Miss Springfield, 52, who made her name in the Sixties, "could stand being mimicked but not suggestions that she was a drunk" the High Court was told.

The singer, who brought the action under her real name, Mary O'Brien, did not mind the wig but found Mr Davro's impression screened in March, "extremely cruel and hurtful."

The court heard that Miss Springfield - who in the past has admitted a drink problem - had not touched alcohol for eight years. Her counsel, Hilary Heilbron QC, said the Davro impression was "a vivid and graphic impression of Dusty Springfield performing as a singer." It depicted her as being so intoxicated she was unable to control her actions and acted in a most undignified and unprofessional way. "She has never in her career sung on stage when her performance has been impaired by alcohol."

Mr Richard Rampton QC, for TVS, said the company sincerely regretted the distress caused to Miss Springfield.

"The portrayal was intended to be merely humorous and without any reflection on her professional standards," he added.

A spokesman said the company was bearing the full cost of the action and "Mr Davro is in no way included."

He added that the performer was "extremely distressed" that the singer had taken his mimicry so badly.

Miss Springfield said last night: "I am delighted with the outcome but wish it had never been necessary to bring the case. I have never been upset by mimicry or satire, which has occurred on numerous occasions and which I mainly find highly amusing. But this particular portrayal went to the heart of my personality and was deeply hurtful."

She added: "I'm glad that it is all over. I'm going back to work and will be recording again soon."

Bill Mouland
Daily Mail, 26 November 1991