ITV puts Comedy Awards on hold

ITV will not broadcast this year's British Comedy Awards, following alleged irregularities in the event's phone voting.

The ceremony will still go ahead in December hosted by Jonathan Ross, but it is understood ITV will not film it.

Production company Michael Hurll Television is said to be planning to secure another broadcaster for the event.

ITV said in a statement that it had "postponed" its broadcast of the 2007 awards, which are normally held in December, while media law firm Olswang investigates alleged phone-voting irregularities relating to the 2005 British Comedy Awards.

It is understood that ITV would like to broadcast the 2008 ceremony - it has been associated with the event for 17 years.

However, it is not clear whether it will still be available, or whether MHTV will have taken the event to another broadcaster.

"ITV have today asked media law firm Olswang to conduct an investigation into an issue that has arisen in respect of the British Comedy Awards 2005," ITV said.

"Pending conclusion of the investigation, broadcast of the British Comedy Awards 2007 will be postponed. ITV will not make any further comment regarding this matter until the conclusion of the investigation."