Ross's radio show now pre-recorded

LONDON, May 22 (UPI) -- Jonathan Ross's British radio show is now being pre-recorded, the BBC said.

Although the decision to tape it in advance comes after Ross was suspended from his TV and radio shows last year for an unpopular on-air prank he perpetrated with fellow comedian Russell Brand, a spokeswoman for BBC's Radio 2 said the move was unrelated to one incident.

She went on to say recording Ross's Saturday morning show at least 24 hours in advance "enables us to ensure the program is watertight."

The Radio 2 spokeswoman added Ross was "absolutely on board" with the change because it means "he gets his weekends back."