[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