Chris Moyles at a Glance
Chris Moyles: Net Worth, Career, and Controversies
Chris Moyles is a prominent figure in British media, known for his work in radio, television, and even acting. This comprehensive article delves into Chris Moyles’ net worth, tracing his career from its early beginnings to his current ventures, while also exploring some of the controversies that have marked his public life.
What is Chris Moyles’ Net Worth and Salary?
Chris Moyles’ net worth is estimated to be $20 million. His earnings come from various sources, including his radio show, television appearances, book sales, and acting roles. He has consistently remained one of the highest-paid radio presenters in the UK, particularly during his tenure at BBC Radio 1 and later at Radio X. While specific salary figures are not always public, it is widely known that Moyles has commanded significant compensation throughout his career.
Early Life and Radio Beginnings
Christopher David Moyles was born on February 22, 1974, in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. His father was a postman, and he has an older brother named Kieron. Growing up in Leeds, Moyles attended Mount St. Mary’s Catholic High School. His initial foray into broadcasting began during his school years at West Yorkshire’s WBHS (Wakefield’s Broadcast to Hospitals Service). This early experience provided a foundation for his future career. After WBHS, he worked as DJ Carl Kingston’s assistant at Aire FM and as a presenter at Radio Top Shop in Leeds. These early roles helped him hone his skills and gain experience in the industry.
The Rise to Radio Stardom
Moyles’ radio career took off in the early 1990s. He hosted the Saturday evening program on Aire FM and joined Radio Luxembourg in 1992. The following year, he was presenting the evening show at the Pulse of West Yorkshire. After being fired from the Pulse of West Yorkshire in 1994, he presented “The Evening Bit” at Signal 1 in Stoke-on-Trent until his dismissal. In 1995, he presented the evening show on the Chiltern Radio Network and eventually hosted the late show. In 1996, he began hosting “The Late Bit,” a weekend show, at London’s Capital FM. The pivotal moment in his career came in 1997 when he joined Radio 1. He started with “The Early Bit” before moving on to other shows. He gained popularity, often working with David “Comedy Dave” Vitty. In 2004, “The Chris Moyles Show” was launched on Radio 1, propelling him to even greater fame. His show was known for its irreverent humor and engaging content. Moyles and Vitty set a record for Radio 1’s longest continuous show in March 2011, raising over £2.8 million for Comic Relief. After leaving Radio 1 in September 2012, “The Chris Moyles Show” moved to Radio X in September 2015. He continues to host the breakfast show on Radio X.
Television, Acting, and Other Ventures
Beyond radio, Chris Moyles has also made significant contributions to television and acting. He hosted “Live With Chris Moyles” on Channel 5 in 2002 and co-hosted “The Chris Moyles Show” with Vitty on UK Play from 1998 to 1999. He also narrated numerous episodes of the Sky1 reality series “The Villa.” Moyles has appeared on shows such as “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” and “The Big Breakfast.” From 2009 to 2012, he hosted “Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night” on Channel 4. In 2006, he participated in “The X Factor: Battle of the Stars,” reaching the semi-finals, and guest-starred on “Hotel Babylon” in 2007. He also appeared on BBC One’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” in 2009, exploring his family history in Belgium and Ireland. In 2012, Moyles and Andi Peters won £25,000 for charity on “The Million Pound Drop.” Furthermore, Moyles has released two albums, “The Parody Album” (2009) and “The Difficult Second Album” (2012), which reached #17 and #13 on the UK Albums Chart, respectively. In 2022, he appeared on the reality television show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”
Getty Images
Personal Life and Controversies
Chris Moyles is currently in a relationship with Tiffany Austin, reportedly since 2015. Throughout his career, Moyles has faced several controversies. In May 2006, he was accused of homophobia after using the word “gay” in a dismissive manner about a ringtone on air. Although the Programme Complaints Committee stated that the word was not intended to be homophobic, the LGBT charity Stonewall criticized him and awarded him their Bully of the Year award. In 2009, while discussing his appearance on “Who Do You Think You Are?,” Moyles made comments about Auschwitz that were widely criticized. The BBC issued a statement regretting the comments. In 2014, he was reportedly involved in a tax avoidance scheme, though he stated that he was acting on advice and accepted the ruling without reservation. These incidents have sometimes overshadowed his successes, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures.
Awards and Honors
Chris Moyles has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He won a Gold Sony Radio Award in 2006 and 2008, Silver Sony Radio Awards in 1998 and 2010, and a Bronze Sony Radio Award in 2009. He was voted Best DJ by readers of “Loaded” magazine and “The Sun” newspaper. In a unique tribute, the Featherstone Rovers rugby team renamed their ground the Chris Moyles Stadium, formerly known as Lionheart Stadium. These accolades reflect his popularity and impact on the media landscape.
/**/