Clive Myrie is one of the UK’s most respected and recognisable journalists, known for his distinguished career at the BBC, his roots in the Windrush Generation, his achievements as a presenter and foreign correspondent, and his recent public controversies. This detailed article covers every aspect of Clive Myrie, including his family, background, life, career, net worth, controversies, and recent news.
Early Life and Family Background
Clive Augustus Myrie was born on August 25, 1964, in Farnworth, Bolton, Lancashire, England, to Jamaican immigrant parents. His father, Norris, worked in factories making car batteries and carpets, while his mother was a seamstress for the fashion icon Mary Quant. As part of the Windrush Generation, his parents left Jamaica in the 1960s seeking better opportunities in the UK. Clive is the eldest of four children, and his family’s migration experience profoundly influenced his values and sense of identity.
His parents divorced later in life, and following retirement, Norris returned to Jamaica. His uncle Cecil, a driver in the Royal Air Force during World War II, also represents the family’s wider sense of service and resilience.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated between £2 million and £5 million. Annual BBC salary: £310,000–£314,999 (2024) |
| Family | Parents: Norris (factory worker; returned to Jamaica after retirement) and mother (seamstress for Mary Quant). Wife: Catherine Myrie (upholsterer/restorer). No children. Siblings: Eldest of four. |
| Early Life | Born 25 August 1964, Farnworth, Bolton, Lancashire, England, to Jamaican immigrant parents. |
| Education | Hayward Grammar School, Bolton Sixth Form College, University of Sussex (Law degree, 1985) |
| BBC Career | Joined BBC in 1987; local radio/TV, then foreign correspondent (Tokyo, LA, Asia, Paris, Brussels). |
| Major Coverage | Kosovo War, Iraq War (embedded with Royal Marines), Afghanistan, Clinton impeachment, Mandela funeral, Ukraine, George Floyd, Covid-19, UK elections. |
| Presenter Roles | Host of BBC Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind since 2021; BBC News at Ten, Weekend News, BBC Breakfast, documentaries (Obama: His Story, The Crown Jewels) |
| Awards | Chancellor of the University of the Arts London (2024) |
| Other Work | Keynote speaker, conference host, diversity advocate, appears on TV panel/quiz shows (Have I Got News for You, Antiques Road Trip, Richard Osman’s House of Games) |
| Recent Honours | Chancellor of University of the Arts London (2024) |
Education and Personal Development
Clive attended Hayward Grammar School and Bolton Sixth Form College, completing his A-levels before pursuing law at the University of Sussex, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1985. Despite briefly considering a legal career, Clive was drawn to journalism and was accepted onto the BBC’s prestigious journalism trainee scheme in 1988.
Career Overview: Achievements and Milestones
Myrie started in local radio before moving to television and network news reporting for the BBC in the early 1990s, quickly rising through the ranks thanks to his tenacity and skill. In 1996, he became a foreign correspondent, reporting from over 80 countries on major conflicts and political events, including wars in Croatia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, where he was embedded with British Armed Forces.
He has served as the BBC’s Asia, Africa, Washington, and Europe Correspondent, interviewing world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, and the Dalai Lama. Clive covered the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations and reported on seven US presidential elections, showcasing his deep understanding of geopolitical issues.
His versatility extends to the arts, music, and documentary-making, regularly hosting The BBC Proms and making documentaries on jazz for BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM. In 2023 and 2024, his travel series Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip and Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure drew wide acclaim, with the latter winning a BAFTA in 2025.
Clive is the face of iconic BBC news bulletins such as the One, Six, and Ten O’Clock News, and since August 2021, he has hosted Mastermind and Celebrity Mastermind.
Recent News and Major Roles (2023–2025)
In 2024, Myrie was selected to anchor the BBC’s coverage of both the UK general election and the US presidential election, reflecting his status as one of the channel’s chief news presenters. He was also named Chancellor of the University of the Arts London and began his tenure with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in education. Clive continues making documentaries and international news presentations, including live reporting from Kyiv during the Ukraine war.
In June 2025, Clive is set to appear at the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics, where he will discuss his 30-year broadcasting career and current events alongside leading experts.
Net Worth and Earnings
Clive Myrie’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between £2 million and £5 million, mainly from his work with the BBC, his role as Mastermind host, and speaking engagements. His BBC annual salary ranges from £310,000 to £315,000, and he reportedly earned additional undisclosed amounts from various corporate events, contributing to his overall wealth.
Awards, Honours, and Recognition
Clive Myrie has received multiple awards, including the Golden Nymph Journalism Award, Screen Nations Journalism Award, MVSA Journalism Awards, Royal Television Society Award for best foreign coverage, and the prestigious Peabody Award. In 2021, he won the Television Journalist of the Year and Network Presenter of the Year. He holds honorary doctorates from six UK universities and is Pro-Chancellor of Bolton University.
Controversies
The most prominent controversy surrounds Clive’s failure to declare extra earnings from external events to the BBC’s transparency register, amounting to up to £250,000 from hosting and speaking engagements in recent years. He apologised publicly and retroactively updated the BBC’s earnings register after media investigations. BBC managers have reminded Myrie of his responsibilities around transparency, and he remains under scrutiny for impartiality, notably after being removed from the BBC’s News at Ten over jokes made about Boris Johnson on Have I Got News For You.
Personal Life and Interests
Clive maintains a low profile regarding his private life but has spoken about the importance of diversity, hard work, and integrity, values shaped by his family’s Windrush legacy and their resilience. He is a passionate fan of music and the arts and regularly lectures on topics such as Brexit, fake news, war reporting, and politics.
Legacy and Influence
Clive Myrie’s career is marked by his commitment to truth, diversity, and breaking new ground in broadcasting. His rise from a working-class immigrant background to senior BBC roles, his advocacy for inclusivity, and his enduring popularity as a presenter and correspondent have made him a role model for aspiring journalists.
FAQs about Clive Myrie
Who are Clive Myrie’s parents, and what is his background?
Clive’s parents are Jamaican immigrants who arrived in the UK in the 1960s as part of the Windrush Generation. His mother worked as a seamstress for Mary Quant, and his father was a factory worker.
What is Clive Myrie’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between £2 million and £5 million, primarily from BBC work, hosting Mastermind, and speaking events.
What controversies has Clive Myrie faced?
Clive failed to declare up to £250,000 from outside earnings to the BBC, apologised, and updated the register after media exposés. He was also temporarily removed from News at Ten after impartiality concerns following jokes about Boris Johnson.
What are Clive Myrie’s biggest career milestones?
Key achievements include reporting from 80+ countries, presenting major BBC news bulletins, hosting Mastermind, anchoring election coverage, and receiving multiple journalism awards.
Which awards and recognitions has he received?
He has won the Peabody Award, Royal Television Society Award, Golden Nymph, Screen Nations Award, and multiple honorary doctorates, among others.
What are recent developments in Clive Myrie’s career?
Recently, Clive has hosted high-profile travel shows, won a BAFTA, anchored election coverage, and was named Chancellor of the University of the Arts London.
What subjects does Clive speak about publicly?
He covers topics including diversity, war reporting, Brexit, politics, and the challenges and opportunities of modern journalism.
Final Thoughts
Clive Myrie’s story is one of determination, impact, and enduring relevance in British journalism. From his Windrush roots to his BAFTA-winning documentaries and prime-time news roles, Clive blends authority, warmth, and expertise, making him a vital figure in global media today.
