How much soap stars REALLY earn as Corrie icon forced to sell his car to pay debt
Soap stars are reportedly among the highest-paid names on television, with famous characters from EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale said to be raking in eye-watering salaries – and we’ve taken a closer look at the figures
Simon Gregson is selling his car to foot his tax bill
Soap opera stars rank among the best-paid faces on the box, with beloved characters from EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale bringing in substantial sums. But telly work alone doesn’t account for their impressive earnings – many boost their income through lucrative social media sponsorships and flogging personalised video shout-outs to devoted fans.
On top of that, can come bad days as we report that Coronation Street’s Simon Gregson is selling his car to foot his huge tax bill. The actor who is best known for playing Steve McDonald on the ITV soap opera is following an order to repay a loan totalling £252,000. He is also facing losing his home.
The actor, 51, could be left to sell his home following the closure of his business, Simon Gregson Productions Ltd, which owed the tax office and bank £165,000 after going into liquidation. A repayment of £252,000 had been demanded from the firm’s coffers and paid into a separate account controlled by the actor.
Here, we examine which actors and actresses reportedly bank the fattest monthly pay packets and how they’ve padded out their fortunes with profitable ventures beyond their day jobs…
Steve McFadden plays Phil Mitchell on EastEnders(Image: BBC)
Steve McFadden
The 64 year old, who’s portrayed the legendary tough guy Phil Mitchell on EastEnders since 1990, is said to pocket an eye-watering £200,000 annually.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, his total wealth has ballooned to more than £2.8million thanks to ventures away from Albert Square.
The actor previously fronted the Sky One game show Britain’s Hardest in 2004 and had a role in Kevin and Perry Go Large in 2000.
Following a sabbatical from EastEnders to pursue different opportunities in 2011, the father-of-three secured a plum role as Captain Hook in the Peter Pan pantomime at The Swan Theatre in London, reportedly earning roughly £200,000 for just a few weeks’ work during the Christmas period.
Ian Beale, played by Adam Woodyatt, has been a staple on EastEnders since 1985(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Adam Woodyatt
Next on the list is another familiar face from EastEnders, best known for his unforgettable ‘I’ve got nothing left’ line while portraying Walford legend Ian Beale.
The 55 year old actor reportedly has a net worth of approximately £1.7 million. After taking a two-year hiatus from EastEnders, he’s now earning £200,000 annually to portray the beleaguered Albert Square businessman.
He allegedly pocketed £250,000 after participating in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2021 and regularly stars in pantomimes, which adds around £130,000 to his income each year.
Until recently, he was the proprietor of a successful alcohol brand, Neat Gun, but the company closed its doors earlier this year.
Natalie Cassidy plays Sonia Fowler on EastEnders(Image: BBC/Eastenders)
Natalie Cassidy
Natalie, 40, has been a staple on EastEnders since 1993, playing the iconic trumpet-playing Sonia for the majority of her life.
She reportedly earns £150,000 per annum and has also amassed a larger fortune through her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2019.
She also earned £100,000 from her fitness DVD Then and Now, showing fans how she managed to shed four stone, and subsequently released her second DVD, The Perfect 10, in 2013.
However, since then, the star has confessed that she regrets her fitness projects because she feels “it wasn’t the right thing to do”.
Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts in EastEnders(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Letitia Dean
Letitia has been embodying Sharon Watts since 1985, and despite initially leaving in 1995, she returned six years later to reprise her role. She departed once more five years later before returning to the BBC soap for a third time in 2012.
The 56 year old is now believed to be earning £150,000 from EastEnders, placing her amongst the show’s top-earning female cast members.
Beyond Albert Square, Letitia has graced the West End stage in High School Musical, toured with Calendar Girls, and competed on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2007.
Much like her colleague Natalie Cassidy, she also launched a popular fitness DVD in 2009.
Bill is the longest-serving male television star in history
Bill Roache
Bill Roache isn’t simply a Coronation Street icon – he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving male television star in history, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records after appearing on the cobbles continuously since 1960.
