BBC comedian shares payslip showing 'shocking' amount he made after putting his show on iPlayer
If someone's on the telly, you instantly assume they're getting paid a fortune in royalties.
However, BBC comedian Charlie Higson has shown that this is not the case, at all.
The English actor, 65, was a writer and a performer in BBC Two sketch show The Fast Show, which originally ran from 1994 to 1997.
He appeared alongside the likes of Paul Whitehouse, Simon Day and Mark Williams, as they would take part in various gags and character sketches.
Advert
What made it different from a normal sketch show was the sheer number of acts in one programme.
The premiere episode featured a whopping 27 blackout sketches in 30 minutes.
Some would last 10 seconds and others would last up to three minutes.
Amid the odd special, rather than reviving the show, the cast have opted to go on tour instead.
Higson explained: “We’ve had some ideas about using the characters in another format, like the Carry On films, or even a panto, so this tour is just to test the waters.
“But it’s been 20 years since we last did anything on stage and thankfully we all still get along, probably because we’ve allowed each other to do other things outside of The Fast Show.
“Sleep with other people and the marriage stays strong.”
Now, taking to X earlier today (16 April), Higson shocked his followers after sharing a 2022 payslip - with very small commission fee.
He earned just £18.84 from BBC iPlayer payments and his fans were quick to offer no help whatsoever.
"I'm just learning now that it's on iPlayer. Which is nice," one person tweeted, as the comedian replied: "You fell for my indirect marketing."
"Do you have to split that?! Absolutely shocking!" another penned, to which Higson responded: No no. It’s mine! ALL MINE!!!!"
Meanwhile, the dad jokes just kept coming, as a third person wrote: "Alright, we get it. No need to rub it in our faces Daddy Warbucks. Jesus."
"What will you do with your new-found wealth?" a fourth penned, as a fifth wrote: "Think of all the treats you can buy!"
Someone did have some sympathy though, as they commented: "That's terrible, I didn't realise how badly they paid.
"I've also recently realised that buying physical media is also better for the consumer because you don't actually own anything that you've subscribed to on streaming sites."
LADbible has contacted the BBC for comment.
Anish Vij