Football superstar David Beckham (C) and his popstar wife Victoria (R), seen here in 2003. Lawyers for David Beckham said they are considering legal action after a Sunday tabloid newspaper alleged that his marriage Victoria is on the rocks.(AFP/File photo)

　　David and Victoria Beckham failed in a last-minute legal attempt to prevent the News of the World from publishing allegations about their marriage by their former nanny yesterday on Saturday night.

　　The News of the World claimed that the couple had come close to "breaking point" and that David Beckham had enjoyed a sexual relationship with Danielle Heath, 23, his wife’s former beautician. Its reports were based on allegations by Abbie Gibson, 27, who previously worked for the couple as their children’s nanny.