GMTV accused of phone-in scam

The BBC's Panorama programme has investigated GMTV's phone-ins, and claims viewers have wasted millions of pounds entering a competition where the winner had already been chosen.

Panorama alleges Opera Interactive Technology, the service provider working for GMTV, had finalised a shortlists of potential winners "long before" lines closed. The company denies any wrong doing, claiming there is "not a shred of truth" in the allegations.

On its website, GMTV said it was "shocked" that the BBC programme had uncovered "certain irregularities" in the way its phone-operator had managed the interactive services in the past.

GMTV presenters Penny Smith, John Stapleton and Lorraine Kelly all gave on-air apologies this morning saying "We are investigating further but do anticipate bringing our competitions back as soon as possible."

GMTV said it had conducted an independent review last month, through Deloitte, of its and Opera's interactive systems and processes.

"This review has now been completed and we feel confident, on the basis of Deloitte's findings and our own research, that our competitions are being operated fully in accordance with the codes and that no finalists are being selected before lines have closed," the broadcaster said.

The Panorama programme, which airs tonight at 8.30pm, estimated £10 million a year had been spent by viewers trying to enter the GMTV competitions, over a four year period. It also alleges that Opera executives knew of the issue in 2003 but requested staff keep the matter from GMTV.

The documentary also looks at similar problems on Richard & Judy and Blue Peter.

Ofcom is reported to have launched a formal investigation following a complaint against GMTV and Opera, but has not confirmed that it is related to the same issue.