Brian Belo is sueing the makers of The Only Way is Essex over the show's concept.
The former Big Brother winner alleges that the ITV2 series has breached copyright, and that they have reproduced a format that was originally created by him, Sassy Films and Massive TV for a show called Totally Essex.
Belo has filed the claim with the High Court on behalf of himself and the two companies, reports the Financial Times.
He first talked about a possible lawsuit against ITV last April, claiming he lost earnings up to £100,000.
Totally Essex had a similar concept to The Only Way is Essex, and a trailer for the show even featured future TOWIE stars including Amy Childs and Mark Wright, but the full series was not commissioned.
ITV and Lime Pictures said in a joint statement: "The Only Way is Essex is an original concept created and developed by an award-winning team at Lime Pictures.
"Brian Belo's claim against Lime and ITV is totally without foundation and will be vigorously defended. The creative team at Lime Pictures is very proud of TOWIE and the notion that it was not entirely their own work is a serious allegation which is completely refuted."
Belo is hoping to claim £4 million compensation if his court case succeeds, and alleges that he was offered £2,500 for the show's idea, according to The Sun.
The reality star's writ reportedly demands that TOWIE be taken off the air until he gives permission for its broadcast.
