ITV IN TALKS WITH VOICE MAKER

ITV confirmed it is in ‘exclusive discussions’ with Talpa Media, which was set up by John de Mol, creator of both Big Brother and BBC One talent show The Voice, which features Rita Ora, pictured, as a judge.

The approach is seen by some as a defensive move against possible interest from Liberty Global, after it bought a 6pc stake in the broadcaster last July. Talpa Media is worth over £500m, according to some estimates. ITV, which broadcasts the X-Factor and Downton Abbey, is also set to report a 17pc rise in pre-tax profits next Wednesday, boosted by strong advertising growth for last year’s World Cup in Brazil and ahead of May’s general election. Analysts expect the broadcaster to report adjusted pre-tax profits of £682m even though audience figures have slipped back to 15.4pc.

Shares fell 2.1p to 225.3p.