BBC TV and radio stars earning more than £100,000 will be forced to take a 25% pay cut or more when they renew their contracts as part of the BBC's plan to save £2.15bn by 2013.
Ross' three year contract, said to be worth £18m, could be slashed by at least £4.5m, or £1.5m a year, when it comes up for renewal next year.
Ross only returned to his BBC One chat show last week following a three month suspension, which cost him £1.5m, for the prank calls made to 'Fawlty Towers' actor Andrew Sachs.
Other big names that could be left considerably worse off by the BBC's plans include Terry Wogan, Chris Moyles, Barbara Windsor and Graham Norton.
Radio Two presenter Wogan would lose £200,000 from his current £800,000 a year contract, while Radio One "saviour" Chris Moyles would lose £158,000 from his £630,000 salary.
Even less well-paid celebrities will face up to 15% cuts when they renegotiate their deals.
Earlier the BBC froze wages and axed bonuses for its top 400 managers to save more than £20m.
Premier League highlights will also be available online for the first time through the BBC's iPlayer.
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