Heidi Klum's Project Runway In Trouble 9/29/08

Supermodel Heidi Klum's hit reality TV fashion design contest Project Runway has been dealt a severe blow as it plans for a new season - a New York judge has blocked the show's move to America's Lifetime network.

The judge has issued a preliminary ruling against the Weinstein Company, which owns Lifetime, to prevent network bosses airing the sixth season of the program.

Production of the new season is already underway and Lindsay Lohan has filmed her stint as a guest judge in the series opener, which was expected to air on Lifetime in January (09) after the network picked up the show from NBC Universal-owned Bravo.

A statement from NBC reads, "The overwhelming evidence demonstrated that The Weinstein Company violated NBC Universal's right of first refusal to future cycles of Project Runway. After hearing all of the evidence, the court issued an order prohibiting The Weinstein Company from taking the show or any spin-off to Lifetime.''

A spokeswoman for the Weinstein Co. says, "It's unfortunate that the people hurt most by this ongoing dispute are the loyal fans of Project Runway. In the meantime, Lifetime will pursue all measures to uphold its valid and binding agreement reached with The Weinstein Co.''

According to the spokeswoman, production on the sixth season will continue, while network bosses continue their legal battle, which is expected to return to court in November (08).