12 March 2023 , 21:36
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Gogglebox star Sandra Martin claims she was paid more than her castmates as she was "making the show."
The Brixton native, 61, and pal Sandi Bogle , 58, won the hearts of the nation when they first appeared together on the sofa together in 2013 as part of the original Gogglebox cast, but the duo came to an end three years later when Sandi quit the couch.
Sandra's daughter Chanchez Martin replaced Sandi but, two years later, she left the show something Sandra admits she regrets.
The star, who was on benefits before she and Sandi were talent spotted at a pub for Gogglebox, has been frank about how she blew her TV earnings on takeaways, partying and friends that needed some extra cash.
Sandra Martin says she was paid more than other Gogglebox stars (REX/Shutterstock)Now the TV favourite, who is back on benefits, says she was paid more than her castmates for appearing on the show.
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Speaking to The Sun to mark the show's tenth anniversary, Sandra said: “I got more than everybody else, because everybody else was working, but I was on benefits, and I was the best one that was making the show.
“I got the contract, and they paid my rent, council tax, TV licence, electricity, gas, all the bills you need.
“That left me with about £500 a week to do what I wanted - hair, taxis, nails, takeaways.“
Sandra is known for appearing on Gogglebox with pal Sandi, who left after three years (Publicity Picture)Sandra adds how that while she may regret quitting the show, she is grateful for the platform she has which she uses to raise money for charity and help the homeless.
She confirmed she is still very close to her original sofa partner Sandi and even goes to see her pal in panto - adding how no matter what the pair go through, they always have time for each other.
In 2018, when appearing on Loose Women, Sandra revealed that she was discovered by the Gogglebox producers in her local pub, who tempted her with a 'big deep pan pizza'.
Speaking to the panel, she said: “I was still on benefits. I had to run down there and say to them I've got a job. They said yeah we've seen you already.
“Not only that, I had to get a TV licence as well because I never had one at the time. I'm thinking about that TV licence man watching me.“
Sandra said she became “famous overnight“ and “the bank account was big“.
Admitting she didn't get financial advice, she said: “I loved it [the money]. I didn't have to really do much for it except sit down and eat.
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Sandra with her daughter, Chanchez (Channel 4)“To be honest I didn't get help. Money was squandering.
“My friends in the community, I know a lot of people, they needed food for their children. I've got four kids, of course I'm going to give them a grand. I didn't know what to do with it.“
Sandra explained how she spent all her money on taxis. her hair, partying, takeaways and an “addiction“ to hotels.