SAS Australia: Is Schapelle Corby the highest paid cast member?
A Channel 7 insider has described the relatively small sums paid to the participants in SAS Australia as a good deal for the network after the show delivered good ratings.
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Contestants on Channel 7’s hit new show SAS Australia are each being paid five-figure sums, according to a well-placed source.
Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby and controversial lingerie model Arabella Del Busso are among 17 celebrities who took part in a gruelling SAS (Special Air Service) selection course and one insider told Confidential that contrary to reports, everyone is on the same rate.
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“Part of their pitch was that everyone is on the same money. They said it’s a “favoured nations fee,” the source said. “There’s a flat fee and an additional daily rate you’re paid for each day you stay on.”
A spokeswoman for the Seven Network would not confirm or deny salary speculation. “We do not disclose the terms of our agreements with any people, from any of our shows,” she said.
Other contestants include former Bachelorette Ali Oetjen, former Bachelor and rugby star Nick Cummins, former ironwoman Candice Warner, actor Firass Darani, poker playerJackson Warne, celebrity publicist Roxy Jacenko, model Erin McNaught, swimmer Shayna Jack and retired cricketer Mitchell Johnson.
It was previously claimed that some contestants were earning up to six figures to appear on the show, which runs for 12 episodes. Corby, 43, was rumoured to be among the highest paid, despite quitting after just two days.
However, the insider rubbished claims that she negotiated a $150,000 contract.
“There’s no way in the world, it’s total bs,” the insider said. While the source would not reveal how much contestants earned, the figure is said to be less than $100,000 each.
“All I’ll say is the total talent fee would’ve been less than $1 million for the entire group ... a good investment for Channel 7 as ratings are through the roof,” the insider said.