Former Made in Chelsea reality star Jamie Laing has made startling revelations about his time working with the BBC, exposing what he describes as a significant pay disparity between himself and his co-host.
The 35-year-old television personality, who found fame on the E4 reality series, disclosed that during his tenure hosting the BBC's 'Evil Genius' podcast alongside comedian and writer Ellie Taylor, he discovered he was being paid substantially more than his female counterpart.
'It Made Me Feel Uncomfortable'
Laing expressed his discomfort upon learning about the pay difference, stating that the revelation came as an unpleasant surprise. "I was getting paid more than she was, and I thought that was ridiculous," the Made in Chelsea star revealed during a recent podcast appearance.
The situation raises serious questions about pay transparency within the BBC, particularly following the corporation's commitment to addressing gender pay gaps after previous controversies.
From Reality TV to BBC Presenter
Jamie Laing's journey from the glamorous world of Made in Chelsea to becoming a BBC presenter represents a significant career transition that many reality stars aspire to achieve. His candid comments about BBC pay structures provide rare insight into the financial arrangements behind popular BBC podcasts.
The 'Evil Genius' podcast, which explored the minds of history's most controversial figures, ran for several series with Laing and Taylor examining whether historical icons were misunderstood geniuses or truly evil individuals.
Broader Implications for BBC Talent
This revelation comes at a sensitive time for the BBC, which has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its pay practices and equality measures. Laing's comments highlight that despite public commitments to fairness, pay disparities may still exist within the corporation's talent arrangements.
The former reality star's openness about his BBC experience adds to growing conversations about pay transparency in the media industry and raises important questions about how broadcasters value different presenters.
