Jonathan Ross’ Controversial Actions Nearly End Career and BBC Partnership

Jonathan Ross, a well-known figure in British entertainment, is set to return to television this weekend with the new season of *The Masked Singer*. However, his career once faced a significant threat due to a scandal from 2008, nearly derailing both his career and partnership with the BBC.

Jonathan Ross and the BBC Scandal Explained

In the fall of 2008, Jonathon Ross collaborated with comedian Russell Brand on a prank call involving actor Andrew Sachs. The call was part of Russell’s BBC Radio 2 program, during which they left inappropriate messages on Sachs’ voicemail regarding his granddaughter, Georgina.

This incident, widely referred to as ‘Sachsgate’, sparked significant public outrage, resulting in over 18,000 complaints. The situation escalated to the point where the then-Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, labeled it as “unacceptable.”

Troubling Revelations

Initially, the prank call attempted to engage Sachs for an interview. Following his non-response, Ross and Brand left vulgar messages. One message included Ross crudely remarking about Georgina, which further heightened public ire.

Neither Ross nor Brand took the situation seriously in their subsequent messages, which continued to be offensive. The pre-recorded nature of the show raised questions about its airing, as Sachs had not consented for the content to be broadcast.

Consequences and Reactions

• Both Ross and Brand faced suspension from the BBC.
• The BBC issued an apology, stating it was a “completely unacceptable broadcast.”
• Ross received a 12-week unpaid suspension and had his chat show moved to a pre-recorded format.
• The BBC faced a £150,000 fine from Ofcom.

In a statement, Jonathan Ross admitted his mistake, calling it “a stupid error of judgement” and offered a full apology. Russell Brand also resigned from his position at Radio 2 following the scandal.

Departure from the BBC and Return to Television

Amidst the fallout, Ross announced in 2010 that he would not be renewing his contract with the BBC. He clarified that his decision wasn’t financially motivated, despite receiving more lucrative offers from other channels. Subsequently, he joined ITV, starting *The Jonathan Ross Show*, which continues to air today.

After a prolonged absence from the BBC lasting 15 years, Ross returned in 2025 for *Celebrity Traitors*, participating alongside notable figures such as Alan Carr and Clare Balding. Although he was voted off early, this appearance marked a significant moment in his career.

Conclusion

Jonathan Ross, having navigated the repercussions of *Sachsgate*, has slowly rebuilt his reputation. His involvement in BBC programs, including the recent *Masked Singer*, suggests a return to favor within the corporation following years of estrangement.