Ex-Blue star denies assaulting taxi driver

Former boyband singer Lee Ryan has appeared in court charged with an attack on a taxi driver.

The 24-year-old ex-Blue star pleaded not guilty to assaulting a cabbie after a minor traffic accident in Oxted, Surrey, England on New Year's Eve last year.

Ryan, who lives in Bickley, Kent, wore a black pin-striped suit and white open collar shirt, and sported light stubble.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and enter his plea.

Legal adviser Stephen Green ordered Ryan to reappear at Redhill Magistrates' Court in Surrey for trial on Wednesday, May 7, with a possible option to bring the case forward to April 8.

Ryan was greeted by a bank of waiting photographers and a small group of female fans on his emergence from court.