The chances of the ITV Digital Monkey becoming the new Comic Relief mascot have receded after the collapsed broadcaster's administrators said they still want to sell him.

The woolly star is being fought over by the administrators and Monkey's creators and puppeteers, who also claim that they own the character.

Advertising agency Mother and the Jim Henson Puppet Company, who brought Monkey to life for TV adverts, had pleaded with the administrators to avert a legal battle by donating him to the comedy charity.

Monkey is regarded as one of ITV Digital's assets

Deloitte and Touche Administrator

Comic Relief said they would offer him a good home - if they were allowed.

But the administrators, Deloitte and Touche, have to raise as much money from the ruins of ITV Digital as possible, and so want to sell Monkey to the highest bidder.

"Much as we would like him to be used by a charitable organisation, it is not possible at the moment," spokeswoman Emma Thoroughgood said.

"Monkey is regarded as one of ITV Digital's assets and has not been sold off yet. Until this has been resolved, we cannot let him be used."

It's an ugly custody battle at the moment

Andy Medd Mother

She said a decision on his future was unlikely to be taken until after a creditors' meeting on 13 June.

Mother spokesman Andy Medd had said that any buyer would still not have the services of the puppeteers, the voice or the writers.

"We want Comic Relief to have Monkey," Mr Medd told BBC News Online.

"It's an ugly custody battle at the moment, and there's a great, great opportunity waiting to happen. It just takes everyone to do the right thing."

We'd obviously welcome him into the Comic Relief home

Comic Relief

A spokeswoman for the charity said they would embrace the chance to use the hit character to help raise money for Red Nose Day.

"If it happens, then we'd obviously welcome him into the Comic Relief home," she said.

ITV Digital collapsed leaving creditors including the Nationwide League, who are owed �178.5m.

The woolly puppet became a cult star after appearing in TV ads with comedian Johnny Vegas.

Offers of work for the iconic ape came in as soon as ITV Digital collapsed.

Supermarket chain KwikSave and cider makers Diamond White wanted to hire his services for their own adverts, while investment company Selestia offered Monkey "�10,000 a year, plus perks".