MPs brand BBC list of stars’ salaries ‘a con’ as true figures ‘are hidden in its commercial arm’
Corporation says it 'isn't required to disclose salaries' paid through its commercial operation BBC Studios
BBC chiefs have been accused of conning licence fee payers by hiding the true pay of its biggest stars.
Two Tory MPs have hit out at the organisation for not disclosing salaries through its commercial operation.
The BBC revealed the salaries of its presenters and staff last week with top earner Gary Lineker taking home £1,750,000-£1,759,999.
But a loophole allows the firm to keep hidden the salaries of stars from shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders and The One Show paid through its production arm BBC Studios.
Although not listed in the official pay list, the reported EastEnders actor Danny Dyer as earning £249,999 and Strictly host Claudia Winkleman being paid an extra £120,000 on top of her £379,999.
It said Darcey Bussell's hidden wage turned out to be £199,999 and The One Show host Matt Baker being paid £499,999.
Commenting on the revelations Tory MP Philip Davies said the deal to hide the BBC Studio payments to the stars was "a con".
"Naturally people wonder what the BBC has got to hide", he told the newspaper.
And Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: "The BBC is guilty of using smoke and mirrors."
Official figures revealed last week show the split between men and women is now 60:40 rather than 75:25 from last year.
MOST READ IN NEWS
All 12 of the top earners at the BBC are men with Ms Winkleman 13th on the list.
BBC studios is a global content company and the home of its commercial production and distribution around the world.
A BBC spokesman said BBC Studios is "a commercial operation not underpinned by the licence fee" so as part of an agreement it was not required to disclose salaries.