Rylan Clark Criticizes BBC Salary After Missing Radio Show

Rylan Clark has expressed dissatisfaction with his salary from BBC Radio 2, stating that station bosses reprimanded him for missing his show due to a flight cancellation.

Clark hosts a Saturday afternoon program on Radio 2 from 3 pm to 6 pm. In June, he was unable to present his show after his flight home from a holiday was canceled.

Speaking on Alan Carr's "Life's A Beach" podcast, Clark recounted being stranded in Nice, France, due to a French air traffic control strike. "It weren't my fault there was a French air traffic control strike. What am I supposed to do? Walk? P*** off, for the money they pay me. Thank you licence payers," he said.

Clark's specific salary for his BBC Radio 2 role is not publicly disclosed, as he is contracted through an external production company rather than directly by the broadcaster. However, his performing arts company, Rylan Limited, reported total earnings of £1.4 million, according to Companies House.

Salaries for BBC Radio 2 presenters range from £178,000 to £520,000. Zoe Ball is the highest-paid host for the Breakfast show, reportedly earning £1.36 million. Vernon Kay is said to earn £405,000, and Jeremy Vine earns approximately £270,000 for his program.

At the time Clark missed his show, Mark Goodier stepped in as a replacement. Clark took to Instagram to inform his followers, stating, "Soz about today's show. I blame everyone but myself. Genuinely had it all sussed out and then flights all cancelled. Thanks Mark for stepping in you legend. Gonna have a rosé and think of you all."

He also spoke to Emma Willis on her radio show, explaining that he had taken a few days off to enjoy the sun in Nice with his partner and friends. He had planned to fly back early on the morning of his show but found his flight canceled. Clark mentioned considering an eight-hour train journey to make it to work, but ultimately decided to stay another day, resulting in his absence from the broadcast. He added that he had a rosé while contemplating the situation.

This commentary on his BBC salary follows a recent interview where Clark discussed the impact of revealing his infidelity to his former husband, Dan Neal, which led to the end of their six-year marriage in 2021. He stated that honesty, even when difficult, is the best policy, as he does not handle guilt or secrets well. Clark described the subsequent breakdown as feeling like his "rug pulled from under you," leading him to move back in with his mother.

Reflecting on his marriage, which took place in 2015, Clark acknowledged feeling like a "complete and utter failure" publicly when it ended, particularly in the context of representing gay marriage. He expressed concern that relationship failures could be used to undermine the institution of gay marriage. He humorously added that if he were to remarry, he would opt for a prenuptial agreement.