Is the “Ellen” show worried that “The Rachael Ray” show might be set to deliver a huge ratings punch? Sounds like it.

According to a well-placed source, Telepictures Productions (the company that syndicates “Ellen”) called the “The Rachael Ray” show on May 1, asking that they pull the plug on their much-hyped Rosie O’Donnell tribute show, set to air Friday, May 2.

Telepictures was the production company associated with “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” and according to the source, Telepictures is nervous that if O’Donnell appears on “Rachael Ray” and the show runs old “Rosie O’Donnell Show” footage, their current property, “Ellen,” could be beaten in the ratings by their former property in markets where “Ellen” and Ray compete head to head.

A spokesperson for the Rachael Ray show confirms the report. “Yes we did receive a legal complaint from Telepictures about Rachael Ray’s tribute to Rosie. We think the complaints are invalid and without merit. We stand by the show. And, it will air as scheduled … May 2.”

The source suggested that Telepictures waited until the last minute in hopes that Ray’s producers would balk, and can their pre-taped tribute to O’Donnell. “It’s unbelievable,” said the source. “They didn’t just want to pull b-roll, they wanted the whole show off the air.”

A spokesperson from Telepictures denied the complaint and said, “We love Rosie and can’t wait to watch the show.”

(source)