Jonathan Ross confirms new ITV primetime show

Jonathan Ross has confirmed he has signed up for a new primetime chat show at ITV. As reported by The First Post last month, Ross's new programme will start in autumn 2011.

Ross, whose final BBC1 Friday Night with... show goes out next Friday, is understood to have signed a one-year deal with ITV worth around £1 million. That is about a third of what Ross's annual BBC paycheck is thought to have been, albeit for less work. While Ross presented a film programme and weekly Radio 2 slot on top of his chatshow, his ITV contract will require him to front just 18 shows. 

Peter Fincham, ITV's director of television, confirmed that Ross was heading to ITV and described him as "the pre-eminent chatshow host of his generation". 

Ross, who has been at the centre of controversy in recent years over his generous pay deal and the Sachsgate row, quit the BBC earlier this year. 

Yesterday he said he was "thrilled and excited" about the move. "I have worked successfully with most of the key figures at the network in the past and cannot wait to get back on screen with a fast, funny and unpredictable new talkshow".

That is a far cry from how Ross described ITV in January. Introducing actress Hayley Mills as a guest on his Radio 2 show, he quipped: "She's now on ITV, which, I think, must be some sort of punishment."

Media insiders are now wondering if Ross will give a final 'up-yours' to the BBC by booking Russell Brand - his accomplice in the Sachsgate row - as his first guest on the new show. ·