Zoe Ball has been left feeling “uncomfortable” after becoming one of the BBC’s top earners.
It’s said that the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter was left feeling uneasy after her wages rocketed, seeing her earn around the same as Gary Lineker.
Gary took a pay cut of £400,000 – taking his salary down to £1.35 million per year, on par with Zoe.
Zoe, 49, is reportedly set to begin negotiations with the corporation in “coming weeks” in order to take a pay cut before her contract renews in January.
The Celebrity Gogglebox star took over Radio 2 from Chris Evans last year, with her slot now being the most listened to show on the network.
Zoe is believed to have felt “uncomfortable” with her pay rise (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Speaking to The Sun, an insider said: “Zoe was given a very big pay rise when she took on the job because the gender pay row at the BBC was raging and she was replacing a man on a big wage in a high-profile job.
“She has always been thankful for the wage she earns, and she does work very hard, getting up at 4am daily and putting in long hours.”
Zoe is reportedly set to start negotiations with the BBC over a pay reduction (Image: WireImage)
It’s said that Zoe has become “increasingly uncomfortable” with her salary in the current climate, while many are struggling due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Woody Cook’s mum was revealed as one of the top earners at the Beeb in their annual pay report, which discloses the wages of on-screen talent who earn above £150,000.
Her annual salary rocketed from £370,000 to £1.36million.
Zoe is amongst the top earners at the BBC (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Tim Davie, director general at the BBC defended Zoe’s pay, saying: “Zoe is absolutely a broadcaster at the top of her game. She is delivering to over eight million listeners.
Zoe wasn’t the only female to grab a pay rise either, Fiona Bruce had a hefty £200,000 added to her annual salary too.
Seven of the top ten earners at the BBC are now women.
Daily Star Online has approached Zoe’s representatives for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
