Victoria and David Beckham are taking legal action against the News of the World over an article which claimed their marriage was in trouble.
The couple say the piece, headlined Posh and Becks on Rocks, was untrue and "caused considerable distress to both the couple and their family".
A statement from the Beckhams' lawyers, Harbottle and Lewis, said: "David and Victoria Beckham today initiated legal proceedings against the News of the Worldin relation to an article published on Sunday 12 September 2004.
"The feature titled Posh and Becks on Rocks was untrue and has caused considerable distress to both the couple and their family.
"The News of the World was given the opportunity to provide an apology but have chosen not to respond to the couple's request."
The News of the World would not comment on the development.
But a newsroom source said: "I know that the News of the World will fight this legal challenge.
"The prospect of Victoria Beckham and Rebecca Loos face to face in court would be too good an opportunity to miss."
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