Home and Away’s biggest stars have landed in the crosshairs of Network Seven executives as their salaries are the latest to come into question amid the bloodbath.
Household names such as Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, who are believed to be worth millions, have had a pause put on their huge salaries.
As Seven continues to cut jobs, an inside source told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday their biggest soap stars won’t be getting a pay rise anytime soon.
‘I can’t imagine now would be a good time for Ada Nicodemou or James Stewart to renegotiate their contracts,’ the insider said.
‘While the show is still riding high in the ratings, the long running soap won’t be spared on the budget cuts – as the network tightens their belt.
‘The current executive team is preserving the network but it is fair to say the glory days of high paid soapy stars have gone.’
They went on to say executives have turned a scrutinising eye to the salaries of some of their original talent on Home and Away, and may be ‘reducing their screen time’.
‘It’s something Neighbors has done with Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne. Even Ryan Maloney is in a more cost effective role behind the scenes now,’ they revealed.
Home and Away’s biggest stars have landed in the crosshairs of Network Seven executives as their salaries are the latest to come into question amid the bloodbath. Pictured (L) is Ray Meagher, 80, and (R) Ada Nicodemou, 47
‘The show can’t afford to lose these celebrated characters but they write their characters off to Yabbie Creek for a month or two.
‘That’s where you can expect some of these cuts to appear on screen.’
Despite allegedly taking these measures to protect the popular long-running soap series, the network believes the show will survive the budget cuts unscathed.
Household names such as Ada Nicodemou and James Stewart, 48, (right) who are believed to be worth millions, have had a pause put on their huge salaries
However, the source says in the meantime ‘anyone looking to up their salary on the high rating soap will have to wait until next year’.
While it’s not known exactly how much Home and Away’s biggest names get paid, stars like Ada, 47, and James, 48, are believed to be worth millions combined for their work on the show.
Ada, who is currently dating James on and off-screen, previously flaunted her very flashy $147,000 Porsche Macan car in 2018.
Veteran star Ray Meagher, who portrays beloved Alf Stewart, was also once reported to be earning $500,000 a year back in 2009, which has likely increased.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Seven for comment.
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