TV channel suspended amid huge staff layoffs as live broadcasts and website shut down
A TV channel has been suspended amid potentially huge staff layoffs as live broadcasts and the website are shut down.
Ideal World TV is based in Peterborough and employs 250 people.
In a post on its website and Facebook page, a statement read: "We regret to inform you that Ideal World have had to temporarily suspend broadcasting and our website.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused; we hope to be back online as soon as possible."
The channel, which calls itself "the home of big brands", broadcast live from its studios in Peterborough.
Celebrities who have appeared on the channel in the past include This Morning regular Vanessa Feltz, former Made In Chelsea star Binky Felstead and Blue Peter legend Anthea Turner.
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When on air, it delivered more than 18 hours of live TV a day, showcasing products from a range of categories for customers to purchase.
Goods sold on Ideal World TV include items from the gardening, home, technology and beauty sectors.
Ideal World TV has held a late night slot on ITV for months, but reportedly "crashed off" the network on Monday night.
It also disappeared off Virgin Media last month.
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The company is one of Peterborough's leading employers, but the latest move comes a year after the company was broken up and sold to entrepreneur Hamish Morjaria.
However, documents filed at Companies House reveal that Mr Morjaria ceased to have "significant control" in February this year.
Sportsdirect.com Retail Ltd then took charge of the company at the beginning of June.
The reports Ideal World was put up for sale, with any expressions of interest to be submitted by the end of last week.