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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

Victoria and David Beckham's darkest moments from kidnap plot to affair claims and feud

Victoria and David Beckham might be the elite showbiz couple but they've had their fair share of struggles over the years.

In recent years, they've been dogged by claims they were feuding with their daughter-in-law, Nicola Peltz Beckham and their son, Brooklyn.

Despite their struggles which has included a kidnap threat and allegations of infidelity, the couple continue to put on a brave face and prove that they're more loved up than ever before.

As they celebrate reaching their 24th anniversary, the Mirror has delved into the archives to bring you some of the craziest stories and how they have overcome their woes.

The golden couple tied the knot at the extravagant Luttrellstown Castle in Dublin back in1 999 which saw them splash an eye-watering £750,000 on their big day.

David and Victoria Beckham appear more loved up than ever as they celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary (davidbeckham/Instagram)

David and Victoria opted for a Disney-themed wedding cake and sat on thrones while wearing two matching outfits for their star-studded guests to witness. But, just several years after tying the knot, the couple were faced with their first challenge.

Beckham paid the ultimate price after making a mistake at the 1998 World Cup, which he says was "pretty brutal". The couple were subjected to stalkers before things turned sour and they were sent death threats.

Letters were sent to their Hertfordshire mansion – dubbed Beckingham Palace – which contained pictures of the couple and their baby son Brooklyn, who had blood pouring from a bullet wound in his head.

Brooklyn was almost kidnapped, which led to them being "really shaken up".

This wasn't all for them though as four men and a woman were arrested by Scotland Yard following a "sting" operation with a newspaper which later foiled plans to kidnap Posh Spice.

Kidnappers had planned to also kidnap Brooklyn and a young Romeo if they had also been with Victoria at the time.

There was once a plot to kidnap Victoria, as well as Brooklyn and Romeo if they were with her (PA)

She said: "I'm stunned by what has happened, it's clear these people were serious and that, of course, has scared the life out of me. It's terrifying to think that someone would want to do that to you and your children." Beckham subsequently hired an extensive security detail to protect the family.

Things however, went from bad to worse for the family as they faced allegations of David being unfaithful.

Having moved to Real Madrid following his move from Manchester United, David sacked his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos who later went on to make unproven claims of an alleged affair.

In 2004, Rebecca made the decision to sell a story to the former tabloid News of the World, claiming that she had an affair with David while he was married to Victoria.

David's former PA Rebecca Loos made unproven claims of an affair with David (AFP)
David who faced a barrage of abuse after the 1998 World Cup slammed the claims, branding them 'ludicrous' (PA)

Her claims were never proven and vehemently denied by David, who released a statement, which read: "During the past few months I have become accustomed to reading more and more ludicrous stories about my private life. The simple truth is that I am very happily married. I have a wonderful wife and two very special kids. There is nothing any third party can do to change these facts."

David and Victoria put the past behind them and jetted off to Los Angeles for a quieter life after he signed for LA Galaxy in 2007. Following their arrival, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise hosted a "Welcome to LA party" for the family attended by their nearest and dearest.

Following years of documenting their lives on reality shows and starting to build their international brand, the couple who had three sons, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, welcomed their first daughter Harper Seven.

At the time, they faced criticism for her name but later explained that it was a tribute to David's footballing number.

Following years of torment and just two years before their 20th anniversary, the couple said "I do" again as they renewed their wedding vows in front of a handful of guests. David confirmed the news during a broadcast on the BBC.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, the footballer said: "We have renewed our vows since [our first wedding], it was a lot more private, about six people there in our house." He continued: "We're a strong family unit, we've got strong parents. We were brought up with the right values. Of course, you make mistakes over the years, and we all know marriage is difficult at times. It's about working through it."

He went on to add: "We know each other better than anybody. People have talked about, 'Do we stay together because it's a brand?' Of course not. We stay together because we love each other, because we have four amazing children, do you go through tough times? Of course, that's part of relationships, it's part of marriages, it's part of having children, it's part of having responsibilities."

Despite being happier than ever, they were surrounded by reports of a feud between their son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola (Instagram)

Away from their own marital issues, it was claimed that there had been a major rift between the family and actress Nicola Peltz ahead of her marriage to Brooklyn. Although Victoria had remained tight-lipped about the drama, Nicola later discussed a conversation with Victoria about her wedding dress.

In an interview, she explained that Victoria phoned her mum to explain that her personal "atelier couldn't make the dress" ahead of her wedding to their son, which meant that she had to wear a Valentino outfit for the lavish day. She later, however, appeared to suggest that there was no rift between herself and the singer-turned-fashion designer.

"I've said this so many times, there's no feud, I don't know," she told Cosmopolitan. But that also appears to be behind them as they all sat together to watch Brooklyn's Godfather Elton John perform at London's O2 Arena in May alongside an 11-year-old Harper.

Sources now claim that in recent years, having taken a step back from being so public, David has been on hand to support his wife who has faced claims of financial troubles with her business.

"They're a couple who've been through a lot over the years, but they're always total to each other and stick together," an insider told new! magazine before adding: "Recently, David has been a huge support to Victoria. Once again, they're bouncing back from the stresses of the past few years and showing that they always come out on top, no matter what."

Paying tribute to her husband on their anniversary, Victoria took to Instagram to share a video clip of the happy couple cutting their wedding cake alongside the caption: "4.7.00. 24 years ago. I love you so much @DavidBeckham."

Meanwhile, David shared a throwback snap of the couple and wrote: "On this day 4.7.99. 24 years and counting. To the best wife, mummy & drinking partner (most of the time). Happy Anniversary love u so much."

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