Edmonds made his name as a radio and TV presenter in the 1970s

The channel said the show, with prize money of �250,000, had been a "runaway ratings success" since its October launch, averaging 2.5m viewers.

The former House Party and Telly Addicts host praised the "unique" show, saying: "It's a very long time since I've had so much fun in a TV studio."

Edmonds, 56, was one of UK TV's most popular stars from the 1970s to 1990s.

'Consummate talent'

Adam MacDonald, Channel 4's head of daytime TV, labelled the programme the "break-out hit" of the autumn season.

"The format is working fantastically well and Noel has proved, once again, the consummate TV talent," he said.

Edmonds, from Jacobstowe, Devon, added: "Everywhere I go people are keen to talk about the show, which clearly is now an absolute must for millions of viewers."

In the show, contestants choose from 22 boxes, each containing different amounts of money - from 1p to �250,000 - while pitting their wits against an unseen "banker", with Edmonds acting as an intermediary.

Edmonds' other hits have included Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and The Late Late Breakfast Show.