Chris up for sale

He is nursing a bruised ego after a string of failed TV ventures - and picking up the pieces after splitting with wife Billie Piper. Now Chris Evans, 38, has hired a spot beneath the arches at Camden's Stables market and plans to sell off his possessions.

"He'll be open for business from Saturday," said a friend of the former TV star. "He worked at Camden market years ago before he was famous - he's looking forward to going back."

This year, Evans sold his £4 million Surrey home to Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich, downsizing to a smaller cottage and a London flat. He also sold his £3.9 million home in Los Angeles, while a £2.5 million holiday home in Portugal and a £1.5 million Knightsbridge flat are on the market. Evans has apparently been keeping most of his furniture in storage.

This summer his marriage to Piper, 21, ended amid allegations of infidelity on both sides. And his recent TV ventures - such as the ill-fated Five show starring Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin - have all flopped.

The friend added: "He's spending about £2,000 a week for storage and he's just had enough. It's a lot of things like leather sofas and chairs.

"People will flock to buy if they know it belonged to Chris and Billie. It's probably a bit of therapy for Chris."

Among other items he may be keen to sell is an Andy Warhol-style portrait of Piper, who is on the cusp of a new acting career with a role in the BBC's revival of Doctor Who.

In stark contrast, Evans has told friends: "I don't want to do any more telly. I just want to live in peace."