ITV examines more 'X Factor' irregularities

ITV is investigating new claims of phone-in irregularities on The X Factor.

According to The Times, it is understood that some viewer votes were ignored in early seasons of the hit talent show, which first hit screens in 2004.

Full details of the irregularities have not been made clear, but an ITV spokesman confirmed that there were "a number of issues we are considering" and a full inquiry is possible.

The Deloitte report, which was published last month, found "serious technical issues" with the 2005 X Factor final, though they did not alter the actual outcome of the vote.