Ant and Dec Initiate Legal Action Against Art Dealer Andrew Lilley

Ant and Dec, the well-known television presenters, have launched a legal suit against prominent modern art dealer Andrew Lilley. The lawsuit has been filed in the High Court, as confirmed by sources. The duo, famous for hosting shows such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Limitless Win, is claiming against Lilley, whose business specializes in selling prints by the enigmatic artist Banksy.

The specifics of the lawsuit remain undisclosed, but court documents indicate that the case has been initiated under Part Eight of the Civil Procedure Rules. This classification typically suggests that the facts of the case are not expected to be heavily contested, potentially allowing for a quicker resolution than other types of litigation.

Both presenters, whose full names are Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, have engaged the services of London-based law firm Wedlake Bell, which specializes in dispute resolution and business litigation. A date for the initial hearing has not yet been established.

The legal action arises as Ant seeks to ensure the preservation of his Banksy artworks, which he purchased with Dec at a renowned exhibition in 2009. The collection includes pieces featuring Banksy’s signature rat alongside a placard, and Ant has expressed a desire to keep these artworks at his £6 million home in Wimbledon following his divorce from Lisa Armstrong.

Records from Companies House show that Lilley, based in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, reported nearly £2 million in assets for his company, Andrew Lilley Fine Art Limited, last year. His business claims to offer unique Banksy prints and has a reputation for assisting clients worldwide in acquiring sought-after contemporary art pieces. A statement on their website highlights their ability to locate specific artworks, including Banksy and Andy Warhol originals, and mentions a money-back guarantee for unsatisfied customers.

Despite inquiries, Andrew Lilley, aged 55, declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter. As the case unfolds, the art community and fans of both Ant and Dec remain watchful for further developments in this high-profile dispute.