TALK OF THE TOWN
JONATHAN ROSS IS BACK FOR A NEW SERIES OF TOP-QUALITY CELEBRITY CHAT… THE JONATHAN ROSS SHOW | ITV SATURDAY
Although we’re here to talk about the latest series of Jonathan Ross’ chat show, Inside TV can’t help but be distracted by the surroundings at his office: everywhere we look, there are rare toys and comics from his collection, and Jonathan even gives us a little tour before we begin, enthusiastically identifying some of the items that were particularly hard to track down. It already feels as if it’s the quintessential Jonathan Ross experience – and we haven’t even started talking about his TV programme…
How hard is it to create the right environment with the guests on a particular show?
Well, we have them on together and individually, which we do deliberately. Sometimes, you’ll have someone on who wants to discuss something deeper, or that’s a bit more difficult for them to share when there’s four other people out there who’ve been making jokes. So, we’ll start and end with someone who has something specific to talk about, over and above that they’re a good guest.
Who do you have coming on in the first episode?
Michelle Dockery and Elizabeth Mcgovern from Downton Abbey: The
Movie are confirmed. I’ve interviewed Michelle before, but not Elizabeth. We also have Stephen Fry, Martin Freeman and Craig David.
Do you still get starstruck, even at this stage of your career?
I do if they’re physically very impressive. I remember a few years ago when I was hosting the BAFTAS, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt walked past, and I had to sit down! They were so physically beautiful I couldn’t stand up any longer! And some people just have a real quality. A couple of years ago, we had Britney Spears on, and there was just something about her – we all warmed to her immediately.
Have any guests ever surprised you – in either a good or a bad way?
It rarely happens that they don’t deliver, but if that happens, it’s my fault. My job is to make it work. There are other factors, though, and as you get older you realise everyone has their own stuff going on. I won’t name names, but years ago I was interviewing someone who was famously a great guest, but this time she was really hard work. Afterwards, I said, “Have I upset you?” and she said, “I’m so sorry, just before coming on I got a call from my daughter and she’s failed almost all of her exams.” So you think, ‘Well, that makes sense.’ Unless she was lying and she really didn’t like me!