Gest praises 'true legend' Minnelli

David Gest has lavished praise on his estranged wife Liza Minnelli, branding the Cabaret star a "true legend".

The former couple's divorce will be finalised this week, nearly four years after their 16-month marriage ended.

Gest is now dating former Emmerdale actress Malandra Burrows, but he insisted that he bears no bitterness towards his estranged wife.

He said of Minnelli: "We don't speak. The chapter is closed for both of us. I wish her well and tell people they should see her live in concert. Liza is a great performer - she has been singing the same songs for more than 35 years. She's a true legend."