A financial settlement has been reached between the BBC and a graphic designer asked to “forge” documents for the Panorama interview with Princess Diana.

It’s reported Matt Wiessler has collected £500,000 after losing his job with the broadcaster.

Mr Wiessler claimed he was made the “scapegoat” for the Martin Bashir interview that shocked the world.

His efforts at the time to raise the deception with the BBC was rebuffed.

However, an independent report by Lord Dyson later decided the BBC had been deceitful.

Lawyer Louis Charalambous for Mr Wiessler said:

“Mr Wiessler is relieved that the BBC has now matched the director-general’s fulsome apologies with appropriate financial compensation for the wrongs done to him and the profound impact they had on his and his family’s life.

“It is important to my client that the BBC has acknowledged that he acted properly and responsibly throughout.”

In a statement, the BBC said:

“We are pleased that the BBC and Mr Wiessler have reached an agreement.

“We would like to repeat our full and unconditional apology to Mr Wiessler for the way he was treated by the corporation in the past.

“We also apologise to Mr Wiessler’s family.

“Mr Wiessler acted with complete integrity, including in raising his concerns at the time and we are sorry that these were not listened to. We wish Mr Wiessler all the best for the future.”