NOVELTY BETTING: Following the news that Jonathan Ross has quit the BBC after 13 years, bookies Paddy Power have opened betting on what station the controversial host will move to next.
It’s 4/6 that Ross, who announced his decision was “not financially motivated” , chooses to switch to ITV, 9/4 he lands his own chat show at Channel 4, 4/1 he opts to align with Sky and 8/1 he next hosts a programme for Channel 5.
Paddy Power are even speculating on whether the star has a future further afield by offering 6/1 that he’ll follow in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey and land himself a chat show in the US.
There’s even talk that he could perform a comedy tour with his old ‘Manuel-gate’ mate Russell Brand with Paddy Power quoting 12/1 while it’s just 5/1 that the pair join forces to co-host a new TV show in 2010.
Irish comedian Graham Norton is being hotly tipped at 1/5 to replace Ross on his Friday night show. Paddy Power have also opened betting on who will succeed Ross on his BBC1 film review show. Film critic Mark Kermode, whose BBC Radio 5 Live film reviews with Simon Mayo are a big hit with listeners, is the red-hot favourite at 1/3 for the role.
Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “After thirteen years at the BBC and a couple of public rows it’s seems Ross has decided enough is enough – he’s still the nation’s favourite though and we’re sure he won’t be short of offers.”
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