HOWZAT

He said: “I have apologised to Andrew Sachs for the rude messages I left on October 18 and he has graciously accepted.

“As I only do the radio show to make people laugh I’ve decided that given the subsequent coverage I will stop doing the show.

“I got a bit caught up in the moment and forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big hearted young woman.

“Apologies are also owed to the loyal listeners of the show .

“I take complete responsibility and offer nothing but love and contrition and I hope that now Jonathan and the BBC will endure less forensic wrath."

Following the suspension Mr Ross publicly apologised in a statement. He said: “I am deeply sorry and greatly regret the upset and distress that my juvenile and thoughtless remarks on the Russell Brand show have caused.”

The latest edition of Ross's BBC1 show, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, was due to be recorded today, with guests Sir David Attenborough, American popstar Miley Cyrus, comedian Frank Skinner and band The Killers all expected to attend, but the BBC said that the recording had been cancelled. It was not clear what would replace it in the prime time television schedules.

The BBC had said before Mr Thompson’s statement that the radio shows of Ross and Brand would still air on Saturday, but they too have now been cancelled.

The high-earning presenters left a series of crude messages on Sachs’ answerphone during a pre-recorded show, broadcast 11 days ago in Brand's 9pm - 11pm Saturday night Radio 2 slot. They included boasts from Brand about his sexual relationship with Georgina Baillie, Sachs' 23-year-old granddaughter, and jokes from the DJs that veteran actor Sachs might kill himself as a result of the revelation.

The BBC has received more than 18,000 complaints since the broadcast, which has also prompted an official investigation from media watchdog Ofcom and drawn widespread condemnation. The Corporation itself has come under strong criticism for allowing the pre-recorded show, which was vetted by a senior executive, to be broadcast.

The Prime Minister joined the furore yesterday, saying: “This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised. Ofcom have said they will investigate the matter and it is for the BBC, the BBC Trust and Ofcom to take any appropriate action.”

Mr Thompson is thought to have been on holiday as the row erupted but the BBC would not comment.

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