Ross radio show to be pre-recorded

Rex Features

The BBC has confirmed that Jonathan Ross's Radio 2 show on Saturday mornings is to be pre-recorded 24 hours before it is transmitted.

A spokeswoman for the broadcaster said that the presenter is "absolutely on board" with the proposal.

She said: "[This] enables us to ensure the programme is watertight. [It is] a measured decision taking [into account] everything that has happened in the last few months."

The spokeswoman denied reports that Ross is "fuming" over the change from a live programme, insisting that he is happy that he "gets his weekends back".

Ross has come under fire on several occasions since resuming his Radio 2 show in January after his suspension for the lewd phone messages left to actor Andrew Sachs.

He was criticised for a joke about sex with an 80-year-old woman on his first show back and more recently accused of making a homophobic comment.