ITV to sign Jonathan Ross

ITV is said to have agreed a deal with Jonathan Ross to host a weekly chat show, according to reports.

Jonathan Ross
Jonathan Ross

It is understood that the weekend show will be co-produced by Ross’s production team Hot Sauce and ITV Studios, according to Media Guardian.

ITV declined to comment.

Ross announced in January that he is to leave the BBC this summer. The final Friday Night with Jonathan Ross show will air on 16 July on the BBC1.

The controversial broadcaster’s reputation was tarnished following an on-air gag that has been dubbed “Sachsgate”. Ross and fellow presenter Russell Brand left lewd messages on former Faulty Towers actor Andrew Sachs’ answer phone.

The incident attracted more than 44,000 complaints via broadcast regulators.

Ross and the BBC have also attracted criticism after it was revealed that Ross’ contract was worth £18m deal despite the BBC’s cost cutting measures job cuts.

ITV has also recently poached the One Show’s Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.