From household names to soap royalty, these Emmerdale icons have turned their screen time into serious fortunes. But who really tops the village rich list?

Life in the Dales: A Soap Star’s Salary

Since its ITV debut in 1972, Emmerdale has grown into one of Britain’s most-watched soaps. Over the decades, fans have seen fresh faces arrive and beloved characters stay loyal to the village.

While the drama keeps audiences hooked, there’s just as much interest in what the cast earns off-screen. Salaries vary depending on seniority, storyline importance, and contract negotiations with ITV.

Reports suggest actors earn between £400 and £2,000 per episode. With up to six episodes airing weekly, top stars can pocket hefty annual sums. From long-standing veterans to scene-stealing newcomers, here’s a closer look at the biggest earners.

Lucy Pargeter – £170,000

Lucy Pargeter has become a fan favourite thanks to her fiery portrayal of Chas Dingle, a role she first took on in 2002.

Her Emmerdale salary is reportedly £170,000 per year, while her net worth sits around £3.9 million. Outside the soap, she has appeared on reality TV, finishing third on Soapstar Superstar in 2006 and braving the jungle on I’m A Celebrity in 2013, earning £50,000 for her stint.

Jeff Hordley – £200,000

Another Dingle clan legend, Jeff Hordley, has played bad boy turned anti-hero Cain Dingle since 2000. He reportedly earns £200,000 annually for his role.

Off-screen, Hordley has explored other creative outlets, including a side hustle as a DJ. Speaking on Lorraine, he admitted:

“Being an actor, you always need something else. DJing was always mine.”

His career choices have helped him amass a net worth of more than £3 million.

Emma Atkins – £200,000

Emma Atkins, who plays the unpredictable Charity Dingle, also brings in around £200,000 per year.

She joined the show in 2000, briefly left in 2005, and returned in 2009. After taking another short break in 2015 to welcome her son, she continued to balance Emmerdale with appearances in Doctors, Casualty, Heartbeat, and more.

Now a central figure in the soap, Atkins is one of the highest earners among the cast.

Chris Chittell – £200,000

As Eric Pollard, Chris Chittell holds the crown for longest-serving cast member, first stepping into the role in 1986.

At nearly four decades in the Dales, Chittell is considered soap royalty. He earns £200,000 per year and has built an estimated fortune of £7 million.

Producers were keen to ensure he remained on-screen for Emmerdale’s milestone anniversaries, with insiders confirming:

“Chris is Emmerdale and there was no way he wasn’t going to make it to 40 years in the village.”

Claire King – £230,000

Finally, the top spot belongs to Claire King, who brings the ruthless Kim Tate to life. First joining in 1989, she left in 1999 but returned in 2018 to reclaim her place as the soap’s ultimate villain.

King reportedly takes home £230,000 per year, making her Emmerdale’s highest-paid actress. Beyond the soap, she has enjoyed a colourful career, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.

She has also starred in Bad Girls, Hollyoaks, and Coronation Street, proving her range far beyond the Dales.

The Big Picture: Emmerdale’s Soap Powerhouses

From Lucy Pargeter’s fiery Chas to Claire King’s fierce Kim Tate, the Emmerdale cast is filled with heavyweights who earn salaries worthy of their soap stardom. With pay tied to longevity, popularity, and storyline importance, these actors have secured their place as some of the highest-paid stars in British television.

One thing is certain — whether it’s romance, betrayal, or scandal in the Dales, Emmerdale’s leading cast members are reaping the rewards of their unforgettable roles.