Writer sues Lost producers

A writer is suing the bosses of hit TV drama Lost, alleging the show's creators stole his idea.

Anthony Spinner filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, accusing the TV network ABC and producers Touchstone Television of breach of contract and fraud and is seeking unspecified damages.

Spinner alleges he was hired by Sid and Marty Krofft Productions in 1977 to write, produce and direct a program called Lost, a drama about a group of plane crash survivors living on a desert island, which is inhabited by mysterious creatures.

The complaint claims "the plaintiff has a right to payment and a right to royalties from ABC and Touchstone as a result of their profit".

The ABC show first hit TV screens last year and is up for twelve Emmy awards at next month's ceremony.