Fuller sues over 'rip-off' X Factor

Pop Svengali Simon Fuller has begun legal action against the makers of the talent programme The X Factor, claiming they ripped off the show Pop Idol he helped to create.

Fuller’s company 19 TV has served writs in the High Court alleging TV talent-spotter Simon Cowell, his businesses Syco and Simco and co-producers FremantleMedia are in breach of contract and copyright.

ITV1’s The X Factor was launched last weekend and saw pop hopefuls of all ages face a grilling from judges Cowell, Westlife manager Louis Walsh, and Sharon Osbourne.

Cowell was also a judge on Pop Idol and was famed for his harsh put downs of prospective stars.

The show also launched the careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates and its American version proved a massive hit in the States.

In a statement issued tonight 19 TV said: “19 TV Ltd, creators of the Pop Idol and American Idol TV format, have today issued legal proceedings against FreemantleMedia, Simon Cowell, Simco and Syco in relation to the UK TV show The X Factor which was broadcast for the first time last Saturday.

“The legal action relates to both breach of contract and breach of copyright.

“19 TV will be pressing for a speedy trial to resolve the matters as swiftly as is possible.”

The breach of contract proceedings are believed to relate to claims a number of staff who worked on Pop Idol have violated clauses in their contracts by now working for The X Factor.

Fuller, 44, is the former manager of the Spice Girls who now represents England football star David Beckham and his wife Victoria and is reportedly worth £300 million.

Cowell said tonight: “This whole thing is totally ridiculous.

“The differences between The X Factor and Pop Idol are obvious for everyone to see.”

Cowell’s publicist, Max Clifford, added: “Does this mean that Granada and Coronation Street will be suing the BBC for creating EastEnders.

“Of course whatever happens there will only be one winner and that’s the legal profession.”

FremantleMedia said in a statement: “We have been served with a claim from 19 TV in respect of FremantleMedia’s co-production with Syco TV of the television programme The X Factor.

“We deny the allegations made in the writ and in the press. We will defend any action vigorously and hope to resolve this matter amicably.

“The X Factor is a different format to Pop Idol.”