Hosting a TV show is not an easy job; you have to be likable, presentable and adaptable. Often, hosts are involved in more than just presenting: they have a hand in the programme planning, research, and setting up of interviews. Some of the most famous UK shows have iconic presenters whose charisma keeps viewers coming back for more. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of scandal surrounding the job.
Discover our latest podcast
The pay gap for TV personalities in the UK has been an issue, showcasing significant disparities between what women are paid compared to their male counterparts. And recently, there have been darker problems surfacing in the industry as reports of sexual misconduct or abuse have come to light.
The gender pay gap
In 2017 there was a major scandal when it was revealed that several female presenters at the BBC received less money for doing the same job as male colleagues. This resulted in a big controversy as high-profile presenters such as Vanessa Feltz and Claudia Winkleman were among those calling for fair pay.
Since then, the situation has improved and TV channels are more transparent about the salaries they pay to hosts. Male presenters are also helping to fight for the cause. Davina McCall has revealed her co-host Jonathan Ross called her up to tell her his salary for The Masked Show that was to start in 2020: ‘This is what I’m being paid. I think you and I should get paid the same amount’.
That being said, the problem persists: in the summer of 2022 people were outraged to discover that Channel 5 News signed newsreader Dan Walker on more money than his co-star Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije.
Fiona Bruce calls BBC gender pay gap 'unacceptable' https://t.co/CI7kWoZEi5
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) September 17, 2020
Controversies surrounding sexual misconduct
There have also been a stream of controversies surrounding TV hosts who have behaved inappropriately at work. Phillip Schofield faced a huge amount of criticism when it came out that he was having an affair with a much younger member of staff earlier this year. To make matters worse, when Schofield first met this young man he was underage.
Then we have Dan Wootton, who has been the focus of a series of articles from independent publication Byline Times. The publication has revealed his alleged catfishing of former colleagues, bullying, harassment and filming of sexual acts without the participant’s consent.
So, this is not an uncomplicated job, but it can pay very well. Head to the slideshow at the top of this article to see the British TV presenters with the highest net worth.
Read more:
⋙ Amid Russell Brand scandal, pressure is mounting for GB News and Dan Wootton
⋙ Russell Brand drags Dan Wootton, Huw Edwards and Phillip Schofield back under the spotlight
Sources used:
Mail Online: Britain's richest solo TV presenter has amassed a fortune of £18.6MILLION - and it ISN'T who you'd expect
The Times: Martin Lewis net worth
