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February 14, 2008 -- Daily Mail

Avarice, cruelty and what this tawdry case tells us about the injustice of modern divorce

What an utterly unedifying spectacle the divorce of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills has turned out to be.

Treachery, greed, drug-taking, violence - the allegations have been endless.

Few now could doubt that here was a marriage as short as it was miserable, ending in a lingering acrimony that no amount of PR spin or brave smiles outside the courtroom can disguise.

Now, as the final scenes are played out in the High Court and the couple reportedly edge towards a deal, it is tempting to dismiss this nightmare as belonging to a world apart from ours, a world of private jets and public histrionics.

But the truth is that this carnival of bile, this showbiz showdown, demonstrates everything that is wrong with the divorce laws of Britain today.

Let's step back and take stock of the settlement that Heather is said to be seeking. The sums differ wildly, according to which of the warring camps you believe.

But the most reliable estimate thus far is that the former Ms Mills is in line for roughly £55 million ($105 million), made up of a £20 million ($38.5 million) lump sum, plus £2.5 million ($4.8 million) a year for the next 14 years, until their daughter Bea turns 18.

By any reckoning, that's an astronomical return on a marriage that lasted just four short and unhappy years.

Heather denies she ever set out to be a gold-digger, yet the result is that she will emerge from that courtroom with a fortune far, far beyond anything she could have hoped to earn independently.

And for her to suggest that it is in any way an equitable return on the emotional investment and sacrifices she made in motherhood and marriage is farcical.

Granted, if she and Macca had been married for 40 years, she would have a far more persuasive case for sympathy. But four years?

That's not a marriage, it's an overgrown fling.

Nonetheless, the law is on Heather's side. Because common sense, it seems, counts for nothing in the divorce courts today, still less a modicum of decency and fair play.

The result is that marriage itself has been cheapened.

For if this bitter case has served one purpose, it has been to send a powerful message that divorce is a bonanza for women, however badly they behave, and especially if they choose to give up work the moment they marry.

Whether she intended it or not, Heather has become an icon for the Great Female Gold-Digger's Movement, and one who will have lasting consequences.

We saw a precursor to this case with the landmark judgement in 2005 when the £85,000-a-year ($163,000) PR executive Melissa Miller took £5 million ($9.6 million) of her husband's earnings after less than three years of a childless marriage.

How can it be right, in our age of equal opportunities, that a divorced man is forced to work into perpetuity to compensate an ex-wife - even successful, professional, skilled women who are more than capable of supporting themselves independently?

The same is true, incidentally, of those increasingly common cases where a high-earning woman separates from a husband she has been supporting financially.

Whatever the sexes concerned, it is manifestly unfair that when two adults are capable of working, only one should continue to shoulder the main financial burden in the event of a separation - all the more so when that burden is so unnecessary.

Yesterday a High Court judge decided that serial divorcee Susan Sangster will walk away from her fourth marriage without a penny from her last husband because they had both signed a pre-nuptial agreement and both were independently wealthy.

But how had Ms Sangster amassed her personal £18 million ($34.7 million) fortune? Yes, through her three previous divorces.

Heather Mills will certainly be independently wealthy as well, after her divorce.

Just look at the list of demands that the Mills camp has presented as justification for the massive payout it is seeking.

We are led to believe Heather needs two homes, one in Britain and another in the U.S., 24-hour security and two full-time nannies, household staff, a secretary and personal trainer - all to be paid for by her ex-husband.

Now, of course, children must be properly provided for financially. But this isn't a checklist of necessity, it's a shopping basket of greed and indulgence from a woman who, until she got her talons into Macca, was living a comfortable but by no means luxurious life in the mews flat she shared with a tennis tournament organiser.

Ah, say Heather's team, but the fall-out from her acrimonious divorce is such that she is now virtually unemployable. I rather doubt that.

Even if she is obliged to sign a gagging clause as part of the deal, her future bankability will owe far more to her brief marriage to a Beatle than to her own rather limited talents.

Indeed, without it she'd be earning a pittance. How much do you imagine Heather Mills - landmine campaigner and former glamour model - would be earning now, aged 40, if she hadn't shot to fame thanks to her marriage?

She'd be lucky if she netted £50,000 ($96,453) a year. So how can it be right that she should walk away with £50 million ($96 million)?

But perhaps even more damagingly, this case also teaches us that in today's divorce courts, women who engage in cruelty and smear tactics - egged on by their lawyers - can be sure that it will increase their eventual payouts.

By all accounts, Paul is no saint, but the lengths Ms Mills' so-called friends have gone to vilify him have been breathtaking.

He may well be mean with his money (who can blame him for that, given the way things turned out?), but a wife-beater, an alcoholic, a druggie?

Three decades of marriage to Linda would suggest differently, despite the rocky patches that they supposedly encountered.

So, why smear his character through carefully placed leaks? Why propagate such hateful stories?

Because, as any divorcing dad knows to his cost, they serve to threaten the one thing in life they hold most dear - access to the children.

For a vengeful and unscrupulous wife, allegations of cruelty and abuse are the ultimate weapon in her armoury.

Never mind that "abuse" is a term now so loose in law it can mean anything from being a wife-beater to a husband who shouts at the dog.

A wife doesn't have to prove her allegations for them to be taken seriously in the eyes of the divorce courts. A judge must rightly consider the safety of the children first. Proof is difficult to ascertain.

The result? All too often a father, damned by his wife's allegations, knows that it is better to be the victim of an unjust financial settlement than to be denied access to his children.

Some might call that justice. I'd call it blackmail.

For little Bea, of course, it may already be too late. With a vilified mother and a humiliated father, no amount of luxury homes or holidays will compensate for the fall-out from her parents' very public cruelty to each other.

Who are the winners here? Paul's entourage of lawyers, supposedly the most expensive ever assembled for a divorce case in Britain, will walk away with millions.

And this circus will doubtless be a nice little earner for Heather's hangers-on, the personal trainer and the make-up artist.

But as for the main protagonists, Heather will get her blood-money, yes, but in the process she has become one of the most vilified women in Britain. The once-great Beatle is now living proof that there's no fool like an old and rich fool. Lasting damage has been inflicted on all the children caught up in the crossfire - not just Bea, but Paul's three grown-up offspring, too.

No, whatever the eventual deal, there are no winners here.

But the real legacy of the Mills v. McCartney case is this: it has demonstrated, in all-too painful detail, exactly what's wrong with divorce in this country.

It is no longer about justice; it is an opportunity for avarice, a theatre for character assassination and a gladiatorial contest in which everyone loses - except the lawyers.

A CHORUS of boos erupted outside the High Court yesterday - as Macca's fans branded Mucca the cow of this particular pantomime.

"Bitch", yelled Kelly Hutchinson, 44, from Bethnal Green, East London, as Heather's 4x4 rumbled away. Others flashed two fingers. Earlier they shouted: "We love you Paul," as he strolled to his car.

Beatles fan Dorothy Mortiboys, 60, and hubby Les, 59, from Devon, brought their 14-year-old granddaughter with them for the day.

Kelly - who attends the Princess Diana inquest in the morning and supports Sir Paul in the afternoon - said: "His fans show him more loyalty than Heather ever could."

February 14, 2008 -- Daily Mail

Joking Macca begins court fightback in divorce battle against 'stressed' Heather

Sir Paul McCartney today began his fightback in his divorce battle with Heather Mills.

The former Beatle's legal team was believed to be setting out their case against his estranged wife's demands for a record-breaking settlement.

There was a contrast between the moods in the two camps as they made their way to and from Court 34.

Sir Paul, 65, happily greeted reporters and shared a joke with his lawyer, Fiona Shackleton, as he strode into the courtroom.

But Ms Mills sat alone in her Mercedes 4x4 for 20 minutes after arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice while her personal trainer, Ben Amigoni, 23, wheeled boxes of documents inside.

The 40-year-old former model finally entered the court buildings looking tense and ashen-faced - sparking speculation that she was wilting under the pressure of the assault by Sir Paul's legal team.

She also appeared to be showing the strain during breaks from proceedings in which Sir Paul's representatives, Ms Shackleton and Nicholas Mostyn, were said to be attempting to take her case apart piece by piece.

Ms Mills has brought in a lawyer from Los Angeles to help her and is also supported by London solicitor, David Rosen, though she is believed to be presenting her own case in court.

She is thought to be demanding about £60 million ($115 million) of Sir Paul's reported £825 million ($1.5 billion) fortune, homes in the US and Britain, full-time nannies for their four-year-old daughter Beatrice, and 24-hour security for both of them.

A gagging clause that would prevent her selling her story is also said to have been contested.

It has been reported that Ms Mills and Sir Paul have clashed in court over schooling for Beatrice. Sir Paul apparently wants her to be educated at a state school, while Ms Mills is set on private education.

Ms Shackleton, who reportedly costs £500 ($964) an hour, is thought to be arguing that Ms Mills should get £10 million ($19 million). If she is dissatisfied with any settlement and takes it to the Court of Appeal, the case details would become public.

The hearing is due to finish tomorrow. However, there were claims today that the judge, Mr Justice Bennett, has cleared his diary for next week as the hearing may run on until Monday or beyond.

Angry Sir Paul McCartney told his lawyer to offer Heather Mills £30 million to "get her off my back", it was claimed yesterday.

The order came as he was walking to lunch with £500-an-hour legal ($964) eagle Fiona Shackleton.

He was overheard by stunned Mike Pritchard, leaving London's Royal Courts of Justice at the same time.

