Jonathan Stephen Ross OBE

Jonathan Ross is a British broadcaster, comedian, and one of the most successful talk show hosts of his generation, known for Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and The Jonathan Ross Show. He currently judges The Masked Singer UK and was cast as one of the original traitors on the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors in 2025. He was awarded an OBE for his services to broadcasting.

Overview

Jonathan Stephen Ross OBE's Profile

Jonathan Stephen Ross was born on November 17, 1960, in St Pancras, London, the third of six children in a large East London family. He grew up in Leytonstone and studied at Southampton College of Art before attending the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London. He began his television career as a researcher before co-developing his first show, breaking through in 1987 with The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross on Channel 4.

Ross became a household name with Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on BBC One from 2001 to 2010. He also hosted a long-running BBC Radio 2 show from 1999 to 2010. Additionally, he presented the film review program Film… for over a decade. In 2011, he launched The Jonathan Ross Show on ITV, which continues to air as of early 2026.

Beyond his chat show, Ross served as the inaugural host of CW’s magic competition show, Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He has also served as a judge on The Masked Singer UK and its spin-off, The Masked Dancer. In 2025, he joined the inaugural cast of the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors as one of the original three traitors. 

Quick Facts

1
Shows Hosted

0
Shows Currently Hosting

39
Years Active

2
Awards & Nominations

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

No current networks found.

No past networks found.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Jane Goldman from 1988 to (An English screenwriter and journalist, with credits that include Kick-Ass, The Woman in Black, and Stardust)
  • Betty Kitten Ross, a biological child with Jane Goldman, born in 1991
  • Honey Kinney Ross , a biological child with Jane Goldman, born in 1994
  • Harvey Kirby Ross, a biological child with Jane Goldman, born in 1997

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • Norlington School for Boys
  • Leyton County High School for Boys
  • Attended the School of Slavonic and East European Studies and Southampton College of Art
  • Degree in Modern European History from University College London

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • Primary income from his decades-long broadcasting career spanning BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.
  • Income from TV hosting roles, including The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV, 2011–present) and Penn & Teller: Fool Us (CW, 2011-2015).
  • Income from TV judging and appearances fees, including The Masked Singer UK and The Masked Dancer judging fees (ITV) and Celebrity Traitors (BBC, 2025).
  • Co-owns Hotsauce TV, a TV production company, together with his wife.
  • He owns a home in Hampstead, London, valued at approximately $8—$10 million.

Awards

Awards & recognition

  • British Academy Television Award — Best Entertainment Performance, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (2004, 2006, 2007)
  • Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) — For services to broadcasting (2005)