Ex-ITV boss bids for TV company

David Liddiment commissioned many hits while at ITV

The company behind Richard and Judy, ITV1's Formula One coverage and Midsomer Murders could be bought by the former head of ITV.

David Liddiment, ITV's respected former head of programming, is in a group that is negotiating to buy the TV arm of Chrysalis.

Liddiment is credited with bringing hit shows Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Pop Idol and Popstars to ITV.

He has teamed up with former Granada chief executive Steve Morrison and another former Granada executive, Jules Burns, for the bid.

Mr Morrison, who was given a controversial £1m pay-off when he left Granada in the wake of the ITV Digital collapse, said he hoped the deal would be done by June.

Chrysalis also produces the Top Ten programmes, World Rally coverage and Football Italia programmes.

Its subsidiary Bentley Productions is behind drama Ultimate Force, starring former EastEnders star Ross Kemp.

Price under wraps

"We have just completed the first phase of due diligence and both sides have confirmed their intention to go ahead," Mr Morrison said.

"We are now in an exclusive period and we hope to complete the transaction by early June."

But he refused to reveal details of the price.

Chrysalis companies also make Channel 4 comedy Black Books and Fifth Gear for Five, formerly Channel 5.

But Mr Morrison said the company's TV shows had been "a little bit overlooked" because Chrysalis was concentrating on other parts of its business.

It is now expected to focus on its radio and music output.

It owns radio stations including Birmingham's Galaxy 102.2 and Heart 106.2 in London, and has signed music artists including Feeder and David Gray.