The revelation of how much the BBC's top-earning talent actually earns has certainly got people talking since it was unveiled yesterday (19 July).
While we imagine not many of them would like to discuss it – apart from Gary Lineker – one of the corporation's top talents who really did not want to tackle the subject was Jeremy Vine.
The presenter appeared on camera outside the BBC following the revelation that he earned between £700,000 and £749,999, though looked like he would rather be anywhere else.
Pressed as to whether the talent was good value for the licence fee payer, he said: "I've never for a second doubted how lucky I am to work in there, and I'm just sorry the BBC is really hurting today."
Earlier on his Radio 2 show, Vine endured a tense moment when he took a call from Harry Jones, who asked: "I enjoy your programme and I enjoy you personally but I'd like to ask you a direct question – are you embarrassed to pick up your pay cheque?"
Vine responded: "I just feel very lucky every day, is the answer to that."
However, the caller then pressed the presenter as to whether he thought he was "overpaid", to which Vine responded: "I don't really want to answer that because I don't think it's the moment for me."
"You spend your life asking people questions - I am asking you a direct question," Jones hit back. "Do you think you and the rest of the BBC are overpaid?"
Vine then said: "Some are."
The top earning male star on the list was Chris Evans, earning between £2.2 and £2.25 million.
However, the highest-paid female star was Claudia Winkleman, earning between £450,000 and £499,999 – leading to accusations of sexism.
