They earn around £300,000 each from their high-profile jobs at the BBC.
But Vernon Kay and Tess Daly are risking the wrath of bosses after signing a lucrative deal to front a Christmas food campaign for Marks & Spencer. The pair have created several clips to share with their Instagram followers to promote the range – despite strict BBC rules allowing stars to capitalize on their fame on the network.
The guidelines say they should not try to capitalize on their fame while appearing on their programs. However, the deal began while Ms Daly was hosting Strictly – and she will be watched by millions again when she presents the Christmas special tomorrow.
It is thought BBC bosses may not approve of Strictly's festive theme, which clashes with that of food advertising.
Meanwhile, Kay, 48, hosts the morning slot on Radio 2 after replacing Ken Bruce earlier this year. A BBC source told The Mail on Sunday: “The rules are very simple – if you are a BBC employee you are not allowed to endorse products.” You may be able to do this if your show is not broadcast.
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 allowing stars to profit from their fame on the network
The guidelines say they should not try to capitalize on their fame while appearing on their programs. However, the deal began while Ms Daly was hosting Strictly – and she will be watched by millions again when she presents the Christmas special tomorrow
“Together they earn at least £600,000 from their work at the BBC, paid for by license fee payers. This all seems a bit bad to me. 'How much money do they need?'
In one video, the couple, who married in 2003, can be seen sampling dishes from the range – including spring rolls, chicken flatbreads, prawn toast and mini chicken burgers – in which they describe themselves as “food ambassadors” for M&S.
Sitting at a table with a huge electric fire in the background, wearing tinsel and a cracker hat, Ms Daly, 54, says: “Nobody does party food like M&S.”
However, fans were less than impressed. One person wrote about the clip: “More money for people who are already completely overpaid,” while another said: “That’s called a Christmas bonus.”
Meanwhile, Kay, 48, hosts the morning slot on Radio 2 after replacing Ken Bruce earlier this year. A BBC source told The Mail on Sunday: “The rules are very simple – if you are a BBC employee you are not allowed to endorse products.” You may be able to do this if your show is not broadcast.
Ms Daly's BBC salary has not been disclosed for several years as Strictly is now earned by BBC Studios, the Beeb's commercial arm, giving bosses a loophole to avoid having to reveal her salary.
However, between 2016 and 2017 she received between £350,000 and £399,999 from the broadcasting company for her work. Kay's salary is not yet known as he has not been at the BBC long enough.
A BBC spokesman said: “Presenters agree to all commercial obligations and may continue to comply with these obligations as long as they do not associate the program or the BBC with their commercial activities.”