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Jonathan Ross to host British Comedy Awards
By Amira Hashish Last updated at 14:09pm on 13.10.09Jonathan Ross is to return as host of the British Comedy Awards, ITV confirmed today, after pulling out last year following the Sachsgate row.
Back in the game: Jonathan Ross
Ross was replaced by Angus Deayton last year, and ITV have now officially confirmed reports that Wossy is making a comeback.
Ross said: "I'm delighted - it's the most prestigious awards show in the world.
"Obama may have a Nobel Prize. But he's not even in the running for Best Entertainment personality. It's that prestigious."
The ceremony is celebrating its 20th year and it will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITV2 in December.
Last month The Sun quoted an insider saying the show "wasn't the same" without Ross, who has been the regular host.
A storm was caused last year after Ross and Russell Brand made lewd prank calls to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs, for Brand's BBC radio show.
Earlier this month, the watchdog Ofcom imposed fines totalling £80,000 over a scandal that led to Ant and Dec being wrongly given a prize at the British Comedy Awards.
The regulator imposed the penalty on Channel TV - which was supposed to ensure the programme met broadcasting rules when it aired on ITV1 - for what it called "extremely serious" breaches.
The incidents which led to the fines included Ant and Dec being given the People's Choice Award in 2005, despite being beaten in the voting by Catherine Tate. Ofcom said the Geordie duo may have been chosen simply to ensure Robbie Williams would agree to appear on the show.
ITV's director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell said of Ross's return: "The British Comedy Awards has become one of television's most talked-about annual events, and hosting it has to be one of television's toughest gigs.
"I'm very glad Jonathan is back at the helm."
Reader views (9)
His star is fading fast. His figures are down for both his TV and radio shows. I can't bear the sight or sound of him anymore - he makes me immediately switch channels/stations. I'm hoping it won't be long before people ask "Whatever happened to Jonathan Ross..?"
- Stella, London, UK
I find Mr. Ross a complete unfunny bore. The Awards evening is a turnoff anyway. Fortunately washing my hair that night.
- Amazonmothe, hasting
Superb news. He should never have been banned.
- Dave, London
Get over it. He's very popular and funny. He's certainly a good host. He sails close to the PC line which I assumed most of the lumbering anti-PC crowd would actually appreciate not question!
- Richard, LONDON
I wouldn't watch this odious creep if the BBC paid me what they are payig him.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK
I though bad taste jokes were not PC?
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
They really are trying to rehabilitate this guy - why? To justify spending so much money on him before by saying he's indispensable now?
The only thing funny about the guy is that thinks he's funny!
- Rogan, Irving
why he is an overpaid person who should not be given air time i will not be watching the show
- Terry Chambers, London
What for and why?? I shan't be watching.
- Peter, Vienna, Austria
