BBC Unveils Highest-Paid Stars; Scott Mills Tops List with £750,000
The BBC has released its annual list of highest-paid on-air talent for 2025/26, with former Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills leading the rankings at £745,000–£749,999. Mills, who left the broadcaster in March, replaced Gary Lineker as the top earner after Lineker departed last year. The list, required by the BBC's charter as a public broadcaster, includes salaries over £178,000 funded by licence fees.
Top 10 Earners and Year-on-Year Changes
The rankings, published in the BBC's annual report, show significant shifts. Greg James rose to £440,000–£444,999 (up from £425,000–£429,999), while Stephen Nolan earned £425,000–£429,999 (up from £405,000–£409,999). Vernon Kay and Laura Kuenssberg both earned £405,000–£409,999, with Kuenssberg remaining the highest-paid female presenter. Alan Shearer saw a decrease to £390,000–£394,999 (down from £440,000–£444,999). Justin Webb, Naga Munchetty, Fiona Bruce, and Sophie Raworth rounded out the top 10, with Bruce and Raworth experiencing slight drops.
Public Reaction and Poll
The BBC's salary disclosures often spark debate about value for money from licence fee payers. This year, the absence of Zoe Ball, previously the second-highest earner, and the inclusion of only four women in the top 10 have drawn attention. The corporation defends the salaries as necessary to retain top talent in a competitive market. Readers are invited to vote in the poll and share their views on whether the BBC should pay stars up to £750,000.
