TV

Jonathan Ross confirms new ITV deal: "I am thrilled"

Published Tuesday, Nov 22 2011, 18:10 GMT | By Paul Millar | 13 comments

Jonathan Ross has confirmed earlier reports that he is staying at ITV with his chat show until 2013.

The presenter, who defected from the BBC last year, will stay with the commercial broadcaster for another three series.

"I am thrilled to be signing again for ITV," the 51-year-old said in a statement.

"It's like that stage in a relationship when you've been leaving a few clothes over every time you stay, and they finally give you a door key."

The Jonathan Ross Show, which aired earlier in the autumn, achieved an average audience of 4.1m viewers in its post-X Factor Saturday night slot.

Meanwhile, ITV's director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell commented: "Jonathan remains one of the biggest talents on UK television.

"His first series for us shows that our ITV audience has enthusiastically welcomed him back to our television screens, doing what he does best."

Last month, one report claimed that Ross had only signed a one-year extension on his ITV contract.