Writer sues over her 'stolen' Father Ted
An amateur writer is suing the makers of Father Ted, claiming they stole the idea for the hit TV comedy [reports The Daily Mail, London 18/2/00]. Lee Ferro, 58, believes the Channel 4 show was based on a successful play she wrote in the 1980s called Saturday Night Fervor. She says, 'I am angry and bitter because I think my play was the inspiration behind Father Ted. Every time the show is repeated it's like rubbing salt in the wound. It's very upsetting.'
Her play involved an alcoholic priest, a simple priest, a tea-drinking housekeeper, and was based in rural Ireland.
Hilary Strong, commercial director of Hat Trick Productions, which made Father Ted for Channel 4 said, 'This is the first we've heard about Lee Ferro and her plays. Father Ted was brought to us by its two writers, who are Irish. They brought the idea to us fresh. We developed the series without anyone else's involvement.
Miss Ferro of Kensington, West London, has been given legal aid to start her case and has applied for more funds to take her claim to the High Court.
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