Clouds over Direct Line TV adverts

INSURANCE giant Direct Line, whose 'Charlie's Angels' television adverts have been panned, will announce the outcome of a review into its £35m advertising business in the next few weeks.

The adverts, showing call centre staff transformed into superheroes, were devised by Direct Line's advertising agency, Mortimer Whittaker O'Sullivan, but were branded 'Turkey of the Week' by industry bible Campaign.

Jim Wallace, Direct Line's marketing director, said that the adverts had been stopped in favour of some more suited to the summer holiday season - but he dismissed the criticism and said that they could be reinstated.

Several advertising agencies, including Mortimer, are pitching for work at the company, best known for its red phone logo.

Wallace said a decision was expected later this month.