Jonathan Ross

Leaves the BBC ... Breaking News

Jonathan Ross is quitting the BBC, he said today.

The controversial broadcaster is leaving after 13 years at the Corporation.

Ross has been one of the biggest faces at the BBC, with his Friday night chat show, his Radio 2 show and his film review programme.

His salary, a reported £18 million over three years, and the scandal over actor Andrew Sachs have recently caused controversy.

Ross, 49, said in a statement that he had decided not to renegotiate his contract when it ends at the end of July.

PA via The Independent

Couldn't cope with the paycut then?

Personally I'm glad. Never saw his appeal anyway.

He claims that his decision wasn't "financially motivated". I'm not sure what's brought this on.

Greed, ego, ego and a bit more ego I would imagine

Statements have been issued by Ross and the BBC .

I wonder if the this will see the axing of the Film review programme, or will the BBC look for a new presenter?

Well everyone can sleep easy again now we're not "paying his wages" anymore. F**k world peace, the world is right again.

Apparently, Mark Kermode will be doing it.

Like others, I never saw what is so good about Jonathan Ross. He doesn't even touch average. The BBC is much better off without him. Think of all of the money saved that can be used for better, more worthwhile causes.

Whilst it's always a shame to see the Mail given anything to get smug about (it's reporting the 'not about money' story as Jonathan Ross sensationally quits the BBC in money row ) I also never got Ross. I always found him tedious and distinctly average and far more engrossed in his own drivel on his chat show than on any of the guests.

My particular favourite Ross interview was when he had Jerry Seinfeld & Renée Zellweger on to promote their movie and was so enthralled in Seinfeld he completely ignored his co-star who sat there with a face like thunder the whole time. Prat.

He's all right you know - not worth the money he was paid, but a decent presenter and amusing at times.

No, AIUI his production company 'Hot Sauce' ? was paid 18 million over 3 years to produce his crappy shows, not all of the money went to him, most was to pay staff and pay production costs ?

Oh I think there's room for both, don't you?

What's the bet he goes to Sky?