The remarkable 91 year old is believed to pocket £250,000 for portraying Ken Barlow, making him the top earner amongst the Coronation Street cast. The veteran actor also supplements his income through the celebrity video platform Cameo, where fans can purchase personalised messages for £52.
Bill has penned several books chronicling his extensive career, including 50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow in 2011 and Life and Soul: How to Live a Long and Healthy Life in 2018.
Despite his advanced years, the actor shows no signs of hanging up his boots and has expressed feeling “so fortunate” to continue working on the programme.
Jack ranks among Weatherfield’s highest earners
Jack P Shepherd
Jack, who portrays David Platt on the ITV soap, ranks among Weatherfield’s highest earners. Beyond his £250,000 annual Corrie salary, the 35 year old has amassed an estimated fortune of around £6million through various ventures outside the soap.
His credits include stage performances in productions such as Oliver! and West Side Story, as well as co-hosting the popular podcast Sofa Cinema Club alongside Corrie colleagues Colson Smith and Ben Price.
The actor has also built a substantial social media presence, reportedly pocketing nearly £1,500 for each sponsored post on Instagram.
Barbara Knox has portrayed Rita since 1972
Barbara Knox
Another stalwart of the cobbles is Barbara, 90, who has portrayed Rita since 1972, making her the show’s second longest-serving cast member. Barbara is said to earn £200,000 despite scaling back her on-screen appearances in recent years.
She received an MBE for her services to drama in 2010, and ITV bosses have commissioned a special documentary celebrating the actress and her remarkable tenure on the cobbles, set to broadcast later this year.
Other notable Coronation Street earners include Michael Le Vell, who pockets £170,000 annually for playing Kevin Webster, and Simon Gregson, who takes home £150,000 for his portrayal of Steve McDonald.
Claire King holds the title of Emmerdale’s highest-ever earner(Image: ITV)
Claire King – £230,000
Claire, 62, holds the title of Emmerdale’s highest-ever earner and ranks among the best-paid soap actresses in television history. She has played the legendary Kim Tate since 1989, departing in 1999 before making her return nearly two decades later.
Her television appearances have also included Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, partnered with Brendan Cole, and Celebrity Big Brother in 2014. Beyond her time on Emmerdale, Claire has made appearances in Bad Girls, Hollyoaks and ITV’s other major soap Coronation Street.
Chris is Emmerdale’s longest-serving cast member in its entire history(Image: ITV)
Chris Chittell
Chris holds another impressive Emmerdale record as the show’s longest-serving cast member in its entire history. The 75 year old star boasts a fortune of approximately £7million and pockets £200,000 annually for portraying Eric Pollard, a character he’s brought to life since 1986.
He put pen to paper on a fresh one-year deal earlier this year, and back in 2019, was honoured with a British Empire Medal recognising his contributions to drama and charitable work.
Emma has played Charity Dingle since 2000 (Image: ITV)
Emma Atkins
The 48 year old performer has played Charity Dingle since 2000 and is believed to rake in £200,000 per year from the enduring soap opera. Following a departure from the programme in 2015, she made her comeback as the resident troublemaker in 2009, before stepping away again in 2015 when her son was born.
During her paid sabbaticals from Emmerdale, she’s also featured in Dalziel and Pascoe, I’m with Stupid, New Street Law, Doctors, Casualty and Heartbeat.
Jeff plays Cain Dingle on Emmerdale(Image: ITV)
Jeff Hordley
The 53 year old actor is best recognised for his portrayal of tough guy Cain Dingle on Emmerdale, a role that reportedly brings in £200,000 annually.
His estimated net worth stands at around £3million, boosted by his work as a DJ for radio stations in Plymouth and Oldham. As he previously revealed during a chat with Lorraine: “being an actor, you always need something else. And DJing was always mine”.
He’s married to fellow cast member Zoe Henry, who plays Rhona in the Yorkshire-based drama. Another standout is Lucy Pargeter, who reportedly rakes in around £170,000 for her portrayal of Emmerdale’s beloved character, Chas Dingle.
