Channel 4 could host 'British Comedy Awards'

Channel 4 has emerged as the favourite broadcaster to take over this year's British Comedy Awards show.

ITV has hosted the awards for 17 years but announced earlier this week that it would be postponing the 2007 event while irregularities relating to the 2005 vote were investigated by media law firm Olswang.

Reports have suggested that Catherine Tate was robbed of the People's Choice award in 2005 when viewers were allegedly encouraged to vote for half an hour after it had actually been handed over to Ant and Dec for Saturday Night Takeaway.

The BBC are believed to have held a meeting with event organisers Michael Hurll Television, but The Guardian reports that BBC One controller Peter Fincham has turned down the project. Sky One have also met with the company, but is not expected to take up the offer, leaving Channel 4 as the favourite.