By Sarah Smithon Friday, 9 Jun 2006 Celebrity television presenter Jonathan Ross has signed a new deal with the BBC, said to be a whopping £18 million.
According to media reports, the BBC had been engaged in a bidding war for Ross, with Channel 4 offering £18 million and the BBC agreeing to match that sum in a three-year deal.
Wossy said he was "delighted to be staying with the BBC if only because it is the only studio I can drive to without getting lost".
Channel 4 had been keen to poach Ross, as well as Strictly Dance Fever host Graham Norton. However, the new deal ensures that Ross will continue to front his BBC1 chatshow, Friday night with Jonathon Ross, as well as other commitments on TV and radio.
"It is the best channel in the country and I'm proud they want me back," he added.
BBC One controller Peter Fincham said: "Jonathan is a uniquely talented broadcaster and is at the very top of his game. We're all delighted he's staying."
Next year Ross is due to provide the voice for a character in the UK version of Shrek the Third.
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