Former England footballer Andy Carroll has formally entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of breaching a non-molestation order and is due to stand trial next year.

The ex-Newcastle and Liverpool striker is accused of repeatedly calling his reality TV star ex-wife Billi Mucklow, who has featured on reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex.

A trial date of January 18, 2027 was set at a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday and Carroll formally entered his plea on Wednesday.

Carroll did not attend Tuesday's hearing, with those representing him believing the hearing was taking place on Wednesday.

As a result, the judge adjourned Carroll's arraignment by one day until today when he entered his plea of not guilty.

The 37-year-old attended Wednesday's hearing by video-link, wearing a checked shirt and apparently sat inside a parked car.

He is charged with breaching an order made by the family court at Chelmsford Justice Centre by allegedly repeatedly calling in March last year his ex-wife Ms Mucklow 'without reasonable excuse'.

Carroll answered 'yes' to confirm his name and said 'not guilty' when asked for his plea.

Prosecutor Philippa Page said there had been 'some mix-up regarding the dates for the plea and trial preparation hearing, so Mr Carroll and his legal team didn't appear yesterday'.

After Carroll formally entered his plea, Judge Mary Loram KC told him: 'I'm adjourning your case for trial on January 18 next year.'

Carroll, who currently plays for National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge, played nine matches for England between 2010 and 2012, scoring twice, including one goal at Euro 2012.

He began his professional career with Newcastle United before transferring to Liverpool for £35 million in 2011, later playing for West Ham, Reading and West Brom among other teams.

The judge granted Carroll bail and at the end of the hearing he said 'thank you, thanks'.