91Èȱ¬

Bleakley 'torn' over TV offers

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Chritine Bleakley
Image caption,

Christine Bleakley is soon to be joined by Jason Manford

The One Show's Christine Bleakley has said she is "torn" over offers from both the 91Èȱ¬ and ITV.

She issued a statement on her new management's website to quash speculation over her future, she said.

"I'm flattered to have received great offers from both the 91Èȱ¬ and ITV, which I now have to decide between."

She has signed to Avalon, the same as ex-One Show host Adrian Chiles, who left following the appointment of Chris Evans to the presenting team.

Chiles said he was "disappointed" over changes to the show's format.

Chiles went to ITV earlier this year where he is due to start hosting the GMTV breakfast show and also to front the channel's football coverage.

Bleakley said her current contract with the 91Èȱ¬ was due to end "shortly".

She said she would be happy to work again with Chiles but that she would be sad to leave her present job.

"We [Bleakley and Chiles] have a brilliant relationship on and off screen, although I can't say I'd particularly relish the idea of dealing with him at 5am every morning.

"On the other hand the 91Èȱ¬ is incredibly good to me and I'm very close to everyone on The One Show, which I love presenting. The 91Èȱ¬'s plans for The One Show are very exciting.

"I expect to make a decision on my future very soon."

Releasing such a statement is unusual; celebrities do not normally say anything about contract negotiations until a deal is signed.

The 91Èȱ¬ said in a statement: "Christine is under contract with the 91Èȱ¬ until later this year and we will be talking to her regarding future projects in due course."

The 91Èȱ¬ said in May that comic Jason Manford would be joining Bleakley in July as co-host of the One Show from Monday to Thursday. Chris Evans will present on Friday.

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