The judge in the Jill Dando murder trial tonight told the jury he was now prepared to accept a majority verdict in the case.
Mr Justice Gage gave the majority direction after the jury had deliberated for more than 20 hours, but said he would prefer jurors to reach a unanimous decision.
Earlier today one of the seven women jurors was discharged by the judge after suffering a family bereavement.
The jury has now retired again to consider its verdict.
Mr Barry George, 41, unemployed from Crookham Road, Fulham, south-west London, has denied murdering Miss Dando on April 26, 1999.
The TV presenter was shot through the head in the doorway of her home in Gowan Avenue, Fulham, west London.
Mr George denies being at the scene when the murder was committed.
PA