Leg swab for Heather at airport (From Northwich Guardian)

Leg swab for Heather at airport

10:39am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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Heather Mills had to have her artificial leg swabbed for explosives at Heathrow after it set off a security alarm.

The 42-year-old was at the airport to catch a flight to the US to launch her meat-free ready meals when the alarm went off.

The former Dancing On Ice contestant had to roll up her trouser leg in public while her prosthetic leg was swabbed in front of other passengers.

A spokesman for the Dancing On Ice star denied she was angry about the incident, saying: "Heather complied with security's requirements with good grace. Heather wasn't furious at all, she completely understands what as to be done for 21st century travel."

A spokeswoman for airport owner BAA said: "She was swabbed because something set off the alarm in the metal detector archway.

"Staff could not see inside the leg so it was swabbed instead. This would be the same protocol if a passenger had a cast on a broken arm or leg."

Afterwards, Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife made her way to the Concorde Lounge, reserved for first-class passengers and guests.

But she was initially refused entry because of a "communication problem" with staff who did not have her name on their list.

The former model, who was awarded £24.3 million in her divorce settlement with Sir Paul, was booted out of Dancing On Ice after five weeks in the contest when she lost out to Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson in the skate-off.