BBC 'to pay top stars less'

With the BBC looking at ways to save money in all areas, Director General Mark Thompson said it would be able to secure the "best entertainment talent for less than we have been able to do in the last few years".

Mr Thompson also said he hoped disgraced star Jonathan Ross would return to the BBC after the 12-week suspension imposed after lewd phone calls were made to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs. And he refused to rule out a return for former Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas - who resigned over the row - saying he did not believe in "lifetime bans".

Mr Thompson was speaking on BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show at the end of a week that saw Russell Brand and Ms Douglas resign and the corporation rarely out of the headlines.

Ross was was suspended for three months without pay after he and Brand left messages on Mr Sachs's answerphone claiming Brand had slept with the Fawlty Towers actor's granddaughter, Georgina Baillie. The prank was broadcast on Brand's Saturday night Radio 2 show, prompting thousands of complaints.

Mr Thompson, 51, defended the speed at which the BBC had acted to deal with the row, saying it had been a "pretty active week".

Challenged over whether the corporation would pay any new stars a £6 million annual salary - Ross's wage - Mr Thompson told Andrew Marr: "We never talk about individual contracts - not Jonathan Ross's, not yours. But I think we are heading towards a period where it is probably the case that we will be able to secure the best entertainment talent for less than we have been able to do in the last few years."

Mr Thompson argued the problems facing Britain's economy would play a part as all broadcasters look for ways to cut costs.

Praising Ross as an "outstanding broadcaster", Mr Thompson said there had been a strong show of support from viewers and listeners for the star. And he added: "What he did, his part in this sorry saga, was utterly unacceptable.

"I believe he recognises that, I have talked to him, I believe I have given him what is in effect a final warning, but yes I do hope Jonathan comes back and I think when he does come back the millions of people who like watching his TV programme, like listening to him on the radio will be very pleased to welcome him back."