Agent approached over Norton talent show

The notoriously aggressive Cresswell was approached by producers of a planned new Graham Norton primetime show for BBC One, provisionally titled Saturday Showdown.

And, bizarrely, Cresswell asked Richard Allen-Turner of rival agency Avalon to negotiate on his behalf.

‘I said why not, just for a laugh,’ Allen-Turner told MediaGuardian. "I think Addison thought it was just a bit of fun, but part of him is probably a bit intrigued as well.’

‘It is actually quite a sensitive situation. He does a lot of business with the BBC and probably feels a bit awkward because he wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardise that relationship. It will be interesting to see what happens.’

Creswell reportedly made a huge list of demands – though quite how many the BBC would be prepared to concede remains to be seen.

The list includes a £1,000-a-show costume budget, veto over the other judges and all the contestants, script approval, a star dressing room including personal make-up and a dedicated driver with Mercedes and car parking space in the middle of TV Centre.

In an email to the forthright Cresswell one of the BBC producers said: ‘I'm convinced you could be a riot… We want your succinct opinion (pre and post watershed!) about [the contestants’] abilities.’

Cresswell who runs the Off The Kerb agency, representing Jack Dee, Lee Evans and Dara O’Briain, was recently in the news for brokering Jonathan Ross's £18million three-year deal with the BBC. While Avalon represents the likes of Harry Hill and Al Murray.

Published: 21 Dec 2006