Jonathan Ross received a three month suspension – without pay – that’s (apparently) £1.5m in lost pay. That’s an amazing knee-jerk reaction from the stiffs at the BBC, albeit in the face of incredible public outrage and political scrutiny. A joke – that did cross the line – was made from two comedians with a reputation for doing so. Who is surprised? I didn’t even know Brand/Ross had a show on Saturday night on the radio. I guess I do now – as do most of the world.

Who will now listen, though?

If I was Ross, I would tell the BBC to go and get stuffed. Sky would sign him up like a shot – that publicity can’t easily be purchased. With an increase in salary, Ross could finish net UP on the deal over two or three years. Brand is off to do some films – armed with more publicity than an army of Max Cliffords could offer him. The “Satanic Sluts” – the group in which the poor afflicted girl performs – is now more famous than Terry Wogan, a BBC stalwart of many years. (The group name says a lot, doesn’t it?).

The BBC have saved £1.5m and with Ross likely to depart, his massive yearly salary without having to sack him.

Not many losers here. Even Ross’ ego will survive with a few well placed jokes in a few weeks.

Andrew Sachs is an old, obviously dignified man. I would imagine his embarrassment probably comes from the name of his granddaughter’s group rather than a couple of voicemails that he probably deleted as soon as he heard them – provided he knew how to use it at his age.