A gameshow set to be aired by the State broadcaster was based on a “stolen” idea, a producer complained in court yesterday.

In a judicial protest, David Charles Bajada said that, on March 15, 2010, he had presented a demo tape to Public Broadcasting Services about a programme featuring games involving married couples. The programme was never aired.

Subsequently, he said he had spoken to Michael Vella Haber and Adrian Saliba in confidence about it and, having not heard anything from them for many months, he went to another station where his idea was accepted and should go on the air soon.

Claimant said he presented a demo tape about a programme featuring games involving married couples

Mr Bajada complained that a similar programme, called The Wedding Battle, would be aired on PBS.

He insisted this was practically identical to his idea, adding that this went against copyright and professional ethics. The programme would be produced by Rewind Productions, he said.

He accused the production house of stealing his idea and said he would suffer irreparable damages if the show was aired.

Lawyer Abigail Critien signed the protest, which was filed against Mr Saliba, Dr Vella Haber, Rewind Productions, Public Broadcasting Services, the Broadcasting Authority and Evelyn Saliba La Rosa.