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Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker's eye-watering BBC salary in full despite quitting Match of The Day
Gary Lineker's full BBC salary has been publicly disclosed despite his recent departure from the broadcaster after 26 years Former pundit Gary Lineker's eye-watering BBC salary has been unveiled - despite him quitting his epic TV role over pro-Palestine tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza. A BBC salary report of the highest-paid presenters has been released today, and for the second year in a row, Lineker, 64, is at the top of the poll, despite quitting his renowned position on Match of The Day just over two months ago. The report shows that Lineker is still one of the BBC's biggest assets as he has received the highest salary for the eighth year in a row, raking in a whopping £1.35 million. Gary is closely followed by Radio 2 breakfast star Zoe Ball who was second on the list with a salary of £519,999 - which went drastically down from £950,000 the year before. Match of The Day pundit and Newcastle hero Alan Shearer is next on the list, raking in a whopping £445,000 this year which is up from his £380,000 annual BBC salary in 2024. BBC radio presenter Greg James has also received a pay-rise this year as he's now the fourth highest paid presenter with an annual salary of £429,999, which has spiked up £20,000 since last year. Fiona Bruce falls shortly behind Greg James as she comes in at the fifth highest-paid BBC star with a salary of 414,999. Fiona's salary has shot up £10,000 since last year. The figures show that while both Zoe Ball and Gary Lineker are the highest-paid BBC stars, they are also the only ones not to receive a pay rise this year as Lineker's salary has stayed the same while Ball's has dwindled by £400,000 after her departure from BBC Radio 1. However, it was Lineker's early departure which truly rocked the broadcaster to its core. Back in May, it was announced that former England footballer and Match of the Day presenter Lineker was expected to leave the BBC by mutual agreement, amid escalating criticism surrounding his recent social media activity. The fallout began in early May after Lineker, shared a pro-Palestinian video on Instagram that included a rat emoji which is a symbol historically used in Nazi propaganda to dehumanize Jewish people. The post drew widespread condemnation and was quickly deleted. Lineker issued an apology, but the controversy continued to intensify in the weeks following. Pressure on the broadcaster increased even more after The Telegraph published a revealing interview in which Lineker expanded on his criticism of Israel 's actions and appeared to take aim at senior figures within the BBC. The Match of the Day star, who is the highest-paid presenter at the BBC apologised for sharing a video an anti-Zionism video. The post featured a picture of a rat, which has historically been used as an antisemitic insult, referring to language used in Nazi Germany to characterise Jews. Gary immediately deleted the post after realising the significance of the symbol, according to his agent. Last Tuesday afternoon, he also issued a statement in which he 'apologised unreservedly' for his "mistake". "On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references," he said in a statement. "I very much regret these references. "I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in." The Match of the Day presenter said he deleted the post "as soon as I became aware of the issue. Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters," Lineker continued. "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly," he concluded. Lineker has previously defended his pro-Palestine views. He said: "It's beyond depraved, what they're [the Palestinian people] are going through, unimaginable. "I don't know how the world thinks this is OK. We still seem to be on the side of the people who are doing this. We're still supplying arms. And you think, 'Wow, how?' The vast majority of people see it for what it is now. Palestinians are caged in this outdoor prison in Gaza, and now it's an outdoor prison that they're bombing. Israel say it's self-defence, but really? Self-defence against what now? "Yes, I understand that they needed to avenge, but I don't think they've helped their own hostage situation at all. People say it's a complex issue, but I don't think it is. It's inevitable that the Israeli occupation was going to cause massive problems, and I just feel for the Palestinians. 'I don't really care about the backlash. I care about doing the right thing, or what I think is the right thing. Some people can disagree, that's fine. But I have to look at myself in the mirror. I think if you're silent on these issues, you're almost complicit.'
