The reality-TV series starring Ozzy Osbourne and his family has been forced out of MTV UK's schedules because of "contractual difficulties". It is believed that the runaway success of the show in the USA has led to the family demanding more money for the MTV UK screening rights.

In the UK Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5 are all bidding for the rights to the show, but it’s believed that MTV UK wish to avoid losing the show to terrestrial television.

MTV had already embarked on a marketing campaign promoting the launch of The Osbournes which was to be screened this Sunday. It is now believed that the show will be postponed but will be shown on MTV UK when a settlement between all parties is reached.

US ratings for the show peaked at 4.1 million viewers in its final week and Ozzy’s new-found popularity led to his being invited to the White House for dinner with President George W Bush. He has also been invited to appear before Queen Elizabeth II at a concert celebrating her Jubilee on June 3rd in the UK.

MTV are also in negotiation with the Osbourne family for a second series to be filmed at Ozzy’s country mansion in England later this year.