Holden stars in the BBC drama Cutting It

Actress Amanda Holden has accepted libel damages over a newspaper's allegations that she made "diva-like demands" during the filming of the drama Cutting It.

The actress sued the Daily Mirror over two articles printed in its 3am gossip column last year.

It wrongly alleged that she had thrown a "strop" over accommodation arrangements made by the BBC during filming in Manchester, claiming she had demanded a better hotel.

The paper has apologised to the star, admitting there was no foundation in the story and agreeing to pay undisclosed damages.

Holden's solicitor Peter Crawford told London's High Court that the article made her out to be "absurdly precious, self-important and high-handed".

Readers would have concluded that Amanda Holden's behaviour had been unreasonable and unprofessional as well as extravagant and self-important Solicitor Peter Crawford

"The article accused Miss Holden of variously 'getting far too big for her stiletto boots', of making 'diva-like demands' as to her accommodation and of throwing a "strop" when those demands were not met," he said.

Mr Crawford added: "Readers would have concluded that Amanda Holden's behaviour had been unreasonable and unprofessional as well as extravagant and self-important."

Untrue

A second article was published a month later "on exactly the same theme, this time with added detail".

Mr Crawford said both articles were untrue and the newspaper had not checked with Holden or her representatives.

Les Dennis and Amanda Holden split in December 2002

MGN Limited, publisher of the Daily Mirror, has undertaken not to repeat the allegations and "to pay her damages and costs".

Its legal representative solicitor Philip Conway, told Mr Justice Eady: "The defendant accepts that these allegations were untrue and, having investigated the matter, that they should not have been published and it withdraws these allegations unreservedly."

In a statement Miss Holden said: "I am very glad to have reached an amicable settlement with the Daily Mirror about these articles."

Holden has been a constant feature in the tabloids since her split from husband Les Dennis in December.

The former couple took the Daily Star newspaper to court in 2001 over pictures published of them holidaying in Tuscany, including topless shots of Holden.

The paper apologised for the distress caused by the photographs and agreed to pay �40,000 in damages plus legal costs.