Now America woos celebrity interviewer who snared Jackson

Martin Bashir has been offered a multi-million-pound deal with the American television giant ABC following the screening of his Michael Jackson interview.

Although the deal has not been finalised, it is thought it would make the 39-year-old Tonight presenter, who also famously secured an interview with Princess Diana in 1995, an instant millionaire.

The documentary on Jack son was a resounding success in America, where it was bought by ABC for around $5 million and was seen by 27.1 million viewers.

But colleagues of Bashir, whose other interviewees have included the au pair Louise Woodward and the men accused of killing black teenager Stephen Lawrence, fear the offer would prevent him from doing what he does best. 'I'm surprised America would want the style of stuff that Martin does,' said a source who works closely with Bashir on Granada's Tonight programme.

'I can understand the offer being made, in the flush of success after the Jackson broadcast but in reality, the US dislikes the sort of penetrating interviews in which Martin excels.'

Other colleagues, who call Bashir a loner who keeps his cards close to his chest, believe he might be concerned that his ability to coax the most reclusive British celebrities to agree to interviews could fail him in America.

'It's a very different style out there,' said one. 'It's all about glitz and glamour and schmoozing, and I just don't think Martin would be happy doing that sort of thing.'

A source close to the journalist said he was unlikely to accept the offer. 'It's a fantastic offer but Britain is his home and he feels he just doesn't want to leave at this time.'

Bashir's interview with Jackson, for which he spent eight months living with the pop star, was the most watched television programme last Monday in Britain, with viewing figures of 15 million.

However, British journalists seeking to replicate their success across the Atlantic have often had a rude awakening, as Sir David Frost and Angela Rippon, among others, have found to their cost.

A deep-rooted love for England could also be a reason for Bashir to turn down ABC's offer. 'He really is the quintessential English gentleman,' said the source.