A public relations expert, Stuart Bell, has told The Independent that he believes Jonathan Ross’s suspension from the BBC is preventing bands from getting the exposure they need.

He claims that the twelve week cancellation of Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, due to the so-called Manuelgate affair, is damaging bands such as Razorlight and The Killers.

He said: “It’s key – the Holy Grail for that kind of audience. If you do something like Later… With Jools Holland, you get the coolness and the credibility, but not always the viewing figures.

“There’s no Parkinson now, either, and no alternative at this time of year. And November is so important. There’s the morning shows, GMTV, which is fine for Leona Lewis. But if you’re The Killers or Razorlight, you want Jonathan Ross.”

The Killers were scheduled to play on Ross’s show last Friday before the show was temporarily cancelled.