By the way,the supporters now number around 41,000! And how could they be brainwashed? Seems to me it is more about the ridiculous over reaction this has sparked. Andrew Sachs worked wit John Cleese! A comic legend, but often in te Monty Python days far more on edge than this prank!

Mathew Francis, Wrexham,

LOL! The comment above blaming Brand and Ross' timely removal on Daily Mail readers is laughable. They should take a look at the articles denouncing them in all papers from the Guardian and Mirror to the Independent. Their recent stunt is supported by none but the brainwashed who think crass is cool

R Andrews, Basingstoke, UK

Depressing that we live in a culture where 'right' is measured by those who read the Daily Mail. Ross/ Brand stepped over the mark but the level of vilification is ridiculous. How many complained with equal passion about the stoning to death of a female in Somalia or did the Mail not care about that

Maggie, Plymouth, UK

It was a joke that went too far and got out of control, nothing more. it happens, stop making these two look like the scum of the earth because they are not. Both Brand and Ross fly close to the edge sometimes (it's why we watch them), but neither are in the habit of being deliberately malicious

James Flinders, Nottingham, UK

R and B are not and have never been funny. Ross is paid an exorbitant fee to talk over his guests every fwiday night with his usual less than humorous dwivel, paying his salary without choice certainly sticks in the throat. If anyone else did this at work theyd be sacked."it was cutting edge, boss "

Gordon, Glasgow,

What's all the fuss about. People love to kick a man when he's done. Disgusting. Leave Ross and Brand alone.

Rahul, London,

This show was PRE-RECORDED, if comedians are edgy and they are improvising ,there is the risk that will the occasional lapse into bad taste. Ross and Brand are paid to be funny- which is the hard part.Why couldn't the BBC secure someone who could vet the contents of the show ?

Jim, Shrops, UK

That venerable 'Institution' The BBC knoweth the price of nothing and the value of everything.
A self -serving liberal socialist elite, morally bankrupt , of relativist panderings, corrupt of any idea of value. Ergo the current debacle.

Sean McGlinchey, London, UK

I hope Jonathan do the decent thing and resign. Partying, thats the way he shows remorse.BBC needs to act on this, sack him!

Miss Sky Rocillo, brigg, lincolnshire

Why on EARTH should Jonathan Ross be sacked?! it's the most ridiculous situation. Yes, what they did was wrong, a stupid gag gone too far. However, it was a prerecorded show, the BBC authorised it, they admitted the mistake as did Ross and Brand. Why is this still such a big issue?

Caryn, London, UK

Ms Marchant I think you mean Allowed. The only thing obscene in this whole affair is the Salary of Mr Ross. He may be a breathe of fresh air at the BBC but when did fresh air cost so much, last time I checked it was free

John Castley, Sheffiedl,

Bring back Simon Dee!

Dan, St Albans,

I have been a JR fan for years, been to his shows & watch his show. I also like R B , but he is immature , shown poor judgement & it's not a surprise. JR SHOULD know better, he knows the business . He started it, & egged RB to offensiveness .He is arrogant & should be sacked . Very disappointed.

Kate begley, Southsea, England

These two have the minds of particularly unpleasant adolescents who plan nasty 'japes' for their own amusement. They are out of control, and as they have no self-control they should not be allowed anywhere near a broadcasting studio. Their coaseness is apalling.

Ken Blackburn, Morecambe, Lancs.

I am not overly concerned with the comments made re Sachs. I am, though, concerned that the money that is (pretty much) demanded with menances i.e. the licence fee is so badly spent. In my opinion the whole corporation is a joke with the punchline being Jonathan Ross' outrageous salary.

James, Manchester,

"i have always regarded Ross as a somewhat boorish sort of individual without any real backbone . Once again I have been proved to be right"

Comedy gold!

Get a grip! They both admitted it got out of hand, both apologised... All these pathetic morons using this to boost their own ego make me sick.

Jake Newman, London, UK

Since when did the young EVER have a say in the morals of this nation. It is the Broadcasters pandering to this odious immature grope that is responsible for the decline of moral standers in this country and the BBC in particular who have led the way. Time for a change.

D Case, Newquay,

I think Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand are two individuals with low intelligence and even lower comedic value. They have no real talent and rely on shock tactics. They have little class and no value in comparison to some of the brilliant comedic talents of Britain from years past.

