Ant & Dec 'considering leaving' ITV

[Arneldo]

The continuing fall-out from ITV's premium rate scandal could result in the network losing Ant and Dec.

A report today claims that the Geordie duo are hoping to make programmes for other broadcasters once their £40 million contact with ITV expires next year.

Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon were among the shows criticised for conning viewers in an Ofcom report published this week.

It has also been revealed that the pair walked away with a People's Choice prize at the British Comedy Awards in 2005, despite the fact that comedienne Catherine Tate received the most votes for her BBC Two comedy series.

A source told The Sun: "Ant and Dec have made it clear they're highly upset. It's not just one show caught up in the scandal it's two, plus the British Comedy Awards debacle.

"The gossip at ITV is that when their contract runs out they may not stay exclusive with ITV. They are not really BBC people but they have their own production company, Gallowgate, and could very easily make shows for every broadcaster and channel.

"It would be a blow for ITV if they didn't manage to keep them exclusive. Along with Simon Cowell they are their heavy hitters."


DS (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a95661/ant-dec-considering-leaving-itv.html)

[Meredith]

All this bad publicity was bound to have a knock on effect.

If they weren't aware of the phoneline cons, then it would be a shame if their careers suffered because of it. I like them, and I don't think they'll have too much trouble getting picked up by other networks.

[MrGaryy]

Would do the owrld of good for their careers I say!

[Spike]

Its hard to imagine them on any other channel, they are proper ITV presents

[Lauren]

Nooonooonoooonooooo! Theyre good on ITV!

[Arneldo]

It would be suicide for them to leave ITV. I mean, where would they go? BBC, and spend their career presenting Westend talent shows? BBC killed Graham Norton, and it would do the same to Ant and Dec.

[Brekkie]

I wouldn't read to much into this - all it suggests really is their production company will make programmes for other channels, which is perfectly normal - all producers do that, even ITV (The Street, University Challenge for BBC) and the BBC (for S4C).

And after banking £40m over three years, they can afford to undo those golden handcuffs and just take work as and when it suits them, especially if they're serious about cracking America too.


They'll still be around on ITV, but will have the freedom to do other things too - which means if they have an idea that ITV turn down, they can pop over to the BBC and if they want it, they can front it there too.

[AlexBigBrother]

i dont think ive ever cared less about anything before in my life

[Meredith]

Originally posted by AlexBigBrother
i dont think ive ever cared less about anything before in my life

^That amused me.

[bigbrotherbest99]

what about am a cleb!!!! will they stop that ??

[Harry!]

Why dont they just scrap premium rate phone calls.

[MR.K!]

i wouldnt be surprised if Simon Cowell refers them onto a US broadcaster, especially after he said that they were the funniest guys on tv.

[KKBL]

good ridance to bad rubish:xyxwave:

[Meredith]

Not a fan then Mr Glass? :P

[KKBL]

Originally posted by Meredith
Not a fan then Mr Glass? :P

nahhh.there good presenter but they spend so much time trying to be funny but they never are

[Meredith]

I must admit, I like them, but I think they are a "love them or loathe them" type. I know loads of people who can't stand the sight of them.

[Jack]

Originally posted by KRA!G
i wouldnt be surprised if Simon Cowell refers them onto a US broadcaster, especially after he said that they were the funniest guys on tv.

Simon Cowell is trying to break them into America. He wants them to present American Idol when Ryan Seacrest leaves to present his Chat Show.