The BBC are imposing a 15% pay cut on their biggest Eastenders stars.

According to The Mirror, the cash strapped channel have informed stars such as Barbara Windsor, Steve McFadden and Pat St Clements that they can either accept the cut or have less time on screen.

A show insider told the newspaper:

Everybody realises there is a recession on and everybody has to do their bit. But some of the stars feel like they are being bullied into taking a pay cut.

The licence fee has stayed the same and the same money is coming in.

“Yet the people who bring in the viewers are being told they have to take a cut. It is not fair and a lot of people are unhappy. Everyone who comes in can’t work on other shows so they can’t cut their hours and pick up work elsewhere.

But a BBC source said:

Most of the cast understand the reason behind the cuts and just appreciate having work in these difficult times when so many people are struggling financially.”

“EastEnders, along with other BBC programmes, has to reduce its budget over the next few years. Talent salaries are not excluded when looking to make these savings.