BECKHAMS DROP "MARRIAGE SHAM" CASE

Curious legal news this morning, with the announcement that David and Victoria Beckham are no longer pursuing their libel action against the News of the World. The September 2004 article had been built around claims made by former nanny Abbie Gibson and accused Vix and Dave of "cynically and hypociritically" pretending their marriage was pefect.

A statement issued by News Group Newspapers, publisher of the News of the World, said: "The defamation proceedings by David and Victoria Beckham against the News of the World have been resolved on a confidential basis. There will be no further comment."

Not, perhaps, the full public retraction the Beckhams were originally seeking when they embarked on the legal action. A deal - terms of which are being kept secret - has been cut between the parties.

music news of the world victoria beckham david beckham