Chris Evans forced to pay SMG £7m

MILLIONAIRE ex-DJ Chris Evans is to pay £7m to the owners of Virgin Radio following his failed multi-million damages claim against the station, it was announced today.

The former Breakfast Show presenter will pay the cash to Scottish Media Group (SMG) to cover costs and damages in the aftermath of the High Court case last month, SMG said.

The money was agreed between the two parties after a judge ruled Evans had not been unfairly dismissed after being sacked by the station in June 2001 following a drinking binge.

In what proved to be a bitter court battle, Evans claimed Virgin Radio withheld £8.6 million in share options after terminating his breakfast show contract.

SMG, which bought the station from Evans in a deal which earned him a personal fortune of £70 million, had counter-claimed more than £20 million damages against the 37-year-old.

The media group said Evans was not unfairly dismissed but had breached his contract when he failed to turn up for a series of broadcasts because he was too hung over.

Ruling against him, High Court judge Mr Justice Lightman described Evans as a 'liar' and a 'prima donna' and said that his employers were justified in sacking him.

Callum Spreng, SMG spokesman, today reiterated the company's stance that it had been justified in its decision.

He added: 'We have reached a full and final cash settlement with Mr Chris Evans relating to the recent court case.

'SMG will receive £7m, which covers all costs and damages. We are just pleased that this matter has now been settled and that is an end to it.'

During the High Court case, which is believed to have cost between £3 million to £4m, Mr Justice Lightman also described Evans as 'petulant and given to sulking' and 'very insecure'.

Following the case, Evans reportedly shrugged off his court defeat saying he could afford to lose the money.