Paula Wilcox Net Worth: Career, Biography & Lifestyle

Paula Wilcox is a much-loved British actress whose career has spanned more than five decades across television, theatre, and film. Best known for her breakout role in Man About the House during the 1970s and her more recent appearances in Coronation Street, she has remained a familiar face to audiences in every generation.

In 2025, Paula Wilcox continues to work actively in TV and theatre, proving that talent and consistency can sustain a career well beyond its early peak. While exact financial figures are not publicly confirmed, her net worth is widely estimated in the modest millions, reflecting steady success rather than overnight stardom. This article explores Paula Wilcox’s net worth, biography, career highlights, and lifestyle, giving you a complete picture of her journey.

Biography

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Early Life and Education

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Paula Wilcox was born in Manchester, England on 13 December 1949. She grew up in a normal family and showed an early love for performance. By the age of seventeen she had joined the National Youth Theatre, which gave her the chance to train and appear in stage work. It was at the theatre that she met actor Derek Seaton, who would later become her first husband.

Her formal education has not been widely reported, but her early decision to focus on performance was clear. Within a few years she had moved from training and youth theatre into professional television roles. That first step into acting would grow into a long career covering comedy, drama, and theatre.

Career

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Paula’s first appearance on television came in 1969 when she joined Coronation Street as Janice Langton, the sister of Ray Langton. This role was short but important, as it introduced her to audiences and set her career in motion.

Her first starring role came soon after in The Lovers. The show ran for two series and even produced a feature film version. In 1972 she appeared on The Benny Hill Show. The big break arrived in 1973 when she was cast as Chrissy Plummer in Man About the House. At just 24, she became a household name. The sitcom’s storyline of two women sharing a flat with a man was bold for the time, and the show became a hit. Paula has often said she still gets recognised for that role.

In the years that followed she continued working in television. She starred in Miss Jones and Son in the late 1970s. In 1992 she played Ivy Sandford in Channel 4’s Blue Heaven. Between 1995 and 2001 she was part of the children’s series The Queen’s Nose. In 2007 she appeared in Emmerdale as Hilary Potts, the mother of Laurel Thomas. From 2011 to 2017 she played Pauline Johnson in Mount Pleasant. Between 2014 and 2016 she acted in Boomers.

She also appeared in spin-offs from the Only Fools and Horses universe, playing Marlene’s sister in The Green Green Grass and Violet, the estranged wife of Grandad Trotter, in Rock & Chips.

Paula’s career returned full circle when she came back to Coronation Street in 2020. This time she played Elaine Jones, the ex-wife of Geoff Metcalfe and mother of Tim Metcalfe. Her character helped Yasmeen in a storyline about domestic abuse. Paula herself said that fifty years ago such a subject would not have been shown on TV. Elaine became central to the plot and even had a brief engagement to Stephen Reid.

Outside television, Paula has a strong stage career. She has acted in plays such as What Shadows, Dreams of Violence, and Great Expectations, where she played Miss Havisham. Her film credits include The Lovers! (1973), The Higher Mortals (1993), and Woody Allen’s Scoop (2006). She has also worked in voiceovers and audiobook narration.

Personal Life and Relationships

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In 1969 Paula married actor Derek Seaton, whom she met at the National Youth Theatre. Their marriage lasted until 1979, when Derek died from a brain haemorrhage at the age of 35. Paula was only 29 at the time. She later spoke about how this loss had a major effect on her life and career.

In 1991 Paula married again. Her second husband, Nelson “Skip” Riddle, is an American businessman and the eldest son of composer Nelson Riddle. Nelson Riddle was known for working with great singers including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Paula and Skip have remained together for over thirty years. They live in the UK and keep a private family life.

Paula Wilcox Net Worth

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As of 2025, Paula Wilcox’s net worth is most commonly estimated at around $1.7 million. This figure appears frequently on celebrity finance websites such as Celebrity Net Worth and Idol Net Worth. However, it is important to stress that Paula has never disclosed her personal finances publicly, so these numbers remain educated estimates rather than official figures.

