Yahoo Finance Graham Norton says 'bonus' of leaving Radio 2 was getting off BBC's top earners list
Graham Norton is pleased that him quitting Radio 2 means he'll get off the BBC's top earner list.
The 57-year-old told Times Radio that no longer being on the list as one of the corporation’s best paid stars was a "bonus" of leaving the gig.
“The only thing that was part of the decision was oh, if I stopped doing this, I’ll get off that list.
Read more: Graham Norton claims ITV stars are paid more than BBC counterparts
“I won’t be on that list anymore. The kind of high earners list, which I didn’t like being on it, hey, now I’m not.
“So to that extent it made me go… but that was sort of a bonus of leaving, it wasn’t the biggest driving force,” the presenter said.
Figures released last year showed he was in the among the top earners at the broadcaster and that he took about £725,000 for his Radio 2 show and some TV work, but not his BBC One chat show.
In November, it was revealed that Norton would be stepping down from Radio 2 after a decade to join Virgin Radio UK to host a weekend show on Saturdays and Sundays.
Watch: Graham Norton shares the one thing he’s asked celebrity guests to stop doing
He said at the time: “Obviously I’m sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show. I’ll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives.
Read more: Graham Norton named most dangerous celebrity to search for online in UK
“I’d like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I’ve worked with for a great decade of radio. Happily with the chat show, Eurovision and Drag Race the BBC continues to be my perfect TV home.”
The Eurovision Song Contest commentator hosted his last show last month.
His slot is being taken over by Strictly Come Dancing's Claudia Winkleman.
Watch: Cat Deeley arrives for BBC Radio 2 debut
With additional reporting be PA.
