Jonathan Ross is said to have asked his pal, Ricky Gervais to appear on his first Radio Two broadcast after his current suspension ends.

An industry mole told the Daily Express: “Ricky’s the one they want as a guest for the comeback show.”

Jonathan is to return to his radio show on the 24th of January after being suspended for three months over phone pranks pulled by himself and Russell Brand. He is hoping to ease into his comeback by interviewing Office star, Ricky.

“They are close mates and have always had a good rapport on TV. Ricky’s very good at making fun of Jonathan and is regarded as the perfect man to break the ice as Jonathan’s return is bound to be a tense occasion,” an insider told the newspaper.