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TV STAR IN COURT

Chef Marco Pierre White supported by kids as he appears in court over money row with estranged wife

TV chef Marco Pierre White was flanked by his kids as he appeared in court over a money row with his estranged wife.

The star appeared at the High Court in London and was supported by his sons, Celebrity Big Brother star Marco Jnr and Luciano at the hearing.

 Marco Pierre White (centre right) with children Marco Jr (left) and Luciano (right)
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Marco Pierre White (centre right) with children Marco Jr (left) and Luciano (right)Credit: PA:Press Association

The world-famous chef could face jail for not paying estranged wife Matilde alimony as ordered by the court.

Mr White says he cannot afford to pay what he has been ordered to and wants a review.

A judge analysed their dispute at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London today.

Mr Justice Holman said their arguments would be considered at further hearings next year.

He said he hoped they would be able to settle their differences out of court.

The pair married in 2000 and separated more than a decade ago.

Mr Justice Holman was told that they had been involved in litigation between 2008 and 2011 - and had run up lawyers' bills in the region of £2 million.

He said their fight had now started "all over again".

WIFE 'BANKRUPT AND HOMELESS'

The judge said Mr White, 58, had now petitioned for divorce and Mrs White had made a money claim.

No decision had yet been made on how much she should walk away with.

But a less senior judge had ordered Mr White to make alimony payments pending final decisions.

Mr Justice Holman said Mr White would have to provide details of his finances to Mrs White.

Barrister Philip Perrins, who represented Mrs White, said his client was in a "desperate" situation.

He said she was bankrupt, in rented accommodation and facing being made homeless and Mr White had a "high income".

"It's simply obvious," said Mr Perrins.

"The question is what he does with it and how he spends it."

He said Mr White was making alimony payments but not at the level he had been ordered to.

Barrister Oliver Wise, who represented Mr White, said his client wanted the amounts of alimony he had been ordered to pay changed.

Mr Wise said Mr White could not afford to pay more than he was currently paying.

 Estranged wife Matilde is seeking alimony payments from the TV chef
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Estranged wife Matilde is seeking alimony payments from the TV chefCredit: PA:Press Association
 Marco Pierre White is claiming he cannot afford the payments
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Marco Pierre White is claiming he cannot afford the paymentsCredit: PA:Press Association
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