Roy Hudd hurt by BBC Ross request

Comic Roy Hudd has said that he felt insulted when the BBC asked him him to be more like Jonathan Ross.

The 73-year-old's The News Huddlines show was axed by the broadcaster in 2001 after 26 years on air. He described the meeting with radio executives, where they requested that he adopt Ross's presenting style, as the "worst insult of his life".

Speaking about his departure, Hudd said: "That was the worst insult I think I've ever had. Unbelievable. You have to be your own personality. Jonathan Ross isn't me at all.

"It wasn't a blow not getting The News Huddlines back because we've done 26 years. In our business, you're lucky if it runs a week. But I still get letters every week from people asking when are they going to bring it back."

He also claimed that the BBC is ignoring viewers' demands for a return to old-fashioned variety shows, adding: "I think they are ignoring what people want.

"I've always thought there was a case for variety on TV, but all they tell you at the BBC is, 'Oh, people aren't interested in variety any more'. But people love the sort of comedy the BBC thinks nobody wants."