Blue Peter Konnie sued over 'unfair' buy-to-let repair bill

Blue Peter star Konnie Huq is taking a stand against a major firm of London estate agents after they demanded thousands of pounds for "minor" repairs.

The presenter is now ready to go to court over the bill, which came after the firm, Foxtons, ordered 'emergency' work on a flat she rents to tenants in Chiswick, West London.

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She is said to be furious with the demand, claiming that Foxtons, which manages the property on her behalf, should not have gone ahead without checking with her.

The 31-year-old has refused to pay the bill, which was issued in December, and has now been hit with a summons to face Foxtons at Brentford County Court on July 4.

• Click here for more pictures of Konnie in THAT dress

Friends claim the only thing wrong with the flat were nails sticking out of the skirting board and "a tiny bit of candle wax on the furniture".

One pal said: "Konnie is very angry about the whole thing. Foxtons did loads of repairs that were said to be an emergency.

"The problem is they weren't emergencies, Foxtons didn't get permission and they certainly did not warrant the amount they charged her."

The dispute has broadened, with Miss Huq challenging other Foxtons fees. "They placed a tenant in one of her properties on a five-year lease, without a break in the contract, and are taking the full five years' commission up front," her friend said.

Foxtons' lawyer Karl Daly said: "This is the subject of ongoing court proceedings, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment."

It is not the first time Foxtons has been involved in a dispute over fees. It has previously been criticised for charging up to £150 an hour for cleaners.