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ITV admits X Factor phone-in error

28/02/2007

Voters on the most recent series of ITV's The X Factor show were overcharged, it has emerged.

The broadcaster admitted today that those who pressed the red button to vote for their favourite artist or group were overcharged.

Instead of paying 35 pence for the vote they paid 50 pence – leading to a cumulative overpayment of £200,000.

"This was an isolated incident of human error and since this incident ITV has undertaken a thorough review of the operation of its interactive services and systems," the company said.

"We are confident that we have a fair and transparent system that works and delivers a good service to viewers."

ITV has donated £200,000 to charity Childline and has offered a refund of the 15 pence to those who voted using their red button.

But today's revelation has further undermined the legitimacy of television voting following two similar investigations currently underway.

Channel 4 faces an inquiry into the You Say, We Pay feature on its Richard and Judy programme. Regulator Icstis is looking into claims that popular presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan encouraged viewers to phone a premium rate line to take part in a competition whose final participants had already been determined.

The BBC's Saturday Kitchen also faces an investigation.

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