Jonathan Ross's TV comeback in pictures

Putting on a brave face, Ross's first words to the audience were 'So – where were we?' The audience, stacked with fans, greeted him as a returning hero, generously bathing him in applause Photograph: PA/PA

Tom Cruise flashes his multimillion-dollar smile in the direction of Ross, who jokes about spending the last three months 'sitting on the sofa eating crisps'. The BBC star had some advice for Cruise: 'What you need is to get suspended. Me and Russell will come over and get you suspended for three months' Photograph: Brian J. Ritchie/Rex Features

Dependable chatshow guest Lee Evans walked the walk, and according to audience reports, talked the talk by engaging in a bit of mild swearing. The kinder, gentler Wossy was quick to jump in and cut him off, informing him 'this is a brave new age' Photograph: Brian J. Ritchie/Rex Features

Stephen Fry was enjoying the banter, at one point telling Ross that he was pleased to be one of the first people to help the presenter 'off the naughty step'. Looks like he meant it, too Photograph: Brian J. Ritchie / Rex Features/Rex Features

Punters braved intermitted rain outside BBC Television Centre for the big comeback, and generally issued favourable reports of the programme. Mandy from Bournemouth opined: 'It was just right. It was always Jonathan's sense of humour but the tone was just right' Photograph: Zak Hussein/PA

'Tickets, we love tickets!' Particularly if filming is moved forward from the evening to lunchtime so that we can take a day off as well Photograph: Zak Hussein/Press Association

Jane Goldman doesn't look overly happy at the BBC radio news microphone thrust towards her as she arrives for the taping. Well Jane, there is something about you that just attracts attention. What is it .. I can't quite place it ... oh, that's right – you are married to Jonathan Ross Photograph: Zak Hussein/PA