Jonathan Ross Expresses Shame Over Past Interview Approach
Celebrated television presenter Jonathan Ross has offered a remarkably candid insight into his decades-long career, admitting he sometimes feels "a little ashamed" when looking back at his work. The 65-year-old host, who is set to present Oscars Live coverage for ITV this evening, made these revealing comments during an appearance on the By The Way podcast.
A Career Spanning Over Three Decades
Ross began his television hosting career in 1987 with The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross on Channel X. He later achieved widespread fame through his popular BBC One programme Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, which ran from 2001 to 2010 and featured interviews with numerous high-profile guests including music legend David Bowie, sports presenter Gary Lineker, and action star Jackie Chan.
Following his departure from the BBC, Ross launched The Jonathan Ross Show on rival broadcaster ITV One, where he has continued to interview some of entertainment's biggest names. Despite this impressive career trajectory, the presenter now reveals complex emotions when reflecting on his professional journey.
Mixed Emotions About Interview Style
"It depends what angle you're reflecting from," Ross explained when asked about looking back on his career. "Sometimes I'll think about it and I'm a little angry or a little ashamed even in that I didn't do a good job. I'll feel angry that I handled it without being aware how lucky I was to have that person there."
The veteran host specifically addressed his earlier interview style, noting: "Earlier on I used to inject myself more in the interviews and partly that was the nature of the show we were doing so it was a requirement of it. But still you know, you think, 'Why didn't I go there, or there, or there.'"
Ross expressed particular regret about prioritizing entertainment value over substance in certain interviews: "I did it to make a fun moment on TV and did jokey stuff when actual fact I'm thinking, 'You know what, I should have just let them talk because people really wanted to hear what they say.'"
Balancing Regret With Gratitude
Despite these moments of self-criticism, Ross also expressed profound gratitude for his career opportunities. "Other times if I'm being more generous on myself I think how amazing, how lucky that my career has allowed me to spend time just talking to those people even briefly, particularly people whose work I've loved and admired."
The presenter specifically mentioned feeling "lucky" to have interviewed cultural icons such as Lou Reed and David Bowie, acknowledging the unique privilege of his position in the entertainment industry.
Oscars Hosting Duties and Predictions
Ross will present coverage of the 98th Academy Awards for ITV and ITVX this evening, marking the third consecutive year that ITV has broadcast the prestigious awards ceremony. The special programme will include live coverage from the Oscars red carpet with correspondents Ross King and Angelique Jackson reporting from the Dolby Theatre, followed immediately by the main awards ceremony.
Ahead of the broadcast, Ross shared his predictions for the evening's major awards. Speaking on The One Show, he suggested: "I think Best Picture is going to be a toss-up between One Battle After Another or Sinners. I think Sinners will do better in the States than it did here because at its heart it is set in America, it's sort of an American story and it is an important story of American times."
Ross also predicted that Michael Jordan would "probably get Best Actor" and that Jessie Buckley would "probably get Best Actress for her role in Hamnet," adding that both would be "thoroughly deserved" awards.
The Oscars Live broadcast will air from 10.15pm on ITV One and ITVX, with Ross bringing his decades of interviewing experience to one of entertainment's most prestigious events, even as he continues to reflect critically on his own professional journey.
