Alison Hammond is set to land a lucrative "golden handcuffs" deal with ITV.
Alison Hammond is to land a new ITV deal
Bosses at the network are said to be working on a series of new entertainment projects, including game shows, for the 46-year-old broadcaster because they don't want to lose her talents to rivals, following speculation her 'This Morning' co-star Holly Willoughby could turn her attentions to the BBC in a bid to distance herself from the Phillip Schofield scandal.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “ITV bosses want to cut a new deal with Alison. They are seriously worried about Holly talking to the BBC and fear she could be next.
“She is incredibly popular and is perceived as very honest – which is worth a lot following Phillip’s admission that he lied to everyone.”
Alison will co-host 'The Great British Bake Off' with Noel Fielding later this year on Channel 4 but ITV don't want her getting involved with entertainment programmes on other channels, so are looking to arrange a new contract to tie her into their content.
The source added: “While 'Bake Off' is factual, ITV don’t want to see Alison working on entertainment formats with any other channel.
“They want to lock her in, and there has even been talk of a golden handcuffs deal solely for entertainment shows with ITV.
“That kind of deal could see her land a salary worth as much as £500,000 a year – but there currently no plans in place for that.”
It was recently revealed the former 'Big Brother' contestant put her house in the West Midlands up for sale on the day Phillip - who has admitted to an "unwise but not illegal" relationship with a much younger runner - quit 'The Morning', fuelling speculation she's planning to do more than just her usual Fridays on the programme.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "The timings are entirely coincidental but are, perhaps, telling. Alison loves that house but wants a fresh start. She’s incredibly in demand.
"It’s looking highly likely she will be asked to do more days a week on 'This Morning' - and therefore she will be spending more time in London."
Tagged in Holly Willoughby Phillip Schofield Alison Hammond