ITV was facing fresh scandal today after The Sun claimed that the British Comedy Awards were guilty of a phone-in deception.

The newspaper reported that viewers were encouraged to vote for the people's choice award in December 2005 after lines had closed.

It added that the first part of the ceremony was broadcast live between 9pm and 10.30pm but the final half hour was pre-recorded and shown "as live" after the news.

The allegations come a day after GMTV boss Paul Corley resigned following a huge premium phone-in mismanagement at the breakfast broadcaster.