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Daily Mirror
a minute ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gary Lineker was forced to delete Lionesses tweet amid backlash as 'people missed context'
The England Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph brought joy to the country, but among the celebrations, Gary Lineker was getting criticised on social media Gary Lineker is no stranger to a social media backlash. However, in the summer of 2022, the former Match of the Day host was in the middle of a different online storm. Shortly after the England Lionesses beat Germany in extra time to lift the 2022 Women's European Championship, Lineker took to X, then called Twitter to express his thoughts. He re-tweeted a picture of Chloe Kelly's iconic celebration, where she ripped off her top and waved it in the air while sporting a white Nike sports bra, after scoring the winner at Wembley. Lineker tweeted a pun that directly referred to her sports bra. But his play on words was considered offensive by many. In his post, the World Cup Golden Boot winner wrote: "The Lionesses have only gone and done it, and Kelly is England's heroine, bra none.' Lineker regularly reacts to events by tweeting a pun or a play on words. However, for many on social media, it was "most unwise" while other fans went one step further and branded it "casual sexism." The ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona forward eventually deleted the tweet before posting another one to explain the context and intention of the message. He wrote: "It was just a play on words given the celebration. "I do rubbish like that constantly on here, including on men's football. I've deleted it as many people didn't see the game, so missed the context." Lineker then uploaded another post praising the Lionesses' triumph, which was England's first senior international tournament triumph since the 1966 World Cup. Tweeting another pun, which was more gratefully received, he wrote: "Football is a simple game. 22 women chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, England actually win. Congratulations @lionesses. Fabulous.' So far, Lineker is yet to tweet about this year's competition in Switzerland, where Sarina Wiegman's side are still battling. Kelly has also been involved in England's title defence, but is yet to get on the scoresheet in the competition. After losing 2-1 to France in the opening match of their title defence, the Lionesses responded with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands and a dominant 6-1 triumph over Wales. They face Sweden in the quarter-final of the competition at the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich. Wiegman's side beat the Scandinavians 4-0 in the semi-final of the last competition, which saw Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby get on the scoresheet. However, both teams are now completely different from that clash at Bramall Lane three years ago. The England manager insisted they cannot use that prior meeting to inform any strategy for their last-eight battle. Wiegman said: "I expect a very competitive game where it's very hard to predict the outcome. "They've had a very good group stage like the three wins they had. I think we're in a very good place too and we're ready to go, so hopefully, we can show that tomorrow."
Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
John McEnroe's salary change at BBC revealed weeks after his pay had Wimbledon fans baffled
John McEnroe has been the BBC's best-paid on-screen pro rata talent for years now, but his salary was not listed in the broadcaster's latest annual report after changes were made Tennis legend John McEnroe has been one of the BBC 's highest-paid on-screen talents over the years, but his salary with the broadcaster is understood to have changed. This comes after questions were raised about the American's value to the corporation from tennis fans. McEnroe, 66, has been part of the BBC's major coverage for over two decades, having first appeared in 2004. The three-time Wimbledon champion is highly regarded for his court experience and insightful commentary, not to mention his willingness to voice controversial opinions. The BBC's annual accounts for 2023/24 revealed McEnroe received between £195,000 and £199,000 during that period. Given his only work for the British broadcaster revolves around Wimbledon, this translates to a daily rate of approximately £14,000. There are others at the BBC who earn significantly more, with former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker topping the 2024/25 list on a salary of £1.35million. But no-one can match McEnroe's pay-per-day rate for two weeks' work at SW19. However, it appears his pay has been altered. Following the release of the BBC's latest annual salary report, it is understood there has been a change to McEnroe's remuneration. In fact, McEnroe was not even listed in the broadcaster's most recent payroll rundown. This includes every individual earning £178,000 or more. Mirror Sport reached out to the BBC for comment, where it was confirmed McEnroe's remuneration for 2024/25 hasn't crossed the £178,000 threshold required for it to be disclosed in their salary report. Details of his actual earnings remain undisclosed, but it's clear there has been an adjustment to the American's pay. Should this be the case, it would indicate a reduction for the second consecutive year in McEnroe's compensation . The exact reason behind this shift is currently unknown. For the 2022/23 fiscal period, the seven-time Grand Slam champion received a salary in the region of £205,000 to £209,999. That figure represents the highest amount he has ever pocketed from the BBC. The disclosure of McEnroe's salary previously sparked criticism among viewers; however, there are those who argue the tennis icon deserves his pay. Sue Barker, the former face of Wimbledon on the BBC, defended her former colleague in her 2024 autobiography, Wimbledon: A Personal History. "Mac is the BBC's highest-paid employee pro rata, and with good reason," she wrote. "The public love him. He was great to work with, always up for fun." Backing Barker's sentiments, fellow presenter Andrew Castle spoke to Globusbet this year and praised McEnroe: "John is a wonderfully, funny and well-weather guy. I can tell you this, when he is into a match and is concentrating and is engaged whilst enjoying it, there is no one to match. It's a thrill to sit there and listen to what he has to say." In response to controversy surrounding John McEnroe's salary boost last year, one BBC source defended the tennis icon's increased pay to The Times: "He is one of the most popular and respected pundits in tennis. And he provides a unique perspective to our coverage."
