Britton signs two-year ITV deal

Fern Britton has signed a deal to remain at ITV for a further two years.

It has been reported that the star, who was recently at the centre of controversy over her gastric band surgery, had accepted a £700,000-a-year deal to host This Morning.

But spokeswoman for ITV would not confirm the sum and said the presenter's salary was a "private matter" adding: "We're really happy that Fern's staying."

Britton said: "I'm delighted to continue my work with This Morning and I'm looking forward to developing the new opportunities that I'm exploring with ITV."

With Britton and co-host Phillip Schofield at the helm, ITV1's This Morning will enter its 20th year of broadcasting this autumn.

The popular show continues to reach an average of 6.1 million viewers each week.

Dianne Nelmes, Director of Daytime and Lifestyle at ITV Productions said: "Fern Britton is a rare talent who is loved by the millions of viewers who watch This Morning.

"Fern and Phillip Schofield are simply the stars of daytime and I am delighted they will be presenting the show together for a long time to come."

Britton has been signed to ITV since 1999 when she began co-presenting on This Morning.

During this time she has also presented other hit shows for the network including Soapstar Superstar, The British Soap Awards and All Star Mr and Mrs.

The popular presenter took four days off work after the furore over the surgery erupted.

The 50-year-old had told viewers that she had not felt the need to go public about the operation.

Britton, had undergone gastric banding two years previously and has said she was "very pleased" with the results but added that she would not want to influence others to follow her lead.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.