Veteran broadcaster Andrew Neil has admitted that he is in discussions with other broadcasters after his BBC contract lapsed.

The notoriously tough interviewer recently revealed that he had rejected an offer to move his BBC Two series from a primetime slot into the afternoons and he is now out of contract.

Two new news channels - one from Rupert Murdoch and one from former government advisor Sir Robbie Gibb - are said to be in the works, with reports suggesting that Neil has been approached by both projects over his potential involvement.

Asked for an update on Good Morning Britain today, Neil revealed: "I'm still in discussions with the BBC, though they've been longer running than The Mousetrap. Although actually more happens in The Mousetrap than in these negotiations.

"I'm still talking to the BBC but I'm also talking to other broadcasters and potential new broadcasters as well and I hope in the next couple of weeks things will be resolved one way or the other."

Neil has been with the BBC in some form for the last three decades.