Gordon Ramsay and the makers of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares have accepted £75,000 in damages over allegations he faked scenes in a TV programme.
A newspaper claimed action was staged to make average restaurants look like public health hazards.
Ramsay, the holder of three Michelin stars, was at the High Court in London for the settlement of his libel action over a November 2005 story.

His solicitor told the court that the Evening Standard alleged the show had driven some restaurants out of business.

The report had referred to the reputation of Bonapartes restaurant in Silsden, West Yorkshire.

It alleged that the chef and programme-makers were guilty of "gastronomic mendacity" by installing an incompetent chef and fabricating culinary disasters.

Ramsay said afterwards: "I won't let people write anything they want to about me. Even I have limits and on this occasion the line was crossed.

"I am satisfied with today's apology and am looking forward to future series of Kitchen Nightmares."