly earnings. Over time, if their characters gain popularity, their pay may increase. Experience, fan appeal, and screen time play major roles in pay raises.
Other Sources of Income
When asking how much do EastEnders actors get paid, we should also look at other ways they earn money. Many actors make more through extra work like:
- Sponsored brand deals
- Public appearances
- Radio or podcast work
- Book deals or theatre shows
Sometimes, actors also get residual payments. That means they are paid again when the show is repeated or streamed online.
Actors with big fan bases may also make money from social media partnerships, especially on Instagram or TikTok.
Why Are Salaries So Different in How Much Do EastEnders Actors Get Paid?
Some fans wonder why the pay gap between actors is so big. It’s mostly because the show needs to stick to a budget. BBC is a public channel, so it cannot pay every actor a huge amount.

Instead, it focuses on paying lead actors more. That’s how the show balances high talent with a large cast. It also allows new actors to join and grow in their careers.
Even if the salary is not as high as Hollywood stars, the job provides steady work and fame.
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Do Soap Stars Get Paid Less Than Other TV Actors?
When you ask how much do EastEnders actors get paid, you may also wonder how they compare to other TV stars. Soap stars in the UK are usually paid less than those in prime-time dramas or reality shows.
However, because EastEnders airs four times a week, it offers regular work. That’s something not every actor gets in other shows.
Also, EastEnders is known worldwide. This exposure helps actors land more roles later in their careers.
Is Being on EastEnders Worth It?
Yes, for many actors, working on EastEnders is worth it. Even if the pay is not super high in the beginning, the show opens many doors.
It gives actors fame, steady work, and career growth. Some actors move on to films, stage plays, or even international work after EastEnders.
So while the question how much do EastEnders actors get paid has a wide range of answers, the benefits go beyond money.
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Conclusion
To wrap it all up, how much do EastEnders actors get paid depends on many factors. It can be as low as £400 per episode or go up to £300,000 per year for the top stars.
While soap opera salaries are not the highest in TV, EastEnders offers something special. It gives actors a big stage, loyal fans, and long-term roles. For many, that’s more valuable than a one-time big paycheck.
So next time you watch EastEnders and wonder what the stars earn, remember: their income is shaped by their role, experience, and fan love.