For decades, landing a role on Coronation Street or Emmerdale was considered one of the most secure and lucrative jobs in British television.
Today, however, the reality behind Britain’s biggest soap operas looks very different.
As ITV continues to tighten its budget, many soap stars are quietly taking on second jobs to protect their finances—working as DJs, singers, pub performers and even bartenders when they’re not filming.
From Soap Stardom to Side Gigs
Among those embracing a second career is Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant, best known as Jacob Gallagher.
The 24-year-old previously spent his spare time pulling pints in a pub in his hometown of Blackpool before swapping bar work for DJing. He has now secured a growing number of live gigs while continuing to appear on the ITV soap.
Soap stars including Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren Plant have started side hustlesCredit: ITV
He was previously pulling pints but has quit that now to DJCredit: Splash
Joe isn’t the only one.
Long-time Emmerdale favourite Jeff Hordley, who has played Cain Dingle for years, has been performing as a DJ across Manchester for a long time. Fans have even been stunned to discover the soap legend entertaining crowds in local pubs rather than packed concert venues.
Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley is also DJ’ing in his spare timeCredit: Tiktok/@mattslifeandtravels
He plays show legend Cain DingleCredit: ITV
According to insiders, more cast members are following the same path.
“It’s no secret that soaps are struggling,” one source revealed. “Actors are always looking for ways to earn extra income. ITV has strict rules around brand partnerships, but music is much easier. Many of them genuinely love performing, so it makes perfect sense.”
Corrie Star Still Chasing Her Musical Dream
Coronation Street actress Cait Fitton, who plays Lauren Bolton, has also continued pursuing music alongside acting.
Before joining Corrie in 2022, Cait reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent as part of the sign-language choir Sign Along With Us. Rather than giving up singing after landing her dream acting role, she still performs regularly in pubs around Manchester.
Locals have often been surprised to see the soap star delivering live performances in intimate venues.
“Cait absolutely loves Corrie,” the insider added. “But singing is a huge passion for her—and it also brings in extra money.”
Soap Salaries Aren’t What They Used to Be
Despite the glamour associated with Britain’s biggest soaps, earnings vary dramatically.
Leading Coronation Street stars can reportedly earn up to £250,000 a year, while established Emmerdale favourites are believed to receive similar six-figure salaries.
For newer cast members and those in smaller roles, however, pay can reportedly be as little as £400 per episode, with background artists earning around £200.
As budgets continue to shrink, many actors are increasingly relying on outside work to supplement their income.
ITV Cuts Continue to Hit Hard
The financial pressure isn’t just affecting salaries.
Recent reports suggest ITV has shortened contracts, reduced scenes in iconic locations like the Rovers Return, and quietly cancelled The British Soap Awards as part of wider cost-cutting measures.
Cast members have also reportedly complained about long filming days and increasing workloads despite shrinking budgets.
One insider explained that bar staff characters once benefited from appearing in numerous Rovers Return scenes regardless of how much dialogue they had. With fewer pub scenes now being filmed, those opportunities—and the accompanying pay—have largely disappeared.
As uncertainty continues across Britain’s soap industry, more actors are expected to diversify their careers through live performances, theatre, public appearances and other side hustles.
Behind the fame and familiar TV faces, many of the stars viewers welcome into their homes each evening are now working harder than ever simply to secure their financial future.
