[pinksequins]

I read somewhere that it is the norm for actors on television series in the UK to have fixed term contracts (three years, sounds right), unlike in the US (where many actors will stay with a series for its duration or will flounce off early.)

This would be in line with British employment law where nearly all positions are under employment contract. The concept of "at will" employment is unknown to them (unless they have collegaues in the States).