Branson 'To Give Ross Breakfast Radio Show'

Sir Richard Branson is set to revive his Virgin Radio brand and give Jonathan Ross his own breakfast show, Sky's City editor has learned.

Writing on his blog , Mark Kleinman said the pair are part of a consortium which is in talks to buy Absolute Radio, formerly known as Virgin Radio, for around £20m.

The bid, which would see the name return 14 years after Sir Richard sold the business, is being led by former Virgin Radio boss John Pearson.

Kleinman said the Virgin-branded consortium is understood to have been competing with Belfast-based UTV for control of Absolute.

He understands Ross has not formally agreed his involvement but met Sir Richard for talks earlier this week.

The presenter would likely become be a minority shareholder in the venture and would present a flagship breakfast show, Kleinman added.

It would mark his return to radio broadcasting after the 2008 Sachsgate affair, in which he and comedian Russell Brand left lewd messages on the answer phone of actor Andrew Sachs.

Ross left the BBC, including his Friday night chat show, in 2010 after deciding not to renew his contract.

Sir Richard sold Virgin Radio to TV presenter Chris Evans in 1997 for £80m.

It was then sold to Scottish Media Group (SMG) for £225m in 2000, a deal from which Evans personally made £75m.

SMG then sold it to TIML Radio in 2008 for £53.2m.

It was subsequently rebranded as Absolute Radio, which mainly plays guitar-based rock music.

Virgin Group, Pearson and a spokesman for Ross all declined to comment.