It is tempting to compare the controversy that will lead to the departure of television personality Jonathan Ross from the BBC later this year with the unpopularity of global bankers in the UK.

Ross is estimated to be earning £6m (€6.7m) from his contract with the publicly-funded corporation. But his value for money was thrown into question in 2008 by both the recession and the controversy over the prank phone calls he and his colleague Russell Brand made to actor Andrew Sachs on air.