BBC News Online: Entertainment

Ross rapped by watchdog

He has already been told off by BBC governors for the same remarks, about stroke patients, and another about Romanian orphans.

Complaints about one of his guest stars, Simon Le Bon, of Duran Duran, were also upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC).

The BSC, whose chairman Lord Holme resigned on Sunday after reports about his private life, felt comments during two shows went "beyond acceptable boundaries".

A month later on 24 June listeners complained about comments he made on the deaths of asylum seekers, although he apologised later in the show.

Three listeners complained about a remark made by Le Bon on the same show, talking about his visit to the mansion of Playboy boss Hugh Hefner.

The BSC agreed it was inappropriate for a morning programme.

However a Top of the Pops appearance by singer Robbie Williams was cleared, despite complaints from 12 viewers who thought it too raunchy.

During the show in August the star dropped his trousers as he performed his single Rock DJ.

"His performance was comic; the figure he cut while trying to dance with his jeans around his ankles was hardly erotic," the BBC said.

"The performance had been more farcical than real," decided the BSC.