When Hollyoaks bosses told Sarah Jayne Dunn she had to choose between her soap career and her OnlyFans account, few expected she’d become one of Britain’s most successful digital entrepreneurs.
But four years later, the 44-year-old actress has earned over £1.5 million from her subscription-based content — and sparked a nationwide debate about women’s autonomy, online safety, and what employers can really control once the cameras stop rolling.
From Soap Set to Subscription Star
For nearly 25 years, Sarah Jayne Dunn was a household name to Hollyoaks fans as Mandy Richardson, a character she played on and off since 1996.
But in 2021, when she launched her OnlyFans account — where fans pay £11 per month for exclusive content — the show’s producers decided her new online career clashed with the programme’s “family image.”
An internal complaint reportedly triggered her dismissal, and Hollyoaks soon amended contracts to ban cast members from joining OnlyFans or similar platforms.
British actress and model Sarah Jayne Dunn during a 2025 photoshoot highlighting her new career success on OnlyFans, where she has earned over £1.5 million since leaving Hollyoaks. (Photo: @sarahjaynedunn Instagram)
Sarah refused to back down. She set up her own business, Books for Catpig Ltd, and another firm, Catpig Properties Ltd, to handle investments from her new income stream — including a £250,000 rental home in Cheshire.
Company filings reveal she’s earned roughly £1 million between 2022–2023, and another £500,000 in the past two years, leaving her total near £1.5 million — all while controlling her own brand.
“I’ve been sexualised my entire career,” Dunn said. “To then be told I couldn’t do it on my own terms — that was what stung. Now I’m in charge of my image, my safety, and my income.”
“Safer Than Instagram”: Taking Back Control
After years of being photographed for soap calendars and magazine spreads, Sarah said OnlyFans gave her something no TV network ever had: control.
She revealed that her decision came partly after a terrifying stalker ordeal that left her “scared and unheard.”
Unlike public social media, OnlyFans allows creators to filter or block unwanted messages, giving her a safer space to manage fan interactions.
“OnlyFans has actually been a much safer space than the likes of Instagram or TikTok,” she said. “I was getting horrendous messages before, and the police couldn’t do anything.”
Now, she calls her journey one of “freedom, empowerment, and fun.”
Her fan base agrees — thousands subscribe not just for risqué content, but to support a woman reclaiming her image after years of media scrutiny.
The Hypocrisy Debate: When TV Meets the Real World
Many fans called out the “blatant hypocrisy” of Hollyoaks firing Dunn for content not dissimilar to its own steamy marketing campaigns.
The show had long featured topless calendars and sensual storylines — yet punished one of its longest-serving stars for doing the same independently.
Her case reignited discussions about women’s autonomy, online safety, and double standards within the entertainment industry.
Was she dismissed for her content — or because she dared to control it herself?
Can Your Employer Really Fire You for Having an OnlyFans Account?
Your Rights When Work and Online Income Collide
As Dunn’s case showed, the line between professional reputation and personal autonomy is blurrier than ever.
So here’s the question thousands quietly asked after her sacking:
Can your employer legally fire you for having a side business — especially an OnlyFans account?
The short answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on your contract, your employer’s image, and how your side work affects your main job.
The Law in Plain English
In the UK, employees don’t lose their freedom of expression just because they have a job.
However, employment contracts often include “conduct” and “outside work” clauses.
These allow employers to act if an employee’s behaviour — even outside work — could “bring the company into disrepute” or damage its brand.
Employment solicitor Ella Bond of Harper James explains:
“As platforms like OnlyFans become more mainstream, more employees will face this dilemma. Employers can take action if side content conflicts with their values or brand image — but employees also have rights if the decision seems unfair or inconsistent.”
If you’ve been in continuous employment for at least two years, you’re protected by UK unfair dismissal laws.
That means an employer must prove they acted reasonably, followed due process, and had a legitimate reason for dismissal — not simply “we didn’t like your account.”
What This Means for You
If you’re thinking about running a side platform, influencer brand, or digital business while employed:
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Check your employment contract — Look for “secondary employment” or “social media policy” clauses.
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Be transparent — If in doubt, notify HR. Hidden income streams can violate disclosure rules.
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Protect your business — Register a company, use proper contracts, and separate business finances.
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Stay professional — Avoid associating your side content with your employer’s brand.
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Seek early legal advice — If your employer threatens termination, a lawyer can assess whether it’s a fair or discriminatory action.
Ultimately, Dunn’s case highlights a growing employment law grey area: when brand reputation meets personal freedom.
For creators and professionals alike, understanding this balance could mean the difference between keeping your job — or building your own digital empire.
The Bigger Picture
Sarah Jayne Dunn’s story is a snapshot of how work, money, and independence are being redefined in real time.
What started as a career setback became the moment she stopped asking for permission.
She turned a sacking into a business plan, swapped scripts for self-control, and proved that sometimes controversy can be a catalyst.
Four years on, she’s calling her own shots — financially secure, investing in property, and working only on projects she chooses.
It’s a transformation that speaks to a much bigger cultural shift: women taking back control of their image, creators replacing traditional studios, and laws still scrambling to catch up with a digital world that refuses to sit still.
You can call her brave, bold, or even divisive. But whatever your take, one thing’s hard to ignore — Sarah Jayne Dunn didn’t just change her own life; she forced the rest of us to rethink who really owns their image in 2025.
People Also Ask (SEO FAQ Section)
How much has Sarah Jayne Dunn made from OnlyFans?
Around £1.5 million across four years, according to company filings for her firm, Catpig Ltd.
Why was she fired from Hollyoaks?
Because Channel 4 producers said her OnlyFans page clashed with the show’s “family-friendly” image.
Is OnlyFans legal in the UK?
Yes — OnlyFans operates legally under UK law, but users must comply with age verification, data protection, and content-control regulations.
Can your employer ban you from having an OnlyFans account?
If your employment contract includes conduct or outside-work restrictions, yes — but this must be applied fairly and consistently, and dismissal may still be challenged.
What is Sarah Jayne Dunn doing now?
She continues to grow her digital business, invest in property, and advocate for creator safety and women’s empowerment online.
