Television channels are fighting it out to secure presenter Jamie Theakston.

His agent today confirmed he was in talks with the BBC which has reputedly offered a £2 million "golden handcuffs" deal to stop Theakston working elsewhere.

The corporation has denied the rumours.

The 30-year-old, from Ditchling, is also negotiating with production companies for shows on independent television.

Theakston, who attended Lancing College and Brighton and Hove Sixth Form College, has his own BBC Radio 1 show, Sunday Lunch, which the corporation wants him to continue because of his rapport with listeners and large female audience.

He still presents The Priory with Zoe Ball on Channel 4 and is renegotiating his contracts with the production company responsible for the show and several other independent companies.

He also regularly presents Top of the Pops, shows on BBC Radio Five Live and A Question of Pop.