The Sun and The News of the World have been forced to issue an apology to Ashley Cole and Choice FM's DJ Masterstepz after claims that the pair were involved in a "gay sex romp".

Both national newspapers ran stories in February that implicitly alleged the two had used a mobile phone as a "gay sex toy", and were sued for libel by both parties.

Almost identical apologies were issued reading, "We are happy to make clear that Mr. Cole and Masterstepz were not involved in any such activities. We apologise to them for any distress caused and we will be paying them each a sum by way of damages."