Former EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas talks to ME & MY MONEY

Actor Matt Lapinskas commands a five-figure sum for work on a film set, but he had to take on jobs as a builder’s labourer during the pandemic to make ends meet. 

The former EastEnders star, who reached the final of Dancing On Ice in 2013, put up fences, installed patios and lawns to pay the bills while unable to act during lockdown. Matt, 33, tells Donna Ferguson that his best ever financial decision was buying his home in Ascot, Berkshire, which has doubled in value since he purchased it eight years ago. 

He is starring as Peter Pan in this year’s Christmas pantomime at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, which starts on Friday. Tickets are available at ipswichtheatres.co.uk. 

What did your parents teach you about money? 

They taught me to look after it, to work hard for it and to spend it wisely. My mum was a teaching assistant at the secondary school I went to, while my dad is an environmental engineer in oil and gas. They worked hard, did well and were supportive – my brother and I never wanted for anything. 

They never let on to us that money was tight. I think maybe sometimes it was, but if they felt any stress at all about money, we never knew about it. 

Have you ever struggled to make ends meet? 

No. I’ve always found a way to provide for myself. I had a bad year in 2016 when little acting work was coming in. I hadn’t looked after myself in the way I could have. I was maybe enjoying life too much and physically I’d let myself go a little bit and put on some weight. That wasn’t good for my casting, so not a lot of roles were coming my way. 

But I managed to turn it around quickly and get myself back on track. I feel great when I keep myself in shape and my agent gets me lots of auditions for amazing roles which I probably wouldn’t be able to do if I wasn’t focused. It goes hand in hand with my job. If you look at male actors in Hollywood, they’re all chiselled, perfectly groomed men. 

How did you pay the bills during lockdown?

Before I started acting, I did roofing and work as a builder’s labourer. 

I don’t like sitting around doing nothing, I like to stay active, to stay positive. S o straightaway, I decided to make money doing labouring. I started my own landscape gardening business, putting up fences and installing patios and new lawns. 

I kept myself really busy doing outside work alone, so I didn’t have to interact with anyone. 

It kept me fit and healthy – and meant I was able to keep paying the bills.

Have you ever been paid silly money? 

Yes. Within the TV and film industry, the money is good and I’ve been fortunate to work on films with amazing actors for a fee that makes me go, ‘Wow’. 

I did one film when my agent had negotiated a really good fee. It then ran over time, so they had to ‘borrow’ me out of my other contracts as well. In the end, I received a five-figure sum for ten days work. 

What was the best year of your financial life? 

It was 2013. I’d been in EastEnders for two years as bad boy Anthony Moon. I went straight into Dancing On Ice and then panto, playing Prince Charming, so I had consistent work at good pay. 

It was long hours, but it was really worth it. And I was able to save money and put down a deposit on a three-bedroom house in Ascot, Berkshire, which I have lived in ever since.

The most expensive thing you bought for fun? 

My Penhaligon’s aftershave, Halfeti. It costs around £190 for a 100ml bottle. I like to smell good. 

What is your biggest money mistake? 

I bought a BMW outright when I was 23 for about £10,000. I sold it a couple of years later for £6,500. I’ll never buy a brand new car again. 

The best money decision you have made? 

Buying my home in Ascot. Hands down, that’s been the best decision. I got it at a good price – £280,000 – in 2014 and it’s now probably worth double what I paid for it. 

A lot of my own handiwork has gone into it: I was able to gut it all myself, put in a new kitchen, flooring, architraves and skirting. 

I redecorated the whole house and put in a new bathroom, with only occasional help from friends who work in the building trade. 

Do you save into a pension or invest in the stock market? 

No, but I do have savings. Not in Isas, just in bank accounts. At the moment, I prefer to save for my retirement that way. I don’t think I’m knowledgeable enough to invest in the stock market. I wouldn’t know what I’m doing. 

The one little luxury you treat yourself to? 

I’ve got a lovely spa near my house, the Macdonald Berystede Hotel and Spa resort. I pay for monthly membership. 

As well as a gym, where I do my training, it’s got an outdoor pool, hydropool, sauna, steam room and salt room. It costs £140 a month, but I definitely get my money’s worth. It gives me my health and wellbeing. 

If you were Chancellor, what would you do? 

I would bring down energy bills further for everyone. People are choosing between heating and eating and it’s just not right.

Do you donate to charity? 

Yes, I give my time. I play in a charity football team with other celebrities every other weekend. People buy tickets to watch us – it’s called Celebrity Soccer – and so far, we’ve raised £1.5million for different causes. 

I like being a holding or attacking midfielder. Sometimes I have to travel quite far and it takes up the whole weekend, but it’s worth it to fundraise for good causes. It’s also great fun and another ideal way to keep fit. 

What is your number one financial priority? 

To live happily and still have my health. Money is good to have and I always want to make sure I’ve got savings in the bank and the bills are paid. But my priorities are happiness, health and my family – girlfriend, parents, brother and friends.