'MACCA'S NO WIFE-BEATER' SAYS ROD STEWART.

Byline: By FIONA CUMMINS Showbiz Reporter

ROD Stewart yesterday backed Sir Paul McCartney in his divorce battle saying he would never batter estranged wife Heather Mills.

And he urged Macca, 64, not to settle their bitter break-up out of court. Rod, 61, said: "I think he should fight her.

"I think his name has been slurred. I'm sure that he is not a wife-beater."

Heather, 38, accused Sir Paul of attacking her in court papers leaked last week.

She also said he took illegal drugs and drank took much.

But twice divorced Rod, due to marry fiancAe Penny Lancaster, defended the former Beatle.

He told Radio 2's Chris Evans that Macca, who has admitted taking dope, may have dabbled in drugs, but would not hurt his wife.

Rod said: "He might be a drugtaker but I don't think he's a wifebeater. I think he should fight it. I don't think he should settle."

The singer divorced model Rachel Hunter earlier this year after a seven year legal battle.

Meanwhile actor Victor Spinetti, 73, has accused Heather of coming between Sir Paul and stepdaughter Heather Louise - his late wife Linda's first child.

Victor, who starred in Beatles' movie A Hard Day's Night, said he asked Macca's estranged missus how Heather Louise was.

He claimed she said: "Don't mention her name. She's not allowed to phone Paul. She only upsets him.

"And I thought, 'Oh, right. Keep quiet'. And this was before they were married.

"I could see she was strong and opinionated. But Paul obviously fell in love and that was that.

"I don't think she realised Paul has an ego. She thought he was a pushover."

Sir Paul and Heather, whose daughter Beatrice is three on Saturday, split in May.

Outspoken Rod yesterday also blasted X Factor for offering contestants fame on a plate.

Rod, who helped coach hopefuls for last week's show featuring his songs, said they need to work hard doing an "apprenticeship in pubs and clubs" first.

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ADVICE: Rod with his fiancAe Penny' SPLIT: Paul and Heather