Joe, London, United Kingdom

I think a key contributing factor in this is actually the credit crunch. People who may for a long time have disliked Brand and/or Ross are now viewing this as a perfect opportunity to vent the anger and frustration they feel from the economic pressures. Bad judgement - yes. Bad timing - definitely.

Jake Newman, London, UK

I blame the daily mail not Ross and Brand. Wonder who they will go after next? - puppies?kittens? Anyone who reads the Daily Mail needs to get an education....get a life.....and more importantly....get a sense of humour!

Steve, Hull, England

Once again the minority have a voice.In a nation of 65 million people,30000 complain about what amounts to 2 excellently funny presenters having a laugh on a radio show.Ross should quit the BBC after their treatment of him .GET OVER IT!!!! people.Long live Ross and Brand

andy fox, newcastle upon tyne, uk

No, its pretty cur and dried to me. No grey areas. I read the transcript of the phone calls. It was plain schoolboy bully nasty. Frankly, I think Ross should have been fired. There's cruelty in there. Thats the worst offense to me.

dede, new york, USA

This is the first Saturday I can remember when we have not switched to another channel the minute we hear Jonanthan Ross's voice. The man is boring, vain, unfunny and overpaid. We have so enjoyed listening to Radio 2 this morning, may it continue.

Caroline Simpson, Battle, UK

Although I find ross mildly funny in no way do I think he is worth 6million a year and along with many hard working people is is my earning helping to pay him that I find hard to take.
I think this may be a good wake up call for the way broadcasting is going,foul language is unnecessary

sean, bristol,

Never mind Ross and Brand. Why the hell are the BBC allowed to waste £16 million of our money paying one persons wage. David Cameron should state now that when he takes over he will tell the BBC that the gravy train they are currently on has dried up and they will be treated like all other channels.

john robbins, dundee, scotland

Brand is a one trick pony and has outstayed his welcome as an "entertainer" (if anything he has ever done could vaguely be called entertaining); Ross has become big headed beyond belief over the last few years and has lost his way, perhaps now he will get back to being entertaining rather than rude

Rodney Blunsdon, Penzance, Cornwall

Personally I'm more worried by the segment of the population which confuses shock factor puerile smut and individual offensiveness with genuine talent. Heavens - they even think it is 'cutting edge'. Are they on something?

Christine Carter, Halifax, England

More people have come out in support of Brand and Ross on Facebook alone than have complained to the BBC.

The swell of public (i.e. Licence Fee Payer) opinion is in their favour, it is just that the Tunbridge Wells head-shakers and Daily Mail readers have had a louder voice.

Ovoid, Bolton, UK

I always looked at Ross as someone who talked over his guests too much.

Now I look at him as someone who has let others fall on their swords for something he has done.

Silent Chime, Wolverhampton, UK

I see a lot of Britain is still populated by the usual suspects.
You know, free-thinking individuals who never jump on bandwaggons. Sorry Andew Sachs but this story is nothing to do with you. 35,000 people and the press and PM should be ashamed. The story isn't really even about Brand and Ross.

Will, Bristol,

It's been fascinating reading all the comments. The youngest third cannot see what all the fuss is about but the middle and older thirds are almost unanimous that the behaviour of Ross and Brand was vile. Why is this? Nobody is teaching the young manners and the difference between right and wrong.

Andrew Waldron, Bournemouth, UK

The real problem is the BBC itself it needs a root and branch clearout and a Public examnation of the use of the Licence Fee. £16000 a day that is about the yearly salery of a Private Soldier putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan

Murrant, Guisborough, UK

There has been such an over-reaction in the UK over this. While I agree it was a nasty episode, but to say that both men are finished on tv and radio is nonsnse.Nobody blinked when Chris Moyles called Nicola Roberts of Girls aloud every name under the sun for the last 6 years.

Eoin, Dublin, Ireland

If the government wants to impose restrictions on anyone broadcasting material that might upset the public we now need to see the MP who said that all country people are in-bred idiots ( broadcast when debated the Hunting bill in the House of Commons and published in Hansard) banned.

