Highest paid BBC actor Derek Thompson is defended by co-star Tom Chambers saying he’s ‘earned his credits’ like a footballer
WHEN Casualty veteran DEREK THOMPSON was revealed to be the Beeb’s best-paid actor, it raised eyebrows.
But TOM CHAMBERS, who plays consultant Sam Strachan on the Saturday night show, is the first of Derek’s co-stars to back his £399,999 wages.
Tom said: “It’s like being a footballer — you earn your credits. I’ve just done six months on Casualty, but Derek has done 31 years of service.
“That means arriving in the dark at 6am and leaving when it’s dark at 9pm.
“It’s demanding stuff.
“Likewise, CHRIS EVANS has been a household name for 20 years and his Radio 2 figures are outstanding.”
Derek was one of 96 stars revealed to be earning more than £150,000 in the BBC’s pay report, published last Wednesday.
Chris Evans topped the list with £2.2million.
The report also revealed a gender pay gap, which Tom touched on.
Speaking at the launch of Camilla Sacre-Dallerup’s self-help book Reinvent Me, he said: “My wife works really hard as a stay-at-home mum, but I’m the only one bringing in a salary for our family.
“Many men’s salaries aren’t just for them, it’s for their wife and children, too.”
At least working alongside Derek, he never has to buy lunch.
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SOAPBOX
WHILE Toyah admires her name over the Rovers Return in CORONATION STREET, she rubs her tummy and tells Peter she’s got a good feeling about doing a pregnancy test.
As the couple enjoy their first shift as landlord and landlady, Leanne calls in with Simon and Oliver and explains she has nowhere to live.
In HOLLYOAKS, Luke Morgan makes a shock reappearance after 15 years away. Grace heads to The Folly to meet the person who has been texting Warren about their affair.
Tina teaches for £10
AFTER declaring herself bankrupt in 2012, TINA MALONE tried a variety of ways to raise cash.
She has flogged her handbags, then her frocks and now she is selling acting lessons via social media.
The actress offers two-hour lessons for £10, described in adverts as a “one-off” opportunity.
A source said: “Tina isn’t snobby when it comes to raising cash. The classes are a great way for kids and adults to have a bit of fun.”
I hope she won’t teach them to speak like foul-mouthed Mimi, her character in Shameless.
Looking Ace, Lucy
LUCY MECKLENBURGH has flown out to Ibiza as boyfriend RYAN THOMAS hits the island’s nightlife for brother ADAM’s boozy stag do.
The former Towie performer went to a charity event, while her ex-Corrie actor fella partied with pals including EastEnders’ DEAN GAFFNEY, who posted a pic on Instagram.
She also showed off her trim figure while playing beach tennis.
Earlier this year I told how Ryan and Lucy got close filming BEAR GRYLLS’ Celebrity Island show.
They now sound inseparable.
Must watch
WHAT? Bear About the House: Living with My Supersized Pet, C4, 8pm.
WHY? Weird world of giant pets features a seven-foot Russian bear who eats with his owners and a buffalo that goes on nights out to his local bar.
Strictly 2 sexes
STRICTLY viewers will have to wait at least another year until they see same-sex couples dancing together.
Choreographer and former pro dancer IAN WAITE said: “Unfortunately there are no same-sex couples on this year’s show. It would be nice to have one but I think we might be a few years off.”
Last year judge CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD backed the idea, saying: “I really would like to see that.
There are competitive same-sex couples anyway.
“A lot of men at weddings just want to sit in the corner drinking lager, and so women dance together.
So why can’t men dance together? I would encourage it.”
It’s about time, BBC.