Katie takes her kids to work

Posted by Jane Murphy

Right, enough of the Katie Price-bashing! No, really.

Yesterday saw the prolific author show up for a book-signing at WHSmith in Chelmsford with son Junior and daughter Princess in tow.

Fair enough, you might think. After all, it is half term. But not according to our old laugh-a-minute mates at the Daily Mail, who’ve run the story under the headline “What are you wearing, Mummy?” - then go on to suggest Katie must be having trouble with childcare.

Well, what she’s wearing is a glamorous red dress - which is actually quite tame by her usual standards.

And by all accounts, Junior and Princess were perfectly happy doing some colouring while their mum signed her new style book for the hundreds of fans who’d turned up to meet her.

Frankly, it seems Katie can’t win at the moment. If she’d left the kids at home with a nanny, she’d probably have been accused of neglecting them. And if she’d worn anything less glam than her little red frock, she’d have been slammed for not making an effort.

Isn’t it time for the tabloids to give Katie a break? What do you think?

Pictures: Rex Features, Big Pictures

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Is this the world’s best-ever coat?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Thinking of buying a new winter coat? Me, too!

But don’t spend too much time trudging round the shops trying on loads of different styles: it looks like model-about-town Elen Rives has found us all the perfect cover-up.

The former Wag modelled this eye-catching number outside yesterday’s Hello Kitty 35th anniversary party in London.

As you can see, it’s just the thing to draw admiring glances and flattering comments from friends and colleagues when you bowl up to work or the pub. But be warned: it does emit a plaintive mewing sound when you sit down.

Like it? Lost for words? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA

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Want to look like the Cheeky Girls?

Posted by Jane Murphy

It’s what we’ve all been waiting for, folks.

The Cheeky Girls have just launched their own cosmetics range - the aptly named Cheeky Collection, which comprises 36 “fresh, fruity and colourful” products such as eye shadows and lip glosses.

Everyone’s favourite talent show twins (sorry, John & Edward) have reportedly been hard at work creating the range for the past year. Ah, I knew there’d be a good reason why they’d been a bit off-radar recently.

But now they’re back, back, back - and their adoring public got to see plenty of them when they made a personal appearance to promote the make-up in a Leeds store yesterday afternoon.

So will you be trying out the new Cheeky Collection? Or are you saving up your money for Jedward’s bound-to-happen hair gel range? Do you despair for humanity? Tell us here.

Picture: Wenn

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Pete’s Michael Jackson tribute plans

Posted by Jane Murphy

News just in from Peter Andre! Apparently, he’s planning a “very special Michael Jackson tribute” on the first anniversary of the King of Pop’s death next June.

“We’re still in talks about what we’re going to do,” Pete told reporters at Tuesday night’s This Is It premiere. “There are a few options - one being a live concert and another being a one-off TV special. Whatever it is, it’s not going to happen overnight, so we’re lucky we have lots of time to plan it.”

Ah, it’s what Michael would have wanted. Er… isn’t it?

In other news, Pete - pictured yesterday outside his Brighton home with son Junior and daughter Princess - has been singing the praises of his This Morning colleague, Phillip Schofield.

“I do look up to Phillip,” he admitted. “He’s the ultimate gentleman off and on screen and people love him because of that. He makes you feel relaxed before you even start talking. Forget George Clooney - Phillip is the silver fox.” If you say so, Pete…

Pictures: Wenn

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Coming soon: Posh bags and shoes!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here’s Victoria Beckham strolling through Heathrow last week, demonstrating one of the first rules of fashion: if you’ve got a nice bag and eye-catching footwear, people will hardly notice you’re not wearing any trousers.

So perhaps with that in mind, the celebrated fashionista is reportedly planning to launch her own range of bags and shoes. Oh happy day!

“Victoria is tired of promoting other brands,” a mysterious “friend” tells The Sun. “If she wears Christian Louboutin or Hermès, people go and buy it. She thought, ‘Why can’t I do this with my own line?’"

