ANT and Dec are set to land an expensive joint 50th birthday present — a £30million golden handcuffs deal with ITV.
It wants to ward off any attempts by rivals to poach the Geordie duo after losing former This Morning favourite Holly Willoughby .
The pair are wrapping up negotiations on the three-year agreement in time for them both reaching their half-centuries this autumn.
It will see them continue to host I’m A Celeb , Britain’s Got Talent and gameshow Limitless Win .
A TV insider said: “This is one of the last golden handcuff deals in television but ITV see Ant and Dec as a worthwhile investment.
“They’re still loved by the public and front some of the channel’s biggest and most successful shows.
“The timing could not be any better as they prepare to turn 50.
“Now they have double the reason to celebrate.
“From the ITV execs’ point of view, it also ensures that there aren’t any counter-bids from the streaming giants who are increasingly moving into the light entertainment arena.
“ Disney+ is rebooting Blind Date and Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt was widely seen as a rip-off of the jungle.
“ Netflix has also been specifically targeting ITV talent including Holly Willoughby, Emma Willis and Amanda Holden , who’ve all been given shows by the streamer.”
Ant and Dec, who turn 50 in November and September respectively, are expected to make an official announcement in the New Year when their current three years ends.
ITV and Ant and Dec’s reps were approached for comment.
