The couple's autobiography reported netted them �600,000

The Independent Television Commission's move follows a show which ended with an announcement that Madeley and Finnigan's book was on sale in the Channel 4 shop.

The transmission in December included a picture of the book, which was released last summer and became a bestseller.

The ITC ruled that the network was in breach of the Programme Code.

TV guidelines allow shows to promote products if they are "editorially justified".

A Channel 4 spokesman said neither Madeley and Finnigan nor the show's producers had been involved in the decision to promote the book.

He added: "Broadcasters are permitted to promote products following a programme if the product has a clear relationship to the content of that programme.

"Channel 4 accepts the ITC's ruling that this was not the case in this instance as it had no editorial involvement with the publication of the book and was not its publisher or copyright owner."

The couple, who left ITV1's This Morning to host the Channel 4 afternoon show, were paid a reported �600,000 for their memoirs.

In it they speak frankly about their upbringings and the failings of their first marriages.

It documents many of the couple's more personal episodes, such as Finnigan's post-natal depression and Madeley's shoplifting acquittal.