Mike, 59, from Cardiff, said: "I had been at another case. I was about a yard behind them.

"He was very irate and told his lawyer, 'Offer her £30 million ($57 million) - get her off my back'.

"His lawyer replied, 'We'll have to see about that later'."

"I couldn't believe that I'd seen him, or what I overheard.

"Paul then took a call on his mobile phone and they got into their car and were driven off."

He said Sir Paul, 65, suggested the deal on Monday, Day One of his High Court divorce battle with 40-year-old Heather.

The one-legged blonde - dubbed Lady Mucca because of her sordid past as a porn model and hooker - is said to have been after a £100 million ($193 million) chunk of his estimated £825 million ($1.5 billion) fortune.

The former Beatle is thought to have originally offered £10 million ($19 million).

Impact

On Tuesday the couple appeared to be closer to an agreement after a series of behind-closed-doors sessions during which Heather represented herself.

Yesterday she swapped a "theatrical" presentation style - said to have cut no ice with the judge - for a more professional approach, highlighted by her choice of a grey pinstripe trouser suit.

She is demanding homes in the UK and the US, two full-time nannies for their four-year-old daughter Bea and round-the-clock guards.

A giant box of letters was wheeled into court as she claimed marriage to national treasure Sir Paul had thrust her into the spotlight and ruined her life.

She is understood to have read out messages sent BEFORE she wed from fans praising her charity work and struggle against disability - and then used hate mail sent AFTER the marriage crumbled to show she was now a hate figure.

A court source said: "There were lots of letters in the box. She was determined to make an impact."

Another added: "Heather feels her reputation has been destroyed by this marriage. When they split she was always going to be seen as the villain because her husband can do no wrong in the public's eyes.

"She was determined to make it clear that the marriage is the reason she needs protection, and that he should therefore pay for it. She believes that very strongly because she really does fear for her life."

The hearing - which follows 20 bitter months of wrangling since the couple's break-up - is due to end tomorrow.

Educating Bea: Sir Paul and Heather Mills 'back at odds' over private school

Relations between Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have taken a fresh downturn, according to friends.

The news came after a day when the couple were to discuss their daughter's schooling at their divorce hearing.

The former Beatle, 65, is determined that four-year-old Beatrice should not be schooled privately when she starts in the autumn.

'Vilified' Heather Mill and estranged husband Sir Paul McCartney outside court yesterday

He wants her education to be like that of his three other children Stella, Mary and James.

Private education, in his estimation, "messes up" children and he hopes Beatrice would gain from being grounded by the experience of state schooling.

Sir Paul has told friends how his other children had "certainly turned out all right".

Stella is a successful fashion designer with stores in such places as London's New Bond Street. Mary is similarly successful as a fashion photographer and James is working in the music industry.

But Miss Mills, 40, is apparently set on a private education.

The couple have already spent three days behind closed doors trying to thrash out a financial settlement to end their fouryear marriage. They are thought to be heading towards a deal in which Miss Mills will receive £55 million ($106 million).

Yesterday, on day three of the hearings, boxes labelled 'mail' were wheeled into Court 34 at the Royal Courts of Justice by a member of her entourage.

Miss Mills was expected to claim she had received hate mail from the moment she was linked with Sir Paul, 65. She has claimed she became vilified around the world by his jealous fans suspicious of her motives.

A source said: "Heather feels like her reputation has been destroyed by this marriage.

"Paul is seen as a saint and can do no wrong whereas Heather is now a hate figure.

"She does not know what the future holds for her and that is one of her main arguments."

It is already known that one of Miss Mills's main demands is that she and Beatrice have 24-hour protection - paid for by Sir Paul - because she believes they could be at risk from cranks.

Last November she conducted a string of highly-emotional TV and radio interviews in which she spoke about receiving death threats.

In one outburst on GMTV, she confessed she had thought about suicide after receiving death threats. And earlier this week she claimed that her reputation had been destroyed by her marriage to the man regarded as a national treasure.

Yesterday, Miss Mills was being assisted in court by a U.S. lawyer.

She is still representing herself in the hearing after being dropped by the firm Mishcon de Reya for unpaid bills of around £1.5 million ($2.8 million). Miss Mills is also being helped out by a London solicitor David Rosen.

Her mood yesterday appeared pensive in comparison with the previous day and she did not respond to reporters' questions.

She claims to deserve a payout in excess of £55 million because her earning potential has been obliterated.

Before her relationship with Sir Paul she was well-known for campaigning on issues including animal rights and landmines.

The couple, who married in 2002, split up in May 2006.

The former Beatle has an estimated fortune of £825 million ($1.5 billion) and the divorce settlement could be the biggest in British legal history.

But unless one of them takes issue with the settlement and goes to the Court of Appeal, the figures and details might never be known.

The case - due to last five days - continues today.

Paul McCartney looked set today to be facing the nightmare of his private finances and life with estranged wife Heather Mills being submitted to the full glare of publicity.

His divorce battle with Miss Mills being held in private at the High Court goes into its final couple of days tomorrow with no agreement in sight.

If it does end up with Mr Justice Bennett imposing a settlement on the warring couple, the case could end up in the Court of Appeal where neither of the parties has the right to the case being heard in secret.

Whatever it is that Miss Mills wants from McCartney ­ whether an enormous slice of his reputed £825 million ($1.5 billion) fortune or rights he is not prepared to grant ­ the estranged couple would appear to be miles away from any sort of harmony.

Legal experts say most divorce cases ­ if there is to be a settlement ­ end after a day.

Behind the blacked out windows of Court 34 Mr Justice Bennett is presiding over a trial being waged by a couple who both want to win.

It is the judge who has to hear about all the issues dividing the couple.

He will then make the decision for them unless both sides throw in the towel and reach a settlement outside the court.

He will find for one side or the other ­ or somewhere between the two ­ and impose his decision which must be obeyed by both Sir Paul and Miss Mills.

The only route out of a decision of a High Court judge is to go to the Court of Appeal.

There, instead of the strict rules of the High Court Family Division forbidding public entrance to the courts, everything is in public.

It is well known that Miss Mills is anxious to reveal details of why her marriage with the former Beatle lasted less than four years.

They married in June 2002, four years after McCartney's first wife Linda died of breast cancer.

This is a divorce which could top the list of big money payouts.

February 13, 2008 -- Daily Mail

Deal in sight as Paul and Heather give peace a chance

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills are back in court today as they continue to edge steadily towards a record divorce settlement.

A change in mood in court 34 of the Royal Courts of Justice came yesterday as the couple had the chance to talk in heartfelt terms about how they met, how they were attracted to each other and their love for their daughter, Beatrice.

There were even rumours that the pair were in giggles during part of the evidence, but there were also times when tears were shed.

A source said the divorce looked likely to be settled this week.

Yesterday, the couple also had the opportunity to discuss their respective assets, which would have included their properties as well as clothes, artwork, jewellery and the computer technology.

As the Daily Mail revealed last week, the pair are edging steadily towards a record settlement deal which could see Miss Mills walk away with £55 million ($105 million) made up of a lump sum of £20 million ($38 million) and annual payments of £2.5 million ($4.8 million) for the next 14 years until four-year-old Beatrice turns 18.

The Mail understands that as part of the agreement Miss Mills could forever be "gagged" from talking about the breakdown of the marriage.

The record pay-out is said to be based on Miss Mills's assertion that she has become a hate figure in Britain since the split and as such will be unemployable and without an income.

Miss Mills, it is planned, will be Beatrice's main carer but Sir Paul will have equal visitation rights - and his property portfolio will remain his in the agreement.

Sir Paul is understood to have agreed to pay for round-the clock security for Beatrice and her mother after Miss Mills recently revealed that she had been on the receiving end of "death threats" and is pursued relentlessly by paparazzi photographers.

The ex-Beatle is also thought to have agreed to pay Miss Mills's outstanding legal bill of some £2 million ($3.8 million) from her former lawyers Mishcon De Reya.

Outwardly yesterday the pair looked to have turned a significant corner in the divorce.

Miss Mills emerged from court with a broad grin across her face. The former model looked relaxed and happy throughout the day compared to Monday when she refused to speak to the press and seemed anxious and at times upset.

Although she was unable to comment on the proceedings she did smile at reporters and whisper: "Can't speak, can't speak."

But when her legal adviser David Rosen was asked why her mood had lifted, he said: "She's happy."

It was the first outward sign that the warring couple are getting closer to a settlement and that things were going Miss Mills's way.

Sir Paul said "no comment" as he left the building at the end of the five-hour session. He too looked more relaxed than he had the previous day.

Throughout the day, tensions between the couple had appeared to be lifting.

Sir Paul, 65, had arrived looking cheery in comparison with his black mood the previous day.

He even shook the hand of Miss Mills's personal trainer Ben Amigoni - the man he once suspected was having an affair with his wife.

That was during the height of the animosity between the warring couple following the breakdown of their four-year marriage in May 2006.

Mr Amigoni and Miss Mills, 40, - who met five years ago at a London gym - have always denied having anything but a professional relationship.

Yesterday the two men swapped pleasantries for several minutes outside the courtroom where the five-day hearing in front of Mr Justice Bennett is being held behind closed doors.

Sir Paul, dressed in a dark suit and blue tie, approached the fitness expert and greeted him with a warm handshake.

Even Sir Paul's £1000-a-day ($1,900) solicitor Fiona Shackleton broke her icy demeanour and was seen smiling and laughing with a female colleague-The hearing - due to last until Friday - will resume today.

