Steph McGovern is officially back at the BBC in a major new presenting role marking another step in her steady return to the broadcaster after leaving Channel 4.

The former BBC Breakfast star has been confirmed as the host of The Big Deal a brand-new BBC Arts series set to air in prime time on BBC2 next year.

The six-part show will follow seven pairs of first-time art dealers as they compete to win £50,000 worth of British artwork.

None of the contestants has previously sold art professionally.

Each episode will challenge them to spot emerging talent, understand market trends and successfully close sales in the competitive art world.

McGovern who left the BBC in 2019 to front Steph’s Packed Lunch on Channel 4 said the series aims to break down barriers around art collecting.

She explained that while people freely spend money on travel or entertainment buying art often feels intimidating.

The show she said is designed to prove the art market is not just for elites.

The contestants’ progress will be judged by art expert Cordelia De Freitas alongside a panel that includes curator Matt Carey-Williams, artist Margo McDaid and digital marketing specialist Ani Petrov.

BBC Arts boss Suzy Klein said the series pulls back the curtain on one of the UK’s most misunderstood industries while remaining entertaining and accessible.

The Big Deal adds to McGovern’s growing BBC slate.

She recently joined Crimewatch Live and launched a daytime series Farms 999 confirming her full-scale return to the broadcaster.