http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jan/07/jonathan-ross-quits-bbc
Jonathan Ross quits BBC
Jonathan Ross 'decided not to renegotiate' BBC contract, and says move motivated by 'other considerations' than money
The corporation's highest-paid star announced today that he is leaving after 13 years.
Ross, who hosted his own BBC1 chatshow, Radio 2 show and a film review programme, has been at the centre of controversy in recent years, over both his pay deal, said to be worth £6m a year, and the Sachsgate row, after he and Russell Brand left abusive messages on Andrew Sachs' telephone.
Ross, 49, said in a statement that he would quit his BBC1 talk show, his Radio 2 Saturday morning programme and his late night film programme, but would continue to host the Baftas and other specials.
His contract ends in July.
He said: "Over the last two weeks I have decided not to re-negotiate when my current contract comes to an end. I would like to make it perfectly clear that no negotiations ever took place and that my decision is not financially motivated.
"I signed my current contract with the BBC having turned down more lucrative offers from other channels because it was where I wanted to be and – as I have said before – would happily have stayed there for any fee they cared to offer, but there were other considerations."
He said he was quitting all his regular shows but would continue to make some specials: "I love making my Friday night talk show, my Saturday morning radio show and the Film Programme, and will miss them all. I look forward to continuing work on these shows until the Summer, and I will continue hosting the Bafta Film Awards, Comic Relief and other BBC specials.
Ross foreshadowed his dramatic statement, released to the Press Association this morning, with a comment on his Twitter feed: "Good morning. My day is turning out to be far more interesting then I had anticipated ! See you later - have a good one."
There had been renewed speculation yesterday that the BBC might part ways with its star presenter.
The BBC said it would issue a statement shortly.
Jonathan Ross quits BBC
Jonathan Ross 'decided not to renegotiate' BBC contract, and says move motivated by 'other considerations' than money
The corporation's highest-paid star announced today that he is leaving after 13 years.
Ross, who hosted his own BBC1 chatshow, Radio 2 show and a film review programme, has been at the centre of controversy in recent years, over both his pay deal, said to be worth £6m a year, and the Sachsgate row, after he and Russell Brand left abusive messages on Andrew Sachs' telephone.
Ross, 49, said in a statement that he would quit his BBC1 talk show, his Radio 2 Saturday morning programme and his late night film programme, but would continue to host the Baftas and other specials.
His contract ends in July.
He said: "Over the last two weeks I have decided not to re-negotiate when my current contract comes to an end. I would like to make it perfectly clear that no negotiations ever took place and that my decision is not financially motivated.
"I signed my current contract with the BBC having turned down more lucrative offers from other channels because it was where I wanted to be and – as I have said before – would happily have stayed there for any fee they cared to offer, but there were other considerations."
He said he was quitting all his regular shows but would continue to make some specials: "I love making my Friday night talk show, my Saturday morning radio show and the Film Programme, and will miss them all. I look forward to continuing work on these shows until the Summer, and I will continue hosting the Bafta Film Awards, Comic Relief and other BBC specials.
Ross foreshadowed his dramatic statement, released to the Press Association this morning, with a comment on his Twitter feed: "Good morning. My day is turning out to be far more interesting then I had anticipated ! See you later - have a good one."
There had been renewed speculation yesterday that the BBC might part ways with its star presenter.
The BBC said it would issue a statement shortly.
