Ross is one of the BBC's best-known faces, with a salary widely reported at 6 million pounds ($9.5 million) a year. The BBC won't confirm that figure.
In October 2008 Ross and comedian Russell Brand were suspended by the corporation after leaving ribald phone messages on the answering machine of actor Andrew Sachs. The calls drew thousands of complaints.
Ross hosts a late-night talk show, a movie program and a weekend radio show. He says his decision is not financially motivated.