Channel 4 is in talks with producer Endemol to extend the contract for hit quizshow Deal or No Deal.
Following the lucrative new three-year deal for Endemol reality show Big Brother, attention is now focusing on Deal or No Deal.

Deal or No Deal's current contract runs until the end of 2007.

But the Noel Edmonds-fronted quiz is such a key part of Channel 4's teatime schedule that negotiations have already started to extend it.

It is thought the extension is likely to be for two years, taking the show into 2009, though the talks are still in early stages.

Since it began in November 2005, Deal or No Deal has grown in popularity. It is one of the channel's biggest ratings pullers, often drawing 4 million viewers in its regular 4.15pm daytime slot.

On the rare occasions it has ventured into prime time, it has pulled in more than 5 million.

Big Brother's new contract, revealed by MediaGuardian.co.uk last week, was a coup for Endemol.

The company now makes, arguably, two of Channel 4's biggest shows.

Some rivals estimate that between one-sixth and one-seventh of Channel 4's annual programming budget of around £500m is now spent on Endemol programmes.

A Channel 4 spokeswoman confirmed that negotiations are taking place to keep Deal or No Deal on the broadcaster.

She said: "Deal or No Deal runs until the end of 2007. We are looking now at a deal beyond that."

Not sure how I'd feel about that....I think that even I might have had enough of the show by 2009! (Which is also, I think, the year in which wakey turns 18...a scary thought. )

Well, I'd love to see it continue, up to 2009 at least, as long as Noel is still presenting it, they haven't changed the format, and the graphics / music is similar, if not, the same...and also, I'd love it even more if they let me and other forum members on the show. I'll be 21 by 2009.

Seriously, I do hope Noel will still be presenting it, and I hope it'll be still a success by 2009, managing to sustain the viewers it currently has.

Haha, this whole thing has made me rather upset.

I am 15 in a week. So I am pratically 15. In 2 years, I'll be 17, just one year away from being able to apply for the show

At least before I knew I was never going to be old enough to apply, now they extend it ONE year too short

I do hope they pull down the age limit to 17, maybe even 16! God, if they scrap the show in 2009, I'll make another one myself

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

WAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO NOEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOEL Edmonds is set to say “Deal” to a £4million offer to keep hosting hit show Deal or No Deal.

Channel 4 is preparing a three or four-year contract for 57-year-old Noel well before his current contract runs out at the end of next year.

Insiders claim bosses wanted to tie him down quickly because rival ITV has been “aggressively pursuing” him.

C4 is poised to complete a deal with the programme’s makers Endemol — with Noel due to sign up soon after. Insiders say his deal could be worth up to £4million.

One source said: “ITV have been keen to sign Noel for new projects and Channel 4 did not want him to go. They’ve decided to sign the show and Noel up early, and for a good length of time, so everyone can relax.

“Deal or No Deal has transformed Channel 4’s daytime schedule and made Noel a top entertainment name again so it’s been in everyone’s interest to carry on.”

Noel’s contract will continue to be non-exclusive, allowing him to work for other channels — but not in the same afternoon slot.

He has already agreed to feature in a BBC Swap Shop special and Simon Cowell is looking to sign him up for a UK version of America’s Got Talent for ITV.

C4 screens about 250 Deal or No Deal shows a year. It has become a major hit, attracting up to five million viewers.