Jonathan Ross could be set to leave his ITV Saturday night chat show when his contract expires at the end of the year. According to reports, the next series of ‘The Jonathan Ross’ show, which airs this autumn, will be his last and the host will be spending most of 2017 in the US.

Jonathan RossJonathan Ross’ time at ITV might be up.

The Mirror reports that it’s unlikely the show will come back, despite Ross’ spokesperson insisting he would return next autumn. An ITV source told the newspaper that dwindling ratings mean a comeback is ‘highly unlikely.’

An insider said: “Ross is taking a break, which could run and run. The show’s been axed by stealth.” However a spokesperson for Ross commented: “Jonathan is extending his hiatus into the early part of next year to travel to the US. The chat show will return in the autumn of 2017.”

Ross jumped ship to ITV in 2011, after leaving the BBC where he had previously been suspended due to the infamous ‘Sachsgate’ row involving comedian Russell Brand. He was once the highest-earning presenter on the BBC, commanding £6 million a year.

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But in recent years, BBC rival Graham Norton has taken over to become the king of UK chat shows. Earlier this year Ross had expressed concern that his show might be axed when his friend Kevin Lygo was appointed the new head of ITV.

“I’m fairly lucky in that I normally get on with most people - and Kevin, who’s taking over ITV, is one of the closest friends I’ve had in television in a long while,” Ross told The Mirror in February.

“But maybe I’m not safe, as being friends with him means he can actually be more honest with me than anyone else, so who knows? I’m still enjoying the chat show - it’s a job.”

UPDATE: Since publishing this article, we have recieved an update.

Statement from a spokesperson for Jonathan Ross
"Jonathan is extending his hiatus into the early part of next year to travel to the US. The chat show will return in the Autumn of 2017."

 

ITV's Director of Television, Kevin Lygo said, "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 when the chat show returns in Autumn 2017."