Bleakley breaks silence over BBC future

[dutchman]

Christine Bleakley has confirmed that she is planning to stay with the BBC.

The One Show host spoke out to clear up speculation about her future following a series of rumours linking her to ITV, where she was tipped to front GMTV with former colleague Adrian Chiles.

Speaking to The Mirror, Bleakley vowed: "I'm staying put, absolutely."

The 31-year-old also praised her new co-host Jason Manford, who was last month confirmed as Chiles's replacement on the One Show sofa.

She said: "I love Jason. I've met him a few times and our rapport is getting better all the time. I love funny men, guys who don't take themselves too seriously. The first time I met him, we were interviewing him on the show and he was dressed as the Tin Man - you can't not like that, can you?

"He will be brilliant. I'm confident our chemistry will be as good as the one Adrian and I shared - we just need time."

Bleakley's current contract with the BBC is due to expire in September. It is thought that she will sign a new two-year deal worth £1 million later this month.