Sue Doughty, Twyford, UK

It's strange no one mentions the very high probability that the use of drugs like cocaine is responsible for the "childish" behaviour of Ross and Brand. A high percent of the so called entertainers lean heavily on the help of drugs, otherwise who could stay in a constant hyper state like them?

Ivan Nikolov, London,

I bet half these people damning Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand have never listened or watched any of their shows. I do not fit into the demographic of the 'younger listener' but both these guys have breathed new life into the BBC which has to change and reinvent itself to survive. Bring them back.

Steve Somerset, London, England

Someone said go to a school playground and you'll find much worse. In a school playground making fun of someone like they did is bullying. These two are adults and their attempt at humour wasn't funny and is no different to bullying in the playground.

Tony, Birmingham, UK

It has not been blown out of proportion. Nobody claims this is war, famine, or plague. Its pettiness and the defence of that pettiness are quite crucial to any debate about the decline in moral standards in modern Britain. We have lost our moral compass. B & R do not help.

Denis MacEoin, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

A study showed that 2 out of 3 young adults were supportive of Brand and Ross’ actions. They thought it was funny. Following the show, 3 listeners complained until the Daily Mail brought it to a wider audience. Doesn’t this show that the problem is not the just BBC, but our society as a whole?

Micky, London, UK

Oh Yeah! So now it is all over-hyped and blown out of proportion, is it?!

Before when their silly behaviour was blown out into 'top-presenter' status and got them the fat pay-packs they did not seem to mind blowing things out ...

The leverage of media works both ways!

Sack Ross.

Simon Johnson, London, UK

Goodness sake haven't we all been bored witless listening and watching about what Brand and Ross did, are they short of news stories. But ok complain but don't build it up for days afterwards and lt wasn't that shocking, have heard worse on tv and teatime next day it was shown at tea time for every

J Smith, Grimsby, UK

This is pathetic, all these middle aged people complaining about a little joke which I find absolutely hilarious.it was hardly offensive, you go to a school playground you'll find much worse. georgina sachs now is playing up to this quite blatently, and now weve lost Russell brand. Its ridiculous.

David, Frodsham,

I think this has been blown out of all proportion . Apologies have been made by both Ross and Brand. It should have been left at that.People that listen to both these guys know that they are not always politically correct and accept that this is what they will hear.Stop publicising the issue.

Sheila Goff, Southampton, Hampshire

I do not think Ross or Brand are funny in the true sense of the word. The obscene amount of money that they get given has simply fed their ego's leading them to think they can get away with just about anything. They cannot. If Ross had any integrity he would have resigned immediately.

Anthony Lewis, Cannock, England

Whilst I and many others are not naieve enough to think this sort of thing is new, it is nonetheless offensive and obscene that tc presenters should earn such money. Would Ross and Brand do the job for the pay of a nurse? Of course they woudln't. They should be sacked and made to do a proper job.

Julian Dent, Bradley Stoke, South Glos

I don't like Brand, I do like Ross. What they did was, to a greater or lesser degree, that for which they were/are paid. So where's the problem?
With wichever producer/ line manager that allowed the "offending" pre-recorded section of the show to go out and whomever allowed them that decision.

Steve Mullane, Southampton, uk

his contract should be terminated its a total disgrace this man is still employed by the BBC

john wood, bolton, lancashire

Ross should have known better. He's been around for years (unfortunately!), and is quite old enough to know that you don't play a prank like that on someone, and not expect some form of come back from it. Almost expect it from Brand.

Vicky, Scotland,

Freedom of speech is not an issue here, neither is the ability of Brand & Ross to entertain. People have responded to a display of bad taste that has come to epitomize a 'lad culture', the only strength of which is drawn from flirting with political incorrectness. Did I miss the joke?

jez rogers, Ilfracombe, UK

The 'younger Britains' seem all too keen to say that this sort of humour is what makes comedy edgy and colourful. I suppose it goes to show, then, that the sense of morality which has prevailed over the year really is going down the pan. Bullying humour only amuses bullies.

Seren, Denbigh, Wales

Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross should not be part of the BBC's presentation. Even if one now knows that Brand had a thoughtless relationship with Mr. Sachs's daughter one is still shocked that a man could throw up such mindless, uncaring, ungentlemanly and self-indulgent slander against a woman.

