Who is the Highest-Paid Soap Star in the UK?
Soap operas have been a staple of British television for decades, with EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale delivering gripping drama to millions of viewers. But have you ever wondered who is the highest-paid soap star in the UK?
With long-standing actors securing six-figure contracts, soap stars can earn impressive salaries, especially if they are central to major storylines. In this article, we explore the top-paid UK soap actors, how much they earn, and what factors influence their salaries.
Who is the Highest-Paid UK Soap Star?
Currently, Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders) and Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell, EastEnders) have been reported among the highest-paid soap actors, with past earnings reaching £360,000 per year. However, in recent years, newer contract negotiations and big returns to shows have led to actors like Danny Dyer and Michelle Collins securing six-figure deals.
Top-Paid UK Soap Actors
| Actor | Soap | Character | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve McFadden | EastEnders | Phil Mitchell | £360,000 |
| Barbara Windsor | EastEnders | Peggy Mitchell | £360,000 |
| Wendy Richard | EastEnders | Pauline Fowler | £370,000 |
| Adam Woodyatt | EastEnders | Ian Beale | £200,000 – £249,999 |
| Danny Dyer | EastEnders | Mick Carter | £200,000 – £249,999 |
| Letitia Dean | EastEnders | Sharon Watts | £150,000 – £300,000 |
| Michelle Collins | EastEnders | Cindy Beale | Six-figure contract |
| Simon Gregson | Coronation Street | Steve McDonald | £150,000 |
Michelle Collins reportedly signed a six-figure contract when she returned as Cindy Beale in 2024.
How Do These Salaries Compare?
Salaries for UK soap actors can vary significantly based on tenure, character importance, and contract negotiations. While the top soap stars earn over £250,000 per year, many supporting actors earn between £100,000 and £150,000 annually.
What Determines a Soap Actor’s Salary?
Several factors influence how much soap stars are paid:
1. Experience and Longevity
Actors who have been in a soap for decades, like Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), often negotiate higher salaries due to their loyal audience base.
2. Major Storylines
If an actor is involved in high-profile plots, their pay increases. Danny Dyer, for example, had a huge salary boost when he became central to EastEnders.
3. Contract Negotiations
Some actors threaten to leave or return on a higher contract, as seen with Michelle Collins' six-figure return to EastEnders.
4. Additional Income & Endorsements
Some soap stars make extra money through public appearances, theatre roles, or TV adverts.
How EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale Salaries Compare
While EastEnders tends to have higher-paid lead actors, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars still earn six-figure sums.
| Soap | Highest Reported Salary | Average Star Salary |
|---|---|---|
| EastEnders | £370,000 (Wendy Richard) | £150,000 – £250,000 |
| Coronation Street | £300,000+ | £120,000 – £200,000 |
| Emmerdale | £250,000 | £100,000 – £200,000 |
Do Soap Actors Earn Money from Repeats?
Yes! Many actors earn royalties when:
Episodes are replayed on TV (ITV, BBC, UKTV)
Episodes are streamed on BritBox or ITVX
Shows are sold internationally
However, royalty payments vary based on contract terms.
The highest-paid soap stars in the UK are those who have been in long-running roles, secured major contracts, or returned to their soaps for a big payday.
Actors like Steve McFadden, Barbara Windsor, and Wendy Richard have topped salary charts, while Michelle Collins and Danny Dyer have recently secured six-figure deals.
