Channel 4 approach Ross on movie-based show

Jonathan Ross is in talks with Channel 4 because they want to "take advantage" of his famous friends.

The outspoken TV personality - who will leave the BBC after 13 years in July - has reportedly been approached by the broadcaster because bosses are desperate to use his vast knowledge and celebrity contacts to their benefit.

A source at Channel 4 told the Daily Express: "Jonathan obviously has a lot of contacts in the Hollywood film industry and it seems only sensible that we continue to take advantage of that."

Julian Bellamy - who is head of programmes at Channel 4 - recently admitted he had been in discussions with Jonathan, but had not given any idea which sort of programme they wanted him to work on.

It is now believed they have approached the 49-year-old TV star about heading up a new film show.

The source added: "Movies are a massive passion of his and there's no doubting his immense knowledge, there has already been talk of him fronting a new film-based show over on Channel 4."

Jonathan started at Channel 4 in 1987 with programme 'The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross'. Two years later he fronted his own movie documentary series, 'The Incredibly Strange Film Show'.

The chat show host is expected to take a break when his BBC contract ends in the summer to spend time with his family before returning to the TV screen at a later date.