Trevor Eve named highest-paid TV actor

Trevor Eve has been named the highest-paid television actor, according to The Sun.

The 58-year-old reportedly earns £1 million for each series of Waking The Dead.

The show was recently tipped to be axed along with Spooks because the BBC "cannot afford to make it anymore".

"Trevor is well thought of at the BBC and the show has done well, so his salary has grown," a show insider said.

"But his pay has caused a few jaws to drop and makes you wonder how many others are on massive deals. The BBC had wanted to keep it a secret so licence fee payers don't complain. But the pressure is on to cut salaries and production costs."

A drama producer added: "A leading man, like Martin Shaw in Judge John Deed, who brings a decent audience will get around £400,000 per series.

"David Tennant would make maybe £600,000-plus as Doctor Who, while David Jason could get £800,000 to £900,000."

A BBC spokesperson has since told DS: "Whilst we do not comment on artist's contracts, the figures are completely inaccurate. The BBC is committed to reducing the fees it pays its artists, and BBC drama is no exception."