Away from the court, Miss Mills's father claimed that she will leave the country with Sir Paul millions as soon as the divorce is settled.

Mark Mills said his daughter would set up home in either France or America because she has become such a hate figure in Britain.

Mr Mills, 66, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, who has at times had a strained relationship with his daughter, added that he thought she deserved £80million - a tenth of Sir Paul's reported worth - which would be enough for her to relocate, look after Beatrice for life and also donate some to charity.

Paul McCartney insists he'll make 'no concessions' as divorce battle with Heather Mills begins

Macca's friends said yesterday he was truly sorry that his bitter divorce battle with Heather Mills was having to be settled by a judge.

But the ex-Beatle was said to be "grimly determined" not to cave in to her demands - and to let the legal process take its course.

One friend, speaking as the couple faced each other across a London courtroom for the first day of their divorce hearing, said: "It gives Paul no pleasure to have to go through this.

"Not only for his sake but for Heather's too. She wanted her day in court and now she's got it.

"He's more sorry than angry - but he will not be making any concessions. He always wanted their divorce to be conducted quietly and with dignity and Heather was not prepared to allow that.

"Now he wants it to be sorted out through the proper channels - and unfortunately for both of them, that is in court."

Sir Paul McCartney and his estranged wife have been gagged from talking about their divorce proceedings as they attempt to reach a settlement which could run to a multi-million pound deal.

A High Court judge is understood to have warned the warring couple and their advisers about the possible consequences of leaking details of the legal hearing, which could include being found in contempt of court and heavy fines.

Mr Justice Bennett, who is hearing the dispute, is thought to have told them that the matters they are discussing are confidential and must remain so.

As Lady McCartney emerged from behind the blacked out windows of Court 34, in the Family Division of the High Court, she told waiting reporters: "I can't say anything, I can't say anything."

Sir Paul, wearing a dark suit, blue tie and black pumps, put a finger to his lips and smiled as he said: "No comment".

However, relations between the couple appeared to have thawed on the second day of the five-day hearing.

Both looked noticeably more relaxed, fuelling speculation that they were close to sealing a deal which could be the biggest divorce settlement in British legal history.

During a break in proceedings Sir Paul even shook hands with Lady McCartney's personal trainer and friend Ben Amigoni, 23, the first sign of friendly contact between the two sides.

In October 2006, several months after his marriage broke down, Sir Paul reportedly telephoned Mr Amigoni to ask if he and Lady McCartney had begun a relationship, which Mr Amigoni denied.

As they met outside the doors of the court the two men spoke briefly and amicably.

Sir Paul has yet to be seen speaking to Lady McCartney and they leave the court at different times with their entourages.

In a further signal that a deal may be close Sir Paul's solicitor Fiona Shackleton looked upbeat as she emerged from court.

Lady McCartney, 40, is believed to be claiming that since her marriage to the 65-year-old ex-Beatle she has been hounded by the media.

Expert estimates of what the eventual settlement will be vary from £10 million ($19 million) to £80 million ($154 million) but there is no chance of Lady McCartney securing half of the musician's fortune, which has been estimated at up to £825 million ($1.5 billion).

Most of his money was earned before their four year marriage and much of the argument between the sides is believed to be over the amount of money needed to bring up their four-year-old daughter Beatrice and the amount needed to provide security.

The couple are understood to have already agreed to joint custody of their daughter.

Sir Paul is also believed to want Lady McCartney to sign a confidentiality clause not to publicly reveal details of their marriage in interviews.

If she appeals against the amounts awarded they could later become public at the Court of Appeal.

Sir Paul is represented by a £1,000 ($1,900) an hour check legal team which includes Ms Shackleton and barrister Nicholas Mostyn QC who has a reputation as a legal rottweiler.

But Lady McCartney is representing herself after parting company with her lawyers Mishcon de Reya, who acted for Diana, Princess of Wales during her divorce.

The UK is regarded as one of the best jurisdictions in the world for wives seeking a divorce settlement but experts suggested Lady McCartney's strategy of arguing her own case could backfire.

Sandra Sinclair, of law firm SAS Daniels, said: "She must be mad to do it herself. She is up against one of the finest legal teams in the world.

"The judge in the case will be as helpful as possible, as they are to all litigants in person, but it is not up to him to put her case."

WATCH "HUNTING HEATHER" VIDEO

Vain Heather Mills arrived at court for her divorce war with Sir Paul McCartney yesterday - flanked by a posse of sidekicks, including her personal trainer and MAKE-UP artist.

The ex-model, dubbed Mucca over her porn past, also brought her sister Fiona, a female pal, a minder, a chauffeur - and a lone solicitor to advise on legal protocol as she represents herself in court.

Heather, pleading her own case after she was dumped by her lawyers, aims to wring up to £100 million ($192 million) out of former Beatle Macca, who is said to have an £825 million ($1.5 billion) fortune.

As the hearing kicked off behind closed doors at London's High Court, she showed the judge cosy home videos of herself and Sir Paul together in a bid to prove she was the star's "rock" and deserved a huge cut of his money.

It is understood she also screened a video likening herself to Princess Diana - claiming she was hounded by paparazzi and needed 24-hour security to avoid the same fate.

But The Sun can reveal Heather is ALREADY planning an appeal - to be heard in open court - in the hope it would damage Macca's image.

Her threat seemed to have an impact on the 65-year-old rocker, who arrived at court looking relaxed, but left looking tense and under pressure. The star, in a grey suit, tie and black casual shoes, turned up to protect his millions with £1000-an-hour ($1,900) ace Fiona Shackleton, who led his legal team.

The latest stage of the long-running drama - already dubbed the Divorce of the Century - is listed simply as file number FDO6D03721.

Heather, 40, wearing a pinstriped grey skirt and jacket, black high-heeled ankle boots and a pink blouse, linked arms with sister Fiona, 37, as she walked into court at 9.05am.

An hour later, Sir Paul walked in and, within seconds, Mucca marched out to the loo.

It was the first of FOUR bathroom breaks she took as she argued her case throughout the morning in front of Mr Justice Hugh Bennett. An onlooker said: "It was as if she couldn't bear to be in the same room as Sir Paul. Shelooked fraught, as if she was having trouble handling it all."

Heather and her sister had arrived at court in a blacked-out chauffeur-driven 4x4. The rest of her entourage - including fitness expert Ben Amigoni and make-up guru Mark Payne - followed in a van.

Sister Fiona and the female friend were given permission to sit alongside Heather in Court 34 to offer support.

Solicitor David Rosen also sat with her, but only to advise on court protocol. Meanwhile, the rest of her group had to stand outside the courtroom door.

Sir Paul still looked cheery as he left for lunch. But the afternoon's evidence left him, and his ex, stony-faced.

Both looked strained as they emerged tight-lipped at the end of their day in court.

Macca wed Heather at a lavish ceremony in Co Monaghan, Ireland, in June 2002.

Their daughter Beatrice was born in October 2003 - but they split up in May 2006.

Sources say Mucca, who once posed for hardcore porn mags, is demanding between £80 million ($154 million) and £100 million ($192 million) to maintain her lifestyle.

Her demands also include at least two homes and two full-time nannies. She wants 24-hour security, medical cover, a personal trainer, household staff and a secretary. And she is demanding Sir Paul bankroll her entourage during trips.

He's vowed to pay for Bea's needs - but wants Heather's payout limited to £10 million ($19 million).

Financial experts at Forbes magazine reckon the case could end in a £30 million ($57.8 million) payout - the world's sixth most expensive celebrity divorce.

Sir Paul's legal bills are expected to hit £5 million ($9.6 million). His team will insist his fortune is nowhere near £825 million ($1.5 billion) and that Heather needs a fraction of the amount she is claiming.

The hearing continues.

A source close to Sir Paul claimed Ms Mills was using the court case to bolster her demands for round-the-clock security to be paid for by the former Beatle.

The source alleged Ms Mills's decision to arrive at court with a burly bodyguard and a driver - plus an entourage including her sister, personal trainer and make-up artist - was unnecessary.

It follows the online broadcast, on the day the trial started, of short film "Hunting Heather" - in which she speaks of fears for her life after months hounded by paparazzi.

This has added to a belief in the McCartney camp that Ms Mills is treating the divorce hearing at least in part as a publicity stunt.

The source said: "She turns up to court with security. It's all a big show on her part."

The High Court hearing is set to last until at least the end of the week.

It will decide how much Ms Mills, 40, a former model turned charity campaigner, deserves of Sir Paul's fortune after four years of marriage.

Her entourage, which has raised eyebrows among family law experts, is in part explained by her decision to represent herself at the hearing.

She split with her legal team late last year and owes about £1.5 million ($3 million) in unpaid bills.

She now has help from David Rosen, a litigator at a small north London firm. He is not allowed to address the judge or cross-examine witnesses.

In contrast, Sir Paul has put together one of the most expensive legal teams ever seen for a divorce hearing in Britain, led by Fiona Shackleton.

The hearing is being held behind closed doors. The details may never be made public, unless it goes to the Court of Appeal.

It is believed the first two days were taken up with Ms Mills' demands for a fair settlement, based on round-the-clock security demands and other spending needs, including medical treatment having lost a leg when hit by a police motorcycle.

Her previous legal advisors Mishcon de Reya had suggested £20 million ($38.5 million) would represent a decent settlement. Sir Paul will also have to provide for their daughter Beatrice, four. He offered as little as £5 million ($10 million) at one stage.

