ABC - WIFE SWAP MAKERS SUE US COPYCAT

A British production company is suing the makers of new FOX show TRADING SPOUSES - claiming it is a "blatant copycat" of the WIFE SWAP programme they make for rival US network ABC.

RDF MEDIA has filed a lawsuit seeking $18 million (GBP9.25 million) in damages from Fox.

ABC bought the rights to Wife Swap - which was a huge hit in Britain before crossing the Atlantic - but are playing no part in the lawsuit.

But the network is supporting RDF's claim. A statement from the corporation reads: "We respect our producing partners' right to protect their intellectual property in whatever manner they deem most appropriate."