Over one million ITV Digital customers have lost subscription channels as the failed company pulled the plug on its pay-TV operations.

At least 1,500 jobs will be lost as the search begins for a new digital terrestrial TV operator.

The Independent Television Commission is to fast-track a process to re-award licences and will make an announcement on June 12.

The move came after administrators Deloitte and Touche were unable to find a buyer for the doomed firm which has swallowed £1 billion of Carlton and Granada cash over four years.

"Insufficient interest has been shown from prospective purchasers to justify a continuation of the operation," a spokesman said.