Ah yes, I’m forever rushing out and blowing £2,000 on a bag after I’ve seen Posh with one - aren’t you?

Still, Mrs B’s megabucks dress designs have been snapped up by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Elle Macpherson and… er… Carol Vorderman - so I’m sure there’s a similar market for ridiculously pricey shoes and bags with her logo on them, too.

So will you be saving up for a VB handbag or towering heels? Tell us here.

Picture: Big Pictures

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Is Miley a bad influence?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Uh-oh! Teen superstar Miley Cyrus has been voted the worst celebrity influence of 2009 by the very people she’s supposed to be impressing.

The Hannah Montana star received an overwhelming 42% of the vote in a major survey of US schoolchildren conducted by tweens-and-teens’ website JSYK.com.

So what’s Miley done to upset her peers? Well, apparently, many were put off by her “risqué” pole-dancing routine at the Teen Choice Awards. So I doubt they’re going to be very impressed with this brand new snap of Miley on stage in Chicago (above) either.

In case you were wondering, reformed pop princess Britney Spears came second with 27% of the votes and awards show stage-hogger Kanye West was third with 19%.

The other two names in the frame were High School Musical’s Vanessa Hudgens (presumably for her “sexy snaps on the web” scandal) and Transformers star Shia LeBeouf (who’s had a few headline-grabbing run-ins with the law).

Still, I’m sure there are far worse celebrity influences than Miley and co out there. I wonder who’d come out top if a similar poll was carried out in the UK. Any ideas?

Picture: Wenn

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This is the This Is It premiere

Posted by Jane Murphy

Last night saw This Is It - the much-touted Michael Jackson movie - premiere in 19 separate locations in 18 countries across the world.

And as much as I know we’d all love to pore over pictures of those notorious recluses Peter Andre and Mel B at the London screening, I thought I’d show you some snaps from the Los Angeles premiere instead.

Naturally, Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson and his wife Halima Rashid (above) were among the guests of honour. “I’m very, very proud,” Jermaine told reporters. “God gave us Michael, and he took Michael back, and Michael did a lot of good on this Earth.”

Also in attendance? Katy Perry showed up with American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert…

(Don’t be alarmed, Russell Brand fans: Adam’s gay and he‘s just good friends with Katy.)

Jennifer Lopez looked stunning in a little black dress and knee-high boots…

…and Paris Hilton (who recently claimed Michael named his daughter after her) went for that old red carpet favourite - another LBD held together with safety pins…

Meanwhile, Paula Abdul opted for a billowing blue dress and pink shoes…

Jazzy! Other big names who showed up to the LA premiere included megastar Will Smith, Motown founder Berry Gordy, High School Musical's Ashley Tisdale and Ghost Whisperer star Jennifer Love Hewitt.

So will you be going to see This Is It at the cinema over the coming weeks? Tell us here.

Pictures: Wenn

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Suits you, Nicola!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Look! Nicola Roberts’ new-found career as a head-turning fashionista continued apace last night when she bowled up to London’s celeb-tastic May Fair Hotel sporting a retro trouser suit and coiffed-to-perfection hair.

I can’t quite decide what this look most reminds me of. It’s a little bit Miss Moneypenny, a little bit "Hollywood glamour puss" and a little bit “mid-’70s schoolteacher hurrying into assembly”…

Like it? Tell us here.

Picture: Big Pictures

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Who’s got the most specs appeal?

Posted by Jane Murphy

At last - the waiting is over! Last night saw Vic Reeves and his charming wife Nancy Sorrell crowned Specsavers Celebrity Spectacle Wearers of the Year during an oh-so-glitzy ceremony at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.

And that’s no mean feat - especially considering, as far as I recall, Nancy doesn’t normally wear glasses.

