The Beckhams have confirmed they are to take legal action

A spokesman for the couple confirmed they will commence legal action against Abbie Gibson for breach of confidence.

The Beckhams went to the High Court to stop the story being printed, but it was ruled to be in the public interest.

They are also planning action against the News of the World, which insisted it had acted in the public interest.

'Aggravated damages'

A statement issued on behalf of the Beckhams 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 court 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."

The couple launched legal action against the News of the World last year over claims made about the state of their marriage.

The judge's decision confirmed our belief that the story on Sunday was legitimately in the public interest. News of the World

Their legal representatives had sought an injunction against the paper in the High Court on Saturday night, claiming Ms Gibson was in breach of a confidentiality contract.

They argued the contract had included a promise not to speak about the couple's private lives.

But the paper says the judge ruled in its favour on the grounds the story was in the public interest. The decision was taken after a 90-minute hearing.

'Public interest'

Late editions of the paper carried several pages of allegations by the former nanny.

The News of the World issued a statement on Tuesday which read: "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.