May 14, 2008, 10:00 GMT
John Cleese says his divorce will be "worth every penny".
John Cleese - © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos
The 68-year-old 'Monty Python' star was ordered to pay his estranged wife, psychotherapist Alyce Faye Eichelberger, £77,500 a month by a court yesterday (13.05.08).
The arrangement is a temporary settlement until the couple's divorce hearing.
As he left court Cleese joked he would send Alice's settlement demands to some of his former 'Monty Python' co-stars, suggesting there was enough humour in them for a reality TV show.
He said: "It's going to be very, very expensive, but it will be worth every penny."
Alyce is demanding two houses, £900,000 a year and half his earning since 1992, insisting she is used to "being entertained by royalty in castles".
Her lawyer argued she has been left with no money as Cleese has paid her no support, but the actor hit back, saying: "I am puzzled how she could stay at the Carlyle Hotel in a £600-a-night room."
Cleese insists his estranged wife has based her demands on a "banner year" in 2007 when his earnings were boosted by voicing a character in 'Shrek the Third' and £750,000 made on a property sale.
The couple split in January after 15 years of marriage and have no children together.
(C) BANG Media International
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