GEORDIE television favour-ites Ant and Dec have renewed their lucrative contract with ITV.

It is thought that the three-year exclusive deal could be worth about £2m each.

Anthony McPartlin, 28, said: ''We are thrilled to be extending our relationship with ITV. They have given us the opportunity to create and work on some of the best entertainment shows around."

Declan Donnelly, who celebrates his 29th birthday today, said: ''We're really buzzing and looking forward to further runs of our existing shows, as well as creating new and exciting projects with ITV over the next three years."

Ant and Dec are set to return with a fourth series of Saturday Night Takeaway and a fourth series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

ITV's director of programmes, Nigel Pickard, said: ''Ant and Dec are an enormous asset to ITV and we're thrilled to extend our partnership with them. They have a unique appeal to our audience and are loved by everyone from kids to grannies."

Ant and Dec, who joined ITV in 1998 presenting the Saturday morning show SMTV, are appearing on tonight's edition of Parkinson where they will be discussing their future.

Published: 25/09/2004