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC Rich List 2025: Here are the 15 biggest earners at the Beeb according to latest figures
For the eigth year in a row Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has topped the list of the BBC's best-paid stars - with earnings of £1.35million. But it will be the last time the former professional footballer will appear on the list, as he has now left the BBC following a string of controversies. He was paid more than double the salary of second placed DJ Zoe Ball, who left her BBC Radio 2 three quarters of the way through the financial year before returning to present a Saturday show in May. Of the 20 highest earners 13 are men and seven women, while 11 were involved in news and political coverage. It should be noted that the list doesn't tell the whole story, as the BBC doesn't need to make public the salaries of those paid through independent production companies ot through its BBC Studios commercial arm. It means the likes of comedian Michael McIntyre , The One Show's Alex Jones, music presenter Jools Holland, Pointless host Alexander Armstrong, and stars of shows including Eastenders and Doctor Who are not included - despite being probable high earners. The figures we are using are the salary brackets the BBC employees fall into, spanning £4,999 of earnings. Here are the 15 stars that took home the most in 2024/25. 1 . Gary Lineker Sports prenter and former English footballer Gary Lineker remains the BBC's top earner by quite some distance. He took home over £1,350,000 in 2024/25 for hosting the likes of Match Of The Day, BBC Sports Personality Of The Year, and FA Cup coverage. He earned the same amount in the previous three years. This will be the last year he wall appear on the list, having 'stepped back' from presenting for the BBC. | Getty Images for Premier League Photo Sales 2 . Zoe Ball BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host Zoe Ball is the corporation's highest paid female star with a salary of £515,000 - £519,999 -despite leaving the corporation half way through the year. Last year, she was paid £950,000-£954,999. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Alan Shearer Alan Shearer was paid £440,000 - £444,999 for football punditry on Match of the Day. That's up from £380,000 - £384,999 last year. | Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Greg James Radio 1 Breakfast Show Greg James was paid £425,000 - £429,999 in 2024/25. That's a £10,000 increase on the year before. | Getty Images Photo Sales
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty earns almost double co-host Charlie Stayt's pay
The BBC's annual report has confirmed the salaries of its biggest stars, with Naga Munchetty receiving a pay rise The BBC's annual salary report has revealed that Naga Munchetty earns almost double her co-host Charlie Stayt's pay. Charlie and Naga present BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday morning, while Jon Kay and Sally Nugent take the helm from Monday to Wednesday. Charlie, aged 63, has stayed within the £190,000 salary band, whereas Naga, aged 50, has enjoyed a £10,000 increase to her earnings, moving from £345,000 to £355,000. Naga, who has presented on the flagship news programme since 2014, has always been paid more than Charlie. Her pay packet accounts for 180 days of presenting on BBC Breakfast, as well as her Radio 5 Live programme and election coverage, reports the Express. Naga occupies the tenth position on the list of the BBC's top earners. Gary Lineker continues to hold the number one spot for the eighth consecutive year, despite having left the broadcaster earlier in the year. The 64-year-old remained in the £1,350,000 to £1,354,999 bracket for 2024-2025. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, 54, continued as the BBC's second highest earner. She now falls into the £515,000 - £519,999 category, a significant decrease from the £950,000 she earned in 2023-2024. Gary Lineker's former Match of the Day co-star Alan Shearer holds the third position with £440,000, while radio presenter Greg James is hot on his heels with £425,000. They both received pay increases since last year's figures were published. Question Time and Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce and presenter Nick Robinson are both in fifth place with £410,000. They are followed by Northern Irish presenter Stephen Nolan, who brought in £405,000. Political reporter Laura Kuenssberg finished seventh on the list with £395,000, followed by Vernon Kay with £390,000, and Justin Webb with £365,000. Other big names such as Michael McIntyre and Claudia Winkleman were absent from the list as the BBC does not have to reveal the salaries of stars who are paid through production companies like BBC Studios, which is categorised as a commercial entity.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC sacks staff after culture review as MasterChef rocked by misconduct claims
The BBC has confirmed staff dismissals following a culture review, with chairman Samir Shah admitting some individuals still abuse their power after Gregg Wallace's axe from MasterChef The BBC has confirmed that multiple employees have been dismissed following a damning internal culture review, though the identities of those removed remain undisclosed. BBC chairman Samir Shah addressed the issue as the broadcaster released its annual report on Tuesday, acknowledging ongoing problems within the organisation. 'There are still places where powerful individuals, on and off-screen, can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable,' Shah said. 'Our staff are dedicated, hardworking and treat each other with respect. However, there are pockets in the organisation where this is not the case.' His comments followed a turbulent week for the BBC. On Monday, an independent investigation upheld 45 allegations against MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace for inappropriate behaviour, while co-presenter John Torode faced a separate claim involving the use of racist language. BBC Director General Tim Davie stood by the show, insisting it still had a future. 'MasterChef is absolutely bigger than individuals,' he said, while declining to confirm whether the upcoming series which was filmed before the scandal, would still air. Wallace has since been removed, but Davie deferred on Torode's fate, noting that the matter was being handled by production company Banijay. 'These aren't BBC employees, but we expect action,' he stated. 'Banijay must lead and report back to us.' Wallace has since apologised for his conduct. Torode responded by saying: 'I have no recollection of the alleged incident and do not believe that it happened.' Meanwhile, the annual report also revealed that Gary Lineker was once again the BBC's highest-paid presenter, earning between £1.35m–£1.354m in the last financial year - his eighth consecutive year at the top. His inclusion comes despite his May departure from Match of the Day, following backlash over a social media post deemed antisemitic. He had been expected to remain on air for other coverage but ultimately cut ties with the broadcaster entirely. Zoe Ball ranked second, earning between £515,000–£519,999 after stepping down from the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, nearly halving her previous earnings. She now fronts a Saturday afternoon slot on the same station. Director General Tim Davie received a £20,000 pay increase, bringing his salary to £547,000, which is a 3.8% rise. Notably, the annual report only discloses pay funded by the licence fee, excluding talent paid through BBC Studios or independent production companies, meaning the full earnings of many presenters remain undisclosed.
