Scott Mills was BBC's highest paid star before exit

Scott Mills has emerged as the BBC's highest paid presenter for the 2025 to 2026 financial year, according to the corporation's latest annual report, despite leaving the broadcaster in March following his dismissal. The report revealed that Mills earned around £745,000 during his final year at the BBC, placing him above every other presenter whose salary is disclosed under the corporation's annual transparency rules.

His departure came after historical allegations of sexual offences involving a teenager under the age of 16 became public. Police investigated the claims after they were reported in 2016. Mills fully co operated with the investigation, and prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. The investigation concluded in 2019, and no criminal charges were filed. The BBC dismissed Mills in March 2026, only days before the financial year ended.

The salary disclosed in the annual report reflects almost an entire year of BBC earnings. During that period, Mills hosted the Radio 2 breakfast programme after replacing Zoe Ball and also contributed to other BBC productions, including editions of the podcast Scott & Rylan's Pop: Top 10. Sara Cox has since taken over the Radio 2 breakfast programme, while the broadcaster has yet to confirm a permanent replacement for her previous teatime slot.

Greg James ranked second on the published salary list with approximately £440,000, followed by Stephen Nolan on around £425,000. Laura Kuenssberg and Vernon Kay each received about £405,000, while Alan Shearer earned approximately £390,000. Justin Webb, Naga Munchetty, Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth also featured among the broadcaster's highest paid presenters.

Gary Lineker, who had topped the BBC salary rankings for several years alongside Zoe Ball, dropped significantly after leaving the corporation early in the financial year. His former presenting role on Match of the Day is now shared by Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates. Even when their published salaries are combined, they remain below Lineker's previous annual earnings.

The report also highlighted wider financial pressures facing the BBC. The number of television licences in force fell by 539,000 during the year, continuing a longer trend that has seen approximately two million licences disappear over the past five years. BBC executives described the current funding model as facing significant challenges ahead of the corporation's charter renewal in 2027, with the UK government considering alternative funding options.

BBC chairman Samir Shah acknowledged that several editorial controversies during the past year had affected public confidence in the organisation. Newly appointed director general Matt Brittin also admitted the broadcaster had experienced a difficult period and stressed the importance of accountability, transparency and rebuilding public trust.

The annual report further revealed an increase in formal workplace complaints. The BBC recorded 53 bullying and harassment cases and three sexual harassment complaints during the 2025 to 2026 financial year. The corporation said the rise was expected following an independent workplace culture review that encouraged staff to report unacceptable behaviour.

While the published salary figures provide insight into BBC spending on directly employed presenters, they do not represent every high profile personality working for the broadcaster. Several household names, including Claudia Winkleman, Graham Norton and Michael McIntyre, are paid through production companies and therefore do not appear on the annual salary list.