BASILDON boy Brian Belo has reportedly reached a settlement with ITV and the makers of TOWIE after taking legal action against them.

Brian, 24, filed a lawsuit against ITV and producer Lime Pictures for allegedly stealing the idea for the show from his creation Totally Essex.

The case was due to be heard at the High Court today but last minute negotiations saw all parties reach a settlement.

Belo, Sassy Films and Massive TV produced this Totally Essex trailer (above)

Brian, who won Big Brother in 2007, claimed that the makers of the reality soap filmed in Brentwood had adapted and reproduced part of a format he had originally developed with Sassy Films and Massive TV.

They said they took the idea to Lime Pictures in March and July 2009 and sent a tape and treatment to ITV in November 2009. The show launched on ITV2 in 2010.

They also highlighted a series of emails that they believe demonstrated ownership of the format.

It was alleged there was copyright infringement and a breach of confidence.