Ant and Dec, the beloved Geordie presenting duo, have become household names thanks to their long-running stints hosting Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,
among many other television projects. However, there was a time when the pair found themselves in hot water over their very names,
almost facing a major lawsuit in 2008 from an American comedian who believed their success in the U.S. could harm his career.
The Name Dispute That Nearly Led to a Lawsuit
In 2008, comedian Anthony Kalloniatis, who had legally changed his name to ANT in 1993, attempted to sue the dynamic duo for trademark infringement.
The comedian, who was best known for hosting the U.S. version of Celebrity Fit Club,
had made frequent appearances on American talk shows, such as The Tyra Banks Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, during the 2000s.
Kalloniatis argued that his career was being severely affected by confusion surrounding his name. At the time, Ant and Dec were trying to break into the American market with their own U.S. game show, Wanna Bet?. The show, however, was a commercial failure, with poor ratings leading to its cancellation after just one season. Nevertheless, Kalloniatis feared that their high-profile career in the U.K. and the duo’s international reach could cause irreparable harm to his reputation, especially since both parties shared the same name.
The Allegations of Trademark Infringement
Kalloniatis claimed that Ant and Dec were infringing upon his trademark by using the name “Ant,” which he had legally secured in 1993. Under U.S. law, performers cannot share the same name, which, in Kalloniatis’s case, seemed to pose a direct conflict with the Geordie duo’s American ambitions.
His lawsuit demanded $30 million in damages, arguing that the use of the name “Ant” could cause confusion in the entertainment industry and damage his professional reputation. At the time, Kalloniatis also accused Ant and Dec of tarnishing his image due to their involvement in the phone-in scandals that were affecting British television shows. He claimed that these scandals could reflect poorly on him, as viewers might wrongly associate him with the pair’s controversies.
The Legal Outcome
Despite the gravity of the situation, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. In 2010, after several years of legal proceedings, the case was rejected, and Kalloniatis’s claim for damages was not upheld. Moreover, Ant McPartlin, one half of the presenting duo, was awarded over $60,000 in legal fees for his trouble.
The resolution of the case was a relief for Ant and Dec, who were able to continue building their careers without the burden of legal battles in the U.S. While their show Wanna Bet? was short-lived, the duo went on to solidify their place in the entertainment industry both in the U.K. and abroad. Their careers remained unaffected by the lawsuit, and they later went on to become some of the most successful and recognized television presenters of their generation.
A Legacy of Success for Ant and Dec
Looking back, the 2008 name dispute is an unusual blip in the otherwise storied careers of Ant and Dec. Over the years, the pair have enjoyed immense success, first in the U.K. with SM:TV Live and Pop Idol, and later in their role as the trusted hosts of Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. They have garnered numerous awards and accolades, cementing their status as one of the most beloved presenting duos in British television history.
Despite the early setbacks in America, Ant and Dec continue to enjoy success and remain hugely popular in the U.K. Their chemistry and charm on-screen have made them household names, and their ability to connect with audiences across generations has only added to their enduring appeal.
A Final Word on the Lawsuit
While the lawsuit filed by Kalloniatis may seem like a footnote in the careers of Ant and Dec, it serves as a reminder of how competitive and sometimes bizarre the entertainment industry can be. It also highlights how public figures can face unexpected challenges, even over something as simple as their name. Fortunately for Ant and Dec, the issue was resolved quickly, and they continue to thrive in their professional lives.
As for Anthony Kalloniatis, the comedian has largely remained out of the public eye since the lawsuit, but his brief run-in with the famous duo will likely remain one of the more unusual chapters in the history of British television.
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