Morgan to present ITV talk show

Former tabloid editor turned talent show judge Piers Morgan has signed a two-year deal with ITV that will see him host an entertainment talk show.

The ex-Daily Mirror editor will also return to co-judge a third series of Britain's Got Talent and present a new documentary series in 2009.

"I am delighted to be joining ITV at such an exciting time of change and evolution for the network," he said.

"I look forward to making innovative entertainment programmes," he added.

The cricket-loving journalist and presenter, who celebrates his 43rd birthday on Friday, is the author of two best-selling memoirs.

His current role as TV presenter received a boost when his friend Simon Cowell hired him to judge US variety contest America's Got Talent.

'Sought-after'

Earlier this year Morgan won the US version of Celebrity Apprentice, having been previously fired from the British version.

He also presented a three-part ITV documentary about the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula in Dorset.

Peter Fincham, ITV's director of television, called Morgan "one of the most sought-after and popular entertainment personalities on British television".

"I am delighted we have been able to secure an exclusive partnership with him on ITV," said the former BBC One controller.

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