He will claim he is not nearly as wealthy as has been reported. A source described estimates of £825 million, based on the Sunday Times Rich List assessment, as "wide of the mark".

Who's winning? Heather grins after day one in court but Macca looks distraught

Heather Mills's life was ruined by marrying Sir Paul McCartney and their split has left her a public hate figure, she is believed to have argued on the first day of the couple's divorce hearing yesterday.

Before she met him she was popular and was able to support herself, the former Beatle's estranged wife is understood to have told the High Court.

But when they started dating, she devoted herself to Sir Paul and brought up his child before becoming hated by the public when they broke up, the former model is thought to have told Mr Justice Bennett.

As a result of the separation she is now unemployable with no income, Miss Mills is believed to have claimed.

Media scrutiny had made her life hell and paparazzi photographers often threatened her safety and that of her four-year-old daughter with Sir Paul, Beatrice, the court is said to have been told.

Sir Paul and Miss Mills are believed to be on the brink of signing a record £55 million ($105 million) settlement - made up of a £20 million ($38 million) lump sum for her and annual payments of £2.5million ($4.8 million) for the next 14 years.

Yesterday, both sides spent six hours pouring over an "in principle" agreement which they hope to sign this week.

After a long day in court Miss Mills, who is representing herself and had arrived with a make-up artist, Mark Payne, and her personal fitness trainer, Ben Amigoni, emerged in buoyant mood, smiling broadly.

Sir Paul, who had been flanked by a top legal team, could not have looked more different, scowling furiously as he left.

During the private hearing in the screened-off Court 34 at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, sources say they trawled through a confidentiality agreement whereby Miss Mills, 40, will never be allowed to discuss publicly in detail the reasons behind the breakdown of the four-year marriage.

They are also said to have gone over the issue of the substantial annual maintenance, which includes a large amount put aside solely to cover the cost of round-the-clock security for Miss Mills after she revealed recently that she had received "death threats".

Proceedings paused briefly for a lavatory break just after midday. Sir Paul left the court and said nothing to waiting reporters.

Ms Mills left shortly afterwards with her 36-year-old sister Fiona Mills clutching a make-up bag. The pair apparently went into a cubicle together as members of her entourage stood guard outside.

During the break one of Miss Mills's drivers brought up a projector to screen a video called Hunting Heather to back up her argument that she needs to pay for 24-hour security.

During the two-minute film - a mish-mash of clips shot by Mr Amigoni, 23, concerning the paparazzi pack's efforts allegedly to photograph her and set to the Batman theme - she talks to the camera about her fears.

The video is posted on her website and culminates in the aftermath of a car accident involving a photographer, followed by a grave-looking Heather telling the camera from her car seat: "Someone could have been killed today.

"There's glass all over the place. The guy's had a mega crash trying to chase us."

However, it has been revealed that the crash had nothing to do with Mills - who was actually in a nearby coffee shop at the time.

Another photographer present at the scene of the crash in Hove, East Sussex, last year, said: "At the time of the accident, Heather was tucked up inside the coffee shop. She had nothing to do with it and there was certainly no chase going on.

"Ben Amigoni saw what had happened from the coffee shop and rushed outside with his video camera. Accidents happen all the time, and the photographer in question wasn't even responsible for this one. The other person admitted liability and paid out to get his car fixed.

"It's interesting to see how the video has been pieced together to make it look like Heather was nearly involved in a horrific accident. She's even added sound effects of screeching car tyres, and it cuts straight to her sitting in a car saying 'thank goodness I escaped'.

"She's so keen to make it look like she could be 'the next Princess Di', I'm surprised she didn't chuck in some stock footage of a tunnel."

In the video, she reads a piece to camera in which she makes a host of unfounded allegations.

She says: "You can see it's so dangerous. I'm not just harping on. We had three of them following me and my daughter this morning and they all drive dangerously through red lights holding their cameras. It's just crazy.

The custody of Beatrice is also believed to have been discussed. Miss Mills, it was proposed, will be the main carer but 65-year-old Sir Paul will have equal visitation rights. There will be handovers every week and each parent will spend alternate weekends with Beatrice.

Paul's property portfolio - including the marital home in St John's Wood, North London, and homes in Sussex, Scotland, New York and Los Angeles - will apparently remain his.

On the issue of money, it was believed to have been discussed that Sir Paul should also clear an outstanding bill with Miss Mills's former lawyers Mishcon de Reya - which is understood to stand at some £2 million ($3.8 million)

Miss Mills had arrived at court shortly before 9am. She looked anxious and refused to answer questions from the Press, but twice visited the loos clutching a make-up bag before the hearing began....

Sir Paul arrived an hour later, saying "Good morning" to reporters before entering the chamber.

As is usual when someone represents him or herself in court, Miss Mills was guided by a so-called McKenzie Friend - an individual who gives guidance on legal points.

A source said: "Heather had been planning her presentation for months. It was like a Powerpoint presentation - a lecture, if you like. She had been preparing folders of newspaper cuttings just like she did on GMTV.

"That was the evidence that being married to Paul made her a hate figure for the rest of her life. She brought into that the death threats she had, the maliciousness of what she calls the 'Beatle nutters'.

"She has already spoken before of how she became so low after threats to her and Beatrice's life that she considered suicide.

"Her argument is that for the rest of her life she will be this hate figure in Britain. As such, she will argue, her earning capability has been severely damaged. Consequently, she will say, Paul should compensate financially for that - for the rest of her life."

The source added that Miss Mills is arguing that while her earning power was killed by the marriage, the irony is that she actually got Sir Paul's career back on track.

The case was being heard by Mr Justice Bennett, an eminent family law judge who has sat on many big divorce cases.

When the couple first announced their split nearly two years ago, they insisted the parting would be amicable but it was not long before their break-up was bogged down in bitter accusations.

In October 2006 a leaked document set out a catalogue of sensational allegations made by Ms Mills about his behaviour towards her during their marriage.

There were also claims that Sir Paul had changed the locks at the marital home, frozen her bank account and removed £10 million worth of paintings from her house.

She, in turn, claimed she had been labelled a "gold-digger and a whore".

It is expected that a deal will be rubber-stamped by Mr Justice Bennett this week. However, it is feared that allegations at the weekend that Miss Mills was unfaithful to Sir Paul at the start of their relationship might have jeopardised the smooth progress of the settlement.

Unless one of the parties takes issue with the settlement being hammered out behind closed doors in the Family Division of the High Court and goes to the Court of Appeal, the figures and details will never be known to the outside world.

Sir Paul McCartney and Mills meet in court

Sir Paul McCartney faced his estranged wife across a court room today to battle out what may prove to be the largest divorce settlement in British legal history.

Lady McCartney was first to arrive ahead of the hearing at the High Court in London in a black Mercedes.

The former model, dressed in a grey and black pin stripe jacket and skirt and a peach blouse, mouthed "no comment" as she entered Court 34 where the week long proceedings are being held in private.

Signs on the doors of the court room read "No Admittance - Strictly Private".

About an hour later Sir Paul and his lawyer Fiona Shackleton walked into the court room, 15 minutes before the hearing was due to start.

Sir Paul, dressed in a grey pin stripe suit with a black and white scarf, sounded upbeat and said a brisk "good morning" but refused to say how much he was willing to offer as a settlement.

Only a few seconds after he strided into the court Lady McCartney left by another door looking grim faced. She again refused to comment.

She returned a few minutes later after applying some make-up. Several trolley loads of boxes were wheeled into the court by officials ahead of the hearing in front of Mr Justice Bennett.

The venue for the hearing is a cavernous, oak-panelled courtroom where the ceiling soars more than 30ft. Outside the court complex dozens of photographers and television crews from around the world gathered eager for a glimpse of the warring couple at the centre of one of the most acrimonious celebrity splits of recent years.

Lady McCartney had been hopeful of a last minute deal but none came and a source close to her said she was prepared to fight her corner.

The couple, who have a three-year-old daughter named Beatrice, announced in May 2006 that they were ending their four-year marriage. The 65-year-old former Beatle's fortune is estimated at £825 million ($1.5 billion) and reports have suggested Lady McCartney, 40, is looking to claim as much as 10 per cent of that.

This would exceed the record £48 million businessman John Charman was told by the courts to pay his former wife in May last year. Suzanne Kingston, a family law expert, said Lady McCartney was likely to receive anything from £50 million ($96 million) to £100 million ($192 million).

She said the future of the couple's daughter would also play a large part in the negotiations.

"In Heather and Sir Paul's negotiations, making sure that their child Beatrice is properly provided for will be a key consideration, as will ensuring that there is not a vast disparity between Heather's lifestyle and Paul's as viewed by Beatrice," she said.

"The fact that this has been a short marriage will be taken into account and this could involve looking at the wealth that has been generated during the course of the marriage as distinct from pre-marital wealth."

Lady McCartney is representing herself, having parted company with her lawyers Mishcon de Reya. At the time of their separation in 2006, the McCartneys said that they intended to keep their divorce "harmonious", raising the prospect of a civilised out-of-court settlement.

Singer Paul McCartney has defended himself against allegations he slapped a paparazzo in an unprovoked attack in London earlier this week, insisting it was the videographer who "overstepped the mark".

McCartney was snapped confronting James Jenkins and hitting him across the face following a heated confrontation outside the former Beatle's home.

The star is adamant he was provoked, however.

