Proactive Investors - Shares in ITV PLC jumped on reports that the broadcaster is being circled by a veteran Hollywood producer and French production company.
Peter Chernin, former producer and Fox Group boss, is reported to have linked up with French group Banijay and expressed interest in ITV Studios, the FTSE 100 group's production arm and maker of hit shows Love Island, Come Dine with Me and Coronation Street.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters noted other private equity-backed studios firms have also assessed the asset on and off in recent months.
The business has been valued at over £2.5bn by analysts last year.
ITV last autumn was said to be "actively reviewing" the future of the Studios arm, including potentially selling a stake to a strategic partner or private equity firm.