EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Chris Packham smears in explosive new book
He has, it emerged, sustained a grievous blow in his latest High Court battle, after which he was accused of vindictively pursuing a 70-year-old grandfather through the courts – and was landed with a legal bill for £196,008.
He has, it emerged, sustained a grievous blow in his latest High Court battle, after which he was accused of vindictively pursuing a 70-year-old grandfather through the courts – and was landed with a legal bill for £196,008.
But that, it seems, does not mark the end of Chris Packhams current woes.
I can reveal that the BBC presenter has just suffered the publication in America of a marmalade-dropper of a book which has been privately published, but is financed in part – so its publisher claims – by some of Packhams BBC colleagues, with elements of research apparently being supplied by High Court staff.
Giving a blow-by-blow account of Packhams set-to with Dominic Wightman, editor of an online magazine called Country Squire, and one of the magazines contributors, Nigel Bean, it pulls no punches, even alleging that Packham, 63, is narcissistic and a manipulator.
The court case followed the publication in Country Squire of an article by Bean which wrongly accused Packham of misleading people into donating to a tiger rescue charity. The BBC star was subsequently awarded £90,000 in damages. But Packhams case against a third defendant, Paul Read, a pensioner who was the proofreader for the article, did not enjoy the same success.
I can reveal that the BBC presenter has just suffered the publication in America of a marmalade-dropper of a book
The book pulls no punches, even alleging that Packham, 63, is narcissistic and a manipulator
Thrown out by the judge, it resulted in Packham being ordered to pay Reads costs – which, at just under £200,000, were more than twice the damages hed trousered in his victory over Wightman and Bean.
Read, a Yorkshireman, who said he felt violated by being dragged into the court battle, has observed that it looks to have been something of a pyrrhic victory for Mr Packham, adding that hes relieved that all this is behind me now.
Packhams lawyers tell me: Our client was entirely vindicated in the court judgment, which is a strong deterrent to anyone who sets out to gratuitously smear someones character simply because they dont agree with their views.
Nike star reveals struggle
Dylan Mulvaney, 27, (pictured) says that the fall-out has left her seeking mental health treatment
Nikes shares have continued to plunge since its controversial decision last year to hire transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney to promote its womens sportswear, including bras.
Now, Dylan, 27, says that the fall-out has left her seeking mental health treatment. I have the best friends in the world and if I had not had them, my doctors and my family, who are still very supportive of me, I dont think I would have survived, she tells me.
In sickness and in Elf for loved up Georgina
Christmas has come very early for West End star Georgina Castle. (Georgina Castle attends the press night after party for Elf The Musical)
The actor, 38, got down on bended knee in front of Georgina, 31, the daughter of BBC Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle, at the weekend
Georginas father previously told me, jokingly: Hed better behave himself (Pictured, the engagement ring)
Christmas has come very early for West End star Georgina Castle, whos accepted an engagement ring from Simon Lipkin, whom she met while playing his girlfriend in Elf The Musical.
The actor, 38, got down on bended knee in front of Georgina, 31, the daughter of BBC Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle, at the weekend.
I didnt really have the words right now to convey how excited I am to marry this man who has made me the happiest woman there is, says Georgina, who can be seen wearing her sparkler in a video of the happy moment.
She adds: When he popped the question, my exact words were Yes please.
Georginas father previously told me, jokingly: Hed better behave himself.
Miranda book backlash
The star has turned off comments on her social media channels after a backlash from angry followers
Comic Miranda Hart says she hoped to help others with her new book, I Havent Been Entirely Honest With You, which explores her battle with a chronic illness that left her bedbound.
Now the star has turned off comments on her social media channels after a backlash from angry followers, who accuse her work of being dangerous and pseudoscience.
The book suggests the causes and solution to conditions such as Long Covid, ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are in the brains heightened stress response. One critic says, This pseudoscience is worrying, while Vikings star Jennie Jacques says: Eighty to 90 per cent of this narrative is dangerously outdated.
Miranda responds: I dont profess to have medical answers for ME. My learning was how to reduce stress in all aspects of my life...The misunderstanding and lack of answers is just awful for all of us.
Rockers wee royal faux pas
Princes William and Harry are among those to have played at Hurtwood Park Polo Club, which was the pride and joy of rock star Kenney Jones.
But the former Small Faces, Faces and The Who drummer, 76, admits he didnt always show royalty sufficient respect. Wed played a match, and I was having a pee, he says. I said to my son, Has Prince Charles gone?
I hear this voice saying, No, hes still here. It was Prince Charles. I was so surprised, I turned round and p***ed on his boots. He adds of the Kings footwear: Hes still got em.
Graham Norton tells stars to get over yourself!
Graham Norton said he still watches himself on TV even though he doesnt enjoy doing it
Stars often claim to dislike watching themselves on screen, to which Graham Norton tells them: Get over yourself! The BBC chat show host says: I always feel it is so rude... if youre asking other people to watch it, and you say you arent willing to watch it yourself. Not that Norton enjoys seeing himself on screen.
It is cringe-making watching yourself do anything, but I think you kind of need to bite the bullet and do it.
Royle Family star discovers royal link
Sue Johnston (pictured) is starring in a forthcoming ITV1 documentary DNA Journey
The Royle Family star Sue Johnston has discovered that shes related to King Charless racehorse trainer, Sir Mark Prescott.
You will be getting a Christmas card this year from your one family member, the actress, 80, is seen telling him on forthcoming ITV1 documentary DNA Journey.
The pair are related through Sir Marks grandfather, the campaigning Conservative MP Sir William Prescott.
Elton Johns first boyfriend makes surprise appearance
Sir Elton John was so angry with his manager and first boyfriend John Reid after a letter from the singers accountants about his lavish spending was leaked, that he fired him and cut him out of his life.
Yet Reid, 75, couldnt resist the urge to attend a gala screening of Disney+ documentary about Sir Elton, Never Too Late, at the Royal Festival Hall, in London on Sunday. He looked concerned and unhappy afterwards, a fellow guest tells me.
