Big Brother rich list revealed

Fri Aug 28 11:31AM by TV Editor

Davina McCall

Following the news that Channel 4 is axing Big Brother, a new list shows who earned the most money from the once hugely-popular reality series.

John de Mol, the former boss of Endemol, which owns the rights to the format, comes out on top with an estimated fortune of £1 billion in the Daily Mirror's list.

The production company's Peter Bazalgette, who brought the show to the UK and helped make it a worldwide hit, is in second place with £15 million and presenter Davina McCall, who has stuck with the show since its 2000 launch, is third with £10 million.

The late Jade Goody was the most successful contestant ever to appear on Big Brother and her estate was valued at £8 million when she died earlier this year.

Original winner Craig Phillips completes the Top 5 with £5 million after he managed to sustain his career by launching himself as a TV DIY expert and expanding his own personal property empire.

'Nasty' Nick Bateman, also from series one, has made an estimated £2 million since appearing on the show and series three winner Kate Lawler is next with £1.5 million.

Take a look at the Daily Mirror's top ten below:

Big Brother rich list

1. John de Mol (Endemol) - £1 billion
2. Peter Bazalgette (Endemol) - £15 million
3. Davina McCall (presenter) - £10 million
4. Jade Goody (housemate) - £8 million
5. Craig Phillips (housemate) - £5 million
6. Dermot O'Leary (presenter) - £2.5 million
7. Nick Bateman (housemate) - £2 million
=8. Kate Lawler (housemate) - £1.5 million
=8. Sam and Amanda Marchant (housemates) - £1.5 million
=8. Pete Bennett (housemate) - £1.5 million

Are you surprised by how much some of the former housemates have raked in from the show? Let us know what you think...

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