Natalie Cassidy's surprising net worth as one of EastEnders' top earners

Ever wondered how much the cast get paid? While we don't know each actor's salary on the soap, we do know one of its top earners - and it might come as a surprise to many fans.

Sonia Jackson has been a viewers' favourite for over three decades, starting her career aged just 10. She has been at the heart of some of the show's most explosive storylines - including most recently being wrongfully imprisonment for a murder committed by her evil baby father.

With storylines like this, and her unwavering dedication to the show, it's no surprise she holds a top salary. But it also means that when she leaves the Soap, she's also saying goodbye to a massive paycheck.

In a statement to announce her departure, Natalie said she would "never forget" her time on the show. She shared: "After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it's time to move on to pastures new. is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show. Thank you to Chris Clenshaw for the opportunity to be such a big part of the 40th anniversary - it's an honour. See ya, Sonia, going but never forgotten."

It is yet to be confirmed when Sonia will leave the show, but many believe it will be shortly after the funeral for Martin Fowler, with storylines being kept strictly under wraps.

Natalie has been on the soap for 32 years and is reportedly paid a £150,000 salary each year for her part as Sonia. On top of that, the actress earned extra money appearing on in 2009 and for her stint on Celebrity in 2019.

According to reports, Natalie has a net worth of around £5million, making her one of the show's highest earners, only reportedly falling behind Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell on the soap, said to be on £200,000, and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), believed to be on the same £200k wage.

Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts) is also said to be on £150,000, whilst over on , Ken Barlow star Bill Roache reportedly earns a whopping £250,000 a year, with Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) on a similar amount. Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner) reportedly earns £200,000 a year.

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On , Claire King (Kim Tate) is said to be the biggest earner on £230,000 each year while Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, and Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle), said to be on £200,000. - who plays Cain - is reportedly on the same sum.

Natalie also earned £100,000 for her fitness DVD called Then & Now, which showed how she lost four stone. She released a second fitness DVD, The Perfect 10, back in 2013 - but previously spoke of her regrets. "It's my own fault. They offered me a load of money to lose weight and I did it at the time. Actually looking back it is something that I wouldn't do," she said, before admitting she gained the weight back after the contract expired.

The actress also has her own podcast, called Life With Nat, which she launched in April last year. The description of the podcast reads: "Life with Nat - it's me! Natalie Cassidy and I'll be chatting away to family, friends and most importantly - YOU.

"I want to pick peoples brains on the subjects that I care about- whether that's where all the odd socks go, weight and food, or kids on phones. Each week I will be letting you into my life as I chat about my week, share my thoughts on the mundane happenings as well as the serious. I have grown up in the public eye and have never changed because of it."

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