ITV and "Nasty" Nigel Lythgoe could become embroiled in a legal row that has erupted between the creators of the TV hit Popstars and the follow-up Pop Idol show.
The Australian owner of the Popstars format has threatened to sue the companies behind the new ITV show after they flew in to a TV market in Cannes this week where the show is on sale.
Executives at the company say they are astounded by the alleged similarities between Popstars and Pop Idol and are talking to their lawyers.
ITV commissioned Pop Idol last month following the runaway success of Popstars, which has launched the careers of the five wannabes selected through the TV show for the group Hear'Say.
Pop Idol will also involve a TV search for new talent, but instead of a band it is seeking to launch the career of a solo artist and will allow viewers to votes for their favourites.
The show is expected to be screened later this year and will be produced by Mr Lythgoe, who has just quit ITV for an executive role at 19TV, the company that will co-produce Pop Idol with Pearson TV.
Pop Idol is being showcased at the MipTV programme market in Canne. Pearson TV, which developed the show, is hoping it can secure several deals to sell the format overseas.
Screentime, the Australian owner of the Popstars format, and Target, its UK-based distributor, have now consulted their lawyers about potential action.
"We have come under enormous pressure from broadcasters around the world, who have seen the new Pearson format as a potential threat to their hugely successful Popstars franchise," a spokeswoman for the companies said.
"As a result, we are briefing our legal representatives in Sydney and London to take whatever action necessary to protect our and our broadcasting clients' interests around the world
Screentime executive director Des Monaghan added: "When we got here we were amazed about the breadth and depth of the reaction. This is a fundamental issue for us - the programme has been a huge success."
Target and Screentime have already appealed to the Format Recognition And Protection Association, an informal TV industry body formed to adjudicate in disputes of this kind.
A Pearson Television spokesman declined to comment.
