BBC doesn’t pay you enough, Tess and Vernon? Star couple raises eyebrows after signing huge advertising deal with M&S, despite still presenting shows for British broadcaster
They each earn around £300,000 from their high-profile jobs at the BBC.
But Vernon Kay and Tess Daly risk the wrath of the Corporation bosses after signing a lucrative deal for a Christmas food campaign for Marks & Spencer. The pair have created several clips to share with their Instagram followers to promote the range – despite the BBC’s strict rules about stars profiting from their fame on the network.
According to the guidelines, they should not try to capitalize on their stardom while appearing on their programs. However, the deal started when Ms Daly presented Strictly – and she will be watched by millions again when she presents the Christmas special tomorrow.
It is thought BBC chiefs may have a dim view of the festive theme of the Strictly show, which clashes with that of the food adverts.
Meanwhile, Kay, 48, will present the mid-morning program on Radio 2 after replacing Ken Bruce earlier this year. A BBC source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The rules are quite simple: if you work at the BBC you’re not supposed to endorse products. You may be able to do this if your show is not on the air.
Vernon Kay and Tess Daly have created several clips to share with their Instagram followers to promote the range – despite the BBC’s strict rules about stars profiting from their fame on the network
According to the guidelines, they should not try to capitalize on their stardom while appearing on their programs. However, the deal started when Ms Daly presented Strictly – and she will be watched by millions again when she presents the Christmas special tomorrow
‘They earn at least £600,000 between them from their work at the BBC, paid for by license fee payers, it all seems a bit rotten. How much money do they need?’
In one video the couple, who married in 2003, are seen tasting food from the range – including spring rolls, chicken flat rolls, prawn toast and mini chicken burgers – where they describe themselves as ‘food ambassadors’ for M&S.
Mrs Daly, 54, sitting around a table with a huge electric fire in the background, wearing tinsel and a cracker hat: ‘Nobody does party food better than M&S.’
However, fans weren’t too impressed. Commenting on the video, someone wrote: “More money for people who have already paid way too much,” while another said: “Now this is what you call a Christmas bonus.”
Meanwhile, Kay, 48, will present the mid-morning program on Radio 2 after replacing Ken Bruce earlier this year. A BBC source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The rules are quite simple: if you work at the BBC you’re not supposed to endorse products. You can possibly do it when your show is not on the air.”
Ms Daly’s BBC salary has not been disclosed for several years because Strictly is now paid by the Beeb’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, giving bosses a loophole to avoid having to reveal her earnings.
However, in 2016-2017 she was paid between £350,000 and £399,999 for her work by the broadcaster. Kay’s wages have yet to be announced as he has not been at the BBC long enough.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘Presenters declare any commercial obligations and can proceed with those obligations as long as they do not associate the program or the BBC with their commercial activities.’