Gordon Ramsay has become a household name

Channel 4 will have exclusive rights to all Ramsay's UK television output, but the deal still allows him to film a US version of Hell's Kitchen.

"This exclusive deal with Channel 4 allows me the best balance between TV and my restaurants," said Ramsay.

Channel 4 said it was "thrilled" to

have the outspoken chef on board.

Ratings

"Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares showed that Gordon is a hugely talented and charismatic force," said Channel 4's head of features, Sue Murphy.

"His passion for food, his energetic pursuit of excellence and his popularity makes him perfect for Channel 4."

Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares has been one of Channel 4's highest rating series so far this year.

The popular four-part series averaged five million viewers per episode.

However, Mr Ramsay will not be taking part in a second series of the reality series, Hell's Kitchen.

An ITV spokeswoman said: "The only reason that Gordon Ramsay could not do another UK series of Hell's Kitchen with us was time constraints."