Jonathan Ross opened up about missing the final opportunity to see his mother before she passed away (Image: ITV)

Jonathan Ross previously opened up about the deep regret he felt after missing the final opportunity to see his mother before she died. His mum, Martha Ross, passed away from cancer at the age of 79 in January 2019. In a heartbreaking admission, Jonathan revealed he didn’t visit his mum straight away because doctors said she had a form of cancer she “could live with”.

Martha tragically passed away just one day before Jonathan planned to go and see her. Recalling the devastating time during an appearance on Loose Women in late 2019, the chat show host said: “She had a form of cancer but we were told that it was liveable with. We assumed she would be around for a lot longer. Then she got ill and a phone call went around. We had a family WhatsApp group.”

He continued: “I feel bad because everyone said, ‘Oh, we will all go and see her.’ And I said, ‘Let’s not all go and see her today because then there is no one going to see her tomorrow. Let’s spread it out during the week. Who can only go today?’

“Two of them went there, and then she died that day. That last day that I would have seen her. Although I think she didn’t really know what was going on.”

Opening up about his grief, the TV personality said: “My father is still alive so this was the first of my parents that we lost.

“It is devastating. You know it’s going to be a big loss but you don’t really know how it is going to feel. I don’t know if you ever fully get over it.”

As well as Jonathan, Martha was mother to five other children; radio host Paul, TV producer and actor Miles, TV producer Simon Ross, music industry executive Adam and daughter Liza.

Martha, an actress and radio presenter, played a key role in steering her sons toward careers in the entertainment industry. Jonathan made his first television appearance at the age of 10 in a 1970 advert for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, later going on to feature in a commercial for Persil laundry detergent.

He is now best known for hosting The Jonathan Ross Show and will make his return to screens tonight in Celebrity Traitors.

Expressing his admiration for the BBC programme, the broadcaster said: “I LOVE the show. I’ve watched all the versions around the world, and I love playing games. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be in the castle.

“It’s one of those experiences that money can’t buy – to actually be in The Traitors after you’ve watched it so many times. Because, of course, we all watch at home, and I’m fascinated to see how it feels to be right in the middle of the action.

He added: “Also, because I don’t trust any celebrities, I think I’m going to assume they’re all Traitors!”