Ross quits ITV comedy awards as stars back 'scapegoat'

JONATHAN ROSS today pulled out of hosting the ITV comedy awards in the wake of his suspension from the BBC.

The presenter was under contract to host the event on 6 December. An ITV spokesman said it was a "mutual decision".

A spokesman for Ross added: "It's a show he very much enjoys being part of but would not want his participation in this year's event to take away from the awards themselves."

Ross's decision not to front the show came as BBC Director General Mark Thompson faced an internal backlash over the resignation of Radio 2's popular controller. A host of influential figures, presenters and journalists at the corporation are furious that the station's highly regarded chief Lesley Douglas is out of a job even though she did not hear the show in which Ross and comedian Russell Brand left obscene messages for 78-year-old actor Andrew Sachs.

Sources at the corporation say some are planning to register their disgust that Ross, whom many believe was the "main architect" of the prank, has only been suspended.

Sir Terry Wogan, whose Radio 2 breakfast show is the most-listened to programme in the country, said: "She's been a really wonderful controller. I know everyone at Radio 2 is going to regret it."

Brand, who resigned over the prank, said: "It's a shame such an innovative and strong woman has been sacrificed. I made a mistake, Jonathan was a bit daft - Lesley is not at all culpable."

Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans has also backed Ms Douglas.

She has been one of the corporation's most successful controllers in recent years. During her five years at the helm of the station, she has turned it into the most popular station in the country. A BBC source said Ms Douglas's departure has had a massive impact at the station and across the corporation: "She is held in such high regard both professionally and personally.

"Jonathan Ross's career has benefited hugely from her leadership and there are a lot of people who are planning to make their feelings known that he is the one who should be out of a job not her. Mark Thompson has saved a 'star name' whilst one of his best managers has been hung up to dry."

The move casts serious doubt over Mr Thompson's leadership and the long-term future of Ross who is thought to be considering opportunities in the US at the corporation. The presenter, who is on an £18 million three-year deal, was suspended yesterday for 12 weeks and told by Mr Thompson that this was his "final warning".

Mr Thompson said Ross had a future at the corporation, despite admitting that his contribution to the show was "unacceptable".