Jonathan Ross, the ever-charismatic broadcaster and chat show host, is making headlines again as he returns to British television screens with the much-anticipated new series of The Jonathan Ross Show. The show’s comeback, which aired on February 7, 2026, at 9:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, marks yet another milestone in Ross’s decades-long career—a career that continues to attract audiences with its unique blend of wit, celebrity banter, and unpredictability.
For the opening episode, Ross assembled a dazzling line-up of guests: acclaimed actor Hugh Bonneville, versatile performer Riz Ahmed, England rugby union star Ellie Kildunne MBE, chart-topping singer-songwriter Jason Derulo, and rising comedy talent Harriet Kemsley. According to Beyond the Joke, this eclectic mix set the tone for a lively and memorable evening, with each guest bringing their own flair to the conversation.
Bonneville, best known for his role in Downton Abbey, reflected on the end of the beloved series. “Certainly not with our cast. But the castle still stands, so who knows? Maybe there’ll be one set in 2060?” he mused, hinting at the show’s enduring legacy. “None of us thought it would last beyond the seven episodes that were originally commissioned. Period dramas were dead, we were told. You never know how it’s going to turn out. We ended up doing whatever it was, 52 episodes and three films over 15 years. It was a nice farewell.” His comments, reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, struck a chord with fans who have followed the series’ journey from its humble beginnings to international phenomenon.
Ellie Kildunne, fresh from England’s triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign in 2025, brought a competitive edge to the evening. “I’m telling you now—we never played our best game of rugby in that World Cup and we still won it—we’re going to take over the world, if we haven’t already done it. We’re going to take it even further and personally I’m going to keep on pushing to be the best player,” she declared, exuding confidence and ambition. Her words, as captured by ITV, reflect the growing prominence of women’s rugby and the drive of athletes like Kildunne to inspire future generations.
Comedian Harriet Kemsley, meanwhile, has been making waves on the comedy circuit. Her recent appearances on Amazon Prime’s Last One Laughing UK and the Clash of the Comics wrestling show at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo have cemented her status as a rising star. Kemsley’s willingness to “say the things that others might filter out,” as described by Beyond the Joke, ensures that her segments are never dull. She’s also made memorable appearances on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, Sip Happens, and a host of other panel shows, further broadening her appeal.
But Ross’s on-screen exploits don’t end with his own show. Earlier that evening, he was the subject of a hilarious segment on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show—specifically, the infamous Midnight Gameshow. As reported by Wales Online, McIntyre snuck into Ross’s bedroom, dressed as Darth Vader and wielding a lightsaber, to wake the unsuspecting host. The real surprise, however, was reserved for viewers, who were left agog by the extravagant design of Ross’s bedroom. The bed, featuring a massive padded headboard that stretched up the wall and onto the ceiling, even boasted a TV at its foot. “What kind of a bed is this?” McIntyre quipped, adding, “It’s more of a yacht!” Social media was abuzz, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) asking, “What’s going on with Jonathan Ross bed?” Another joked, “The bedroom of Jonathan Ross! I’ve never seen such a dreadful room. Did the decorators do it as a joke?”
Ross took the ribbing in stride, later joking that he hoped his wife, screenwriter Jane Goldman, would have declined on his behalf if asked about the Midnight Gameshow. The couple, who married in August 1988, share three adult children—Betty Kitten, Harvey, and Honey. Ross’s family life, it seems, is as colorful as his on-screen persona. In a recent episode of the podcast Reel Talk, which he co-hosts with his daughter Honey, Ross opened up about a moment of parental vulnerability. Responding to a listener’s account of watching the emotionally charged film Hamnet, Ross recounted how he left the cinema during The Player shortly after becoming a father for the first time. “I remember when I had my first, your sibling (Honey’s older sister Betty), I remember I went to see The Player. It was the first film I saw and I had to leave because there’s a scene when there’s a quite unpleasant murder that takes place and it feels quite real. And I thought: ‘I can’t bring a child into the world, what have I done?’ I had to leave the cinema,” he revealed, as reported by the Express.
This candid admission highlights a softer side to the TV veteran—one that resonates with parents everywhere. Honey, for her part, shared that her friends with children often avoid emotionally tough films, fearing they’ll be “too emotional.” It’s a reminder that, for all the glitz and glamour of showbusiness, the challenges and joys of family life are universal.
Ross’s wife, Jane Goldman, is herself a notable figure in the entertainment world, credited with screenwriting hits like Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, and The Woman in Black. Their creative household has clearly influenced their children, with Honey frequently collaborating with her father and the family often featuring in public anecdotes.
In addition to his chat show and podcasting endeavors, Ross recently participated in the inaugural series of The Celebrity Traitors in 2025. Competing alongside the likes of Stephen Fry, Clare Balding, Paloma Faith, and eventual winner Alan Carr, Ross played the role of a Traitor before being expelled in the seventh episode. The experience introduced him to a new generation of fans and showcased his adaptability in the world of reality television.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Saturday, February 7, 2026, was a banner day for Jonathan Ross. Not only did he appear on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (BBC One, 6:45pm–7:45pm) and serve as a judge on The Masked Singer (ITV, 7pm–8:30pm), but he also hosted the season premiere of The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV, 9:30pm–10:30pm), all in one evening. For a broadcaster who has been a fixture on British television since the 1980s, it’s a testament to his enduring appeal and relentless work ethic.
As The Jonathan Ross Show embarks on its 23rd series, both the host and his guests seem keenly aware of the changing landscape of entertainment. Whether it’s Bonneville reflecting on the evolution of period dramas, Kildunne championing women’s sport, or Kemsley breaking new ground in comedy, the show continues to capture the spirit of the times. And at the center of it all is Ross himself—equal parts ringmaster, confidant, and provocateur—reminding viewers why, after all these years, he remains appointment viewing on a Saturday night.