TV BOSSES have asked a plus size dance class to change its name due to concerns of it being similar to a popular show.

The BBC bosses contacted the dance troupe for all sizes that uses the name Strictly Curved, requesting an application for a trade mark is removed as it's too much like the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

Beeb lawyers have accused tutor Teresa Lawrence, 50, of “damaging” the corporation’s business with her £5 dance lessons in community centres.

She was given a week to stop using anything similar to the well known dancing show, which the broadcaster has trademarked.

Teresa Lawrence, 50, from Laindon, the group leader, said it is a shame.

She said: "We applied to the Intellectual Property Department for the trademark and now the BBC wants it removed.

"They also want any websites, or anything else deleted too.

"They sent me a form to complete and confirm I will do this, but I am not prepared to unless they force me to do it.

"I know I couldn't afford to fight the BBC in court. I think there could be legal action if I do refuse.

"There is no confusion between what I do and the show at all.

"I have about 30 dancers and the show has millions of people watching.

"They told me I couldn't even us a different spelling or use a different language.

"How can a business own a word."

Her classes run three times a week across Essex and attract women with 12 to 30 dress sizes.

Her Facebook page says they are “dedicated to people with curves and a fuller figure”.

The letter — sent by the BBC’s Intellectual Property Department — “applauded” Teresa for her initiative.

But it said her branding is “likely to confuse and/or mislead the public and make them believe your offering is somehow connected with, licensed or endorsed by the BBC”.

Come Dancing ran on the BBC for almost 50 years until 1998.

The updated Strictly version with celebrities launched in 2004 and is understood to have taken inspiration from the 1992 film Strictly Ballroom.

After teaching for 22 years and now at a size 24, Ms Lawrence has gotten used to being the "biggest girl in the room" - but has never forgotten how it feels to be judged for her weight by other people at dance or fitness classes.

A BBC spokesman said: “We’re fully supportive of someone running dance classes and wish them luck, but it’s important the public isn’t misled and don’t mix up an independent dance business with something endorsed by the BBC."