Jonathan Ross defends BBC salary: 'I was offered a better deal elsewhere'

Jonathan Ross has spoken out against criticism of his multi-million pound BBC salary.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Richard Bacon, the 50-year-old presenter claimed that he had "turned down millions" to stay with the corporation instead of signing for another network.

Ross had been on a three-year contract with the BBC reportedly worth £18m for hosting Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Film and his Radio 2 show.

"Sure I was paid a lot of money, but I'm not in a regular job. I'm in show business and I was at the top of my game," he said.

"When the money became such a big story in the papers, I didn't enjoy the scrutiny. I didn't think it was fair because I turned down a much bigger offer to go outside than stay at the BBC.

"So I felt odd I was painted as this greedy guy when in actual fact, I turned down millions to stay there."

Ross, who left the BBC for ITV last year, begins his new programme The Jonathan Ross Show this Saturday at 9.30pm on ITV1.

Watch a trailer for The Jonathan Ross Show below: