'The Only Way Is Essex' cast angry at paycheque taxes?

Published Apr 18 2012, 09:22 BST  |  By Tom Eames

The stars of The Only Way Is Essex are reportedly angry at tax cuts from their paycheques after appearing in the show.

The cast have been told that they must sign a contract in order to appear on the programme, which includes being taxed for up to four months after the series has finished.



Producers have decided to raise the cast's daily pay rate from £50 to £80, reports The Sun.

Cast members are said to make most of their earnings from other personal appearances and magazine deals, which executives state that they deserve a cut from in the future.

Joey Essex and Lauren Goodger were among the stars who did not sign a contract last series, but producers are now demanding that every castmate must sign a deal if they want to be in the show.



Showbosses had originally wanted the stars to hand over 15% of the earnings up to six months after each series, but after an angry reaction it was reduced to four months.

"A lot of the stars were furious and threatened a walkout which would have sent the show into chaos. Many went to seek legal advice," a source said.

The Only Way Is Essex returned for its fifth series on ITV2 on Sunday (April 15).

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