EastEnders bosses have reportedly limited the amount of actors to appear in each episode.

A source told The Daily Mail: “To keep within budget we’ve been working to an average of 16 actors per show. It’s a bid to save costs.”

However, Equity spokesman Martin McGrath said: “Equity would argue that it is not wise to cut back on the quality of a programme and if this measure has an impact on the quality of the programme, we would be concerned.

“The BBC should not be seeking to achieve the shortest-term saving at the cost of performers. Trying to produce quality TV on the cheap is doomed to fail.”

A BBC spokesman said: “EastEnders, along with all BBC programmes, has to make savings, so working to an average number of regular actors per episode is one of many ways to keep within the programme budget.

“We’ve been working this way for the past year and it doesn’t impact on viewers’ enjoyment of the show. Contract matters are confidential.”