Who is Simon Ross? All About The Brother of Jonathan Ross and Why Their Names Are Suddenly Everywhere?

Simon Ross is a respected British television producer, media executive, and the long-time CEO of Cactus TV, one of the UK’s most established independent production companies. He is widely known for shaping modern British daytime and lifestyle television with consistent, viewer-focused programming. Although he rarely appears on screen, his productions reach millions each week through long-running hits like Saturday Kitchen Live, Richard & Judy, Fern, and Between the Covers. Interest in Simon has recently increased as his brother, broadcaster Jonathan Ross, has trended across news and social platforms, leading many people to explore the wider Ross family. Despite the attention surrounding his brother, Simon’s career stands strong on its own achievements.

Over more than thirty years, he has guided Cactus TV from a small creative unit into a major supplier for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and UKTV. His leadership blends practical business direction with a clear creative instinct, giving every project a familiar warmth and polished style. Alongside his wife and business partner, Amanda Ross, he has built a trusted brand defined by quality, independence, and long-term success. Their shared vision continues to influence British lifestyle and entertainment television today.

Quick Bio – Simon Ross

Early Life and Family Background of Simon Ross

Simon Ross was born in the late 1950s or early 1960s and grew up in Leytonstone, East London. His childhood unfolded in a lively household where creativity, humour, and ambition were part of the everyday atmosphere. His mother worked as an actress and extra, frequently involved in television productions, and encouraged her children to become comfortable around cameras from a young age. This period laid the foundation for Simon’s lifelong interest in the mechanics behind television production, even if he never aimed to become a performer himself.

Life in Leytonstone provided Simon with a grounded upbringing. The combination of a working-class father and a media-involved mother gave him a balanced perspective: one that valued hard work, humility, and practical skill. These early influences helped shape the steady, reliable personality he later carried into his television career.

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Simon Ross’s Parents

Simon’s parents played important roles in shaping the passions and personalities of their six children. His father, John “Tony” Ross, worked as a lorry driver and represented stability in the household. His steady presence established a culture of responsibility, discipline, and work ethic that Simon carried into his professional life. He inherited his father’s grounded nature and practical approach to problem-solving.

His mother, Martha Ross, had a very different influence. As an actress and extra who worked for years across multiple productions, she filled their home with artistic energy and industry knowledge. She encouraged her children to explore acting opportunities, often signing them up for auditions and small commercial roles. Martha’s passion for the arts shaped the Ross family’s trajectory, guiding many of her children into careers in broadcasting and entertainment. Her influence remained central in Simon’s life, even as he gravitated toward the production side rather than performing.

Simon Ross’s Siblings and Extended Family

The Ross family is known as one of Britain’s most media-oriented families. Simon’s siblings include broadcaster Jonathan Ross, media personality Paul Ross, and individuals such as Miles, Adam, and Liza who also work within creative industries. Their household produced several well-known voices across television, journalism, and entertainment. While Jonathan’s on-screen presence made him a household name, Simon chose a quieter, more behind-the-scenes path. Nonetheless, both brothers share a deep commitment to the craft of British television.

Who is Jonathan Ross?

Jonathan Ross is a well-known British broadcaster and television personality. He became famous in the 1980s and 1990s for his sharp humour and bold interview style. Over the years, he hosted major shows such as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and The Jonathan Ross Show, which made him one of the most recognisable faces on UK television. He also worked in radio, film criticism, and voice acting, building a long and successful career across different media platforms. Jonathan’s public profile often highlights the Ross family’s creative background, though his path is very different from his brother Simon Ross, who works behind the scenes in production.

Why Jonathan Ross Is Trending?

Jonathan Ross is trending because an ICE agent with the same name was identified in major news reports as the officer who fatally shot a woman, Renee Nicole Good, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The incident led to national controversy, protests, and political debate after video footage raised questions about the use of force. As the story spread across major outlets, many people searched the name “Jonathan Ross,” which caused confusion with the well-known British broadcaster. This name overlap pushed search spikes, social media discussions, and widespread public interest, making Jonathan Ross trend across multiple platforms.

Simon’s Age

Although Simon’s exact birthdate remains private, available details place his age between Estimated 63–66 years as of 2026. This range aligns with the known ages of his siblings and the timeline of his professional career. His decision to keep specific personal details out of public view reflects his preference for privacy, a trait that has remained consistent throughout his life.

