Idol host 'signs three-year deal'

Seacrest's new salary is three times his old one, according to reports

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has reportedly signed a three-year deal to present the top-rated US reality show, said to be worth $15m (£9.2m) a year.

The deal, believed to be the richest ever for a reality TV host, will see the 34-year-old front Idol until 2012.

"Ryan is one of American television's most talented stars," Simon Fuller of show producers 19 Entertainment told the Hollywood Reporter.

"I am so happy that we will continue our relationship into the future."

The deal enables Seacrest and his self-titled production company to work with Fuller on other primetime entertainment projects.

The presenter has a separate deal with cable company Comcast and is lead anchor on the E! Entertainment channel.

American Idol remains the highest-rated series in the US, though ratings have fallen over the last few years.

Student Kris Allen was the surprise winner of the most recent season in a finale watched by an estimated 28.8 million viewers.