BBC accused of arrogance over Ross’s return

THE BBC was accused of “arrogance” yesterday as its boss accepted that Radio 2 was wrong to announce Jonathan Ross’s return date.

Michael Lyons, chairman of the BBC, said “nothing” had been ruled out during the inquiry into the Andrew Sachs controversy, sparking speculation that £6 million-a-year (€7.10m) Ross could face further disciplinary action.

But the BBC Trust later issued a statement which indicated that no further sanction against Ross was expected. Ross is serving a three-month suspension from the airwaves after he and Russell Brand caused uproar by leaving lewd messages on the Fawlty Towers’ actor’s answering machine. Lyons and BBC director-general Mark Thompson came under fire from MPs during a tough Culture, Media and Sport Committee hearing at the House of Commons yesterday. Radio 2 said last week that Ross would return on January 24.