TV host Melanie Sykes has reportedly signed a two-year contract with ITV1 to host a new show entitled, ‘Missing Millions’.

The new primetime show, which is set to air in the autumn, sees Melanie go hunting for long lost fortunes on behalf of families.

A source told the Daily Mirror, “It’s a major coup for Mel. She’s a big favourite at ITV and after having two children is keen to throw herself back into work.

“She’s also been working out and is in the shape of her life.”

Mel has recently been spotted filming for the show in Morecambe, a seaside town in her native county of Lancashire, where she was apparently hunting out cash on behalf of local Irene Jiggins, who ran a gift shop in the area until her death in 2010.

Melanie – who formerly hosted daytime show ‘Today with Des and Mel’ alongside Des O’Connor from 2002 to 2006 – is also returning to daytime TV, appearing with celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo, in ‘Lunch with Gino & Mel’, a live lunch hour “centered around having fun with food”.

On the show, the hosts will invite two celebrities to join them, and Gino will cook up a dish of their choice which is “significant” to them and which reminds them of their partner, or a certain memory etc.

While the cooking takes place, Mel will chat with the celebs.

Mel said: “It’s fabulous to be back on ITV with a lunchtime show again – I know Gino and I are going to have an absolute blast – bring on the summer!”

Gino said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Mel and we’re going to make sure that everybody – the guests, the studio audience and the viewers – has an amazing time. It’s going to be fantastico!”

‘Missing Millions’ is set to air at 8pm on Thursdays, while ‘Lunch with Gino & Mel’ will start later this year.