Fergie files legal papers to change her name

Black Eyed Peas star FERGIE has filed legal papers to change her name to reflect her stage moniker and marriage to Josh Duhamel.

The singer was born Stacy Ann Ferguson, but is best known by her nickname 'Fergie'.

She married Transformers star Duhamel in 2009, and now she has taken steps to give herself a new identity.

Fergie has filed documents in Los Angeles County Superior Court, formally asking to alter her name to Fergie Duhamel, according to TMZ.com.

The star wanted to make the change to "conform to the first name which she is commonly and professionally known as, and has been for many years".

In order for the request to be granted, Fergie must publish a notice in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. A hearing into the matter is scheduled for 16 August (13).