The remark - during BBC One’s Friday Night With Jonathan Ross programme - has attracted more than 60 complaints, according to a report on the BBC website.

However, a spokesman said the comment wasn’t out of character, adding that the star was "well-known for his irreverent approach".

Has Wossy finally gone too far?

Jonathan Ross’ salary under fire - Sept 15, 2020
One of the BBC’s own reporters has attacked the "obscene" £18 million pay deal given to presenter Jonathan Ross. Theo Leggett, the Corporation’s Brussels-based Europe business reporter, slammed bosses for wooing the chat show host at a time of swingeing job cuts.

Wossy recently signed a reported £18 million three-year golden handcuffs deal. In a letter to the BBC’s in-house magazine Ariel, the reporter said: "At a time when managers are culling staff in the name of ’value for money’, it is little short of obscene that a single performer, however talented, can earn (a reported) £6 million a year.

"Over the past 18 months, management have been trying to close 330 posts in news alone in order to save cash. "The implication here is clear: the BBC is willing to compromise its news operation in order to secure the services of one supposed ratings-grabber. I’m not sure that’s what public service broadcasting is supposed to be about."

And Jonathan is not the only well-paid star - a series of leaks earlier this year claimed that Jeremy Paxman is paid £940,000 a year, Sir Terry Wogan gets £800,000 a year and Chris Moyles pockets an annual £630,000.

Graham Norton signed a new three-year deal last month reported to be worth £5 million, while Little Britain’s David Walliams and Matt Lucas are said to be picking up £6 million.

Responding to Leggett’s remarks, a BBC spokesman said: "Presenters’ salaries need to be set against our audience’s firm view that they expect the BBC to provide them with the best talent, not necessarily the cheapest talent."

Jonathan Loves Charlotte - September 2006
Jonathan Ross is an honest sort of a chap.  So it was no surprise when he decided that rather than stick it to new chat show rival Charlotte Church he praised her for a very good first show.  "I watched it and thought it was a good show. I think it is a show that’s going to grow. I don’t think it was the finished product. She is so confident and so likeable that it’s hard not to think that she’ll not have a long career on TV if she wants to," he said.

Rachel Hunter - man - Apr 05
Jonathan Ross has stuck the knife in to Rachel Hunter. The controversial chat show host slammed the model during his Radio 2 show, saying "who died and made Rachel Hunter a model? If I drag up I look more attractive!" He went on to wonder if Rod Stewart had glaucoma when he got together with her.

Ross V Parky - August 04
Jonathan Ross and Michael Parkinson are battling it out with top guests. Ross has managed quite a coup for his new series, securing screen legend Paul Newman for a future show. However, Parky has come back with a rare interview with Tom Cruise for his new ITV show turning up the heat on Ross’ producers who are digging around for further rare appearances.

Ross wins radio ’Oscars’ - 09/05/04
Hampstead based media personality Jonathan Ross is celebrating a double win at the radio equivalent of the Oscars...