Celebs pocketing THOUSANDS more from telly bosses for ‘charity’ shows than good causes
Telly bosses are paying thousands of pounds to celebs for appearances, regardless what they win for their chosen charity
TELLY bosses are paying tens of thousands of pounds to celebs who appear on charity fundraiser game shows.
Each can pocket up to £10,000 to take part — regardless of what they win for their chosen charity.
A source said: “The public assume celebrities appear out of the goodness of their hearts. But the reality is the vast majority are lining their own pockets.
“The bigger names earn up to £10,000, which is staggering given they could walk away without a penny for charity.”
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Sources say potential contestants on ITV’s The Chase were this year offered £7,000 each.
Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding, EastEnder Natalie Cassidy and boxer Carl Froch made just £1,000 each for charity.
Over eight shows, hosted by Bradley Walsh, charities got £73,000, £151,000 less than the £224,000 potentially paid in fees.
But soap star Charlie Brooks won nothing and was dubbed one of the “thickest celebrities ever” by viewers.
Celeb contestants on ITV’s The Cube can pocket up to £6,000 each for appearing.
Pointless Celebrities, the BBC quiz show hosted by Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman, pays stars between £500 and £10,000 each sources say.
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “I’m sure many of the public will feel duped to learn that celebrities appear to be doing as well or better than the charities they are playing for out of their appearances.”
Sir Stephen Bubb, former chief executive of charity leaders group Acevo, added: “I don’t think this is right. Celebrities need to search their consciences.”
Many stars refused to comment on their fees. But comedienne Katherine Ryan, who won £1,000 for good causes on The Cube, donated her fee to charity.
A source did not deny Sarah Harding was paid to appear on The Chase, but said she makes many charitable donations.
ITV said: “We never discuss artist contracts.”
A spokesman for Endemol, which makes Pointless, declined to comment.