When the announcement came that Jonathan Ross was leaving the BBC earlier this week the gossip hounds got straight to work.
Was he leaving because of the money? Had he been offered a job in the US? Was it simply a PR stunt dreamed up by his publicity agent? As it turned out the BBC had really made the decision for Ross when last summer they decided not to renew his £6 million contract.
What was fascinating about the whole affair was the level of support Ross received from all quarters with celebrities seemingly acting as crisis management gurus.
On one interview on Sky News Bill Bailey gave Ross a glowing reference and presenters and reporters alike suggested leaving the BBC could give Ross his edge back which had been muffled by the Beeb.
On Twitter, comments from PHA Media’s resident Dragon, Duncan Banntyne made the Sky Bulletins, while other celebs tweeted to get Ross’s parking space.
Ross has promised the world the “best shows of his career” over the next six months. It’s likely he will make a joke of his impending departure and will concentrate on what he does best and entertain.
If he does go to the States, it’s not difficult to imagine him teaming up with his old celebrity PR mates Ricky Gervais and Russell Brand and go to Hollywood. PR consultants may even position him as the next Craig Ferguson – whatever happens it’s difficult to imagine he will disappear from the Limelight completely.
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