Graham Norton was relieved to be finally off BBC's top earners list after he quit Radio 2.
In the most recent list released last September, the radio personality secured the third spot with a salary of £730,000 a year.
His salary covered the star hosting both his weekly show on Radio 2 and BBC1's The Graham Norton Show.
The £730k-a-year presenter, 57, announced he was quitting his weekly show on BBC Radio 2 by the end of the year in November.
In leaving, Graham admitted it was a great relief to drop off the BBC's top earners list.
He said: "The only thing that was part of the was, 'Oh, if I stopped doing this, I'll get off that list. 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."
However, Graham said this wasn't the biggest factor for him wanting to leave his position on Radio 2.
He added: "So to that extent it made me go but that was sort of a bonus of leaving, it wasn't the biggest driving force."
At the BBC, only Gary Lineker on £1.75million and Zoe Ball on £1.36million were paid more than Graham while he had two big gigs with the broadcaster.
Strictly Come Dancing's bubbly personality Claudia Winkleman has stepped in to replace the star on BBC Radio 2.
Graham has made the move to Virgin Radio where his pay will not be disclosed to the public.
The host will be on Virgin Radio every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am.