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Former The One Show star on loosing 'everything' after marriage split and BBC axe
Former The One Show star on loosing 'everything' after marriage split and BBC axe Former England footballer Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC with immediate effect last year after he sent explicit messages to colleagues. Jermaine Jenas, known for co-hosting The One Show with Alex Jones, found himself in the spotlight last year following his sudden dismissal due to inappropriate conduct. The ex-England footballer, aged 42, revisited the controversy that also saw him ousted from his role on Match of The Day, a situation which precipitated the end of his 14-year marriage to Ellie, with the couple announcing their separation in March. Following allegations about sending explicit messages to colleagues, Jermaine faced additional career repercussions including being dropped by his representation agency. He has since reflected on the scandal and admits that he initially mishandled the fallout. Former The One Show star on loosing 'everything' after marriage split and BBC axe (Image: BBC ) In a frank discussion on the Let Me Tell You Something podcast, hosted by comedian Katherine Ryan and professional boxer Derek Chisora, he confessed: "I broke a vow. Article continues below "I feel my level of punishment was up there. I had to take it and have some broad shoulders and handle it, and I feel like I did that." Jermaine drew parallels between the texts he sent and the erotically charged narratives akin to those of Jamie Dornan's Fifty Shades film series, reports the Express. Jermaine Jenas spoke candidly about being sacked by the BBC last year (Image: YOUTUBE ) He described his sexting scenario as follows: "It was Christian Grey in text messages, put it that way. It was sexting, as simple as that, but it was initiated to me, and then I responded." The 42-year-old clarified the context of the exchanges, asserting: "It wasn't just me going out of my way, and it definitely 100% wasn't, 'If you do this, I will help you in your work.'There was no power element to it going on." Jermaine candidly discussed his marriage struggles with Ellie Penfold, acknowledging they faced issues even before the sexting scandal emerged. Jermaine Jenas and his wife Ellie Penfold announced their separation (Image: GETTY ) "There's a lot of stuff with me and Ellie where we weren't in the best place ourselves," he admitted. He also spoke on their challenges, adding: "And things were just spiralling a little bit. In no way is that blame. I'm fully accepting responsibility." Article continues below Reflecting on the consequences, the former BBC star expressed: "I dealt with it wrong and got heavily punished for it by losing pretty much everything that I had at that time." Having bounced back, Jenas is now with talkSPORT and shared at the start of the year his aspirations to better himself, stating, he would be a "better person".
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
What did Gary Lineker tweet?
IN March 2023, The BBC suspended Gary Lineker from Match of the Day duties following a tweet it deemed to be in breach of its guidelines. The beloved presenter has now announced that Advertisement 4 Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC Credit: Alamy 4 He has presented Match of the Day since 1999 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd On May 19, 2025, Gary Lineker announced that he is leaving the BBC and will not front the The former The Match of the Day host's early departure comes five days after he apologised for The 64-year-old faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video Advertisement read more on gary lineker A source told The Sun: 'It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career. Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup. 'He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy. 'He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won't be back.' Advertisement Most read in Football While "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he's quitting BBC next week "As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic — it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." Advertisement Gary's final Match of the Day ever is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025. He will reportedly not receive a pay off despite being the broadcaster's highest paid star, raking in £1.35million a year, according to . What did Gary Lineker tweet? In March 2023, Gary took to Twitter to hit out at the Illegal Migration Bill, which bans migrants who arrive on small boats from settling in Britain. 4 The former player and crisp peddler was suspended in 2023 following a tweet that the Beeb said breached its guidelines Advertisement He tweeted: "This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the '30s, and I'm out of order?" In a statement, the BBC said it has "decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we've got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media." What have Ian Wright and Alan Shearer said? Gary's Match of The Day co-hosts Advertisement Wright tweeted: "Everybody knows what Match of the Day means to me, but I've told the BBC I won't be doing it tomorrow. Solidarity." 4 Ian Wright will not be appearing on the show in a sign of solidarity Credit: PA This was shortly followed by co-star Alan Shearer who said: "I have informed the BBC that I won't be appearing on MOTD tomorrow night." Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman also all showed support for Gary. Advertisement This meant Match of the Day went ahead without a Who is replacing Gary on Match of the Day? In January 2025, the The trio will share presenting duties for the flagship Match of the Day on a Saturday night, plus Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings. Kelly Cates will be part of a three-person presenting team alongside and from next season. Advertisement A statement posted on the show's X page read: "New squad for next season! "We're delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26."
