Cherie Blair's former lifestyle guru has won a sizeable payout in her libel case against the Daily Mail.

Carole Caplin launched legal action against Associated Newspapers following the publication of an article that suggested she would spill the beans on the Blairs' bedroom secrets .

The report said Ms Caplin was short of money and was planning to write a tell-all book, for which she would be paid £1 million.

Her lawyer, David Price, said that in truth she "never had any intention of disclosing any confidential information concerning the Blairs" and was not in financial trouble.

Mr Price told the High Court that his client had been distressed by the article and added: "Ms Caplin does not possess any sex secrets or other information that could 'finish' them.

"Despite her unequivocal stance that she would never publish confidential information about the Blairs, the media has continued to suggest that she would do so."

Ms Caplin was awarded a substantial undisclosed sum by the court. She said in a statement that she had endured 17 years of "hurtful innuendo, wild imaginings and totally groundless allegations.

"That I would break the trust that clients have the right to expect from me, for financial reward, is offensive, damaging and wrong," she said.