ITV confirms Alan Titchmarsh deal

ITV has confirmed that Alan Titchmarsh will host their first prime-time gardening programme.

Following a report earlier today, the broadcaster announced that Titchmarsh has signed a major new broadcasting and licensing deal - which will also see him present four more series of his afternoon chatshow across 2011 and 2012.

The new deal will also see The Alan Titchmarsh Show filmed at ITV's London Studios for the first time. Meanwhile, Titchmarsh will also work with the broadcaster to develop and promote his brand across a range of consumer products.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone involved in broadcasting and one that I relish taking on," he said. "My greatest commitment has always been to the people at home who want reliable information put over in an easily accessible manner. That coupled with an opportunity to offer a trustworthy brand is a challenge I am determined to fulfil."

Alison Sharman, ITV Director of Factual and Daytime added: "Whether as a broadcaster, writer or horticulturalist, Alan Titchmarsh is a hugely popular and talented figure in so many fields. His daytime show and documentary work has had huge appeal with the ITV audience and I'm delighted that we have agreed such an exciting new deal which further develops our relationship with Alan over the coming years."