Anyway, Vic was quick to sing the praises of his specs. “I don’t wear glasses to be funny,” he told headline-hungry reporters who’d assembled from across the globe (possibly). “I think they make me look like a boffin. They give me the 'cool scientist' look.”

The event was also attended by a whole host of stars who aren’t really known for wearing specs - including a stunning-but-slightly-overdressed Jessica Taylor…

…seasoned paparazzi-pleaser Vanessa Feltz…

…and erstwhile supermodel Caprice, who seemed to think she could get away with just daintily dangling a pair of glasses from her hand…

Tsk!

But did Vic and Nancy deserve to win? Remember, folks - this is Very Important Stuff. You can’t just dismiss it as a load of old publicity-seeking hogwash.

Give it some careful thought then tell us who'd get your vote for the Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Pictures: PA

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Would you pay £50 to see Kerry?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Want to know the latest Kerry Katona rumour that’s popped up in the tabloids? Of course you do! Er… don’t you?

According to those lovely people at the News of the World, the under-fire reality TV star has agreed to carry out personal appearances in pubs and clubs for a fee of just £50.

Now, before you start organising a whip-round to lure Ms Katona to your local boozer at the earliest possible opportunity, I should just mention that Kerry’s “people” have denied the claims.

However, a mysterious source tells the tabloid that Kezza’s husband - that old charmer Mark Croft - is the “brains” behind the plans.

“Mark has persuaded her that doing personal appearances is a good way to make some money and raise her profile again,” says the insider.

“He’s also been speaking to nightclub owners in Cheshire, to get them to do Kerry Katona nights. He knows Kerry’s celebrity status and car crash life make her lucrative.”

So would you hot-foot it to a pub or club if there was a chance of seeing Kerry in the flesh? Or would you pay money not to bump into her? Tell us here.

Picture: Wenn

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It’s the Q Awards. Cue eye-popping outfits!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Monday afternoon is party time! At least, it was yesterday - as the great and the good from the music business gathered at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel for the Q Awards.

Among the winners? A casual-looking Lily Allen picked up the gong for Best Track (for ‘The Fear’), sporting a very chic white-sparkly-frock-over-black-leggings combo. However, the Daily Mirror’s 3am Girls have described the singer’s ’do as “post-coital hair”. Whatever can they mean?

And talking of hair, Pixie Lott wore some flowers in hers…

…while Shingai Shoniwa from The Noisettes opted to pop a selection of fruit in hers…

Well, that’s one way to remind yourself to get your five a day, I suppose.

And finally, here’s the ever-delightful Amy Winehouse showing off her brand new jubblies to the paparazzi (again) later in the evening…

Apparently, Amy bowled up late to the ceremony, but eventually stumbled on stage to present The Specials with the Inspiration Award.

She later “heckled” Robert Plant - by chanting, “Billy Bragg! Billy Bragg!” - when he went up to collect a gong. Mind you, this may not have been text-book heckling: she could just have terrible eyesight.

Anyway, Amy’s evening ended with a trip to a nearby restaurant with her 13-year-old goddaughter Dionne Bromfield, which is where our charming snap was taken.

Impressed with the outfits? Inspired by the hairdos? Sick to the back teeth of seeing Amy’s cleavage? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA, Wenn

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Charlize kissed a girl!

Posted by Jane Murphy

How kind! Oscar-winning Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron gave a charity auction a much-needed boost at the weekend - by offering to share a kiss with the highest bidder.

By all accounts, the bids came flooding in after Charlize upped her offer from a seven-second smacker to a full-on 20-second snog.

And the winner? A mysterious woman - so far known only to the tabloids as “wealthy blonde“ - who coughed up $140,000 (around £85,700). In doing so, she outbid a very disappointed man, who could only rustle up $130,000 (£79,000). Cheapskate!

Charlize and “Wealthy” then indulged in a very enthusiastic kiss in front of the delighted San Francisco audience - and everyone went home happy. Marvellous.

Oh by the way, the charity that benefited from Charlize’s act of kindness is the OneXOne Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of children around the world. You can find out more about it here.

