The BBC's Annual Report for the year ending March 2026 reveals that former Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills was the corporation's highest earner until his dismissal in March. Mills received between £745,000 and £749,999, primarily for his work on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, which he took over from Zoe Ball in January 2025, as well as Pop: Top 10 shows and other public service commitments.
Scott Mills' Dismissal and Investigation
Mills was sacked by the BBC shortly before it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had launched an investigation into him in 2016 regarding allegations of serious sexual offences involving a boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000. The Southampton-born broadcaster had earned between £355,000 and £359,999 in the previous year's report, when he was joint 11th highest earner alongside Naga Munchetty.
Gary Lineker's Salary Drop
Former England footballer Gary Lineker, previously the BBC's top-paid star, received between £325,000 and £329,999 for the year to March 2026, placing him 15th. He had earned between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 in the prior report. Lineker departed the BBC in May 2025, and his 2025/2026 earnings came from contributions to Match Of The Day and additional football coverage.
Other High Earners Leaving the BBC
Zoe Ball, second on last year's list, no longer appears. She will host an afternoon show on Greatest Hits Radio from September. Alan Shearer's earnings fell from between £440,000 and £444,999 to between £390,000 and £394,999, placing him sixth.
Top 10 Earners
BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James was second highest earner with £440,000-£444,999. Northern Irish radio presenter Stephen Nolan secured third with £425,000-£429,999. Laura Kuenssberg ranked fourth with £405,000-£409,999, tied with Vernon Kay. Justin Webb was seventh (£375,000-£379,999), Naga Munchetty eighth (£360,000-£364,999), Fiona Bruce ninth (£345,000-£349,999), and Sophie Raworth tenth (£340,000-£344,999).
Gender Representation
Four women featured in the top 10, up from three the previous year. Those paid via independent production companies or BBC Studios are excluded. The BBC must publish salaries exceeding £178,000 from licence fee revenue annually.
