‘Disappointed’ Adrian Chiles quits BBC for GMTV and World Cup

Adrian Chiles is quitting BBC1's The One Show for a new four-year deal with ITV, it was announced today.

The presenter, who was said to be unhappy at Chris Evans being drafted in to host the Friday night edition of the early-evening show, will front GMTV and present ITV football coverage.

The move will end his partnership with One Show co-host and close friend Christine Bleakley. Chiles, 43, said today: "The chance to front ITV's football coverage and GMTV would have proved an irresistible opportunity at the best of times. But, coming as it did at an awkward period for me at the BBC, it made the decision to leave not quite as hard. It's no secret how disappointed I was by the Controller's decision to change an apparently successful and well-loved show."

His new contract is exclusive and means he will lead ITV's coverage of the World Cup in June, the Champions League and The FA Cup. He will present GMTV five mornings a week from later this year and will host a new factual entertainment series from next year.

Peter Fincham, ITV director of television, channels and online, said Chiles was a brilliant journalist who had "the rare talent of being able to make television presenting look effortless".

His departure appeared to have caught the BBC by surprise today. Chiles still has a month to run on his present contract and it is understood he was offered a new deal two months ago to continue presenting The One Show, Match Of The Day 2 and The Apprentice: You're Fired! It would have also included a chat show.