How much do Casualty stars earn – including Charlie star Derek Thompson’s huge paycheque before exit
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Just days ago, Casualty veteran Charlie Fairhead exited the iconic show after 38 years. Seventy five year old Northern Irish star, Derek Thompson, portrayed the lovable senior charge nurse.
Not only did he earn the reputation of the BBC’s most well-known actors, but he also became one of its highest paid on record.
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Having been on the hospital drama since 1986, Derek was the only original cast member left. His role as the main face of the show brought him a huge paycheque that could certainly sweeten his retirement
BBC figures released in 2017 revealed that he was earning £349,999-£399,999 annually. This made Derek the BBC’s highest-paid actor at the time.
The news of how much Derek earned even prompted thespian Hugh Quarshie, who exited rival show Holby City in 2020 after 19 years, to ask for a pay rise.
He claimed he made nowhere near Derek but demanded he should be paid the same wage.
Casualty and Holby City star Amanda Mealing was also one of the BBC’s highest-earning actors during her time on the medical dramas.
She starred as Connie Beauchamp in Holby City from 2004 to 2010 before her character switched over to Casualty from 2014 to 2021.
In 2017, the BBC confirmed that she was earning between £249,999-£299,999 for her role.
While it’s not known exactly how much the other Casualty stars are raking in, the BBC previously released a list of their highest earners from their other big soaps and dramas.
Those earning between £200,000 and £249,999 included Danny Dyer and Adam Woodyatt on EastEnders. Rosie Marcel from Holby City and Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi, were also earning over £200,000 a year.
The corporation’s other highest-paid actors at the time included Sir David Jason from Still Open All Hours and Emilia Fox from Silent Witness, who were both bringing home between £200,000 and £249,999.
EastEnders legend Steve McFadden is also taking home a hefty paycheck from his over 30-year stint as hardman Phil Mitchell.
The star earns a whopping £200,000 per year, and according to Celebrity Net Worth, he is actually worth more than £2.8m thanks to his side projects away from Albert Square.
Sonia Fowler actress Natalie Cassidy is also reportedly paid a figure of £150,000 to play her iconic role.
The 39-year-old Islington-born star has portrayed the feisty nurse since 1993 until this present day. According to IdolNetWorth.com, Natalie’s net worth is said to be around £5 million.