The soaps are an important part of British popular culture.
Over the years, people across the country have tuned in daily to see the dramatic events unfolding on some of our favourite shows such as Brookside, EastEnders and Coronation Street.
However, while it must be a huge honour to portray the iconic characters who make these shows so entertaining, some of the most popular stars have fallen upon hard times in their own personal lives - as Kent Live reports.
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Actors such as Shaun Williamson, Shane Ritchie and Tina Malone have opened up about the financial difficulties they have experienced in the past.
Here are some of the most popular soap characters who have experienced money woes.
Shaun Williamson - EastEnders
Shaun famously played Barry Evans in EastEnders from 1994 to 2004 and has since gone on to star in other TV series such as Ricky Gervais' Extras.
Despite still making occasional appearances on TV, Shaun said he joined MTV’S Celebs on the Farm for the money.
Talking to The Mirror in January this year, Shaun stated he wanted to “survive financially” and the show came after a “very tough year”.. He starred in the reality TV show earlier this year and was eliminated on February 19.
In March this year, Shaun put in an impressive performance on a celebrity edition of The Chase as he beat all five Chasers and won £120,000 for charity.
Shane Richie - EastEnders
Best known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, Shane Richie admitted to being “skint” and having to “borrow money”. The actor blames the pandemic for being out of work as the industry was brought to a standstill during the lockdown.
This was before his appearance in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in the first season to be held at Gwrych Castle.
The actor left EastEnders in 2019 after 17 on and off years appearing on the soap.
Tina Malone - Brookside
Tina Malone joined Brookside in 1993 and held a recurring role as Mo McGee for five years.
The actress was declared bankrupt in May 2012 and faced another round of financial hardship in 2018.
She spoke to The Mirror, claiming to have borrowed money from everyone and selling her clothes and jewellery to pay rent.
Tina said: “I felt like a lowlife”.
A year later Tina pleaded guilty to contempt of court after sharing a photo that alleged to reveal the identity of Jon Venables and was ordered to pay a £10,000 fine.
Ryan Thomas - Coronation Street
Known for his role as builder Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, Ryan filed for bankruptcy in 2013 after an unpaid tax bill.
Ryan later appeared in Neighbours and Celebrity Big Brother - and he has now welcomed his first child with reality TV star Lucy Mecklenburgh.
Ryan has since announced that he has quit acting.
Aaron Sidwell - EastEnders
Aaron Sidwell played EastEnders series regular Steven Beale between 2007 and 2008 before returning in 2016 till 2017.
Aaron opened up about his financial worries in 2020 as the pandemic hit.
He tweeted : “I could, quite seriously, earn £0 in 12 months. #SelfEmployed #FallenThroughTheCracks #FatherOfTwo #AlwaysPaidTax (sic)”.
The actor feared that those in his profession may have fallen through the cracks with lockdown bringing uncertainty as theatres temporarily drew their curtains.
The character was killed off the show during a high-profile stunt week that saw Max Branning push Steven into a countertop causing liver injuries that later led to his death.
Martine McCutcheon - EastEnders
Martine’s role as a Mitchell in EastEnders helped lead her to stardom as the character became a fan favourite, but she was killed off on New Year's Eve as Martine wanted to embark on a pop career.
In 2013, the actress and singer declared bankruptcy after being unable to work.
Martine has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme disease and actively speaks out about her fibromyalgia flare-ups on socials.
Joe Swash - EastEnders
Joe Swash is known for his portrayal as Mickey Miller in the popular soap from 2003 to 2008..
Originally intended to be a guest appearance the wheel-dealer character proved a fan favourite and the role was extended into a regular slot.
Joe Swash may seem to be living more than comfortably now, but in 2009 and 2013 the presenter was declared bankrupt.
Despite his financial setbacks, Joe has since gone onto to prove a successful career.
Now back up on his feet the presenter is engaged to TV personality Stacey Solomon and appearing in this year’s Celebrity MasterChef.
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