Beckhams to sue over ex-nanny claims

THE Beckhams are suing their former nanny and the News of the World newspaper over allegations their marriage is on the rocks.

The couple have decided to launch legal proceedings against the nanny for breach of confidence following claims about their six-year marriage in the newspaper.

They are also taking legal proceedings against the News of the World, which is already the subject of legal proceedings over the Rebecca Loos affair.

A spokesman said: “The Beckhams will be commencing legal proceedings against their former nanny, Abbie Gibson, for breach of confidence.

“They will also be applying to the courts to amend their outstanding action commenced last year against the News of the World to include all of these issues by way of seeking aggravated damages.”

Sources close to the couple say they have been distressed by the claims, which surfaced soon after the birth of their third child.

They say the couple feel betrayed by Gibson, because she was in their home and looked after their children.

Insiders say they are determined to get on with their lives.

On Saturday night the Beckhams’s legal team failed in an attempt to get a High Court injunction against the 27-year-old nanny, claiming that she was in breach of a confidentiality contract.

They argued the contract had included an obligation not to speak about their private lives but the judge, Mr Justice Langley, ruled the newspaper could publish.

Max Clifford, who represents Gibson, said: “Abbie stands by everything she says.

“She has told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

The News of the World said the paper would “vigorously defend” any legal action.

Spokeswoman Hayley Barlow said: “On Saturday night a High Court judge refused a demand by the Beckhams to suppress our revelations about their marriage.

“The judge’s decision confirmed our belief that the story on Sunday was legitimately in the public interest.

“We are surprised the Beckhams are seeking to expand their libel action against the News of the World to take account of our latest disclosures.

“The News of the World will vigorously defend any such action.”