Sky is being sued over its 2010 reality show Must Be the Music.

The competition - hosted by Fearne Cotton and judged by Jamie Cullum, Sharleen Spiteri and Dizzee Rascal - saw contestants battling it out with original songs, which were available to buy after the episode had aired.


The show ran for just one series before being dropped by Sky because of its cost and low ratings, with Cullum later suggesting that the format "wasn't cruel enough".

However, Waif Productions co-founders Brian Wade and Geraldine Perry have filed a lawsuit claiming that the format was their idea, Broadcast reports.

The duo say that they had the idea for a talent show featuring original compositions, with songwriter judges and the ability to download the songs after the show.

A Sky spokesperson confirmed that the broadcaster will fight the lawsuit, saying: "A format infringement claim has been brought against Sky relating to the Sky1 HD show Must Be the Music. We reject the claim and are defending our position."

A hearing in the case will take place in the High Court today.