Lawyers for the newspaper also described Clarkes conspiracy claim as a wild allegation.

Mr. Clarke is absolutely not, and never has been, a sexual predator.

The Guardian has got it plum wrong.

Noel Clarke

Noel ClarkeCarl Court/Getty Images

They came up with a story that had more holes than a colander.

Clarke is said to be looking for damages of around $12m (10m) in the defamation suit.

Alongside claiming general damages for reputational harm, Clarke is looking for damages that cover specific financial losses.

Noel Clarke