The annual top 10 list of the highest-paid presenters at the BBC for 2022-23 has been unveiled.
Right in the midst of what is one of the most highly-publicised national news stories at the moment, with the allegations against the unnamed BBC presenter grabbing every headline there is, the broadcaster has chosen now to publish its annual list of highest-paid stars.
The top 10 list comprises of six male and four female stars this year.
It may come as no surprise that Gary Lineker has been named as the BBC’s highest earner – taking home around £1.35 million in 2022-23, which is the same amount as the previous year.
Lineker’s ongoing presenting work on Match Of The Day, Sports Personality Of The Year, the World Cup, and the FA Cup lead to him keeping hold of the top spot on the list.
Image: BBCImage: BBCImage: BBC
BBC Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Zoe Ball is second on the list, again with an unchanged salary and earning between £980,000 and £984,999, while the rest of the top five is made up of former footballer turned sports presenter Alan Shearer, BBC News’ Huw Edwards, and BBC Radio 5 Live’s Stephen Nolan.
Other notable names on the top 10 list include former BBC News and current Question Time and Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2 breakfast show presenters Greg James and Ken Bruce.
Ken Bruce is new to the top 10, along with Lauren Laverne and Sophie Raworth, and they enter the list in the place of Steve Wright, Vanessa Feltz, and Scott Mills – who all departed from their respective BBC shows within the last year.
Top 10 Highest-Paid BBC Presenters 2022-23
Gary Lineker – £1,350,000
Zoe Ball – £980,000
Alan Shearer – £445,000
Huw Edwards – £435,000
Stephen Nolan – £400,000
Fiona Bruce – £395,000
Greg James – £395,000
Ken Bruce – £390,000
Lauren Laverne – £390,000
Sophie Raworth – £365,000
Away from the top 10, other famous top earners include George Alagiah, Naga Munchetty, Amol Rajan, Laura Kuenssberg, Nicky Campbell, and Victoria Derbyshire.
As well as on-screen stars, the annual report also includes salary details for bosses within the corporation – the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie taking home between £525,000 and £529,999 in 2022-23.
Six male and four female stars make up this year’s highest earners / Credit: BBC
Speaking on the publishing of the annual list, Tim Davie said: “I am proud of the content we have delivered, from royal programming to wonderful sporting moments and coverage of the Ukraine war… [but] it remains a period of change, financial pressures, and great competition in the media market.
“Our task is not always easy and we have to make some difficult choices.
“But these are challenges we must embrace as we know that the BBC is needed now more than ever, in an age of polarisation and increasing disinformation.”
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Art & Culture
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Emily Sergeant -
12th July 2023 
