While the celebrations continue for Fame Academy winner Alex Parks, the show’s producers have also had a taste of success, following High Court proceedings over the house used for the BBC talent show.
Producer Endemol UK plc has fended off a £200,000 damages claim from the part-owner of a Grade II listed building in Essendon, Hatfield, which claims that it had a “gentleman’s agreement” to provide the Fame Academy venue. Instead, Endemol used Witanhurst House, in Highgate, London N6, to house the contestants for both series of the show, as well as for Celebrity Fame Academy.
McNicholas Construction (Holdings) Ltd claimed that a contract for the use of the property had been created by a handshake between its representative, part-owner Ray Curson, and Endemol managing director Laurence Jones. It maintained that Endemol’s alleged breach of contract for the 2002 series had cost it £217,375 in lost rent.
Dismissing the claim, Deputy Judge Anthony Mann QC ruled that the exchange between Curson and Jones in the hallway of Essendon Place did not amount to a binding oral agreement.
He said: “Since all participants agree that there was a handshake, I find that there was, but I do not find that it was done to seal a bargain done there and then.”
McNicholas Construction (Holdings) Ltd v Endemol UK plc Queen’s Bench Division (Deputy Judge Anthony Mann QC) 13 October 2003.
References: EGi Legal News 13/10/03
