Sam and colleague Connie get passionate in Casualty (Picture: BBC)

Casualty star Tom Chambers is facing criticism after comments he made defending the big salaries of male BBC talent.

A list revealing how much BBC stars are paid was recently published and immediately caused a backlash when it
exposed a huge gender pay gap between men and women. Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans tops the list earning over £2 million, while the highest paid woman is Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman who earned between £450,000 to £499,999 in the last financial year.

‘Many men’s salaries aren’t just for them, it’s for their wife and children too,’ believes Tom who plays hospital registrar Sam Strachan in the BBC One medical drama. ‘My wife works really hard as a stay-at-home mum, but I’m the only one bringing in a salary for our family.’

Tom Chambers plays Sam Strachan in Casualty (Picture: BBC)

Over 40 female BBC stars, including presenters Clare Balding, Angela Rippon, Victoria Derbyshire and Sue Barker have since signed a letter to BBC director-general Tony Hall asking for his help in addressing the gender pay gap.


In an interview with The Sun, Tom appeared to justify the big male pay packets and defended his Casualty co-star Derek Thompson who is reported to earn between £350,000 to £399,999 every year in his role as long-serving nurse Charlie Fairhead.

‘Derek has done 31 years of service,’ Tom says. ‘It’s like being a footballer – you earn your credits.’

Other top earners at the BBC include EastEnders stars Adam Woodyat and Danny Dyer, who were paid between £200,000 to £249,999 in the last financial year.

Derek Thompson has played hospital nurse Charlie since the first episode of Casualty in 1986. (Picture: BBC)