A spokesman said: "Every day for the last 18 months Paul has had to put up with up to 10 paparazzi trailing him wherever he goes and these guys overstepped the mark."

Sky's Jo Couzens reports from the High Court today, where Sir Paul McCartney is hoping to resolve his divorce from Heather Mills.

Follow her microblog here, minute by minute line by line.

Refresh the page for the latest

Live From The High Court:

about 2 hours ago
* Sir paul snuck out of court and quickly made his exit - after a few minutes there's no sign of heather, i think she must have been whisked away...

about 2 hours ago
* Court should break for lunch soon - hopefully catch a glimpse of one or both of them

about 3 hours ago
* Clearly it's not going to be speedy deal - what might be holding them up - are they down to who gets the spoons?

about 3 hours ago
* Finally the sun has come out to warm us all up - a group arrive to protest against the closure of dale farm

about 4 hours ago
* The pair are now presumably thrashing out a deal inside the closed court as we wait outside for news

about 4 hours ago
* Sir paul arrived and managed to avoid the waiting photographers - even the ones on ladders struggled to get a snap

about 4 hours ago
* After few technical issues with phone i'm back in action - after a fashion

about 4 hours ago
* Less press here

about 5 hours ago
* Heather was driven through the staff entrance ... I'm off to check main entrance for any action

about 5 hours ago
* Couple of cars drive in but no sign of Macca. The photogs take their pic anyway to check their light settings

about 6 hours ago
* Now we're all waiting for sir paul to arrive

about 6 hours ago
* Heather has just arrived through a back entrance - the snappers did their best to get a shot

about 6 hours ago
* I've arrived - along with around 30 photographers

about 6 hours ago
* Am on my way to the royal courts of justice for the McCartney's divorce hearing... More shortly

about 6 hours ago
* Hi - I'll be mircoblogging from the High Court today as Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills thrash out their divorce settlement

In keeping with the most publicised marriage break-up in history, Mills, 40, dressed in a grey suit and pink blouse, arrived first at the London court with a film crew in a white van and an entourage of eight.

Her former publicist, Phil Hall said the former glamour model was not in it for the money.

He said: "Money is not [Heather's] motivation. She simply feels that there is injustice here, that her life was wrecked by her marriage to Paul McCartney."

And warning of a tough five days of negotiating before a judge at a private hearing, Mr Hall added: "Heather is never stronger than when she is backed into a corner.

"She's got Paul against her and public opinion has turned against her, but she's a real fighter."

McCartney arrived shortly after, and offered a cheery 'Good Morning' to waiting reporters but remained tight-lipped when asked if there had been an out-of-court settlement.

Large "No Admittance" signs were fixed to the court doors and its windows were covered to ensure no one could look in. Scroll down for more...

Their courtroom tussle, which will enter its final stages in Court 34 of London's ornate Royal Courts of Justice, behind closed doors, is expected to last five days.

Any settlement may also be subject to a gagging order to keep secret the details of the agreement.

In what are sure to be intense negotiations, the pair were thought to be close to finalising their divorce this week.

But following a report that emerged alleging Miss Mills had cheated on the former Beatle, sources said she is worried the revelations will jeopardise her £55million settlement.

Heather Mills with Tim Steel at a party in Mayfair in 1997

A Sunday newspaper alleged that she cheated on 65-year-old Sir Paul for six months near the start of their relationship.

The affair ended before the couple were married in 2002.

Miss Mills, 40, is said to have "romped" with film editor Tim Steel the night before joining Sir Paul on a romantic holiday in 2000.

Mr Steel told the News of the World: "I didn't mind, I suppose I was flattered that Heather still wanted to have sex with me despite being pursued by this musical demi-god.

"I would be with her when he called or texted her. She'd even show me the texts."

The revelations came the day before Sir Paul and Miss Mills were due to face each other in court to finalise their divorce.

However, the news prompted a furious phone call last night.

"Heather called Paul to see if everything was set," said a source.

"The conversation quickly turned the weekend's papers and in particular the story about Heather's alleged infidelity.

"Heather played it down, calling it 'just the tabloids'. Paul was less impressed.

"He said: 'I'll see you in court'."

The divorce, the most high-profile showbusiness split since Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman broke up, has turned into a battle for sympathy fought out under a media spotlight.

Mills' public relations adviser quit when Mills gave a string of tearful television interviews in which she said remorseless media coverage had driven her to the brink of suicide.

McCartney married Mills in 2002 four years after his first wife Linda died of cancer.

Macca has snubbed Heather Mills's last-ditch attempt to clinch a divorce deal and the pair arrived separately at court today for the start of their private hearing.

Heather turned up in a black Mercedes with blacked-out windows wearing a black top and skirt with a pink blouse and ankle boots.

Sir Paul arrived a few minutes later looking smart in a pin-striped suit and black and white scarf round his neck.

He said good morning to the hordes of journalists and photographers waiting outside the London court before entering the building.

Panicky Heather bombarded Sir Paul, 65, with phone calls over the weekend to try to win a settlement ahead of today's divorce hearing. But a friend of Heather, 40, said: "She was in tears but he was extremely cool.

"He just said 'See you in court'. Heather is desperate not to face a court. She thinks she'll be humiliated when her past is raked up." A friend of Macca's said: "He's in good spirits. He was always prepared to go all the way."

A friend told how Heather repeatedly rang the ex-Beatle over the weekend but he at first refused to even speak to her. And when he did finally pick up the phone yesterday morning he curtly rebuffed her pleas.

The friend said: "Heather kept phoning Paul but he wouldn't take her calls. When she eventually got through she was in tears and very emotional. He was very cool throughout the conversation. She is desperate to settle out of court and told him it didn't need to come to that. But he ended it by simply saying 'I'll see you in court'."

Heather was desperate to speak to Macca to assure him newspaper allegations that she was unfaithful for six months during the early part of their relationship were false.

The friend said: "She wanted to tell him she is innocent.

"I think she's worried that every time something bad is written about her, the court payment will go down."

Despite Macca's frosty tone, Heather, 40, is said to still be hoping she can secure a last-minute deal today. She may even approach him with an offer on the steps of London's High Court as they arrive for the 10am start to what is being described as the divorce of the century.

The pair have been locked in acrimonious talks for months over how much of Sir Paul's estimated £809 million fortune Heather is entitled to after their four-year marriage.

Judge Mr Justice Bennett will rule on a settlement figure after listening to legal arguments from both sides.

The friend said Heather fears she will be publicly ridiculed in court, adding: "She's really nervous about it. She thinks she will be humiliated when her past is raked up."

The Mirror revealed on Saturday that Heather has told Sir Paul she is willing to settle for £10 million ($19 million).

Macca, 65, is said to be upbeat about the coming legal fight.

A friend who saw him last week in London said: "He was in good spirits, quite a jaunty mood.

"He was relishing the forthcoming court case as he was always prepared to go all the way."

And a source close to the singer said: "They are definitely going to court. He does not want to settle."

The five-day hearing will also deal with custody of the couple's daughter Beatrice, four.

Macca Vs MILLS

VENUE

Mr Justice Bennett will preside over the five-day closed hearing in Court 34 of Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, London.

HIS TEAM

Led by Fiona Shackleton, pictured below. Prince Charles's lawyer is called Steel Magnolia because of blonde looks, charm and resoluteness. 51-year-old mum-of-two is partner in law firm Paine Hicks Beach. First high-profile divorce case was that of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

HER TEAM

Heather dumped Mishcon de Reya after massive fall-out and will represent herself at hearing.

£809M ($1.5 billion)ASSETS

£400million ($768 million) from music rights, £138 million ($265 million) inheritance from first wife Linda, £100 million ($192 million) art investments, £100 million ($192 million) other assets, £48.5 million ($93 million) from albums and touring, £8 million ($15 million) Peasmarsh estate in East Sussex, £5 million ($9.6 million) Soho flat, £3 million ($5.7 million) Beverly Hills mansion, £3 million ($5.7 million) Arizona ranch, £2 million ($3.8 million) house in Hove, £1.5 million ($2.8 million) farm on Kintyre, £500,000 ($960, 912) Wirral home.

CUSTODY

Custody of Beatrice will be dealt with by judge. Heather could take estimated £20 million ($38.4 million) lump sum as well as further installments of estimated £2.5 million ($4.8 million) a year until Beatrice turns 18. Heather will be main carer but Sir Paul will have equal visiting rights. Heather has also agreed not to live abroad for at least next five years.

February 11, 2008 -- Daily Mail

Will 'love-cheat' Heather story hit £55m divorce from Sir Paul?

Sir Paul McCartney and his estranged wife Heather Mills had a furious argument yesterday over claims that she cheated on him.

The pair were thought to be close to finalising their divorce in the High Court this week, but sources say Miss Mills is worried that the revelations will jeopardise her £55 million ($105 million) settlement.

A Sunday newspaper alleged that she cheated on 65-year-old Sir Paul for six months near the start of their relationship.

The affair ended before the couple were married in 2002.

Miss Mills, 40, is said to have "romped" with film editor Tim Steel the night before joining Sir Paul on a romantic holiday in 2000.

Mr Steel told the News of the World: "I didn't mind, I suppose I was flattered that Heather still wanted to have sex with me despite being pursued by this musical demi-god.

"I would be with her when he called or texted her. She'd even show me the texts."

The revelations came the day before Sir Paul and Miss Mills were due to face each other in court to finalise their divorce.

However, the news prompted a furious phone call last night.

"Heather called Paul to see if everything was set," said a source.

