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Monday, 3 November 2008

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Jonathan Ross quits Comedy Awards and Royal Variety Show

Presenter wants to avoid more scandal after Russell Brand Radio 2 prank calls

Harry Hill is rumoured to take over Jonathan Ross's Comedy Awards job

Jonathan Ross has decided to pull out of his presenting both the British Comedy Awards and the Royal Variety Show.

The presenter, 47, caused outrage with his prank phone calls to veteran actor Andrew Sachs on Russell Brand's BBC Radio 2 show last week.

Jonathan has been suspended from the BBC for 3 months – but these shows were for rival ITV.

So to avoid the scandal overshadowing the prestigious events, he's decided to step down.

Jonathan has presented the British Comedy Awards since 1991.

‘It's a show he very much enjoys being part of,’ his spokesman said. ‘But would not want his participation in this year's event to take away from the awards themselves or the many talented winners of the awards.’

Harry Hill, 44, is rumoured to be replacing Jonathan at the Comedy Awards while Jimmy Tarbuck, 68, has been lined up for the Royal Variety Show.

Holly Arnold