Scott Mills has topped the corporation’s salary list for the financial year ending March 2026, the BBC’s Annual Report has disclosed.
The former BBC Radio 2 presenter was dismissed in March over allegations concerning his personal conduct. He’s since been replaced by Sara Cox.
The 53-year-old broadcaster received between £745,000 and £749,999 during the period, earning the sum through his role hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
Mr Mills took on the role from Zoe Ball in January 2025, alongside Pop: Top 10 programmes and additional public service work.
Scott Mills was initially axed from the BBC over allegations against his personal conduct
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BBCHis earnings represented a significant increase from the previous annual report, where he was listed as receiving between £355,000 and £359,999, placing him joint 11th alongside Naga Munchetty.
Mr Mills was terminated by the BBC following allegations of serious sexual offences in which the alleged victim was under 16, BBC News has said. The alleged incidents occurred between 1997 and 2000.
The Metropolitan Police opened an investigation into Mr Mills in 2016, examining the allegations which dated back nearly three decades.
The inquiry was subsequently closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges.
In a statement issued following his dismissal, Mr Mills acknowledged the police investigation and said he had “fully co-operated and responded” to it. He requested that the public and media respect his wish not to comment further on the matter.
His statement in full read: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.
“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.
“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.
Mr Mills was dismissed by the BBC following a historic police investigation
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BBC“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven 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.
“I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
The departure of Mr Mills was not the only significant change among the BBC’s highest earners.
Gary Lineker, previously the corporation’s best-paid star with a salary between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999, saw his earnings fall dramatically to between £325,000 and £329,999, placing him 15th on the current list.
Gary Lineker is no longer the BBC’s highest earner
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GETTYThe former England footballer left the BBC in May last year, with his final year’s pay reflecting work on Match Of The Day and other football coverage.
Zoe Ball, who ranked second in the previous year’s salary disclosure, has disappeared from the list entirely. She is set to join Greatest Hits Radio in September to present an afternoon programme.
The current top earner following Mr Mills’ departure is BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James, whose salary sits between £440,000 and £444,999. Northern Irish broadcaster Stephen Nolan occupies third position, earning between £425,000 and £429,999.
Political journalist Laura Kuenssberg has been confirmed as the highest-paid female staff member, with earnings between £405,000 and £409,999, placing her joint fourth alongside Radio 2’s Vernon Kay.
Alan Shearer ranks sixth after his pay decreased from the previous year, while Justin Webb, Ms Munchetty, Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth complete the top 10. Four women now feature among the highest earners, an increase from three in the previous report.