Taylor Swift, Adele and other Forbes 100 highest-paid celebrities in the world earned $5.1 billion in last year combined

More than the GDP of Belize, Gambia and Bhutan combined

(PA)

It is a stark example of what it truly means to be a bona fide member of the one per cent.

The world’s 100 highest-paid celebrities pulled in $5.1 billion (£3.9bn) in pretax earnings over the past 12 months, more than the GDP of Belize, Gambia and Bhutan combined, according to an analysis of the income of the world’s richest celebrities by Forbes.

Taylor Swift topped the list this year, earning an estimated $170 million (£130m) from 1 June 2015 to 1 June 2016 before tax and fees from managers, lawyers, agents and other key members of their team are deducted. Swift, an artist succeeding in her relentless quest for world domination, climbed seven places on the previous year.

One Direction’s combined earnings come in second place, with the group thought to be worth $110m (£84.7m). Adele arrived in ninth place on the list, with the stunning success of her album helping to net her $80.5 million (£62m).

Forbes compiles the data using figures from Nielsen, Pollstar, Box Office Mojo, Songkick, and IMDB, as well as looking at interviews with those on the list and industry figures.