ITV's revenue fell by three per cent in the first quarter of the year as the broadcaster saw a nine per cent fall in advertising income.

Last year's revenue had been boosted by the European Championships football.

It was reported by the Telegraph newspaper that total external revenue in the period was down three per cent to £731million. But the broadcaster's online, pay and interactive operation was up 12 per cent with a 22 per cent growth in online advertising.

Adam Crozier, ITV chief executive, said: "ITV's overall performance and the shape of the UK advertising market are very much as we anticipated.

"While the economic environment remains uncertain our guidance over the full year remains unchanged. We expect to grow our share of broadcast and will continue to deliver good growth in Online, Pay & Interactive driven by strong demand for online advertising."