The 49-year-old Michelin-starred celebrity chef is set to tour the UK for a new ITV cooking programme with a working title of Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain, serving up regional dishes for local people.
Beeb chiefs are said to be furious at their rival television network for taking three of their biggest presenters and giving them shows on prime time slots.
BBC has confirmed a big change to EastEnders' airing schedule, with the soap set to air in a new regular slot after changes to Coronation Street and Emmerdale.