ITV chief defends hiring of Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley

ITV chief executive Adam Crozier has broken the broadcaster's silence over Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley's departure from Daybreak, arguing that it was necessary to "take a risk" on the former BBC presenters.

It was confirmed last month that Bleakley and Chiles would leave Daybreak just a year after ITV hired them from the BBC in exclusive deals for reportedly a combined £10m.

"It is important to remember GMTV was on a gradual slide down and it is important to try and take a risk," said Crozier, speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch on Wednesday.

It was hoped that the pair would reproduce the chemistry that had made The One Show work so well on BBC1, and revitalise ITV's breakfast TV coverage. However, it was not to be, with ratings for Daybreak managing about half what rival BBC1 show Breakfast attracts.

"I think first of all Daybreak obviously has not done as well as we would have hoped," said Crozier. "It doesn't always work out. The team worked hard, and I include Adrian and Christine in that. Now it is time to make a change and do it differently. I think we gave it a good shot ... it is time to move on."

He added that new Daybreak editor David Kermode took over at the beginning of December and that the first task is to look at the shape of the programme. "We need to be crystal clear on who it is aimed at," Crozier said, adding that the key consideration was then to look at who should front it. "I can assure you we haven't alighted on anyone yet."

BBC1 Breakfast's move to Salford next year, expected to take place around Easter, could lead to some upheaval for the show and this may provide Daybreak with an opportunity to gain ground in the ratings.

Co-anchor Sian Williams and sports presenter Chris Hollins have already decided to leave Breakfast and stay in London. Williams has been tipped for a possible move to Daybreak. Some industry insiders also believe it may prove harder for Breakfast to book celebrity guests after the Salford move.

Kate Garraway and Dan Lobb are fronting Daybreak until a decision on the permanent hosts is made in the new year.

Bleakley has been confirmed as the new co-host of Dancing on Ice and two new ITV1 peaktime shows are being developed for her next year. Chiles's main priority will be to anchor of ITV's football coverage including the FA Cup and Champions League, plus his satirical programme That Sunday Night Show will return for a third series next year.

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