Entertainment

McIntyre signs BBC 'golden handcuff' contract

Michael McIntyre has signed a 'golden handcuffs' deal with the BBC.

The 33-year-old comedian has agreed to a £500,000 a year contract which will see him become one of the broadcaster's most high-profile stars in the wake of Jonathan Ross' departure.

The deal, which is rumoured to be for 12 months, contrasts with the salary of Ross who was paid £6million a year for three years. Ross will leave the broadcaster in the summer.

McIntyre has been wanted by terrestrial TV rivals Channel 4 and ITV, but he decided to stick with the BBC, prompting more speculation that he is being lined up to start filling Jonathan Ross' shoes; however, McIntyre himself has denied this.

McIntyre's relatively expletive-free observations of middle class ridicule have allowed him to garner millions of fans.

The BBC helped launch his career, after previously giving him his own series entitled 'Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow'. He has also had guest slots on 'Mock the Week' and 'Have I Got News For You'.

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A BBC source said: "He will be doing a Comedy Roadshow and has said he is not going to do anything else.

"What the situation will be in a year's time I don't know. But he is not going anywhere."

The insider confirmed that the deal explicitly stated that he would not work for other broadcasters.

A source added to The Daily Mail: "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."

McIntyre's 'Live & Laughing' was the crowned the fastest selling debut DVD by a stand-up performer.