BBC star was left penniless and 'couldn't pay mortage' despite huge soap role

Shaun Williamson, best known for his role as Barry in EastEnders, confessed in January 2021 that he was participating in reality TV shows to "pay the mortgage," as he admitted that times were challenging. The actor, 55, found himself jobless after his BBC sitcom was axed due to the pandemic.

The actor, also known for his role in Ricky Gervais' Extras, told the Mirror: "My career goal has been to earn enough money to survive basically. I'm a divorcee, so I've got a mortgage on a second house, so my career plan is just to have fun, enjoy myself, and survive financially. So Celebs on the Farm was great to come along in what was a very tough year."

He continued: "I was in a lovely sitcom last year called Mister Winner. It got cancelled because of the BBC's funds were depleted because of COVID, I've always thought we were going to do a second series. It's just bad luck.

"I was supposed to tour in a musical, that was cancelled. So I've just got to wait and see what happens.

"Nothing's going to happen until the vaccine comes out, that's for sure. Just got to wait and see how quickly it works."

Shaun, who witnessed several of his projects axed during the pandemic, continued: "I'm not a star, I'm not in a position to guide my career. I'm one of these people who waits for the phone to go and see where it takes me... I just want the phone to keep ringing."

Shaun began as a minor character in EastEnders back in 1994 before establishing himself as a permanent cast member portraying Barry Evans.

His dramatic on-screen demise in 2004 - hurled from a cliff by lover Janine Butcher - remains amongst the programme's most memorable conclusions and drew 15million viewers.

Following his departure from the BBC drama, the 55 year old disclosed he would be delighted to trade his EastEnders stardom for a fresh part on Emmerdale at The Woolpack as a "cockney character".