Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have blazing row on Boxing Day

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills reportedly had a blazing argument on Boxing Day - after Paul bought their 4-year-old daughter Beatrice home an hour late.

The couple - who are currently embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over cash, came to blows after the 65-year-old former Beatle allegedly failed to drop off four-year-old Beatrice at the agreed time of 5pm.

Fuming Heather and visiting family and friends were left waiting for Beatrice to arrive without any explanation.

A source said: "They arranged for him to have Bea between 2pm and 5pm but he didn't arrive until 6pm - and didn't even ring to let her know he was running late.

"Heather wasn't happy. She had people round to see Bea and it didn't leave much time until she had to be in bed. She made it patently clear she wasn't happy. She thought it was incredibly inconsiderate and rude."

Paul and Heather are due in court in February and sources close to the pair say custody will be a big issue.

The insider added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "Paul has made it clear he wants custody of Bea, particularly after Heather's recent volatile appearances on TV and her claims she felt suicidal. They also have very differing views on how Bea should be schooled. Paul wants her to go to a school where she will come home every night but Heather thinks she will enjoy the experience of being a boarder."

The insider also played down speculation that Heather will sell her $6.5million East Sussex mansion.

The friend said: "She did threaten to move to America after one row when Paul asked why she had to live so close to his place at Peasmarsh but it isn't happening at the moment."

Meanwhile, former animal rights activist Heather, 39, will throw a lavish New Year's Eve party tonight - and has even invited X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne.

The source continued: "Heather knows Paul and Sharon are good friends so she did it to wind him up. She doesn't really expect her to come." Heather has also invited friends from US show Dancing With The Stars to the buffet and fireworks party.