ITV facing ‘nightmare’ as major star could end up being poached by ‘rivals’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

An ITV star is reportedly being poached by BBC (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Alison Hammond is reportedly wanted by the BBC to host a new travel show.

The This Morning presenter – who was a holiday rep before she shot to fame on Big Brother in 2002 – is said to have been offered the chance to front Florida Unpacked, which will explore the Sunshine State.

This would add to her long list of TV gigs which have exploded in recent months, including For The Love Of Dogs and The Great British Bake Off, as well as stepping in more frequently with Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson on This Morning after Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s departures.

A TV insider claimed: ‘This is a continuing nightmare for ITV as Alison is seen by them as one of their biggest stars – but she’s increasingly working for their rivals.’

It’s thought BBC bosses could even air the programme in the same slot as ITV brunchtime show This Morning, which is now hosted by Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.

The insider added to The Sun: ‘The travel show is the latest tempting offer she’s taken up with BBC execs revelling in the fact they can put it head-to-head with This Morning.

The star may have another show to add to her list (Picture: Lia Toby/Getty Images)

She’s stepped in to host more of This Morning after Holly and Phil’s exits (Picture: S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

‘It could lead to the situation where Alison can be seen hosting the daytime magazine show on ITV while simultaneously being seen over on BBC One.’

Filming for the first run of the series is due to start next month.

It comes after Alison confirmed in April she is to host a brand-new show for the BBC, titled Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend.

Alison will also be fronting a new weekend show (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

In the six-part programme, the star will spend the weekend with celebrities in their homes to get to know what makes them tick.

She said: ‘I’m so excited to serve up some big lols and tons of OMG revelations on the BBC as I spend some quality time with some of the UK’s favourite celebrities.

‘When I’m on a mission no secret is safe, and trust me no stone or cupboard will go unturned!’

She’s already taken over for the late Paul O’Grady as host of For The Love of Dogs (Picture: ITV)

And she fronts The Bake Off (Picture: Channel 4/Mark Bourdillon)

Details of which celebrities are to take part will be announced at a later date, but BBC bosses have teased a host of ‘big names’ are set to sign up.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: ‘Alison is one of the most warm-hearted presenters in the UK.

‘It’s no surprise that big name celebrities are lining up to have her spend the weekend at their homes. It’s going to be a blast!’

Metro.co.uk has approached the BBC, ITV and Alison’s reps for comment.

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

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