First Parky, now Jonathan Ross is upping and leaving the BBC.
It was announced this morning by the BBC that the radio presenter and television host will be leaving the corporation after 13 years service. Ross added that the decision to leave was not “financially motivated”.
Ross had reportedly been in line to receive a pay cut like fellow big BBC names like Graham Norton who yesterday renewed his contract until 2012.
In a statement Ross said “Although I have had a wonderful time working for the BBC, and am very proud of the shows I have made while there, over the last two weeks I have decided not to re-negotiate when my current contract comes to an end.
“While there, I have worked with some of the nicest and most talented people in the industry and had the opportunity to interview some of the biggest stars in the world, and am grateful to the BBC for such a marvellous experience.”
On his Twitter page Ross wrote: “Good morning. My day is turning out to be far more interesting then I had anticipated! See you later - have a good one.”
Last year Ross was suspended for 12 weeks from the BBC following prank calls made with Russell Brand to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs’ answer phone. The pair recently reunited onscreen on Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year.
Ross departure will surely leave big shoes to fill – he currently hosts an extremely successful talk show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, a Radio 2 show and he presents the BBC long-running film review series Film 2010.
So what do we think? Well it seems more than a coincidence that Norton has just had his contract renewed and our money is on him filling the Friday night chat show slot.
There are also rumblings that Culture show movie critic Mark Kermode could be lined up to take Ross' movie review slot, Film 2010.
It also looks as though the Beeb are grooming Michael McIntyre to be one of its main performers so he could easily fill his radio slot as well, so we very much doubt that Auntie will be struggling to fill the gap left by Ross; question is not how the BBC will fare, but what will Jonathan Ross do?
Obviously in one sense he never has to work again thanks to the wodges of cash he's earnt from the BBC but we suspect that won't be enough for him; he can pick and choose who he works for but could we be seeing a return Channel 4, to the place that made his career? Time will tell...
What do you guys think? will you miss Jonathan Ross? what would you like to see him do next, and who would you like to have replace him on TV and radio? Let us know below.
You can also read our feature on Jonathan Ross, his rise to fame, his highs and his lows.
Copyright : Comedy Central UK