Jonathan Ross It's not good news for two of the Beeb's biggest personalities.

Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand have been suspended by the BBC.

The move follows a row over a prank phone call they made to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.

In the voicemails, broadcast on Russell's Radio 2 show, he and Wossy made a series of lewd comments about Andrew's granddaughter, 23-year-old Georgina Baillie.

Jonathan could be heard shouting: "He (Russell) f****d your granddaughter", with Russell  Russell Brand leaving his home todayadding: "It was consensual and she wasn't menstrual", and later joking that 78-year-old Andrew may commit suicide over the revelation.

The clip has since triggered 10,000 complaints to broadcast watchdog Ofcom, and prompted Prime Minister Gordon Brown to speak out, calling the twosome's behaviour "inappropriate and unacceptable".

Both presenters have since sent "very apologetic" notes and flowers to Andrew, who has now said: "They are in trouble enough already, I don't want to put any more pressure on them."

However, it seems sorry isn't enough, and under increasing calls to take action over the controversy, the BBC has now suspended two of their most popular stars.

In a statement, BBC director general Mark Thompson said:

"This is not a marginal case. It's clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.

"This gross lapse of taste by the performers and the production team has angered licence payers."

The corporation have confirmed that Russell and Jonathan will be unable to participate in any broadcasts while they take time to investigate the complaints.