I starred on EastEnders and didn’t get a call back for its 40th anniversary – but here’s how much I’m paid for repeats
ONE EastEnders actor has revealed that he has not been invited back to the long-running soap.
Although, the former soap star admits that he still earns money from the BBC One show over two decades after his last appearance.
A number of star names have made huge EastEnders comebacks in recent months.
The likes of Tracy-Ann Oberman, Joe Swash and Call The Midwife star Cliff Parisi have reprised their fan-favourite characters.
Meanwhile, Michael Greco, 54, played Beppe di Marco on the long-running serial drama from 1998 until 2002.
The Di Marco clan were introduced to EastEnders as rivals to the infamous Mitchell family.
Alongside Beppe, the line-up also included brother Gianni (Marc Bannerman) and younger sisters Teresa (Leila Birch) and Nicky (Carly Hillman).
Although he hasn’t appeared in Walford for a number of years, the actor still earns money from the soap.
This is when classic episodes air on TV as reruns, as he told Scott McGlynn on the Celebrity Skin Talk Show.
He admitted: “Yeah I know about the re-runs. I get a £1.27 repeat fees every six months from episodes.”
Despite a number of actors reprising their roles, the star lamented the fact that producers did not give him the call.
“I didn’t get the call, I wasn’t asked to go back at all,” he said.
“I’m not on their radar so, I think if wasn’t asked back to help with their 40th I don’t think I never go back.”
Michael added: “If they want you back they get you back. I used to be in the vice squad maybe that be my way to join back in, and arrest someone you know.”
This comes after actor previously slammed the way he left the serial drama, as he hinted that he wished he had more fanfare.
He told FruitySlots.com: “There were circumstances that prevented me from having a bigger send off, I won’t go into them as it’s water under the bridge.
“But I just left in a cab, didn’t I? I said goodbye to Lynn in the cafe and then had a packet of crisps and drove to Leicester.”
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
EastEnders continues on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.