Paddy McGuinness takes legal action over completely untrue restaurant pitstop claims (Picture: BBC/ Paddy McGuinness)
Paddy McGuinness has reportedly started legal action against a gossip site for claiming he had a charity cycle pitstop at a Michelin starred restaurant.
The 51-year-old comedian raised £9million for Children In Need through his 300 mile Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge from Wrexham to Glasgow between Monday, November 11 and Friday, November 15.
But his festivities, also joined by his ex-wife Christine, have been somewhat dimmed after the gossip site Popb***h accused him of taking a helicopter to fine-dining establishment L’Enclume in Cumbrian village Cartmel.
The sneaky jaunt to the three Michelin star restaurant happened during abreak after he at Preston in Lancashire, according the weekly newsletter.
The site – whose slogan is ‘Scurrilous gossip. Scandalous Stories’ – further claimed he was ‘spotted staying overnight’, per the Mail.
Now sources close to the Radio 2 presenter have told the Mail that he instructed his lawyer (from London-based firm Carter-Ruck) to take action against the notorious celebrity rumour site on Thursday night.
‘The story is completely and utterly false, at no point did Paddy leave the challenge or the team. They were together every second,’ the source told the publication.
(There is now a documentary about the journey (Picture: BBC)
The source continued: ‘Paddy most nights was getting physio to prep him for the next day, followed by an early night due to the 6am wake-up.’
Counties McGuinness covered included Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire and Lanarkshire.
McGuinness was beaming as she approached the finish line and praised the atmosphere after he had completed his ride.
He said at the time: ‘Honestly, I can’t believe it. I came out of East Kilbride. I was looking at Glasgow, and it was lit up in sunshine. Then coming in here and the streets were lined.
‘I had Sir Tom Hunter beside me, and I came around the corner there. What a sight, what a feeling! Thank you so much, everybody.
‘Honestly it’s a moment in time I’ll take with me to my grave. I’ll never ever forget it. It’s been amazing.’
Businessman Sir Tom added: ‘I absolutely believe the great British public has taken Paddy and the challenge to their hearts. I want to tell you, Paddy, here and now – an official National Treasure.’
He was dubbed a ‘national treasure’ after the ride (Picture: BBC/PA Wire)
Over on Radio 2, McGuinness gave a special shoutout to listeners for their contribution to the total and his experience.
‘What we have achieved – by “we” I mean you lot – over the last five days is nothing short of staggering. I still cannot comprehend what has happened and what is still happening now.
‘That is the power of Radio 2 and you gorgeous listeners and the wonderful Great British public.’
Now Paddy’s story and test of physical endurance has been showcased in a one-hour documentary on BBC, titled Paddy: The Ride of My Life as part of the channel’s Children In Need content.
Metro has reached out to Paddy McGuinness’ representatives and Popb***h for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.