Legendary music producer Phil Spector will face a 29 September retrial on charges of murdering a B-movie actress at his home five years ago, a judge ruled on Thursday.

Spector, who is accused of gunning down 40-year-old Lana Clarkson at his castle-like mansion in suburban Los Angeles, saw his first trial end in a mistrial last year when a jury deadlocked 10-2 in favour of conviction.

On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler, who presided over the first trial, set the new trial date of 29 September, even though Spector's lawyers are seeking to have him removed from the case.

The California Supreme Court is reviewing claims of bias made against Fidler by Spector's defense team and is expected to reach a decision on the matter within weeks, said Doron Weinberg, Spector's attorney.

Prosecutors had alleged that the reclusive Spector (68) shot Clarkson as she attempted to leave his home after meeting him for the first time only hours earlier at the Hollywood nightclub where she worked.

Defense lawyers said Clarkson, best-known for her role in Roger Corman's 1985 cult classic 'The Barbarian Queen' but whose career had stalled at the time of her death, killed herself.

Spector is regarded as one of the most influential figures in rock-pop music history. In the early 1960s he was responsible for hits including 'Da Doo Ron Ron', 'Be My Baby, Baby' and 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin''.

Famed for his work with The Beatles, Tina Turner, The Righteous Brothers, The Ronettes and The Ramones, Spector faces 15 years to life in prison if is found guilty of second degree murder.