A judge has determined that there may have been misconduct in the sale of Banksy artworks by Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly through a third party, stating that there is a strong case for wrongdoing.

The duo from Newcastle learned the outcome of their legal dispute on Wednesday regarding the sale of their Banksy pieces. They initiated legal action alleging that an undisclosed consultant had received undisclosed “secret commissions” while representing them in art transactions, including those involving Banksy pieces, up to 2021.

Judge Iain Pester has now decided whether Andrew Lilley, an art dealer, and his company Lilley Fine Art should reveal information about their dealings with the unidentified individual and whether the individual should be identified.

During a remote hearing, Judge Iain Pester agreed to issue an order compelling the art dealer to disclose information about his transactions with the undisclosed intermediary.

The popular presenting duo sold some of their Banksy artworks, which were part of their shared art collection, several years ago through a third-party sales representative.

Among the transactions was their purchase of a set of six prints by Banksy for £550,000, featuring model Kate Moss depicted as actress Marilyn Monroe in the style of Andy Warhol. Allegedly, the sellers received only £300,000, prompting the presenters to seek information about the missing £250,000. They also expressed concerns about potential financial losses from the sale of 22 other items, including a version of Banksy’s Napalm artwork depicting a girl from a well-known 1972 photo of a napalm attack during the Vietnam War, where the girl is portrayed holding hands with Mickey Mouse and Ronald McDonald.

The duo applied for a ‘Norwich Pharmacal and Bankers Trust order’ to legally access Andrew Lilley’s records, with Lilley, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, reportedly willing to assist the presenters. He stated that he had purchased art based on perceived fair market value without knowledge of any underlying issues, leaving the matter to be resolved in court between Ant and Dec and the third party.

While the exact sum sought by the presenters was unspecified, it is believed to be significant for legal resolution.