'Who wants to be a millionaire?" The Guardian asked recently, Patrick Foster providing some interesting 'gestimates' on the chunks of cash trousered by the likes of Chris Moyles, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Graham Norton for BBC work (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jul/03/bbc-pay-talent-stars-accounts). These revelations are never quite as juicy as you want them to be, (where are the escort services and details of dodgy corporate gigs?) but provide some mild titillation for jealous fringe BBC players like myself and the more embattled parts of the BBC we have served at different times. Blood Boils Copiously? Well, up to a point. Should we begrudge current affairs all-rounders like Marr and Paxman their pay packets? I would certainly expect them to pick up the tab in the (improbable) event of a shared meal or late night drinking session. Sadly, I rarely get to meet such luminaries, although I live in hope of sharing a Greggs lunchtime combo with Gary Lineker (perhaps with some Walkers Crisps on the side?).
I guess levels of outraged correspond in large part to how much one likes or detests those on the pay roll. Surprise, surprise....the reviled 'Top Gear' trio of laddish japesters (or their respective production companies), all appear to be massively loaded. Given that Top Gear is now deemed to be one of the BBC's um...most successful exports, knighthoods or even peerages for Hammond, May and Clarkson should surely follow. My own journalistic earnings sadly don't run to hiring contract killers, but I would love to see the boys abandon their toys and join me on a pre-booked Fun Fare National Express trip. London Victoria to Penzance, Jeremy?
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