"The conversation quickly turned the weekend's papers and in particular the story about Heather's alleged infidelity.

"Heather played it down, calling it 'just the tabloids'. Paul was less impressed.

"He said: 'I'll see you in court'."

Sir Paul McCartney slapped a photographer as the stress of his bitter divorce battle bubbled over.

The Beatles legend clashed with snapper James Jenkins just three days before a court showdown with Heather Mills.

Sir Paul, 65 - whose hits include Back In The USSR and Yesterday - slapped Jenkins across the face when he spotted the lensman videoing him outside his London home.

Macca - who is usually unfazed by photographers - then stormed off to a nearby gym.

But 90 minutes later he returned to his St John's Wood pad - and happily posed with waiting paparazzi.

Macca's spokesman last night blamed Jenkins for the bust-up.

He said: "Every day for the last 18 months Paul has had to put up with up to ten paparazzi trailing him wherever he goes and these guys overstepped the mark."

But Jenkins denied provoking Macca and said: "You can hear on the video that I didn't say a thing. "It was him who walked up to me and became aggressive.

"His slap had quite a sting to it and I was left with a red mark."

And an onlooker said: "Paul came out of his house and made a beeline for the snapper - he seemed furious and was yelling.

"He lifted his hand and slapped the shocked photographer.

"I couldn't believe it because Paul is usually great with the paparazzi."

Macca is due to face Heather, 39, in court tomorrow in a final bid to thrash out a megabucks divorce deal.

A pal said: "He's always been comfortable with the media and accepts photographers as part of his life.

"It just shows how stressed he is and how much the court case has got to him that he reacted like that."

Our bombshell exposé of her secret betrayal explodes as the couple prepare for a showdown week in their bitter multi-million-pound divorce battle.

We can reveal that Mucca romped with handsome film editor Tim Steel THE NIGHT BEFORE joining Macca on a romantic Caribbean Valentine's holiday.

The one-legged ex-hooker even brazenly showed her lover Sir Paul's tender texts-before leaping into bed with Tim for marathon sex sessions.

"I didn't mind-I suppose I was flattered that Heather still wanted to have sex with me despite being pursued by this musical demi-god," says Tim, breaking his silence on an affair that will stun the nation.

Orgasm

"Heather was insatiable between the sheets and she liked to call me her four-times-a-night guy. Our record was six.

"Most of the time it was multiple orgasms. Heather has a very unusual erogenous zone-her stump. I used to massage one particular sensitive area of it and give her an orgasm!

"But it was strange lying in bed talking about Paul McCartney. I would be with her when he called or texted her. She'd even show me the texts!"

Leeds-born Tim's shocking account of their affair will deal a heavy blow to 65-year-old Macca's pride-and put a time-bomb under Mucca's bid to squeeze an £80 million ($153 million) pay-off out of the pop legend.

She even confided in her lover as she decided whether or not to commit to Paul.

"Marriage to him opened lots of doors for her-and that's the only reason she did it," says Tim, 45. "She falls in and out of love with men on a whim and she messes with your brain.

"When she bedded me for the first time it was in her fiance's flat! She was that kind of girl."

Tim had already been seeing Mucca-then a model turned charity campaigner-on and off for three years when Sir Paul fell for her at a bravery awards ceremony in May 1999. The star started dating her in August.

"I'd been working abroad for a few months and was surprised when she told me she was dating Paul McCartney when I got back in September," says Tim.

"When we met up it turned out to be the same vegetarian restaurant down in Hove where HE had been taking her on dates.

"Paul even sent Heather a lovey-dovey text as we ate. She showed me it and casually quipped, 'I'm being pursued by a Beatle'.

"We both had a good laugh about it and then we went back to the house she shared with her sister Fiona and had sex-and as usual it was mind-blowing.

"My friends would ask me what it was like with a woman with one leg and I'd tell them, 'No different to making love to a girl with two legs'.

"I'm a fit guy but she had tremendous stamina. We'd be at it like rabbits. She was up for it anywhere too. Once she gave me a bl** j** under the desk while I was working in my editing suite. And on a holiday in South Africa we stripped and made love in the shelter of a sand dune-even though tourists were watching."

The two were leaping in and out of bed behind Sir Paul's back right up to the Valentine's holiday the smitten star planned for them in 2000 on the private island of Parrot Cay.

The star was already out there in an £8,000-a-week beachside cottage when Heather, now 40, headed to Tim's London flat for a night of lust before flying out to join him.

Kissed

"I was glad she wanted to stay with me," says Tim. "She was in two minds about him and was wondering if she was doing the right thing.

"She seemed nervous about this first holiday with him.

"Then we made love and, as always, the sex was very good. In the morning she kissed me goodbye.

"She went straight from my warm bed to the airport."

It was the last time they made love, but duped Paul will be shocked to learn Heather's close friendship with Tim continued through their 2002 engagement in India and beyond.

It was Tim who edited the couple's private home video of their time in India which Heather gave to Paul at his 60th birthday in 2002.

Tim admits: "I guess I hung around because I really didn't think Heather and Paul would last. He was an old bloke and I knew what Heather was like. She was only in love with what Paul could do for her. She loved the idea of being Lady McCartney."

Tim first met Heather on a blind date set up by a mutual friend in August 1996. "It was love at first sight. I was bowled over," he says.

At the time, Heather was already engaged to tennis organiser Marcus Stapleton-but that didn't stop her getting what she wanted.

She took Tim back to the Regent's Park mews flat she shared with Marcus, who was away on business.

Tim says: "We lay on the bed and kissed and fondled. She wanted to have sex but I didn't think I'd be able to manage it because I was so nervous." The next day divorced Tim met up with Heather to walk her Wheaten terrier, Oliver in Hyde Park. He recalls: "She looked stunning. She was wearing those sexy lace-up boots she wore on the cover of her book Out On A Limb."

They made love for the first time a few weeks later-in Marcus Stapleton's flat. "Heather instigated it with a nice bit of oral sex then we went all the way," says Tim.

"There was never any awkwardness about her leg. She would take it off the same way she would a pair of slippers."

Their sex life continued throughout the next three years of their on-off relationship-even when they were seeing other partners. Tim reveals: "We discussed it and decided to keep our relationship a secret. I would stay in the background.

"It was all sex-I'd come home from work to find her waiting for me naked in bed. If ever I was too tired for it, Heather would get angry and kick me out of bed. She'd tell me, 'If there isn't going to be any sex, you can sleep on the sofa'.

"She had a hoard of vibrators of all shapes and sizes for when she was home alone. Her favourite was a huge back massager that she plugged into the mains.

Temper

"My mates always used to joke that they knew when I was away on business because the lights in London dimmed!"

In August 1997, Tim and Heather moved into a flat in Streatham together. But outside of the bedroom, life with Heather was far from bliss. Tim struggled to understand her furious temper.

He says: "The first time she exploded was when we were in South Africa on a holiday and I'd criticised Mel Gibson's role in the movie Ransom one night. Heather didn't agree and we had a blazing row. She packed her bags and flew home."

They split three times during their tempestuous secret relationship.

Tim-who now lives in Australia-says of this week's up-coming High Court divorce battle: "Heather will fight Paul tooth and nail to get what she wants.

"I know her better than most. She's going for the jugular and won't shy away from fighting dirty to win.

"Something that could have been the best thing that ever happened to her has now turned round and bit her on the a*** big time.

"If she's got something on Paul, she won't hesitate to use it to her advantage. With a click of the fingers, she can switch from smiles to tears.

"I hope Paul and his legal team know what they're up against and are ready for her."

The former Beatle claims the two-year series of concerts generated losses of £3 million ($5.7 million) - which would mean he would have no profits from them to be split with his estranged wife.

But friends of Ms Mills say the 40-year-old ex-model played a key role in drawing up the accounts of the tour - and can prove it netted him millions.

One said: "He's been claiming that during their marriage he made absolutely nothing. But he did two world tours.

"He went all over America. He claimed they lost money, but she was involved in doing the accounts for the tour. Heather claims it made tens of millions of pounds."

Sir Paul played 55 dates in 2002, shortly after the couple married. His Driving USA and Back In The US tours were sponsored by luxury car manufacturer Lexus and financiers Fidelity and played large arenas across America.

Over the next two years he did another 48 dates around the world for his Back In The World ('04 Summer Tour) tour, including performing The Beatles' classic Back In The USSR in Moscow's Red Square in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tickets for the sell-out tour - Sir Paul's first in a decade - went for up to £45 ($86) in Britain. He took an entourage of 116 people with him, transporting the stage and equipment in 40 trucks.

Monday the estranged couple will begin their settlement hearing at the High Court in London before Family Court judge Mr Justice Bennett.

Sir Paul is understood to be keen to reach a settlement as divorce courts decide how to allocate assets on the day of the hearing - so Ms Mills may be entitled to a share of any money Sir Paul has made after their split.

The 65-year-old ex-Beatle, whose fortune is estimated at £825 million ($1.5 billion), has yet to make any offer of settlement, according to her advisers.

The settlement hearing will focus on the couple's four-year-old daughter Beatrice. Ms Mills claims she needs properties near Sir Paul's homes in London and his Peasmarsh estate in West Sussex so that she can share custody of her daughter with Sir Paul.

She also wants him to pay for security for her and Beatrice after receiving emailed death threats after they split in 2006.