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker dealt extra blow after early BBC exit in antisemitism row
Gary Lineker has reportedly been dealt an extra blow following his exit from the BBC, ahead of him hosting his final episode of Match of the Day this weekend Gary Lineker has reportedly been dealt an extra blow after his shock exit from the BBC. The presenter had stood down from his duties on Match Of The Day and was expected to host the World Cup coverage. He will now present his final show at the weekend after his now-deleted Instagram post was criticised as anti-Semitic. He shared a post from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). Now it has been confirmed that Gary is standing down from his role with the BBC and his last episode of Match of The Day will be this weekend, and he will not present the World Cup coverage either. Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said of the decision ahead of Gary's final show: "Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season. "Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made." Gary Lineker also issued a stement, where he said stepping back felt like the "responsible course of action". " Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio. I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years," he said. "As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for. However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." However, it has now been revealed that Gary will face a second blow. It seems as though the licensing deal for the Goalhanger titles, The Rest Is Football and The Rest Is History, will also end this year. An email sent to BBC Sport staff was also revealed shortly after his departure was announced. Alex Kay-Jelski, the director of sport, wrote to staff: "You will have seen in the past few minutes that Gary Lineker will be leaving the BBC at the end of the current football season... I appreciate the last week has been difficult and emotional for many of you. Thank you for all the messages and conversations, even if some of them weren't easy to have. And I hope you understand that I had to wait until now to tell you the news. "It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service. As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am. Let's finish the season strongly with Gary's final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead."
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gary Lineker QUITS BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after explosive anti-Semitism row
GARY Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBC tomorrow and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an antisemitism row. The former 7 Gary Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBC Credit: Splash 7 A source said: 'It is an absolutely heart-breaking end to what has been an extraordinary broadcasting career' Credit: Getty A source told The Sun: 'It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.' Gary agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable. The Match of the Day host's early departure comes five days after he apologised for Ex- READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER He had been due to host the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup but will instead bow out this Sunday. The source said: 'Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup. 'He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy. 'He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won't be back.' Most read in Football The ex- His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses. He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business. Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney's managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless And those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely. They added: 'Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong. 'He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over. 'And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.' Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation. HATE ROW APOLOGY In a statement that day Gary's agent said: 'Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post. 'Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.' On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: 'On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references. 'I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in. 'The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue. 7 The presenter will confirm his last Match of The Day will be on Sunday Credit: Getty 7 A young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 'Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. "I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.' BBC Director General Tim Davie 'And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.' Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC's 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup. He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC's impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out. The BBC's reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us. BBC boss Tim Davie Last month he was asked by the BBC's Amol Rajan whether it was within his remit to give a view on Gary said: 'I'm sorry. It's more important than the BBC. What's going on there (Gaza) is the mass murder of thousands of children — probably something that we should have a little opinion on.' His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis. 7 The former England captain presenting the BBC's World Cup 2002 coverage Credit: BBC Gary said of his colleagues' support: 'I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. It's one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn't need to do that.' Six months later the BBC published rules for its presenters which said they would be 'allowed to express views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning'. Gary responded by saying the rules were 'all very sensible.' He has previously said he believes the BBC wanted him to leave MOTD when he was negotiating a new contract last year. Gary said then: 'I think it was their preference that I didn't do it for one more year, so they could bring in new people.' Gary's replacement as World Cup host is expected to be announced shortly. 7 Gary stripped down to his boxers live on air when Leicester won the Premier League in 2016 Credit: PA:Press Association 7 BBC boss Tim Davie said: 'I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that' Credit: Getty Footie fun 'N' Foxes' pants By Andy Robinson GARY Lineker's 26 years at the BBC have seen him become one of our most popular footie presenters. He began as a pundit on Radio 5 Live before replacing Des Lynam on Match of the Day. He kicked off in 1999 saying: 'Eh, tell you what. Football's back. Any good? Have I got the job?' Gary's most memorable moment came after he vowed to host in 'just his undies' if his former side Leicester City won the Premier League. He stayed true to his word after the Foxes' fairytale triumph in 2015-16 — though he ranked appearing in his boxers his 'least favourite' MOTD moment. His favourite was the last day of Leicester's title season. Gary also presented their FA Cup triumph in 2021, saying: 'They are two things I thought I would never witness in my lifetime. They were my special ones.' In 2019 fans were left laughing when he mocked bald pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy's analysis of a 'hair-raising' start to the season. Gary, Dion Dublin and Ian Wright also raised a smile by mimicking Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette's scream picked up by microphones after he was fouled in a match during crowdless Covid. In 2023 Gary struggled to keep a straight face as pranksters played sex sounds from a phone hidden in the BBC studio. He has also presented for Al Jazeera, NBC and BT Sport who may seek his services once again.
