Radio 2 star Vanessa Feltz and others all take holiday at the same time sparking listener fury

Listeners of BBC Radio 2 have expressed anger after five of its highest-paid stars all went on holiday last week.

The schedule for Britain’s most popular radio station was transformed as Vanessa Feltz and her colleagues Steve Wright, Sara Cox, Jo Whiley and Michael Ball were replaced by stand-ins.

‘It’s absolutely ludicrous that so much of the day is messed up for listeners. They deserve better,’ said one frustrated listener. ‘The station is already all over the place. You’d think the bosses might let a certain number off at a time.’

Ms Cox (pictured), 47, who is paid up to £279,999, was replaced by Countryfile presenter Anita Rani

Ms Feltz, whose salary of more than £400,000 makes her the BBC’s eighth-highest earner, was replaced by weatherman Owain Wyn Evans for her 4am-to-6.30am slot. He is scheduled to stand in this week too.

Wright, 67, the BBC’s fourth-highest-earning presenter who is paid more than £450,000, was covered by OJ Borg, 43, whose usual midnight-to-3am slot was filled by Phil Williams.

Ms Cox, 47, left, who is paid up to £279,999, was replaced by Countryfile presenter Anita Rani and Ms Whiley, 57, missed her show on Monday. Pop star Jessie Ware stood in.

Ball was replaced by Nicki Chapman last week.

The BBC said last night: ‘It’s usual at this time of year for presenters to take their summer breaks and for their programmes to be hosted by a range of brilliant DJs.’