How much are EastEnders actors paid per episode?

EastEnders actors typically earn between £400 and £2,500 per episode, depending on experience, storyline importance, and contract negotiations.

How much do EastEnders actors earn per year?

Annual earnings range from £20,000 for newer cast members to over £300,000 for long-serving or iconic characters.

Who is the highest-paid actor on EastEnders?

Danny Dyer has previously been reported as one of the highest-paid EastEnders actors, earning up to £300,000 per year.

Are EastEnders actors paid more for the Christmas episode?

There is no official Christmas bonus, but actors appearing heavily in the Christmas storyline often earn more due to increased episode appearances.

Are EastEnders actors paid per episode or salary?

Most EastEnders actors are paid per episode rather than receiving a fixed annual salary.

How do EastEnders salaries compare to other UK soaps?

EastEnders salaries are generally at the higher end of UK soap pay, particularly for long-serving cast members.

How Much Are EastEnders Actors Paid? — London Theatre Vouchers

EastEnders is one of the most iconic programmes in British television history. Airing on BBC One since 1985, the soap continues to dominate ratings, particularly during its annual Christmas episode - traditionally one of the most-watched broadcasts of the year.

With major storylines building towards the 2025 EastEnders Christmas Special, interest in cast salaries has surged. So how much do EastEnders actors actually earn?

This guide breaks down per-episode pay, estimated annual salaries, highest-paid cast members, and how EastEnders compares with other UK soaps.

How Are EastEnders Actors Paid?

EastEnders actors are usually paid per episode, rather than receiving a fixed annual salary. This means earnings fluctuate depending on how frequently an actor appears across the year.

Pay is influenced by:

Length of time on the show
Prominence in storylines
Character popularity
Contract negotiations with the BBC
Involvement in special episodes, including Christmas

Because EastEnders typically airs four episodes per week, regular cast members can earn significant yearly income.

EastEnders Actor Salary Breakdown (Reusable Template)

Below is a reusable salary-table component you can deploy across any soap or TV show by simply changing the show name, colours, and figures.

Estimated EastEnders Actor Salaries

Actor Type	Estimated Pay Per Episode	Estimated Annual Earnings	Typical Screen Time
New or Junior Cast Members	£400 - £700	£20,000 - £70,000	Occasional
Supporting Characters	£700 - £1,500	£80,000 - £150,000	Regular
Main Cast Members	£1,500 - £2,500	£150,000 - £250,000+	Frequent
Long-Serving or Iconic Characters	£2,500+	£250,000 - £350,000+	Core cast

Who Are the Highest-Paid EastEnders Actors?

Some EastEnders stars are among the highest-paid actors in UK soap history, particularly those who have remained on the show for many years or return for major story arcs.

Reported top earners include:

Danny Dyer – previously reported up to £300,000 per year
Adam Woodyatt – estimated £250,000+
Letitia Dean – estimated £200,000+

Actors returning for high-profile storylines or anniversary years often renegotiate higher fees.

EastEnders Christmas Special 2025 – Does Pay Increase?

The EastEnders Christmas episode is one of the BBC’s biggest annual broadcasts and regularly attracts millions of viewers.

For the 2025 Christmas Special:

Actors heavily featured may earn higher total pay due to increased episode appearances
Christmas storylines often span multiple episodes, boosting cumulative earnings
Returning characters are sometimes offered short-term premium contracts

While there is no official “Christmas bonus”, appearing centrally in the festive episodes can significantly increase an actor’s annual income.