Education and Early Career Foundations

Simon completed his education in London and pursued a practical career path early on. He initially trained as a chef, a profession driven by creativity, discipline, and precision. This early experience in culinary arts would later play an unexpected role in his television work, particularly in the production of food-based programming. While attending college, he worked as a DJ across clubs and bars in Northern Ireland, gaining a natural sense of audience engagement and pace—skills that later aligned well with the rhythm of television production.

Simon eventually shifted away from professional cooking and moved into retail media. He joined the in-store radio teams of Topshop and HMV, where he learned about broadcast presentation, scheduling, and content delivery. This transition marked the beginning of his full-time involvement in the UK media industry.

Physical Appearance and Professional Demeanor

Simon Ross maintains a modest and understated appearance. He is often seen wearing casual-professional clothing and glasses, with brown-grey hair and a calm presence. His public image is defined more by his work than by any personal branding. Behind the scenes, he is known for a thoughtful, disciplined, and organized approach to production, preferring stability and structure over spotlight or celebrity.

Rise of Simon Ross at Cactus TV

Simon’s defining professional achievement is the creation of Cactus TV in 1994. Alongside his wife Amanda, he built the company from a small independent firm into one of the most recognized providers of daytime and lifestyle programming in Britain. Their earliest productions quickly established the Cactus style: warm, accessible, viewer-friendly formats that emphasized personality and connection.

Cactus TV soon became a trusted partner for major networks, landing commissions from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and UKTV. As demand grew, the company expanded its facilities and staff, laying the groundwork for long-term partnerships with national broadcasters.

In 2003, Cactus TV was acquired by All3Media, reflecting its significant value in the industry. However, in 2012, Simon and Amanda chose to reclaim full independence through a management buyout. They later described this decision as a lifestyle choice, motivated by a desire to maintain control over the company’s direction and create a healthier work-life balance. This move marked a pivotal moment in Simon’s career, reinforcing his preference for autonomy over corporate consolidation.

His Career and Professional Achievements

Throughout his tenure as an executive producer, Simon has contributed to many of the UK’s most successful daytime and lifestyle programmes. His work on Richard & Judy became one of his earliest major achievements. Overseeing more than six hundred episodes, he helped establish the show as a staple of British daytime television. The programme’s book club feature became so influential that it transformed the careers of countless authors and reshaped the UK publishing market.

His leadership on Saturday Kitchen Live further enhanced his reputation. Cactus TV’s stewardship of the show helped it grow into a beloved Saturday morning tradition. Simon’s background in culinary arts allowed him to understand the pacing and energy required for food programming, making him particularly effective in this genre.

He also played a key role in series such as Fern, 10 Mile Menu, and Zoe Ball on… / Weekend. Each project reflected his skill in building engaging, warm, and reliable television formats. Between the Covers, Cactus TV’s popular book-based entertainment series, also benefitted from Simon’s production oversight, complementing Amanda’s editorial leadership.

Across every project, Simon’s consistent focus has been delivering high-quality programming that appeals to wide audiences. His approach emphasises clarity, structure, and viewer enjoyment, traits that have sustained his success over decades.

Cactus TV Business Growth and Milestones

Cactus TV’s growth is one of the major pillars of Simon’s career. Under his direction, the company developed a full production hub in Clapham, featuring modern offices, edit suites, and the permanent studio for Saturday Kitchen Live. This infrastructure allows the company to produce high volumes of content seamlessly.

By 2024, Cactus TV had become the third-largest independent supplier to the BBC and the sixth-largest to ITV. These achievements reflect the company’s strong reputation for delivering dependable, audience-friendly programming. Simon’s ability to maintain quality over quantity has set Cactus apart in a competitive industry.

Simon Ross’s Marriage and Relationship with Amanda Ross

Simon’s personal and professional life are closely intertwined through his marriage to Amanda Ross. The couple wed in 1990, forming a partnership that has shaped the identity and success of Cactus TV. Amanda is widely known for her influence in book-based programming, especially as the creator of the Richard & Judy Book Club. Their combined strengths—Amanda’s editorial expertise and Simon’s operational leadership—created a balanced and highly effective working relationship.

