Ramsay signs exclusive C4 deal

The bidding war for Gordon Ramsay has ended today - with Channel 4 emerging victor.

The Michelin-starred chef has signed a three-year exclusive UK deal with the broadcaster, which runs through July 2007.

ITV had also been trying to woo Ramsay after his recent success with the Hell's Kitchen reality series. A second series of that show is being planned, but a new chef will now have to be sought to head up the celebrity kitchen.

Speaking today, Ramsay said: "It's been good working on successful shows for different broadcasters, but this exclusive deal with Channel 4 allows me the best balance between TV and my restaurants and the chance to explore a variety of different projects."

Among those projects are a second series of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares and a new show where he teaches prisoners how to cook. He has also filmed a pilot for a new Friday night entertainment show and will front a "major primetime food show" as part of the deal.

"Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares showed that Gordon is a hugely talented and charismatic force," said Sue Murphy, C4’s Head of Features. "His passion for food, his energetic pursuit of excellence and his popularity makes him perfect for Channel 4 and I'm thrilled that we've been able to strike an exclusive deal with him."

His contract with C4 does not affect his US deal with the FOX network, which will see him film a local version of Hell's Kitchen this autumn.