Edward Nobel Bisamunyu, London, England

Its not about the prank call anymore, its about media hype and thats what annoys me. This is all blown out of proportion there are far more important things to concern ourselves with. The call wasn't funny in the slightest, but this whole facade is ridiculous.

Lee-Anne, London, UK

perhaps a multi million donation to a charity of Mr Sachs choice by Brand and Ross would be at least a sign of something good coming out of it ?

john g, london, UK

I feel cheated. I personally believe Brand and Ross crossed the line but we all recognise and accept that sometimes this is a part of live comedy. So make your apologies and give a warning. But on Friday night when I didn't get to watch my favorite talk show somehow it felt like I was being punished

barbara, Dublin, Ireland

I for one will not be listening to radio 2 untill ross returns in the new year

john murphy, ryde,

Imagine if someone left messages on the answerphone of a senior member of your family, boasting about sex with their grandchild. Sick, isn't it? It's not funny, or entertaining in my opinion. If younger people think it is funny, how would they feel if an ex did it to them?

Andy, Bristol, UK

A lack of moral standards affects us all: one only has to look at the financial crisis. Supporting immature vulgarity will only send us further into the mire. The BBC and other broadcasters would do well to send a strong message that it is dangerously irresponsible to deface decency.

Barry Brewer , Confolens,

Suppose it is all sympotmatic of the dumbing down that was so much in evidence at the Nat TV awards! Awards. Ross has alwys tried so,so hard to shock and I turned his show off a long time ago realising it was just a showcase for his self promotion. Shae really as both he and Brand are intelligent!

Tony, Biarritz,

I can almost forgive Brand but not Ross who absolutely should have know better. Their behaviour was tantamount to bullying and I commend the BBC for doing the right thing.

Nicola , mayenne, france

Ross IS really funny - but unless he's going to find a cure for cancer I don't think he's worth 16K a day!

Elton, Warks, UK

This has been overblown but the BBC, and the Controller of Radio 2 in particular, was at fault in that. Once it was clear the MoS was on the case, she should have gone to Mr Sachs personally, apologised and crafted a press strategy with this nice man before his granddaughter signed with Max Clifford

Brenda, Leeds, UK

I wonder if all those people defending Ross/Brand for their freedom would have extended the same to say Bernard Manning. Or is it the case that certain types of offence are excusable.

Not that I like Manning OR Brand

John, Leeds, Uk

From what I can see from where I live, these 'entertainers' are just another two in a long list of so-called comedians who lack intelligence and simply resort to shock tactics, e.g. Catherine Tait, Little Britain and now to be seen on Spanish TV, Katy Brand. God help us!

Doña Cleta, Las Palmas, Spain

hopefully Sky will sign Mr Ross and reap the benefits.

D G

D Gillespie, Cambuslang, U.K.

You should all get a life and worry about the real issues of this world.

Ruth Lawton, London,

Ross a "national treasure" ? - still, Carr IS a comedian, is he not?

Darius Midwinter, London,

Brand and Ross are very good comedians but they went too far, this should have been picked up by the producer but he was just a kid who was probably in awe. They have paid a heavy price but the UK public should be careful for what it wishes for if it wants to stop freedom for comics to be funny.

Neil, Dubai, UAE

I think I speak for the younger generations when I say get over it!! Thanks to all you complainers there is now going to be nothing worth watching on tv as all comedians will be too scared to open their mouths, its ridiculous! Long live Ross & Brand!!

Laura, Reading, England

How will Ross cope on only £4.5 million this year? Have a heart, Governor!

J Jenkins, York,

i have always regarded Ross as a somewhat boorish sort of individual without any real backbone . Once again I have been proved to be right

paul simpson, MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

Respect for fellow humain beings is totally absent , the use of gutter language is so common it doesn't shock anymore. These are the role models that are presented to our children - why then are we shocked when children follow the role models? Give kids a chance, improve the role models

Eve, Brighton,

I am sick of these so called comedians. They are a reflection of how gross and disgusting people are becoming in the UK - And the BBC promotes it. Get rid of the lot of them...not just Brand and Ross. And while were at it close down the BBC. So we can do without paying a TV licence fee.

