Virgin Atlantic employee quits after celebrity tip-off claim

A Virgin Atlantic employee has resigned following allegations that she passed on confidential flight details of almost 70 celebrities, including that of actress Sienna Miller and singer Cheryl Cole, to a paparazzi agency.

Other celebrities named by the the Guardian include Cole's ex-husband, the Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, Tottenham Hotspur player Jermain Defoe, actresses Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Paltrow and pop stars Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.

The paper said that emails seen by it suggest that London-based firm Big Pictures was sent confidential travel details for dozens of celebrities and public figures as recently as 2011.

Those named in the emails include Princess Beatrice, Russell Brand, Rihanna, Daniel Radcliffe and Madonna's children, the paper said.

Virgin Atlantic has said it is investigating while Defoe's spokeswoman said he was consulting lawyers.

The employee, who has not been identified, has denied the allegations, the BBC reported.

A spokeswoman for the airline said it was in contact with the eight celebrities and added: "The allegations that have been raised are extremely serious and we have launched an immediate investigation.

"The security of customer information is our highest priority and we have robust processes in place to ensure that passenger information is protected.

"It is too early to draw conclusions on this matter but of course we would deeply regret any concern that these allegations may cause the individuals involved."

Big Pictures was founded by celebrity photographer Darryn Lyons in 1992. It claims it is the world's largest celebrity picture agency.