TESS DALY - VERNON KAY SIGNS TWO-YEAR 'GOLDEN HANDCUFFS' DEAL WITH ITV

VERNON KAY SIGNS TWO-YEAR 'GOLDEN HANDCUFFS' DEAL WITH ITV

Television presenter Vernon Kay has agreed a two-year 'golden handcuffs' deal with ITV, it has been confirmed.

The ex-model, married to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, has been lined up to present a number of new programmes for the channel, including Beat the Star, set to air later this year.

In this eight-part series, members of the public will compete against celebrities in mental and physical challenges to win a £50,000 prize.

Having already presented All Star Family Fortunes and Gameshow Marathon on ITV1, the two-year contract will see Kay exclusively contracted to the channel.

Simon Shaps, ITV director of entertainment, said Kay was "one of the most in-demand and popular entertainment presenters on British television".

"I'm thrilled that we've been able to secure an exclusive partnership with him on ITV."

Former T4 presenter Kay added: "It's great to be associated with a channel that is dedicated and committed to bringing new entertainment shows to our screens.

"I'm extremely thrilled and excited about what lies ahead over the next few years."

Kay's contract is the second such deal agreed by ITV in the last 12 months, with the broadcaster signing a contract with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly rumoured to worth around £40 million.

The pair have been exclusively signed to the channel since 2000.