They're not the stars of the show but extras play a valuable role in TV productions. But do they get paid accordingly?

Hardcore fans will recognise the background characters in their favourite soaps.

Think of Tracey the barmaid in Eastenders or Oscar the hospital porter in Casualty.

Extras are sometimes among the longest-serving actors on the bill. Joel David and Maureen Seaberg, for example, have been appearing in Coronation Street for 43 years now.

The Birmingham Mail has done some digging and has revealed that extras get paid £84 per day, according to insiders.

This can vary between soaps however. Typically, an extra's pay can increase depending on what tasks they are assigned during scenes.

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They'll earn an additional £50.50 if they are required to talk in a scene, the Birmingham Mail reveals.

Wages also increase if an extra is required to fire a gun, an additional £19, ride a horse, £25, or drive, £25.

If they have the skills to pull of a convincing shocked face, they can earn another £30.50, according to The Sun.

Figures taken from the Film Artiste’s Association break the pay down as follows:

Speaking in a scene: extra £50.50

Driving a car: extra £25

Working with an animal: extra £25

Night work: extra £36

Riding a horse: extra £25

Holding a gun: extra £19

Swimming: extra £25

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So next time you're reclining in front of an Eastenders double bill, keep an eye out for extras earning themselves that little bit more.