Popular ITV show hangs in the balance as iconic host quits after 16 years on screens

They report station bosses are unsure what to do with the programme now that the TV veteran has quit.

An insider said: "It's an open secret on Dickinson's Real Deal that David will be leaving the show after filming the upcoming series. 

"He's absolutely adored fronting the show, it's been a huge success for the channel and viewers still love it 16 years after it launched.

"David's had such an incredible career in showbiz so far and has no intention of quitting TV for good and is still open to exploring further opportunities."

It could potentially be re-branded while keeping the same format - or scrapped entirely.

However, a representative for David has now told the : "David has no plans to retire from Dickinson’s Real Deal, a show he still very much enjoys making, and is hugely looking forward working on the upcoming series later this month.”

Dickinson's Real Deal first aired all the way back in 2006 and features members of the public bringing their collectables to be valued.

Their prized possessions are then passed on to dealers who make their own valuation and try to purchase them.

When contacted by The Sun Online, a spokesperson for ITV said: "The current series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is in production and filming throughout spring and summer.

"No decisions have been made on future series beyond that."

The news comes after after 14 years.

Cheryl Hakeney made the difficult decision after realising she needed to devote more time to the fashion business she runs with her daughter, Love Island star Zara Holland.