Robbie Williams has been awarded damages for allegations in The People that he was gay.

At a hearing in London's High Court, Mirror Group Newspapers and Northern & Shell Plc admitted the allegations were untrue.

In August 2004 the paper printed an article titled "Robbie's secret gay lover" claiming the star had engaged in homosexual sex acts with strangers.

Zoe Norden, solicitor for MDN and Northern & Shell, said: "I accept that the allegations to which my friend has referred were untrue," continuing, "The defendant apologises to the claimant and expresses its regret for the injury and distress caused." The companies will pay undisclosed damages to Williams as well as his legal costs.

Tom Shields QC, for the singer, told judge Mr Justice Eady: "Mr Williams is not, and has never been, homosexual."