Ross to be face of French film channel

The irrepressible Jonathan Ross, who promised himself a year off after leaving the BBC this summer, is to return to television next week as the face of specialist French film channel Cinemoi.

The film buff, who has taken shares in the channel, will take up a varied role as a presenter, producer and creative director. His first interview for Cinemoi will be with Marion Cotillard, the Oscar-winning star of La Vie en Rose, which will be screened next month.

The former presenter of Film 2010 was already a subscriber to Cinemoi, which is shown on Sky channel 343 and on Virgin Media channel 445, when he struck the deal with the channel's founder Olly Bengough. "French cinema isn't just for intellectuals and film buffs – it really can be enjoyed by everyone," said Ross.

The presenter is due to start making his new chat show for ITV in the autumn. He will also present the British Comedy Awards for Channel 4 at the end of next month.