The glittering world of festive pantomime has its own financial stars, and new figures reveal that Brummie television favourite Alison Hammond sits firmly at the top of the earnings tree. Despite taking a year off from the stage, the This Morning presenter's previous six-week stint at the Birmingham Hippodrome reportedly netted her a staggering £195,000, confirming her status as the undisputed queen of the panto pay league.
The Top Tier of Panto Pay
While Hammond is currently on a break, the tradition of lucrative pantomime deals continues unabated. Close on her heels is panto legend Christopher Biggins, who is said to earn approximately £180,000 annually from his seasonal performances. The 77-year-old, famed for his dame roles, is starring as King Richard in the Birmingham Hippodrome's production of Robin Hood, which continues until February 1. He is joined in the cast by style guru Gok Wan and Steps singer Faye Tozer.
The list of performers commanding impressive festive fees extends well beyond these two headliners. Other notable names reportedly earning well in excess of £100,000 include BBC radio's Scott Mills, ITV's The Chase host Bradley Walsh, and comedian Catherine Tate. Meanwhile, veteran entertainer Brian Conley is rumoured to have secured around £120,000 for his return to the panto stage as Billy Barnum in Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Rising Stars and Digital Appearances
The panto circuit also offers significant rewards for newer talent. Sydnie Christmas, the 2024 Britain's Got Talent winner, made a splash with her debut last year, reportedly earning £80,000 for playing Fairy Christmas in a Dartford production of Sleeping Beauty.
In a modern twist on the traditional format, former model and media personality Katie Price demonstrated that you don't always need to be physically on stage. For a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Darlington, Price appeared in a pre-recorded, digital role as the Spirit of the Mirror. She is rumoured to command fees of up to £50,000 per performance for her panto appearances, which have included both Easter and Christmas seasons.
A Festive Tradition for TV Favourites
The appeal of pantomime for established television figures remains strong. Actor Nigel Havers marked his tenth consecutive year in panto during the 2025/26 season, appearing alongside Catherine Tate in Sleeping Beauty at The London Palladium. His run in the role of Keeper of the Privy concluded on January 11.
These substantial figures highlight the enduring commercial power of British pantomime, blending family entertainment with star power to create a uniquely profitable festive tradition. The Birmingham Hippodrome continues to be a major player in this arena, hosting some of the highest-paid performers in the country.