Together, they have sustained a company that values creativity, loyalty, and longevity. Their marriage remains one of the entertainment industry’s strongest examples of a couple successfully blending business and family life.

Who is Amanda Ross?

Amanda Ross is a respected British television producer and the co-founder of Cactus TV. She is known for creating and managing some of the UK’s biggest lifestyle and book-focused programmes. Her work on the Richard & Judy Book Club helped turn many titles into national bestsellers and made her a key figure in the publishing world. Amanda has strong editorial instincts and a clear understanding of what viewers enjoy. Alongside her husband, Simon Ross, she has built Cactus TV into a leading independent production company trusted by major broadcasters. Her influence is felt both in television and in the wider book industry.

Simon Ross’s Children and Private Family Life

Simon and Amanda became parents in 2010 when they adopted two boys from the British care system. Their commitment to family has been a core element of their life together, and they keep their children entirely out of the public eye. Simon’s identity as a father is grounded in privacy, stability, and maintaining a home life separate from the pressures of media production. The decision to regain control of Cactus TV in 2012 was partly motivated by their desire to place family at the centre of their lives.

Simon Ross’s Net Worth

Simon Ross has an estimated net worth between five and ten million pounds. His earnings come from decades of steady production work, ownership of Cactus TV, format royalties, and long-standing partnerships with national broadcasters. While substantial, his financial profile remains modest compared to his brother Jonathan Ross, whose income is tied to high-profile broadcasting roles. Simon’s wealth reflects stability, long-term planning, and the strength of the company he built alongside Amanda.

Leadership Style and Industry Influence

Simon’s leadership is defined by focus, consistency, and a deep understanding of what viewers enjoy. He emphasizes teamwork, clarity, and long-term relationships with broadcasters. Over time, he has become one of the key contributors to the development of lifestyle and daytime programming in the UK. His influence is visible in the enduring formats he helped build and the creative stability he brought to the industry.

Simon Ross’s Current Life and Professional Status (2026)

As of 2026, Simon continues to serve as an active director of Cactus TV. His role remains central to the company’s operations, strategic decisions, and partnerships. His identity verification with the company is scheduled for renewal in July 2026, demonstrating his ongoing leadership. Despite decades in the industry, he shows no signs of slowing, remaining dedicated to the craft of television production.

Legacy and Long-Term Influence

Simon Ross leaves an enduring legacy through the programmes he has produced, the company he built, and the influence he carried across the British television landscape. His work helped shape the evolution of daytime entertainment, introducing formats that continue to thrive. He is one of the industry’s quiet architects, contributing significantly without pursuing fame. His career offers a testament to the impact of steady leadership, dedication, and creative partnership.

Conclusion

Simon Ross stands as an accomplished television producer and executive whose work has touched millions of viewers. As the brother of Jonathan Ross, he is part of a family deeply rooted in British media, yet his career reflects his own distinct path defined by integrity, innovation, and longevity. Through Cactus TV, he built a strong and influential production company that continues to shape British television. His life’s work demonstrates how behind-the-scenes visionaries can shape culture, influence audiences, and establish a legacy that lasts far beyond individual programmes.

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FAQs

1. How old is Simon Ross in 2026?

Simon Ross is estimated to be between 63 and 66 years old, based on family timelines, though his exact birth year remains private.

2. What is Simon Ross known for in the television industry?

He is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Cactus TV, producing major UK lifestyle and entertainment programs for the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.

3. Who are Simon Ross’s parents?

His parents are John Ross, a lorry driver, and Martha Ross, an actress and TV extra who helped her children enter media.

4. Is Simon Ross related to Jonathan Ross?

Yes. Simon Ross is the brother of broadcaster Jonathan Ross, one of the most famous TV hosts in the UK.

5. Who is Simon Ross married to?

He is married to Amanda Ross, a leading British producer and co-founder of Cactus TV. They run the company together.

6. What is Simon Ross’s net worth?

As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at £5 million to £10 million, primarily from Cactus TV and long-term production income.

7. What shows has Simon Ross produced?

He has executive-produced major shows such as Richard & Judy, Saturday Kitchen, Fern, Weekend, 10 Mile Menu, and Between The Covers.

8. Does Simon Ross have children?

Yes, but he keeps his children’s identities private, and no confirmed public details exist about them.

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