Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.

Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for £1 billion – but legal experts say his chances of success are slim.

The US president’s lawyers wrote to the corporation to complain about a Panorama episode which “doctored” a speech he made to his supporters ahead of the January 6 Capitol riots.

They want the BBC to apologise, issue a retraction and “appropriately compensate” Trump.

BBC director general Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News, have both resigned over the row, which has plunged the state broadcaster into crisis.

The BBC has until Friday at 10pm to respond to the president’s legal threat.

A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said: “The BBC defamed President Trump by intentionally and deceitfully editing its documentary in order to try and interfere in the Presidential Election. President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who traffic in lies, deception, and fake news.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “We will review the letter and respond directly in due course.”

However, media law experts have revealed that Trump faces significant hurdles if his legal action is to be successful.

Media lawyer Mark Stephens told BBC Breakfast: “There are more than a few legal tripwires between President Trump and a legal victory against the BBC.

“One, a UK defamation claim is already out of time. He had one........

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