Michael McIntyre strikes 'golden handcuffs' deal with BBC
The Daily Mail is reporting that the BBC has struck a 'golden handcuffs' deal with Michael McIntyre, which will result in the stand-up becoming one of the broadcaster's most high-profile stars.
The comedian has agreed a £500,000-a-year contract with the corporation, which includes a clause stating that the comic will not work for other broadcasters during this period. McIntyre was being courted by both ITV and Channel 4, but has reportedly opted for the greater exposure offered by the BBC.
The BBC has been credited with developing McIntyre into a household name by launching the Live At The Apollo spin-off Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow for him, a hit stand-up show in whch the comic tours the UK with guest acts.
Although McIntyre has actually been performing on the circuit for quite some time now (read some early interviews), in the last couple of years he has risen to become arguably Britain's biggest stand-up star. Live & Laughing was the fastest selling debut DVD by a stand-up performer, and his 2nd DVD, Hello Wembley, was the best-selling comedy merchandise this Christmas and accounted for large proportion of the 90% rise in comedy DVD sales seen during 2009.
The Mail points out the BBC has struck this deal with McIntyre just as it begins preparing for a future without Jonathan Ross. McIntyre's deal, which is thought to be for 12 months, is much less than the £6million-a-year Ross was paid, although the comic is likely to make more from his live tours.
It is not yet known what the BBC has planned for McIntyre, although Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow is set to return for a new series later in the year.
A source says: "Michael is very happy at the Beeb, so it makes perfect sense for both sides. Michael is one of the hottest talents on TV right now. So it makes sense that one broadcaster wants to have him on a tied deal."