Paul McCartney has reportedly been recorded telling his daughter Stella McCartney that he hopes his estranged wife Heather Mills commits suicide to save money in their ongoing divorce case.

According to the News of the World, Paul made the comment during a telephone conversation with the fashion designer when, unbeknownst to him, the calls were being recorded.

A source close to Heather told the newspaper Paul said: “If we turn up the pressure on Heather, with a bit of luck she will top herself and then we won’t have to pay her a penny.”

The source added: “When Heather found out what was said on the tape, she was very distressed. It was such a terrible thing to say, whether it was meant or not.

“Heather was very shocked and hurt and has discussed the tape several times with her sister Fiona.

“She knows that she and Stella never saw eye to eye but she never expected anything like this.”

“Her legal team feel that if the tape is genuine it is one of the most damning things Paul has ever said.”

Heather has previously revealed she has recordings of Paul admitting to hitting his late wife Linda McCartney and verbally abusing Heather, including calling her a “one legged b*tch”. The couple’s divorce case is set to be heard at the High Court in London in February after the parties failed to reach an agreement out of court.