Ant and Dec faced $30m lawsuit from man claiming they ruined his career.

Ant and Dec on the Brink of a $30 Million Lawsuit: The Story Behind the Controversy

In an intriguing turn of events, British television presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly nearly found themselves in hot water back in 2008 when an American comedian, who claimed they were damaging his career, sought to sue them for a staggering $30 million.

Since their rise to fame in the late 1980s, Ant and Dec have dominated the UK television scene, becoming household names through shows like Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! However, during their attempt to break into the U.S. market, they faced a significant challenge from comedian Anthony Kalloniatis.

Kalloniatis, who legally adopted the name ANT in 1993, is best known for his role on the U.S. version of Celebrity Fit Club and appearances on various talk shows in the early 2000s, including The Tyra Banks Show and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. He alleged that the British duo’s rise was causing confusion, leading to a loss of work and opportunities for him.

While Ant and Dec were attempting to gain a foothold in America by hosting Wanna Bet?, which only lasted one season due to lackluster ratings, Kalloniatis was reportedly furious at the potential impact on his career.

According to reports, Kalloniatis contended that Ant and Dec’s application to use their names in the U.S. was misleading, as it failed to clarify their comedic status. U.S. entertainment law prohibits two performers from sharing the same name, a point Kalloniatis leaned on in his legal argument. He also claimed the duo’s association with shows involved in scandals could harm his reputation.

As the situation unfolded, Ant and Dec’s legal team was reportedly conducting an investigation into the claims. Ultimately, Kalloniatis’s lawsuit was rejected in 2010, and Ant McPartlin was awarded over $60,000 in legal fees following the dismissal of the case.

As of now, Ant and Dec continue to be beloved figures in British television, with Britain’s Got Talent airing on March 8, 2025, proving that their career longevity remains unblemished by past controversies. What are your thoughts on this story? Join the conversation on social media and let us know how you feel about this unexpected legal drama.