Scott Mills, the former BBC Radio 2 presenter sacked in March, was the corporation's highest earner in the year ending March 2026, according to the BBC's annual salary disclosure. Mills earned between £745,000 and £749,999, primarily for hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, which he took over from Zoe Ball in January 2025.
Mills' salary and sacking
Mills, 53, was dismissed shortly before it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had investigated him in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000. The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring charges. In a statement, Mills said: 'As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.'
Top 10 earners and gender diversity
Four women featured in this year's top 10, up from three in 2025. The list excludes individuals paid through independent production companies or BBC Studios. BBC political journalist Laura Kuenssberg was the highest-paid female staff member, earning between £405,000 and £409,999, placing her joint fourth with Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay. Other women in the top 10 included Naga Munchetty (eighth, £360,000-£364,999), Fiona Bruce (ninth, £345,000-£349,999), and Sophie Raworth (10th, £340,000-£344,999).
Lineker and Ball departures
Former England footballer Gary Lineker, once the BBC's highest-paid star, earned between £325,000 and £329,999, placing him 15th after leaving the BBC in May 2025. His salary had been £1,350,000-£1,354,999 in the previous year. Zoe Ball, who was second in 2025 with £515,000-£519,999, no longer appears on the list; she will host an afternoon show on Greatest Hits Radio from September.
Other notable changes
Alan Shearer saw his pay decrease from £440,000-£444,999 to £390,000-£394,999, placing him sixth. Greg James earned £440,000-£444,999 (second), Stephen Nolan £425,000-£429,999 (third), and Justin Webb £375,000-£379,999 (seventh).
