Ross Mathews's Big New Deal

Ross Mathews has parlayed an occasional guest-hosting gig on Chelsea Lately into a major development and talent deal with E! Entertainment, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"It really is the time and I feel like I'm ready now," Mathews says. "I know how to speak to the audience. I know how to speak to celebrities. And I know my point of view."

Mathews will develop his own talk show pilot in collaboration with Chelsea Handler's production company under the one-year deal and also officially serve as one of E!'s featured talents.

"We've been doing stuff together for a couple years now, but this really makes it official," Mathews says of the talent portion of the new deal. "When people see my face," he adds. "I want them to say, 'Oh my gosh, that's Ross from E!' and 'I know where to tune in to see him.'"

Mathews has racked up a number of television credits since launching his career as "Ross the Intern" on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. He's guest-hosted ABC's The View, appeared on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, and been featured in a recurring role on the NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. On E! he's been featured on Chelsea Lately, After Lately, E! News, and Live From the Red Carpet. In addition, he's a national spokesman for the Jenny Craig weight loss company.

"I've been earning my stripes for the past decade," Mathews says. "And really honing my craft as far as surrounding myself with people that inspire me like Jay Leno and Chelsea Handler. I've been so lucky that they provided my opportunity to develop a clear voice that the audience has responded to."