Petition goes to ITV today

The move, spearheaded by Chortle, aims to persuade ITV to broadcast the annual event live, as usual, next month.

The channel decided to penalise the show following alleged phone vote irregularities in the 2005 People’s Choice award, which was eventually won by Ant and Dec.

However other shows, where independent investigators found serious problems with phone-ins have been allowed to remain on air, including Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

Among the comments left on the petition site are:

• ‘You don't need to have a phone in vote to show this awards ceremony. If you can still show the NTAs or the Soap Awards, you can still show this - and if you don't want too... let someone else show it instead’

• ‘What a stupid decision to penalise the viewers and not the people who made the mistake in the first place.’

• 'Screen it without the phone voting if necessary but please don't deprive viewers of one of the best events screened on TV'

• 'It's an incredibly frustrating situation which is unfair on British comedy fans...'

• ‘Best show on all year, what idiots ITV are if they don’t’ show it.’

• ‘Grow up and give us our comedy back’

• ‘My grandaughter is nominated I would be devastated if I don’t get to see it. Anyway I've had enough of boring soap awards and Dr Who awards lets all have a laugh. Shame on you ITV.’

Meanwhile, an independent Facebook group has also been set up to call for the programme to return to ITV, which has gathered 105 members.

Chortle will be sending the petition to ITV executive chairman Michael Grade today. Click here for your last chance to sign it.

The awards will be given out in London on December 5.

Published: 12 Nov 2007