A BRAND NEW START FOR ROSS AS HE QUITS BBC?
Ross, 49, said in a statement that he had decided not to renegotiate his contract when it ends at the end of July.His salary, a reported £18 million over three years, and the scandal over actor Andrew Sachs have recently caused controversy.
Following the news that Jonathan Ross has quit the BBC after thirteen years working for the broadcaster, bookies Paddy Power have opened betting on what station the controversial host will move to next.
It’s 4/6 that Ross, who announced his decision was “not financially motivated” , chooses to switch to ITV, 9/4 he lands his own chat show at Channel 4, 4/1 he opts to align with Sky and 8/1 he next hosts a programme for Channel 5.
Paddy Power are even speculating on whether the star has a future further afield by offering 6/1 that he’ll follow in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey and land himself a chat show in the US.
There’s even talk that he could perform a comedy tour with his old ‘Manuel-gate’ mate Russell Brand with Paddy Power quoting 12/1 while it’s just 5/1 that the pair join forces to co-host a new TV show in 2010.
Irish comedian Graham Norton is being hotly tipped at 1/5 to replace Ross on his Friday night show. Paddy Power have also opened betting on who will succeed Ross on his BBC1 film review show. Film critic Mark Kermode, whose BBC Radio 5 Live film reviews with Simon Mayo are a big hit with listeners, is the red-hot favourite at 1/3 for the role.
Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “After thirteen years at the BBC and a couple of public rows it’s seems Ross has decided enough is enough – he’s still the nation’s favourite though and we’re sure he won’t be short of offers.”
Where will Ross get his next Chat Show?
4/6 ITV
9/4 Channel 4
4/1 SKY
8/1 Five
Specials
5/1 Jonathan Ross & Russell Brand to co-host a TV show in 2010
6/1 Ross to get his own US Chat Show
8/1 Ross to announce his retirement from TV
10/1 Ross to become a GMTV presenter
40/1 Ross to become X Factor Presenter
100/1 Ross to become Loose Women presenter
Who will replace Ross TV Chat Show?
1/5 Graham Norton
10/1 Michael McIntyre
12/1 Paul O’Grady
14/1 Philip Schofield
16/1 Ant & Dec
18/1 Vernon Kay
20/1 Dermot O’Leary
25/1 Davina McCall
25/1 Terry Wogan
33/1 Holly Willoughby
500/1 Jedward
Who will present Film 2010?
1/3 Mark Kermode
9/4 Graham Norton
10/1 Chris Moyles
14/1 Iain Johnstone
18/1 Barry Norman
33/1 Terry Wogan
100/1 Russell Brand
William Hill have opened a book on who will replace Jonathan Ross as host of his Friday Night Chat show and as it stands Graham Norton looks nailed on at 1/6 but interesting outsiders include Harry Hill at 14/1, Chris Evans at 20/1 and Russell Brand who is 25/1.
“Like Wogan, Ross will be very difficult to replace but you have to move on and my money would be for the newly engaged Russell Brand who might want to show he has matured,” said Hill’s spokesman Rupert Adams.
12/1 Ross To Retire From Television & Radio In 2010
Who Will Replace Jonathan Ross For The Friday Night Chat Show?: 1/6 Graham Norton, 9/1 Michael McIntyre, 12/1 Ian Wright, 14/1 Paul O Grady, 14/1 Harry Hill, 20/1 Chris Evans, 20/1 Simon Amstell, 25/1 Ricky Gervais, 25/1 Terry Wogan, 25/1 Russell Brand
