James Buckley Recalls Financial Hardship During Early 'The Inbetweeners' Stardom

James Buckley, known for his role as Jay Cartwright in the British sitcom The Inbetweeners, has shared details about his financial difficulties during the show's early success. Buckley, 39, discussed on his podcast, 'The Buckleys,' with his wife Clair, that he was still working as a kitchen fitter before and during the filming of the first series in 2008.

He explained that he was paid £6,000 for the first series of the show and that his financial situation was so precarious at times that he could not afford a travel card to get to filming locations. "I was literally like at some points I was like, I can't afford a travel card to get to this place, right? Like I don't have any money. I'm fitting kitchens," Buckley stated.

Buckley also noted that he received many free items, including clothes, because he lacked the funds to purchase them himself. He described the strange experience of appearing on television and in magazines while still facing financial instability. "And it's weird when you get when you first get on the television because you don't really earn any money, right? But still, you've got to be on magazines and go on talk shows and stuff like that."

He recalled an incident where he collected a kitchen from a customer the day after the first episode aired, and the customer inquired if he was the person from television. The actor's early career was marked by this juxtaposition of burgeoning fame and ongoing financial challenges.

News recently emerged that The Inbetweeners is set to return for a third film, with Buckley reprising his role alongside co-stars Simon Bird, Blake Harrison, and Joe Thomas. The upcoming movie, being produced by Netflix, has generated significant fan anticipation. Buckley may have inadvertently revealed details about his character Jay's storyline, as he was seen in a video wearing a high-visibility fleece with the logo for 'Cartwright Plant Hire,' his character's father's business. This has led to speculation among fans about whether Jay has taken over the company or is working for his father.

The potential return of Emily Atack's character, Charlotte 'Big Jugs' Hinchcliffe, has also been a subject of discussion. Rumors suggested that a past feud with Buckley might have delayed her involvement in the reunion. Atack's character was reportedly not included in a reunion seven years prior due to a past relationship with Buckley. The sitcom originally aired on Channel 4 from 2008 to 2010, followed by two films in 2011 and 2014, and a reunion special in 2019.