Ben Fogle is donating his entire salary for presenting this year's 'Animal Park' to help pensioners pay for their TV licences.
Ben Fogle
The 45-year-old TV host has been left "disappointed" with the BBC's decision to scrap free TV licences for most over-75s, so he has vowed to give away the money he's received from co-presenting the corporation's show, which documents life at Longleat Estate and Safari Park, to "subsidise licences".
He wrote on Instagram: "I LOVE the BBC. I think it is one of the greatest institutions in the world. It is the envy of most nations, it makes amazing content and I'd argue it is still value for money. I also owe my whole career to the BBC. They gave me my first break and they (you) employed me for many years but I am disappointed in the recent announcement on the abolition of free licences to the over 75s. I don't entirely blame the BBC. I think the government forced their hand. I have decided to donate my entire salary for this years BBC Animal Park to subsidise licences for those over 75 who have no way of paying for a licence. (sic)"
Ben will donate the money to charity Age UK, and he has called for the BBC to "rethink the licence".
He added: "This is not virtue signaling (although I do think it's time to rethink the licence) but we owe it to those over 75 who have served their country in the armed forces, the NHS, the fire service etc. Let's not penalise those who most value the great BBC. I think society is in danger of losing its moral compass. This is the least I can do for those over 75, an often neglected sector of society. Wouldn't it be nice if we started respecting, loving and thanking our elderly population. Love and peace all @age_uk (sic)"
The broadcaster - who shot to fame on BBC reality show 'Castaway 2000' - admitted his late grandparents would've been "lost" without their TV licence, and he also took the opportunity to reveal his mother, 'Alfie' star Julia Foster, will be appearing in the new 'Doctor Who' series on the channel.
He wrote: "My late grandparents, Jean and Dick LOVED the BBC. They would have been lost without it in their twilight years. My mother has made many great BBC dramas over the years and is soon to appear in the new Dr Who (spoiler alert). (sic)"
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