Martha Stewart, the American domestic guru, has been banned from entering the UK because of her criminal record, it emerged last night.

Stewart, who was convicted in 2004 of several offences related to an illicit share deal, was planning to visit Britain for business engagements, but was denied permission to enter the country by the Border Agency.

Last night, her spokesman said the 66-year-old entrepreneur hoped the government would reverse the decision. Charles Koppelman, chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, said: "Martha loves England; the country and English culture are near and dear to her heart. She has engagements with English companies and business leaders and hopes this can be resolved so that she will be able to visit."

US citizens are generally able to enter the UK without a visa, but people with certain convictions must apply for a visa. It was not clear whether Stewart had applied for a visa and been rejected, or had attempted to enter the country under the waiver. The Home Office, which runs the Border Agency, said it did not comment on individual cases. "We continue to oppose the entry to the UK of individuals where we believe their presence in the United Kingdom is not conducive to the public good or where they have been found guilty of serious criminal offenses abroad," it said.

Stewart was found guilty of conspiracy, making false statements and obstruction of agency proceedings.

Domestic guru Stewart barred from UK entry | World news | The Guardian