Grantchester star Kacey Ainsworth has revealed that she once had to turn down an exciting role because she could not afford to take it. The actress, known to viewers as Cathy Keating in the ITV drama, said the three-day job on a groundbreaking Channel 4 production clashed with a 12-week costume drama that offered considerably more financial security.
Financial reality of acting
Speaking about the realities of the profession, Ainsworth explained that aspiring performers without financial backing can find it particularly difficult to establish themselves. The cost of pursuing an acting career can be prohibitive, from training at drama school to surviving periods when work is scarce.
She said actors from less affluent backgrounds may struggle to wait for the right opportunity because they often have rent, household expenses and other bills to cover. She also suggested that financial privilege can make it easier for some performers to remain in the industry while waiting for their next major opportunity.
Career highlights and EastEnders rumours
Ainsworth first became a household name through her role as Little Mo Slater in EastEnders, where she appeared from 2000 to 2006. She recently shut down speculation that she would be making a return to the soap after reports that Zoe, played by Michelle Ryan, would be killed off.
Addressing the rumours on Instagram, she said: "Very flattering that a character I created 20+ years ago is still held in folks’ hearts it’s [heart]… but this is FAKE NEWS. This is not a conversation I have had with the powers that be." She added: "I came out of my recording and my phone was on [fire] #slaters you’ve already got @therobkazinsky c’mon don’t be greedy."
Fans react
Fans and fellow stars took to the comments with disappointment. Jacqueline Osborne, who plays Lauren Branning in EastEnders, said: "I would give anything for this to be true though." Louisa Lytton, who plays Ruby Allen, wrote: "We are desperate for it though!" Grantchester is available to stream on ITVX.
