BB FANS

From the news site, Ananova ....

'The creator of Celebrity Big Brother has accused Five of "ripping off" its format for the new fly-on-the-wall programme.

Five's Back To Reality features 12 celebrity contestants who have all appeared on previous reality shows, including Big Brother faces Jade Goody, Nasty Nick, and Craig Phillips.

Five has described Back to Reality as the "ultimate reality show" as it openly borrows aspects from every major reality programme.

But Endemol, which makes Big Brother, has written to Five's lawyers after identifying similarities between the shows.

The letter warns that it is keeping an eye on Five's show, although it does not go as far as launching legal action.

A spokeswoman for Endemol in the Netherlands said: "There has been a letter sent from our side to Five to object against Back to Reality, which is in our view a rip-off of Celebrity Big Brother.

"We are now considering our position."

A Five spokesman defended the show, saying: "We are confident Back to Reality does not infringe anyone else's format rights."

Five has spent £4.7 million on Back to Reality, making the show its costliest original commission.

The contestants - who have featured on the likes of I'm A Celebrity..Get Me Out of Here!, Big Brother, Wife Swap and Pop Idol, battle it out for £75,000 for charity in a studio mansion.'

Taken from here.

Thanks Eddy

Sorry for going off topic again but does anyone else find the Heat ads funny or is it only me

probally just you

Thanks, Eddy, would be interested to know the outcome. I think it pinches from many formats, and then - like play doh - rolls them into one great hybrid of realitys.

*did I really come out with that rubbish? *

It's ok Jules we know you by now

i do too...mind you I know someone like that

I think they are funny too Amy

Phew was getting worried there

It's ok Amy you are certified too now...like the rest of us..there will be no escape

BTR is fine and in all truth - what does Endemol expect - a good idea is bound to be copied and they possibly should be flattered. I still think BB is the biggest and best.

Cam, have you seen BBUSA. ?

No I didn't have the time after our one finished...

Well try and catch the next one Cam. The American know how to play a good game.

I agree that Endemol should expect people to copy their format, but that is what copyright laws are there to deal with. My gut feeling is that this is a little too close and Channel Five should expect court action in due course.

What does bother me about the format for BTR is that it is sensationalising the Reality TV concept - and is therefire actually far from a reality TV show.

These are not "Real Peoiple", they are "celebrities" playing a popularity game - wiith charity being the justification. They have been on the same bandwagon, going to the same parties. Those that haven't, will have read about the others in the newspapers.

Two or three of the people in the mansion (mustn't call it a house) I believe to be genuinely there because it is a chance to raise money for charity - I am sorry, but all the rest are just there to drag themselves up from D-list to C-list.

What we are left with is a goup of egos ready to shout, cry , argue, and knife each other in the back. Fine viewing for a week, but thank goodness we don't have to put up with it for much longer.

I think I am going to start a campaign to ensure that Reality TV is kept real.

Roll on BB5!

Alan, Derby, UK.