Sir Paul is said to want her to sign a gagging order preventing her from talking about the marriage and sign a commitment that she will remain in Britain until Beatrice is 18. Another stumbling block has been a £2 million ($4 million) four-bedroom, five-bathroom house in Heather Road, Beverly Hills, which Ms Mills claims was bought for her as a present.

The divorce settlement between Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills is almost complete

She is also believed to be prepared to contest the ownership of several expensive paintings, including works by Renoir and Picasso, which were bought during the marriage for an estimated £10 million ($20 million).

Ms Mills will represent herself during the hearing while Sir Paul will be accompanied by his lawyer Fiona Shackleton, who represented Prince Charles in his divorce, along with her team.

Ms Mills's advisers have urged her not to take on Ms Shackleton directly as she has clashed with her in the past.

Ms Mills is confident she can win a good settlement because she successfully won an interim payment from Sir Paul in court last year.

A source said: "Heather still believes in her heart of hearts that Paul will settle this case before the proceedings start. She has always believed he would not want this to get to court.

"She thinks Paul has no choice but to come up with a deal."

Despite reports that she has been offered between £25 million ($48 million) and £50 million ($96 million), Ms Mills and her advisers insist that Sir Paul has never made her an offer of a settlement.

Her publicist Michele Elyzabeth said in December: "Paul would [go into] shock if he was to offer anything. He would shock, he'd die.

"I can assure you on our side she has never received any offer."

Reports yesterday suggested they had reached a deal before the hearings began - with claims that Ms Mills had demanded £10million.

Tomorrow's hearing will take place behind closed doors - although if either party decides to contest the settlement, the details of the hearing would be made public at the Court of Appeal.

Neither Ms Elyzabeth nor Sir Paul's spokesman was prepared to comment.

Heather Mills tells Paul McCartney she'll settle for £10million ($19 million)

Desperate Heather Mills promised never to repeat her claims that Sir Paul attacked her if he agrees to her £10 million divorce deal.

Sources close to Heather, 40, told the Mirror she is panicking about taking the witness stand when their divorce hearing begins in the High Court in London on Monday.

In an emotional phone call on Tuesday she offered to settle for a £10 million payout from the former Beatle - £40 million ($76 million) less than she had been widely expected to hold out for.

One friend said: "She is determined not to be labelled a gold digger and believes the offer is a fair reflection of what she contributed to the marriage."

During the call Heather also said she would forgo all rights to the homes Sir Paul owned with his first wife Linda. She pledged to remain in Britain until their four-year-old daughter Beatrice is 18 but demanded a trust fund and full security and protection for her.

The source added: "Heather has never wanted the divorce to end up being fought in court or for everything to become so bitter.

"With the court case due to start she contacted Paul in the hope of settling out of court.

"It is a greatly reduced offer - far less than the £50 million ($96 million) Paul once thought he might have to fork out. So she hoped he'd bite her hand off to accept.

"She hoped a relatively minimal payout would endear her to the public and really prove she's no gold digger.

"She's been waiting for the phone call agreeing to the deal every day, though this hasn't happened.

"But she's still holding out hope and praying Paul will surprise her with a midnight call tomorrow saying he's come to his senses and will accept."

Friends of Macca insisted he is determined to resolve the situation in court after giving Heather every opportunity to settle before now.

One said: "Paul wants to clear his name and make sure the divorce is finalised formally and correctly.

"Heather has dragged things out for so long and has been given countless chances to resolve it amicably but has been pig-stubborn."

At the High Court hearing Mr Justice Bennett will decide how much of Sir Paul's estimated £825 million ($1.5 billion) fortune Heather is entitled to.

He will also deal with custody and finance for Bea and the division of assets, including Paul's homes in London, East Sussex and New York.

Spokesmen for both Heather and Sir Paul declined to comment last night. Since announcing they were to divorce in May 2006, the pair have become entangled in a war of words.

Heather gave TV interviews slating Sir Paul. In leaked divorce papers she accused him of assaulting her four times - a claim he vehemently denies.

Beaming SIr Paul McCartney forgets his bitter divorce battle and shows he's feeling fine on a night out with Pulp Fiction beauty Rosanna Arquette.

Macca, 65, gave a thumbs-up as he and Rosanna, 48, were spotted driving through West London in his Lexus.

The dinner date comes on the eve of a five-day High Court hearing which will decide how big a slice of Macca's £825 million fortune will be given to estranged wife Heather Mills, 40.

A source close to the Beatles idol said last night: "Paul has been really down in the dumps over his divorce and needed cheering up.

"Rosanna was in London and they hooked up on Thursday night. It did the trick and helped him forget he has to face Heather next week."

Since his split from Heather, Paul has been on several dates with Rosanna and has even introduced her to his daughter Beatrice, four.

Macca's spokesman claimed: "It's no big deal. They are just friends."

Rosanna did her best to avoid being seen with Macca - and turned camera-shy when photographers spotted her.

The couple then seemed to have a tiff inside his Lexus, with Rosanna glowering and gesticulating at Macca as he grinned ruefully.

Three-times divorced Rosanna then leapt out of the motor and wandered down the street to catch a cab on her own.

An onlooker added: "When they realised they had been snapped Rosanna ducked out of view and jumped out of Macca's car."

Heather's £55m deal: Sir Paul ready to buy her silence with a record pay-off

Sir Paul McCartney is poised to sign a record divorce settlement which will see Heather Mills walk away with £55 million ($105 million).

Miss Mills is to take a lump sum of £20 million ($38 million) and a further £2.5million ($4.8 million) a year for the next 14 years - every year until their daughter Beatrice turns 18, the Daily Mail can reveal.

As part of the arrangement, Miss Mills will never be allowed publicly to discuss in detail the reasons behind the breakdown of the six-year marriage.

The substantial annual payout includes a large share put aside solely to cover the cost of round-the-clock security for Miss Mills whether Beatrice is with her or not after she recently revealed she had been the target of "death threats".

Miss Mills, 40, will be Beatrice's main carer but 65-year-old Sir Paul will have equal visiting rights. There will be hand-overs every week and each parent will spend alternate weekends with Beatrice.

Such an arrangement is expected to make touring complicated for the former Beatle.

Miss Mills has also agreed not to seek to live abroad for at least the next five years, which would rule out any immediate hopes of a full-time career as a media personality in America.

As part of the arrangement, Sir Paul had not wanted Beatrice to go to private school but Miss Mills appears to have got her way and Beatrice is expected to begin her first term in paid-for education in Britain this autumn.

Sir Paul's property portfolio - including the marital home in North London and homes in Sussex, Scotland, New York and Los Angeles - remains his under the deal.

The large sum also reflects Miss Mills's success in arguing that Sir Paul should clear an outstanding legal bill with her former lawyers Mishcon de Reya, which is understood to stand at some £2 million ($3.8 million).

Despite being equivalent to only 7 per cent of Sir Paul's estimated £825 million ($1.5 billion) fortune, the sum will be the highest settlement given to a wife in Britain.

The £55 million exceeds the £48 million ($92 million) businessman John Charman was told to pay his former wife last year.

One High Court judge who has presided over numerous divorce cases told the Mail yesterday that the deal in fact "favours McCartney", since he will be paying out only £20 million immediately, then be earning interest on the rest until the annual payments go out to Miss Mills.

The judge said: "Had Heather got the whole lot now, the interest alone would have ensured that over the years she would have been a lot better off. And it is a very small share of McCartney's fortune.

"That said it is the kind of settlement one would expect would be awarded by a judge, when all the variables are taken into account.

"It's sensible and both parties will come away feeling they have a good deal which is, essentially, what counts."

The settlement amount closely reflects discussions the couple had at a Financial Dispute Resolution in October of last year.

Sources on both sides said the couple have now agreed all the details of the settlement "in principle".

Since Miss Mills currently has no legal representation, the couple are expected to spend much of next week having all aspects of the complex deal examined and approved in a closed hearing before High Court judge Mr Justice Bennett.

A legal source said: "It should take a couple of days. Unless new variables emerge, it should be quite straightforward."

The couple still have another 13 weeks under the two-year separation period required for a no-fault divorce before it becomes final, but it is understood that both parties are pushing for it to be finalised next week.

The details of the settlement may never officially become public. A source close to the couple said: "Paul has always argued that for Bea's sake as much as anything, her parents should not be seen to be trawling over the break-up publicly for years to come."

Miss Mills - who made a number of emotional TV outbursts last year including a rant on GMTV in which she said she had been close to suicide - had initially resisted being "gagged" on the subject of the marriage.

Another stumbling block had been Sir Paul's resistance to pay for her security arrangements, said the source.

As the Mail reported in January, after months of acrimony, Sir Paul made moves to resolve the dispute amicably.

His legal team at Paynes Hicks Beach contacted Miss Mills with the message that "Paul's ready to talk".

In recent weeks, the pair have spoken three or four times over the phone in an attempt to move towards an agreement.

Respective spokesmen for Sir Paul and Miss Mills would not comment yesterday.

Surviving ex-Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr paid tribute Thursday to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the band's one-time spiritual advisor, who died this week.

British pop legends The Beatles -- bassist McCartney, drummer Starr, rhythm guitarist John Lennon and lead guitarist George Harrison -- visited the Maharishi's ashram in India in 1968 and studied transcendental meditation.

The Maharishi died Tuesday at his home in the Netherlands. He was thought to be 91 years old.

"Whilst I am deeply saddened by his passing, my memories of him will only be joyful ones," said McCartney, 65.

"He was a great man who worked tirelessly for the people of the world and the cause of unity.

