Christopher Biggins Lashes Out at BBC Over Comedy Rights Sale: ‘I Get Cheques for 15 Pence’
Christopher Biggins has voiced his frustration with the BBC after the broadcaster sold the rights to his classic comedies, drastically cutting his royalties. Biggins, best known for his role as Lukewarm in the 1970s hit Porridge alongside Ronnie Barker, lamented how his earnings have plummeted since the shows moved from mainstream channels to digital platforms.
“When it was repeated on BBC One or BBC Two, I used to get something like £1,500,” Biggins explained, according to the Mirror. “But then unfortunately, the BBC, in their own judgement, sold all the comedy shows to Gold, which we earn no money at all for.” Now, with his iconic performances airing on satellite channels, Biggins revealed that his payments have shrunk to a mere fraction of what they once were. “I get cheques for 15 pence. What do you do with a cheque for 15 pence?” he added, highlighting the dismal royalties from digital reruns.
Biggins isn’t alone in his frustration. He believes his fellow actors from the same era are similarly angered by the dramatic decline in repeat fees, reports the Daily Star. “It’s very rarely now repeated on BBC One or BBC Two. It’s always constantly on those satellite channels and we get nothing,” he said. “It really angers all of us. It is bizarre and it is very unfair. It’s ridiculous.”
Despite being better known to younger audiences for his reality TV appearances, such as Celebrity Big Brother, Biggins first gained fame in the 1970s with roles in classic British comedies like Porridge, Upstairs, Downstairs, and Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. These shows, once broadcast widely on the BBC, are now mostly seen on satellite networks, leaving actors like Biggins with a fraction of their former earnings.
Over the summer, Biggins also weighed in on the drama surrounding Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking on Times Radio, the 75-year-old entertainer expressed little sympathy for contestants who have complained about alleged abuse on the show. “If you don’t want to be hit across the knuckles, don’t do the show,” he stated bluntly.
The controversy surrounding Strictly followed allegations from former contestants, leading to the exit of professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima. Biggins revealed that he had been invited to take part in the show but turned it down, citing the immense difficulty and hard work required. “It’s one of the most hardworking reality TV shows there is on television,” he said, dismissing the complaints and arguing that those who are struggling simply aren’t up to the challenge.