John Leslie has said he is disappointed at losing a TV deal with Sky.

After having sex charges against him dropped on Thursday, rumours were rife that Leslie was to sign a £1 million deal with Sky to front a new talk show on the flagship channel.

One day later, however, it emerged that Sky had decided to pull out and not make Leslie an offer, for reasons unknown.

"I liked the idea of firing a little broadside against This Morning," said Leslie. "Yes, losing the show is a disappointment but not a crushing disappointment. I have learned over the years not to get too excited about anything before the contract is signed.

"I am eager to get back to work and whoever takes me will get three times' worth of John Leslie because I will work so hard for them."

Sky first approached Leslie before the charges were brought against him in June.

"We had two further meetings after I was charged," he told the Star. "The last one was only last Monday. Dawn Airey, the head of Sky, had given the go-ahead but I found out late on Friday that, somewhere, there had been a change of heart.

"Some might say Sky chickened out but it is kind of understandable. I apprecaite there is going to be some sort of cooling down period, if you like.

"Although I have come ought of this without a stain on my character, as the judge said, I recognise that I bring certain notoriety with me now."