Graham Norton laughing all the way to the bank as production company sells to ITV in '£17m deal'

Graham Norton is set for an estimated £8 million windfall after the production company that makes his BBC1 chat show was sold to ITV.

So Television, which is co-owned by the presenter, was bought by ITV Studios in a deal which could be worth up to £17 million.

As well as The Graham Norton Show, the company makes BBC2 comedy series The Sarah Millican Television Programme. So Television was founded by Norton, 49, and his business partner, producer Graham Stuart.

Norton said: “So Television has been our baby for more than 12 years, I am thrilled that the ITV family have decided to take it under their wing and make it blossom.”

Norton is thought to be on at least £1.5 million a year at the BBC, making him one of the corporation’s most highly paid stars.

He is contracted to present his chat show until 2014, but the sale of the production company has led to speculation that he will sign up with ITV after that.