Bosses of the popular TV show on Channel 4 planned to introduce viewer competitions via the use of expensive premium rate telephone services in a bid to boost falling revenue, a report is claimed.

According to The Daily Mirror, the idea was ditched only after the shows co-host Carol Vorderman warned that such premium rate competition phone-lines would cheapen the show.

An insider told the The Daily Mirror: "The planned changes with the phone lines would have completely changed the format of the show and Carol was adamant they should not be included."

"She was successful in blocking it but she couldn't do anything about other cutbacks. Money is being squeezed out of the show everywhere. We're even joking that they'll be buying cheaper teapots to be given as prizes than the ones now. Now, Carol has become a victim of cutbacks herself."

In the meantime Carol Vorderman has quit the Channel 4 programme after being told to take a 90% pay cut or stand down. Plus the shows frontman Des O'Connor is also leaving.

The future of this once very popular TV show is now uncertain.

News Date: 2008-07-28