Wiggy wiggy

They're still limbering up ahead of April's High Court Blockbuster, Sir Cliff v The BBC.

There was yet another pre-hearing session in front of Mr Justice Mann on Thursday. Sir Cliff's team, led by Justin Rushbrooke QC, argued that five passages from witness statements gathered by the BBC should be kept 'private'; the BBC, fronted by Gavin Millar QC, said the information was 'important and significant'. Justice Mann said it should stay under wraps for the time being, but he would review arguments during the full trial.

The BBC's lawyers also said Mr Justice Mann should be made aware of the full figure paid out when South Yorkshire Police agreed to pay the singer 'substantial damages'. Sir Cliff's team says no, because that might influence the judge's assessment of damages the BBC might have to pay. Mr Justice Mann long-grassed that one, too; he would make a decision on whether or not he should be told at a later date.