"I will never forget the dedication that he wrote inside a book he once gave me, which read 'radiate, bliss, consciousness', and that to me says it all. I will miss him but will always think of him with a smile."

The Beatles fell out with the Maharishi during their visit, with Starr reportedly objecting to the vegetarian diet.

"One of the wise men I met in my life was the Maharishi," Starr, 67, said in a statement. "I always was impressed by his joy and I truly believe he knows where he is going."

Sir Paul McCartney is set to play a concert with his son James.

The Beatles legend has teamed up with the 30-year-old guitarist on his debut album - which is due out later this year - and the father-son pair now plan to try out their new material live.

A source said: "The word is James wants to try out some of the songs on stage in the near future and it's understood that Paul will be performing with him."

However, any fans hoping for a big concert will be sorely disappointed, as James - whose mother was Paul's late first wife Linda McCartney - wants to avoid attention.

The source added: "James won't want a big fuss as he's not someone who seeks the limelight, so it will inevitably be very low-key. But Paul is not a bad backing musician to have under the circumstances."

It will not be the first time the pair have played live together.

In 2005, James - who co-wrote 'Heaven on a Sunday', 'Back In The Sunshine Again' and 'Spinning On An Axis' for Paul's solo albums - accompanied his father during his recent US tour.

James also played lead guitar on his mother's posthumously released solo album 'Wide Prairie'.

A shortlist has been drawn up of who will introduce the Beatles legend at our biggest bash in music.

And his old pal Cilla Black would be my pick of the bunch.

Originally Chris Martin and ex-bandmate Ringo Starr were in the frame to present his Outstanding Contribution award, but he seemed keen on a girl.

Anyway, he was a bit funny about Ringo doing it, apparently.

So a list of four talented ladies has been drawn up for one of the most important jobs of the night.

And - surprise, surprise - our Cilla is one of them, along with Pretenders star Chrissie Hynde, his fashion designer daughter Stella and Aussie pop stunner Kylie Minogue.

A Brits source said: "Sir Paul was sounded out about who he thought might be suitable for the job. He said he wanted a woman to do it but that was all the guidance he gave.

"A lot of time and careful consideration has gone into finding the right person.

"It is a really important task and the Brits are determined to get it right."

Few are qualified to grace the stage with the thumb-flicking rock hero - and the Brits committee have been stressing about it.

Last year Ringo and Johnny Depp were lined up to present the same award to Oasis but neither could make it, leaving host Russell Brand with the honour.

It was a huge anti-climax for the Manc lords, the viewers and the crowd at the arena - and the Brits can't make the same mistake this year.

Blur star Damon Albarn presented Macca with a Q Icon Award - and made a complete drunken hash of it.

He said Macca was a man who needed no introduction, and left it at that.

Not good enough, Damo.

The Brits' bash at Earls Court on February 20 will come just after next week's five-day final hearing in Macca's bitter court battle with his oddball ex Heather Mills.

Tonic

Having a familiar face there like Cilla on the night would be the perfect tonic, though Kylie or Stella are the organisers' current favourites.

Stella is a nice thought, but he can receive gifts from her every birthday and Christmas.

Kylie is a great suggestion too. She and Macca hit it off at Jools Holland's Hootenanny.

Chrissie may just be the dark horse of the four.

My only fear is that Macca has form for falling for women at awards ceremonies after a few sherries - and Kylie's a single lady.

I reckon Auntie Cilla should be safe on that front, though.

Lady McCartney is poised to sue her former divorce lawyers, it has been claimed.

The former model sacked Mishcon de Reya after the failure to agree a settlement with the lawyers of Sir Paul McCartney at a previous hearing. She is now expected to represent herself and cross-examine her husband when the two clash at a final hearing next week.

It is understood that Mishcon has already launched efforts to recover up to £2 million ($3.8 million) from Lady McCartney in unpaid bills dating back a year and a half.

But she has responded with the threat of legal action of her own, a source said yesterday.

"There is a possibility of Heather Mills counter-suing. Whatever she owes Mishcon - whether it's £1 million ($1.9 million) or £2 million - one would have expected her to get something for it.

"There has been no divorce settlement and no outcome over all this time," the source said.

Mishcon refused to comment on the case yesterday.

Its most high profile solicitor, Anthony Julius, who acted for Princess Diana during her divorce, had been representing Lady McCartney.

But at the previous hearing in October no agreement could be reached with Fiona Shackleton, representing Sir Paul, over how much of his £825 million wealth she should receive, ownership of their properties and a confidentiality clause.

It is understood that Lady McCartney is keen to have the power to discuss their relationship in the media, which Sir Paul opposes.

The estranged couple are said to remain "miles apart" on the key issues, despite the prospect of a bitter showdown in the final hearing, due to be held in chambers in the family division of the High Court in London over five days next week.

James Stewart, a partner in the law firm Manches, said eight out of ten divorces were settled by negotiation before the costly final hearing stage.

"Final hearings are incredibly difficult for the families and everyone who knows them. Most lawyers tell you that it's best avoided," he said.

"You only go to a final hearing if there is a huge gulf between the parties or where one of the parties, for one reason or another, just wants his or her day in court."

The final hearing is presided over by a judge, who can take days to deliver his ruling.

The judge hearing the McCartneys' case will be Mr Justice Bennett, described as a "highly experienced, well-respected" figure.

However, Mr Stewart warned that there were "often no real winners" on contested divorces.

"Negotiated agreements are often detailed, innovative, more tailored and tax efficient. A judge-made order doesn't have any of that - it's a very blunt instrument," he said.

He added that Lady McCartney may be putting herself at a disadvantage by representing herself.

"I have no doubt that if she is acting in person the advocates and the judge will go out of their way to ensure she has got a grasp of what's happening, but it is terribly difficult to act as a litigant in person," he said.

"It requires an incredible amount of work. You must be well prepared and focused, which is why it's generally much better to be represented by a competent team who are well aware of this type of litigation."

Lady McCartney's face to face clash with Sir Paul could also raise the courtroom temperature.

"It stands to common sense that the atmosphere in the court room can often deteriorate where a litigant in person is involved," warned Mr Stewart.

Although the final hearing takes place in private, if either side appeals the case goes before the court of appeal, where it is heard in public.

When contacted for comment Lady McCartney's official spokesman, Los Angeles-based Michele Elyzabeth, said in an email: "Why do you bother writing me? Why don't you do what you usually do, speculate, extrapolate and lie? Boy you guys are a piece of work."

Paul McCartney will be grilled by estranged wife Heather Mills in a no holds barred court showdown next week.

The warring couple will appear in the High Court where a judge will at last decide how much of Macca's £825 million fortune Heather should receive.

Heather, 40, who is representing herself, is expected to repeat sensational allegations that the former Beatle was abusive and violent after drink and drug binges.

Macca, 65, has vowed to clear his name - and keep his fortune.

A source said: "This is it - it's not going to be pretty."

Heather is believed to be demanding £50 million ($97 million). Sir Paul is thought to have offered £25 million ($48.5 million).

The closed five day hearing in London will also deal with custody and financial arrangements for the couple's daughter Beatrice, four.

February 2, 2008 -- Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paul McCartney
Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart)
Live Performance And Documentary To Be Released On DVD

CLICK TO PRE-ORDER!!!

U.S Street Date: February 26th, 2008

In September 2006 Paul McCartney released his fourth full-length classical album, Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart). On Friday November 3rd, 2007 Ecce Cor Meum was given its world premiere performance to a sold out audience at The Royal Albert Hall, London. In May of this year Paul was presented with the award for Best Album at the UK Classical Brit Awards.

The special world premiere Royal Albert Hall performance is to be made available for the first time ever on DVD, along with a documentary tracking the journey and making of this album. The DVD will be released in the U.S. through EMI Classics on February 26th, 2008.

Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart) was performed by Kate Royal (soprano); Academy of St Martin In The Fields Orchestra; London Voices; Boys Of Magdalen College Choir, Oxford and Boys of King's College Choir, Cambridge.They were conducted by Gavin Greenaway. This is the same cast that appears on the studio recording.

The DVD also follows the story of Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart). It includes exclusive interviews with Paul and behind the scenes footage of the recording of the album at Abbey Road and the preparation in the run up to The Albert Hall performance. The album was more than eight years in the making and its origins follow in the historic tradition of composers that have been commissioned to write music for the world-renowned Magdalen College Oxford.

Paul was specially invited by Anthony Smith (President of Magdalen College 1998 ' 2005) to compose something to set the seal on a new concert hall for the college. His hope was for 'a choral piece which could be sung by young people the world over, in the same way that Handel's Messiah is'.

In November 2001, the first version of Ecce Cor Meum was given its preview performance by the Magdalen College Choir, which was conducted by Bill Ives at the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford. This was a great learning experience for Paul. 'Eventually I made it all come together through correcting a lot of misapprehensions ' a lot was learned before the Sheldonian performance, but a lot of it was learned afterwards.

An experienced choral composer knows that children can't be given huge sustained passages; they don't have the energy and the stamina. At the Sheldonian there was some quite hard stuff that I didn't realise because I'd done it on the synthesiser (which has endless stamina), but during that first performance the solo treble couldn't come on for the second half 'I think I'd used him up in the first half.

These are things that people either learn because they are taught them immediately at the first lesson, or you learn through the years, so it was good to go through the piece a lot of times, and we took out huge choral sections and gave them to the orchestra. If it had been a Beatles song I would have known how to do it. But this was a completely different ball game.'

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