Bleakley signs for ITV after jolt from BBC

The star will follow her former One Show co-presenter in leaving the BBC before the autumn.

She said yesterday: "I am looking forward to a brand new experience at ITV, albeit with an old friend."

ITV announced news of the deal yesterday, which will see her co-host the channel's breakfast show with Chiles.

Bleakley said: "I have had the most wonderful three years at the BBC and The One Show. It has consumed my life in that time and I would not have had it any other way; I have made great friends and met some incredible people.

"It is with regret that this experience is coming to an end. I have been torn between working with Adrian Chiles and remaining at the BBC."

Earlier yesterday, the BBC announced it had withdrawn its offer of a new contract to Bleakley.

A BBC spokesman said they had been in discussions since April when she said she wanted to continue at the helm of the prime time show, despite the loss of her co-host, but the uncertainty over her future was damaging the show.

Bleakley said: "I fully understand the BBC had to move more swiftly than I could, and as a result they've managed to help make my mind up for me."