Zoe Ball admits 'worry' as she addresses list of highest paid BBC stars

Zoe Ball has spoken out about her inclusion on the BBC's highest earner list, despite only working for the corporation for three quarters of the year. The 54-year-old confessed that she would "worry" about the lists being published.

The BBC annually discloses the salaries of its top earning stars. Last year, former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker was at the top of the list, raking in around £1.35m, even though he left the BBC in May.

Zoe was the second-highest paid star at the corporation, earning £515,000 for her Radio 2 Breakfast Show, but she departed the corporation in December, three quarters into the financial year.

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Despite leaving her breakfast show, Zoe launched a Saturday programme on the same station. She has also ventured into podcasting, co-hosting Dig It with fellow BBC stalwart Jo Whiley.

Her departure from her morning slot - now helmed by Scott Mills - means Zoe will no longer feature on the BBC's top earners list. The publication of this list often ignites discussions about whether the highest-paid stars are truly earning their keep, reports the Express.

Discussing the list, Zoe told The Sunday Times Culture: "I'm so grateful to the BBC and this is something if you do a certain job that comes with the territory. But it'll be great not to have to worry about those lists any more."

Zoe's decision to quit the Breakfast Show came after the death of her mother, Julie Peckham, who died aged 74 in April. Zoe described Julie's death as a "life-changing moment" that led to her "reassessing the priorities" in her life.

This resulted in Zoe taking six weeks away from her Radio 2 programme. When she revealed her choice to leave the show in November, Zoe explained: "After six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it's time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family."

Zoe is reported to have disposed of her Sussex mansion and bought a townhouse in Brighton, close to former husband Norman Cook, last year. She has two children with the Praise You musician.

Last November, Zoe revealed she had received treatment for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Posting on Instagram, she explained: "I have TMJ and wake most days with awful headaches from tension & jaw clenching."

The ailment, medically referred to as Temporomandibular disorder, triggers pain in the jaw, ear and temple areas, according to the NHS.

The condition can also result in temple headaches and make opening the mouth challenging.

Zoe posted before and after treatment photos on Instagram, expressing she was "so grateful" for the assistance she received at a clinic. Her revelation prompted an overwhelming wave of support from followers.