While the BBC continues to wrestle with internal challenges and scandals, its latest annual report has revealed that some of its top presenters are still taking home sky-high paychecks.
At the top of that list? Once again, Gary Lineker and Zoe Ball.
Gary Lineker Tops the List Amid Controversy
Even though Gary Lineker left his role at the BBC in May following backlash over a controversial social media post—accused of promoting an antisemitic trope—he still topped the rich list this year.
The former Match of the Day host earned £1.35 million, making him the highest-paid BBC star for 2024/25.
His departure came just before the end of the financial year, which explains why his name still sits at the top.
Zoe Ball Remains the BBC’s Highest-Paid Woman
Zoe Ball, who stepped away from her full-time job as the Radio 2 breakfast show host in December, remains the highest-paid female presenter.
Despite working part-time, she earned £519,000 over the year.
Her successor, Scott Mills, is earning significantly less—just under £360,000.
Huw Edwards Vanishes From the Rankings
This year’s report marks the first time that former newsreader Huw Edwards is absent from the salary rankings.
Edwards, who was previously among the top earners, left the BBC last year after being convicted for possessing indecent images of children.
BBC executives have reportedly tried to recover the earnings he received between his arrest and resignation but haven’t had much success.
Acknowledging Cultural Problems Inside the BBC
Director-General Tim Davie addressed the broader issues plaguing the corporation, acknowledging the damaging revelations surrounding Edwards and other instances of misconduct.
He noted that the BBC has faced a difficult year and has been undergoing a cultural overhaul.
He stated, “We continue to work hard to transform our culture…
This year brought major challenges in the form of the appalling Huw Edwards revelations along with further examples of truly unacceptable behaviours coming to light.”
Action Plan and Dismissals Already Underway
Davie confirmed that since launching an internal action plan in April, some individuals have already been dismissed due to bad behaviour.
However, he clarified that TV chef Gregg Wallace, who was banned for making inappropriate comments, wasn’t among those dismissed as he was not an official staff member.
Davie described his long-term vision for the BBC as fostering a workplace that is “kind, inclusive, safe and supportive… where everyone feels inspired and enabled to do their best work.”
A Call for Bravery and Speed in Cleaning House
BBC chairman Samir Shah also weighed in, admitting that “pockets” of the organisation still harbour toxic behaviour, where powerful individuals—both on and off-screen—abuse their positions.
He emphasized the need for faster, bolder action to tackle these persistent issues.
“We must act with speed, be bolder and braver in our actions, and dial up our risk appetite in taking visible steps to stamp out unacceptable and inappropriate behaviours,” Shah urged.