Former Tory MP Neil Hamilton spoke to BBC Breakfast News's John Nicolson about losing his libel case. The fiery exchange ended with Mr Hamilton putting the phone down on the presenter.

John Nicolson: You must regret very much that you took this case on.

Neil Hamilton: Well, I regret the outcome, but I don't regret fighting to clear my name. I wouldn't have started in the first place if hadn't known I was innocent of these charges.

I could have retired four years ago when I was stopped by an ancient law from taking my case to court the first time.

Nicolson: Yes but Mr Hamilton, that's all a distraction. You've now lost three times and it seems extraordinary that you should continue to protest your innocence after being found guilty ...

Hamilton: (interrupts) When you say I've lost three times, that is factually inaccurate.

Nicolson: (continues) Not only to be found guilty in parliament but also to be found guilty by a jury.

Hamilton: Well, obviously, I am bound to say the jury was wrong because I know what the truth of the case is. They've come to a different conclusion and obviously I don't criticise them, they heard the evidence and they formed their view.

Lots of other people who heard the evidence. including lots of journalists I spoke to yesterday, were absolutely astonished at the result, but that's water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned.

Nicolson: Yes but it's not water under the bridge as far as your backers are concerned because, of course, having been found guilty of having lied, your backers will have to find, what, about £1m.

Hamilton: That's what Mr Fayed's saying, of course, and I think it would be absolutely outrageous if the hundreds of people, most of them of very modest means, who have supported me as a matter of principle, were to be pursued by this billionaire bully.

Nicolson: Wait a second, I know this is the line that Lord Harris is pushing as well that...

Hamilton: Look, if you are going to be rude and unpleasant to me on this programme then I'll put the phone down, so either you can be polite and continue the interview or we'll stop it now.

Nicolson: Mr Hamilton, of course, that is your right, but you agreed to come on the programme and I'm interested in finding out... (phone cuts out).

Oh, I'm afraid Mr Hamilton has left us. so I am unable to ask him the question, which was who his backers were