Beeb offers Bleakley £2m pay deal?

Christine Bleakley has apparently been handed a £2m pay deal by BBC bosses.

The salary increase comes after her One Show co-presenter Adrian Chiles defected to ITV.

The Daily Star Sunday reports that the two-year deal represents a 1,000% pay rise for the Belfast-born star.

A source close to Bleakley said that nothing has been signed, but added the offer was seen as "extremely tempting and very generous". A BBC insider said the loss of Bleakley would be a "serious blow" to the corporation.

"Losing Adrian was bad enough because of the chemistry he had with her. It really is a shame that the pair will not be working with each other any more," the source said. "But Christine is a star in her own right and everyone is hoping this offer will keep her at the BBC. She is a major asset."

Sports presenter Chris Hollins and Top Gear’s Richard Hammond are believed to be in the running to partner the presenter on The One Show, though former This Morning star Richard Madeley, has said that he was approached for the role but would not consider taking it on on a full time basis.