Different outlets report a wide range of values:

• Some sources suggest as low as $100,000 to $1 million.

• The most widely repeated estimate is around $1.7 million.

• A few outliers claim between $10 million and $15 million, though these appear less reliable.

The variation comes from the methods used by these sites. Some calculate only reported salaries from television or stage work, while others add potential assets, royalties, or property holdings.

The most balanced conclusion is that Paula Wilcox’s wealth reflects her long and steady career across television, theatre, film, and voiceover work rather than blockbuster earnings. In this sense, her net worth is best understood as an approximation in the modest millions, with $1.7 million being the most realistic estimate for 2025.

Net Worth Comparison

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7 Interesting Facts about Paula Wilcox

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1. She was only 24 when she played Chrissy Plummer in Man About the House.

2. She first appeared in Coronation Street in 1969 and returned in 2020 after 51 years.

3. She starred in The Lovers, which ran for two series and produced a film.

4. She has played roles in both Only Fools and Horses spin-offs: The Green Green Grass and Rock & Chips.

5. Her first husband, Derek Seaton, was also an actor and appeared in Doctor Who.

6. She played Miss Havisham on stage in Great Expectations.

7. Her career has lasted more than five decades and continues in 2025.

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Current Status and Future Plans

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Paula Wilcox remains active. She has appeared in shows such as Avoidance and The Cleaner. She was also part of a documentary marking fifty years of Man About the House. While she has not announced a major new role for 2025, her history of steady work suggests that more projects are likely. She continues to be part of British television and theatre, keeping her career alive well into her seventies.

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Social Media Presence

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Unlike many modern actors, Paula Wilcox does not actively engage with audiences through social media. As of 2025, she does not have any official or verified accounts on Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, or TikTok. This sets her apart from younger celebrities who often share regular updates online to connect with fans.

Instead, Paula maintains her connection with audiences primarily through her television and theatre work, as well as occasional interviews in traditional media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, and documentaries. This approach allows her to keep her personal life private while ensuring that her professional performances remain her main form of public presence.

Her absence from social media is a conscious choice that highlights her preference for privacy and professionalism, rather than online visibility.

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Conclusion

Paula Wilcox’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and quiet success. From her early days in Coronation Street to becoming a household name in Man About the House, and later returning to soaps and stage roles, she has shown remarkable staying power in an ever-changing entertainment industry.

Her wealth, estimated at around $1.7 million in 2025, is a fair reflection of a career built on consistency rather than headline-making salaries. More importantly, her legacy lies in the breadth of roles she has taken on and the audiences she continues to connect with. At 75, Paula remains active in British television and theatre, proving that true passion for the craft has no expiration date.

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FAQs

What is Paula Wilcox’s net worth?

Her net worth is estimated in the low millions. Some reports suggest around 1.7 million dollars, while others claim higher or lower figures.

How old is Paula Wilcox?

She was born on 13 December 1949. In 2025 she is 75 years old.

What is Paula Wilcox best known for?

She is best known for her role as Chrissy Plummer in Man About the House and as Elaine Jones in Coronation Street.

Is Paula Wilcox still acting?

Yes. She remains active and appeared in TV shows and documentaries as recently as 2024 and 2025.

Who was Paula Wilcox’s first husband?

Her first husband was actor Derek Seaton. They married in 1969, and he died in 1979 at age 35.

Who is Paula Wilcox married to now?

She has been married since 1991 to Nelson “Skip” Riddle, son of composer Nelson Riddle.

Did Paula Wilcox appear in Coronation Street before 2020?

Yes. Her first appearance was in 1969 as Janice Langton. She returned in 2020 as Elaine Jones.

Has Paula Wilcox worked in theatre?

Yes. She has appeared in plays such as What Shadows, Dreams of Violence, and Great Expectations.

Did Paula Wilcox act in films?

Yes. Her film work includes The Lovers! (1973), The Higher Mortals (1993), and Scoop (2006).

Why do net worth figures for Paula Wilcox differ?

They differ because each site uses its own way of estimating. Some include only TV pay, others add possible property or investments. This leads to wide ranges.