[Mrluvaluva]

From Sky News:

Channel Five has suspended all programmes involving premium rate telephone services after cheating was discovered on its daily quiz show, Brainteaser.

Five is the latest broadcaster to take drastic action after a series of revelations which have rocked Britain's TV industry.

The company says it was alerted to a number of "issues" with Brainteaser after it ordered a review of programming.

Endemol UK found its subsidiary, Cheetah Television, had mislead viewers about winning contestants.

When callers failed to come up with the right answer to questions, it put a number of fictional names on screen.

On one occasion a member of the Brainteaser production team was even paraded on air as a "winner".

The revelations come after ITV took all premium-rate competitions off air amid claims of overcharging and sharp practice.

Five's chief executive Jane Lighting said: "We are shocked and disappointed and wish to apologise unreservedly to our viewers.

"The production company involved has failed to meet the high standards we demand of our suppliers.

"We have decided to suspend any output which involves any premium rate services and to appoint an external auditor."

She added there was "no evidence of any issues involving any programmes other than Brainteaser".

Five is now looking into how many callers have been affected by the latest scandal to hit the broadcast industry.

It has promised to give them a full refund.

The decision to suspend Brainteaser will also affect Quiz Call on Five and Five US, and other competitions.

[GiRTh]

This was always going to happen those premium rate lines are dodgy as hell.