BBC Worldwide is suing Silvio Berlusconi’s Mediaset television company over allegations that its Baila! show copies the Strictly Come Dancing television programme format. Mediaset claims that its programme differs from both the BBC show’s format and Rai’s Dancing With The Stars. Rai has also issued legal proceedings against Mediaset with the same allegation. BBC Worldwide’s action also extends to Endemol, the producers of Baila!
It is commonly accepted in the entertainment industry that the formats for television programmes can be licensed for lots of money, although the exact legal status has never been finally determined. The format for Strictly Come Dancing has been licensed to 35 countries and has been described as the most successful reality television format.
