Key Highlights
- Sarah Jayne Dunn left Hollyoaks in 2021 to join OnlyFans.
- Dunn has earned over £1 million from OnlyFans in two years.
- Her business, Catpig Ltd, reported assets of £369,000.
- Dunn invested £250,000 in her first rental property through Catpig Properties Ltd.
The Transition from Soap Stardom to Digital Empire
For over twenty years, Sarah Jayne Dunn was a familiar face on the British soap opera Hollyoaks, playing the character Mandy Richardson. Her exit from the show in November 2021 marked a significant shift in her career and public perception. Dunn’s decision to join OnlyFans—a digital platform for creators—prompted debate and discussion about the intersection of celebrity, autonomy, and modern entertainment.
The Financial Reality
What sets Dunn’s story apart is not just the transition but the scale of success she has achieved. According to company records, her business Catpig Ltd now holds assets of £369,000. Over the past two years, her OnlyFans presence has generated approximately £1 million—a sum that far exceeds the annual earnings of many traditional television actors. Dunn’s move was met with headlines and debate, some questioning the wisdom of leaving a steady TV role for the uncertainty of online content creation.
Investment and Diversification
Dunn hasn’t stopped at digital content. She has invested £250,000 in her first rental property through Catpig Properties Ltd in Cheshire, diversifying her income and laying the foundation for long-term financial stability. Her approach offers a model for leveraging digital platforms into real-world investments.
Personal Empowerment and Family
Dunn describes her journey as empowering and has no regrets. She marks her first year on OnlyFans in 2023, describing the move as “scary as hell” but ultimately necessary for her family’s well-being. Her words—“I just knew I had to do what was right for me and my family”—resonate with anyone who has faced a crossroads balancing personal needs with public expectations.
As the family’s primary breadwinner, Dunn juggles the demands of work and motherhood.
Her son, Stanley, is beginning to notice her fame, introducing new layers of complexity. Dunn refers to herself as an “accidental influencer,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of modern celebrity. She explains her career choices to her son, emphasizing values of hard work and autonomy, seeking to model resilience and self-respect.
Changing the Narrative: OnlyFans and the New Creative Economy
OnlyFans has grown into a major force in the creator economy, enabling artists, performers, and influencers to connect directly with fans. Dunn’s story is emblematic of this transformation. Where traditional media often gatekeep opportunities and revenue, platforms like OnlyFans have democratized access, allowing creators to set their own terms.
Her departure from Hollyoaks made headlines precisely because it challenged assumptions about what kinds of work are deemed “acceptable” for mainstream performers. However, the financial and personal empowerment she has experienced suggests that the boundaries of the entertainment industry are evolving.
Lessons from Dunn’s Experience
Dunn’s journey invites questions: What does it mean to be a creator in the digital age? How do personal decisions intersect with professional risks? And how might her example influence other performers considering similar paths?
For now, Sarah Jayne Dunn’s OnlyFans experience stands as a case study in adaptation, resilience, and the changing nature of celebrity.
By embracing new technologies and business models, she has not only secured her financial future but also contributed to broader conversations about work, identity, and empowerment in the 21st century.
Sarah Jayne Dunn’s story illustrates the opportunities and challenges facing modern creators who are leveraging digital platforms for both personal fulfillment and financial stability. Her experience demonstrates how calculated risk, combined with a willingness to embrace change, can yield both financial reward and personal satisfaction.
