Collapsed ITV Digital sells off monkeys

Monkey starred in TV ads with Johnny Vegas

Knitted replica monkeys are being auctioned off in south London with other assets belonging to the collapsed ITV Digital network.

The 15-inch monkey became an advertising icon after starring alongside comedian Jonny Vegas in adverts for the pay-TV operator.

They are part of a range of items from ITV Digital's head office and broadcasting centre going under the hammer in Battersea on Wednesday and Thursday.

ITV Digital went into administration in March after attempts to negotiate lower television soccer rights fees failed.

Costly venture

The contents of the digital broadcasting suite and disaster recovery centre will be sold alongside a table-top football game, computer hardware, furniture and branded T-shirts and mugs.

The venture by Carlton and Granada cost the two ITV companies almost £1.5bn.

Deloitte & Touche, ITV Digital's administrator, said the auction was the last step before the company is put into liquidation, probably in October.

Proceeds from the auction will be distributed to creditors, including Carlton, Granada, Sky TV and the Football League.

Ahead of the auction Matt Hardy, director of Wyles Hardy & Co, which is running the sale with Dovebid, said hundreds of people had registered to bid over the web and they had also had many calls from the public.