TV
The presenter was suspended from the BBC without pay in October after he and comedian Russell Brand left a series of offensive messages on the answering machine of Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.
According to Sky News presenter Enda Brady, who was in the audience, Ross opened his show with the words: "So where were we?"
After poking fun at the gaffes of outgoing US President George Bush in his opening monologue, he reportedly said: "What kind of idiot would say stuff like that, knowing it would be broadcast?
"Seriously, I would like to apologise. We have got a great responsibility, what we do is a privilege and I will be more aware in future."
Brady described Ross as "somewhat toned down, but no less popular".
The BBC has revealed that one audience member was asked to leave after being suspected of recording the show.
Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, featuring Tom Cruise, Stephen Fry, Lee Evans and music from Franz Ferdinand, will air on January 23.
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