Evans sues Virgin Radio for £8.6m

FIVE MONTHS after losing his job, sacked Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans is suing the station for £8.6m compensation.

Evans, 35, who lost his job as presenter of the breakfast show, has launched a legal battle with his former bosses. He claims that he is still entitled to lucrative share options and has appointed showbusiness lawyers Harbottle and Lewis to serve a High Court writ on Scottish Media Group, which now runs Virgin.

The writ claims that he is due 1,245,355 ordinary shares from SMG Television and 4,981,420 shares from the parent company. City experts put a value of £8.6m on his bid.

A close friend said: 'Chris believes his contract was unfairly terminated. He has told us he is prepared to go all the way and stand up in court if necessary.' Evans, worth an estimated £52m, was sacked from the radio station at the end of June after missing work for five days.