BBC Report Shows Scott Mills as Highest-Paid Presenter in 2025-2026 Before March Exit

Scott Mills received approximately £745,000 as the BBC's highest-paid presenter in the 2025-2026 financial year before his exit in March, according to the corporation's annual report. @BBCBreaking reported that Mills was accused of historical sexual offences involving a teenager under 16 in the late 1990s.

A police investigation opened in 2016 and closed in 2019 after prosecutors found insufficient evidence; Mills was not charged and stated he fully co-operated.

Mills earned £355,000 the prior year. His final salary covered hosting Radio 2's breakfast show and other work. Gary Lineker received £1.3 million in his partial final year after leaving two months into the period following an Instagram reel containing an antisemitic illustration, for which he apologised.

Mark Chapman was paid £335,000, Gabby Logan £290,000 and Kelly Cates £215,000 for Match of the Day and other duties. The report recorded 53 formal bullying and harassment complaints and three sexual harassment cases in 2025-2026, up from 45 and one the previous year. BBC chairman Samir Shah stated that mistakes affect confidence in journalism and trust in the institution.

Newly appointed director general Matt Brittin said the report reflects challenges and acknowledged significant editorial failings. TV licences in force dropped by 539,000, with total sales falling from 25.3 million in 2020-21 to 23.3 million. Services reach 81% of UK adults weekly.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described funding questions as an existential threat and said the government is examining options ahead of the charter's December 2027 end. President Trump launched a lawsuit over Panorama editing that led to resignations of director general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, which the BBC is defending.