Jonathan Ross signs deal for ITV chat show

JONATHAN Ross has signed a deal to present a chat show for ITV.

The presenter - who leaves his BBC1 show next week when his contract with the corporation runs out - is to begin his new series late next year.

He had been in negotiations with Channel 4 at one stage before new chief executive David Abraham took over this summer.

The new series will air in a peak-time slot on ITV1 after a year's break for Ross.

The star had a spectacular fall from grace over the "Sachsgate" affair in which he left lewd messages - along with Russell Brand - on the answerphone of veteran actor Andrew Sachs. He was suspended for three months over the incident.

Earlier this year Ross announced he would not be renewing his contract with the BBC, and his long-running Radio 2 show will come to an end this month.

He said yesterday: "I am thrilled and excited that after a short break I will be rolling up my sleeves and creating a brand new show for ITV1.

"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 talk show.

"I do have a little spare time at the beginning of 2011 though, so if England needs a temporary new manager I will consider the post seriously."

Ross is due to host the British Comedy Awards later this year, which will be broadcast by Channel 4.

The new series will be a co-production between ITV Studios and Hotsauce TV, the company set up by Ross that makes his current BBC1 show.

His final BBC chat show, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, airs a week tomorrow with a line-up that features David Beckham and Hollywood star Jackie Chan.