Jonathan Ross ITV Chat Show ‘To Be Axed’ Amid Falling Ratings

Jonathan Ross’ long-running chat show has reportedly been given the axe and his autumn series is set to be the last.

The presenter, 55, will take a break to America in 2017 after his contract expires with ITV at the end of the year.

Copyright [ITV]

This means that his winter series, which usually runs from January to March, will be replaced by new programming.

“Jonathan is extending his hiatus into the early part of next year to travel to the US,” said a spokesperson for Ross. “The chatshow will return in the autumn of 2017.”

However, according to a report in The Mirror, the show is unlikely to return after the hiatus, since ratings dropped as low as 1.8 million during its last run.

The ITV insider revealed: “Ross is taking a break, which could run and run. The show’s been axed by stealth.”

Copyright [WENN/ITV]

Ross moved over to ITV after a decade at the BBC; where he had been the highest-earning presenter, taking home £6 million a year.

He left the broadcasting company following his suspension over the “Sachsgate” scandal involving Russell Brand.

ITV signed him on for a more modest £1.5 million contract, to front a show that attracts an average audience of 2 million viewers, approximately half the ratings for BBC rival Graham Norton.

Copyright [BBC]

Ross hinted at the change earlier this year when his pal, Kevin Lygo, became his new boss over at ITV.

He said: “Maybe I’m not safe. Being friends means he can be more honest with me than anyone else, so who knows?”

Lygo, who was promoted to the role of director of television, shared his support for Ross but did not unequivocally confirm that the chat show would return.

“Jonathan Ross is very important to ITV and we look forward to the new series this autumn and the Christmas special and working with him again next year,” he said.

Perhaps this means that Wossy will be involved in other projects with the broadcaster “next year”?

Only time will tell…