ITV has put Scott and Deidre Gumey on temporary leave as it launches an investigation into the business.

Scott and Deidre are the founders of Gurney Productions, which is the creator of ITV's US cable hit "Duck Dynasty." As of this writing, ITV has not yet issued a statement on the nature of investigation that it will conduct on the company.

In 2012, the UK broadcaster took a 61.5% share in Gurney for $40m as part of Adam Crozier's initial move to build the foundation of the ITV Studios production business in the US.

Gurney Productions is best known for "Duck Dynasty," the most watched reality TV series in the history of US cable. The series is scheduled to air its final season next year on A&E.

In a brief announcement, the ITV said, "The board of Gurney Productions is currently in discussion with Scott and Deirdre Gurney about future arrangements with them.

According to reports, the 5x5 Media's co-founder, Craig Armstrong, has been tapped to stand as the interim chief executive of Gurney Productions. He will be joined by ITV America's chief operating officer Chris Valentini in overseeing the company.

Based on the memo of Armstrong, the two Gurneys are currently on a "short, temporary leave of absence."

"Starting immediately, Scott and Deidre are no longer responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. Gurney Productions is a very important part of the ITV family and we are committed to keep things running smoothly until the situation with Scott and Deidre is resolved," Armstrong said in the memo.

The interim chief executive also said that some members of the staff would have to be questioned at some point in the future as part of the investigation.