Rocker claims sitcom is based on him

Ozzy Osbourne has threatened to sue Harry Enfield over his new BBC comedy series.

The rock star's lawyers have sent letters demanding that the corporation does not base any characters in the show Celeb on him.

Enfield's comedy is based on the Private Eye cartoon about the life of a past-it rock star. But Osbourne's legal team argue it is based on the former Black Sabbath frontman, now the subject of a hit MTV reality show.

The letter said: "We hereby demand that you immediately cease and desist from the inclusion of any characters in the show based on Mr Osbourne or any other member of his family."

But Enfield isn't fazed. He told the Sunday Telegraph: "I haven't watched a single Osbourne programme.

"They're so snooty, New York lawyers, aren't they? Stupid little idiots.

"We've been writing these for two or three years, then suddenly The Osbournes show appears."

Published: 11 Aug 2002