Ross' Radio 2 return confirmed before Sachsgate review published

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 14-Nov-08, 09:00

LONDON - The BBC has confirmed that Jonathan Ross will return to his Radio 2 show in January despite not yet publishing the findings of its review into the prank calls made to Andrew Sachs.

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The broadcaster said 'The Jonathan Ross' show will be returning to Radio 2 from Saturday January 24, 10am to 1pm, with Ross and long-term sidekick Andy Davies.

In the meantime Zoe Ball and Danny Baker will co-present four Saturday morning shows on Radio 2 between 10am and 1pm from November 22 to December 13.

Richard Allinson will present the show this Saturday and Alex Lester will continue to host the 9-11pm slot previously presented by Russell Brand.

Brand resigned following thousands of complaints about a series of messages he and Ross left on Sachs' answering phone boasting that he had slept with the actor's granddaughter Georgina Baillie.

However, the BBC is yet to release the findings of the enquiry by Tim Davie, director of audio and music, into how the prank calls made to the 'Fawlty Towers' actor on Russell Brand's radio show came to be aired.

It is due to submit its report to the BBC Trust on November 20 and the trust is expected to make a statement after that.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "Our position has not changed. As we said on 30 October, Jonathan Ross will be suspended from all broadcasting for the BBC for a 12-week period, ending in mid-January 2009."

Amid the scandal Ross and Brand have been nominated for British Comedy Awards despite Ross dropping out of hosting the ceremony, to be screened on ITV1.

Ross is nominated for best comedy show for his Friday night chat show, which is currently off-air as part of the presenter's three month suspension, and Brand has been shortlisted for best live stand-up.

Comments

HamC - 14/11/2008

There should be a petiton to bring him back! Ross is a comic hero! Im not watching the BBC or listening to the Radio till hes back! I think many should follow suit! Bring the man back! The whole situation is just ridiculous... I hope the BBC enjoys it's dull spell... although, may be this was the opportunity the BBC were looking for... to put on even more of their repeats! ;-)