Production company 2waytraffic has completed a deal with ITV1 which sees Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? stay on the channel until 2009.

The new deal comprises at least 25 sixty-minute episodes. The programme started on ITV1 in September 1998, and is now in its 22nd series.

Duncan Gray, controller of ITV entertainment said: "We're thrilled that ITV1 continues to be the home of the inspirational Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? It's where it belongs."

Kees Abrahams, chief executive of 2waytraffic, said: "We are delighted that ITV has pledged its on-going confidence in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and look forward to producing the show for them long into the future."

2waytraffic, which will publish its six month interim results on Thursday, has just announced a spin-off from the series, called 50-50, which is being produced in four territories.