Barnaby Joyce is taking extended leave from Parliament, Fairfax Media can confirm.

The ongoing soap opera surrounding the former deputy prime minister reared its head again this week, when it emerged that he had accepted cash to conduct an interview with his new partner, former aide Vikki Campion, despite pleading for privacy when news of their affair and pregnancy together broke.

On leave: Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Government sources told Fairfax Media Mr Joyce, who was re-elected last year for the seat of New England in New South Wales, had been granted leave for four weeks.

Sky News presenter Paul Murray broadcast the Seven Network's promotional video for it's paid interview with Mr Joyce and Ms Campion on Tuesday night.