'X Factor' searching for new sponsor

Mobile phone firm Nokia has pulled out of its sponsorship deal with ITV's The X Factor.

The decision follows criticism of ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor from regulator Ofcom, who upheld a complaint from a viewer who believed that the programme had attempted to promote Nokia in one episode.

Carphone Warehouse, who dropped sponsorship of Big Brother due to January's racist bullying controversy, and Samsung are already being lined up as possible replacements.

ITV's sponsorship executive Gary Knight said: "As a commercial franchise, there is no other series that is bigger."