A High Court case over alleged phone-hacking at both The Sun and the defunct News of the World has settled.
Comedian Vic Reeves, who brought the action in his real name of Jim Moir, was one of four individuals whose claims against News Group Newspapers (NGN) were due to be heard in London over four weeks.
The others are Coronation Street actor Rajan Harkishindas, who uses the name Jimmi Harkishin, journalist and TV presenter Kate Thornton and talent manager Chris Herbert.
Comedian and actor Vic Reeves, TV presenter Kate Thornton and Coronation Street actor Rajan Harkishindas (PA)
On Thursday, their counsel, David Sherborne, apologised to Mr Justice Mann for any inconvenience caused by the cases settling “right at the very last minute”.
No details of any damages were given in court.
The four alleged they were the victims of unlawful information gathering by NGN, resulting in 79 disputed articles.
Their lawyers also asserted the practice was “widespread” in both newspapers.
NGN, which has settled a large number of cases brought against the News Of The World, has always denied hacking activity at its sister tabloid.
If the trial had not been aborted, allegations were to be made in respect of a very wide range of activities, journalists, executives and third parties over a period of about 14 years at the two newspapers and NGN as a whole.