TOWIE stars upset over new contracts

Judging by their flash sports cars, and even flashier tans, you'd be forgiven for thinking the cast of The Only Way Is Essex are rolling in cash.

But reports suggest they receive only £50 a day - far from the thousands of pounds many expect them to earn on the show.

Endorsements, personal appearances and magazine deals substantially increase their earnings. However, according to The Sun, the stars' new contracts apparently muscle in on this territory. A clause now asks TOWIE stars to hand over a proportion of their earnings to production bosses for up to four months after they leave the show.

The huge financial success of ex-TOWIE stars Mark Wright and Amy Childs suggests a slice of the lucrative post-TOWIE pie is a very good slice indeed.

After all, without the show, millionaires Amy Childs and Mark Wright wouldn't be the household names they are today.

There is some good news for the current TOWIE stars though - the new contract means that they are actually getting a pay rise, from £50 per day to £80 a day.

In TOWIEland, this means an extra £30 a day to spend on stilettos and vajazzles - not too shabby if you ask us!

According to The Sun, Joey Essex and Lauren Goodger managed to dodge signing a contract last series, but this time, show bosses have said that everyone who appears on the show must sign the contract.

Considering that ratings for the show are still soaring well above the million mark, we can't help but think that £80 a day is a little stingy, especially considering other television stars get a bucket-load more.

Still, the TOWIE cast are actually being paid to 'be themselves', a job that can't be too difficult for even the most unskilled actor.

In addition, TOWIE stars are raking in cash through interviews, appearances and product endorsements. And, at the rate they're going, we wouldn't be surprised if everyone in Essex has their own perfume soon!

But, fundamentally, the cast of TOWIE are there for our viewing pleasure and the show is one of the most entertaining things on the box.

From OAPs rapping (check out Nanny Pat in tonight's episode!) to ridiculously good-looking people involved in personal dramas, the TOWIE lot certainly put on a good show; shouldn't they be paid more generously for it?

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