Showbiz

Harry Hill set to replace Ross at ITV's awards

Updated 13:01pm on 3 Nov 2008

The BBC is facing an exodus of high-profile stars and leading executives as the corporation looks to cut salaries in the wake of the Jonathan Ross phone row. Director general Mark Thompson has been warned by the body which holds the BBC to account that big pay deals are fuelling resentment. Ross, 47, who earns £6m a year, was suspended last week for making obscene phone calls with comedian Russell Brand to actor Andrew Sachs, 78.

In the hot seat: Harry Hill, tipped to host the ITV comedy awards after Jonathan Ross stood down

A senior BBC source said: "Ross's multimillion pound BBC contract played a big part in the public anger over the phone row. There are going to be a lot of unhappy stars when it comes to contract renegotiations."

Stars on lucrative BBC contracts include Graham Norton, who earns £2.5m a year, Jeremy Paxman (£1m) and Fiona Bruce (£800,000).

Corporation sources fear rival broadcasters such as Sky and ITV will bid for some of the BBC's biggest names.

The agent of one BBC presenter said: "Because Jonathan Ross has caused so much bad publicity, other professionals, who would never dream of making filthy phone calls, will be out of pocket. TV is about paying top dollar for top talent, and they will go elsewhere if they do not feel rewarded."

On Friday, London Lite revealed Ross had quit as host of next month's British Comedy Awards on ITV.

Today comedian Harry Hill was tipped as his replacement, along with fellow comics Dara O'Briain, Graham Norton and Al Murray.

Reader views (9)

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Awww Harry Hill is fab.

- Ruth, Midlands England, 15/11/2008 21:01
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Sorry, I've never 'got' Harry Hilll, and will certainly not watch the show now .....

- Marianne, SW France, 06/11/2008 10:57
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Like him or not,Harry hill is a proper comedian not a cockney wide boy who plays music on the radio

- Al Stuart, ealing, 05/11/2008 08:54
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Harry Hill.....NNNNOOOOOOOO

This is the worst choice ever... he really is not funny.

JAN...just because he dose not swear does not make him funny, i can just imagine your sence of humour......

- Nicole, scotland, 04/11/2008 13:54
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Perfect choice. Hill is a comic giant compared to Ross' self-obsessed inanities, and he's also taken the Hippocratic Oath - first do no harm- so is unlikely to name and shame any dolly birds he's pleasured.

- Squiz, Islington, 04/11/2008 13:02
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Harry Hill is NOT FUNNY. Awful choice

- Olivia, London, 04/11/2008 11:41
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Harry Hill is hilarious ! A perfect choice. Let's hope the powers that be make the right choice.

- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex, 04/11/2008 10:14
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Thats one not to watch then. I don't like Jonathan Ross as a presenter but Harry Hill is even worse!!

- Louie, London, 04/11/2008 07:24
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yes harry hill, always makes me laugh and never heard any swearing on his program.

- Jan, erith london, 03/11/2008 19:19
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