A fashion designer accused of murdering her French nanny was charming and manipulative with a violent streak, an ex-boyfriend revealed.

Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks was formally charged with phone hacking today and will appear in court next month, Scotland Yard said.

Rebekah Brooks came out fighting today as she became one of the first suspects to be prosecuted over the phone-hacking scandal.

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson was released from police custody tonight after being arrested over allegations of phone hacking and payments to officers.