Royal Variety Performance moves to ITV

ITV has won a ten-year deal to exclusively televise the Royal Variety Performance.

The channel has struck up a £5 million deal to be the sole broadcaster of the annual event - attended by the royal family - which has previously been shared between ITV and the BBC.

ITV has recently increased ties to the show, run by charity the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund (EABF), by securing an annual slot for the winner of its programme 'Britain's Got Talent' at the show.

EABF spokesperson Laurie Mansfield said: "As we approach the hundredth performance of the Royal Variety Show, this agreement marks the beginning of a new era for the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund.

"We can look forward to the future with renewed confidence and financial security for the next ten years."

The Royal Variety Performance has enjoyed viewing figures close to nine million in recent years as huge acts such as Take That, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and Cheryl Cole have performed at the event.

ITV Studios managing director Kevin Lygo said: "It's an honour for ITV Studios to produce coverage of one of the most prestigious television events of the year.

"We are thrilled to be part of the long tradition of celebrating the very best of the entertainment industry."