Zoe Ball has been named one of the BBC’s highest paid stars, after receiving a pay rise of £1 million. The BBC Radio 2 and Strictly It Takes Two presenter’s wage has skyrocketed, while other well known faces’ pay has been cut.
The news comes just one month after it was reported that Zoe had lost a million listeners on her Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
The 49-year-old’s salary has soared from £370,000 last year to a minimum of £1.36 million.
She took over the show from Chris Evans in January 2019, and has also been a fan favourite on Strictly spin off show – It Takes Two – since 2011.
Zoe pulled in 8.2 million weekly listeners in 2019’s final quarter, compared to 9.1million before Chris left in 2018.
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Huw Edwards and Alan Shearer took slight pay cuts while Gary Lineker’s huge wage will be reduced next year, after he signed a five-year contract to remain at the BBC.
The Match of the Day host will continue his duties on the programme as well as fronting the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup, football matches and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The new deal sees the former footballer’s pay reduced by 23 per cent.
Gary said of his new deal: “I love working with the BBC, and am very proud to continue to be a part of their outstanding football team.
In addition, Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer’s wages have also been cut by the BBC.
The Newcastle United legend was paid around £50,000 less last year as the organisation’s gender pay gap was narrowed.
Alan has seen a pay cut this year, with his salary now falling between £390,000 and £394,999.
The BBC Annual Report today revealed the number of women in the top ten paid has now risen from six to seven, with Fiona Bruce also getting nearly a £200,000 pay rise.
It comes after the BBC addressed the gender pay gap after they came under fire when it was revealed many female stars had been paid less than their male counterparts.
While Gary remains the BBC’s top earner, other famous faces also made it into the top five.
Chat show host Graham Norton takes third place with a salary of £725,000 to £729,000.
Radio personality Steve Wright takes fourth place with a salary of £475,000 to £479,000.