Peter, fortaleza,

Brian ,Cardiff.'Ross and Brand 'Alpha males' I don't think so.'.Alpha males move on from lavatorial humour when they are 12. It is interesting. that both Brand and Ross appeared to be lacking father figures whilst growing up. Perhaps that is why they are so juvenile and lack respect for older men

Jan, London, England

Ross' radio show is superb whereas Brand has an overbearing and uncontrolled stupidity and should never be allowed on air. But being a sucker for Mockney streed-cred, with the upper class stylishly dropping their T's, the UK practically carried him shoulder high along the estuary. See you lay-uh!

iain, bedford, uk

Glad to see that Mr. Dyke agrees with me. First, nobody forced BBC management to pay Ross 18 m quid a year. Second, if you won't take accountability for your employees actions, why should your audience pay the license fee?

T, Kansas City, US

Crazy!!!!! Please tell me what he has done wrong. Again i say free speech for the BBC. Comedy is for the people not government.

Michael Taylor, Chorley, Lancashire

Surely, £18 million for Ross does not provide value for money. As a licence fee payer could I ask the BBC to spend our money more wisely.

Valcurie, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire

Three months suspension is way too short. Should be more like 30 years.

Anna, London,

their behaviour was appalling & stupid, there is no doubt that they should be severely punished. that said I really hope it isn't the last we've seen of either of them particularly Jonathan Ross. His radio show is fabulous.... long live Wossy!!

Edie, London,

If this man's a "national treasure", the country's in an even worse state than we thought. Do me a favour

David, Epsom, UK

I don't understand why Ross should be treated differently than Brand. The only reason for the BBC to do so is so they can make money out of Ross. Got news for them, no one I've spoken to wants to watch or hear him now. Rude, insensitive man.

Elizabeth Hurford, Kingsbury Episcopi, Britain

The key points are:
1. Ross should have known better. He knows that. We all make mistakes.
2. Lesley Douglas was right to resign after her outrageous threat re protecting subordinates who had done wrong.
3. Ross will and should be back but it would be good to have his salary market-tested.

Chris G`, London, England

Shows such as "have I got news for you" are recorded for 2 hours or more and then edited down to 30 minutes after the shows lawyers have gone through it and taken anything that is too offensive or risky out. So shouldn't the Russell Brand show producers be in the dock over this.

W S Adam, Aldershot,

Ross and Brand are not exciting to people who look up from a £139.50 TV licence bill at a modern TV culture dominated by attention-seeking celebrity alpha males, with their endless, witless, pre-adolescent smut.

Brian Lee, Cardiff, Wales

The BBC have proved that they have really blown the incident out of all proportion, Jonathan and Russell are known for their of the cuff comments so why is everyone acting as if they have done something major. Did the Gordon brown find time to comment about the excecutives of the banksas loudly!!!!!

Charlotte, Wishaw, Scotland

It's taking it too far to say Ross should never be allowed to broadcast again - people make mistakes and he will no doubt have learned from this one. It was immature but not something that should cost him his career. Others were also responsible. The BBC should not have broadcast it.

Jess, London,

I sincerely hope that this whole affair provides the obscenely overpaid Jonathan Ross time to reflect on his juvenile antics and to start acting his age! The publicly funded BBC should stop chasing 'ratings' and Instead start to focus more seriously on it's role, influence and responsibilities!!

Tony, Cheshire, UK

JR loves the sound of his own voice, constantly talking over and belittleing his guests both on his TV and Radio show. He has neither sensitivity nor subtlety and relies heavily on the cringe factor to sustain his brand of 'humour'.Why then the sudden outcry, he's been insulting people for years.

Jan, Lincoln, UK

yes, let's make Britain dull. let's make it bland. let's make it mainstream. Let's take the exciting characters away from the airwaves. Beige Britain here we come

Jo Jackson, London, Britain

I consider it was sheer arrogance- the quality Ross barely tries to conceal- that led him to think he could get away with his words, He tries so hard to convince us all that he is witty, sharp and extreemly erudite. Now he has helped us see how stupid he can be, as well.

Lotty, bristol, england

Ross should not be aloud to broadcast again either on radio or tv - after all every "dog" has it's day and he has had his.

marion marchant, reigate,

If we see or hear eithetr of these two 'guttersnipes' ever again it will be too soon.

Robert Boulton, North Petherton, Somerset