Pictures: Rex Features

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Simon’s ‘as inspirational as Mother Teresa’

Posted by Jane Murphy

Oh dear - this won’t make Simon Cowell’s humungous ego any smaller, will it?

The high-trousered talent show mogul has been voted one of the world’s all-time greatest leaders in a new survey of 1,000 teenagers, commissioned by the Prince’s Trust.

Simon shared eighth place on the list, alongside life-saving nun Mother Teresa and wife-bothering monarch Henry VIII. Now, there’s an unlikely trio if ever I saw one…

Still, don’t be too alarmed. The teens’ top three leaders were civil rights activist Martin Luther King, US president Barack Obama and former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela.

What’s more, 70% of those polled said they were more likely to be inspired by someone they knew, rather than a celebrity - while two in three believed there were more celebrities setting a bad example than a good one today.

But is Mr Cowell really a great leader? Are today’s teens actually more influenced by TV stars than they are by politicians? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: PA

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Katherine and Rikki - together at last!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Have you noticed how everyone’s favourite mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins was suddenly everywhere this weekend?

An example? Late on Saturday night, she bowled up to the G-A-Y club night in London, sporting a super-tight PVC dress - and belted out a few classical hits to the appreciative crowd.

You may also be interested to note that Katherine’s left shoulder and arm were covered with Swarovski crystals. Apparently, they were put on one by one with tweezers and glue, and took three hours to apply. Fascinating stuff, eh?

Still, Saturday night at G-A-Y wasn’t all about Katherine. Last week’s X Factor loser Rikki Loney and his amazing dancing eyebrow also made a personal appearance at the club…

...putting paid to those pesky tabloid rumours that the eyebrow was about to strike out and launch a solo career. Phew!

Pictures: PA

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And today’s brown-nosing award goes to…

Posted by Jane Murphy

Look! Here’s a (fairly) smiley Kate Moss and her boyfriend Jamie Hince taking a cigarette break outside Scott’s restaurant in London on Friday night.

And rather conveniently, that gives me all the excuse I need to mention a rather silly feature which accompanied a preview of Kate’s new Topshop collection in yesterday’s Observer Woman Magazine.

First we’re told that the supermodel’s Topshop office “smells sweetly of fags”. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? I wonder what’s happening inside…

“Picking delicately at a packet of crisps, Moss is describing her new collection,” the article continues. “’Feature sleeves!’ she squeals. ‘Floaty things! Sexy things! That kimono feeling!’”

So basically, the room stinks of cigarettes and Kate’s wolfing down crisps while shouting out random meaningless phrases. Brilliant!

Anything else? Well, yes actually. Pooh-poohing those nasty press reports about Kate having wrinkles, the article insists: “In the flesh, she glows - like she’s carved from frozen brandy butter.”

Still, enough of all that. Where does Kate stand on nightwear? “I do like a pyjama,” she reveals. “I wore a pair out as eveningwear in New York once, and there was a massive snowstorm. We couldn’t get a cab, so I had to walk home in them. It was freezing, but they did look good.”

Ah well, I’m off to wander the streets of Penge in my pyjamas now. After all, if it’s good enough for Kate…

Picture: Wenn

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Sienna gets ripped off!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here’s our very own Jonny Lee Miller and Sienna Miller (no relation, by the way) at the opening night of their new production of After Miss Julie in New York.

The response? Critics seem to be divided on Sienna’s performance, in particular - but I’m sure she realised a long, long time ago that you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

Talking of which, what’s with the frock?

I’m not convinced by all those cut-out bits. Maybe it’s time to invest in some mothballs…

Love the dress? Hate it? Wondering where the rest of it’s got to? Tell us here.

Pictures: Rex Features

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Blame it on Rio (Ferdinand)!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Look! It’s Spice-girl-about-town Mel B sporting a very low-cut gown.

The occasion? Last night’s star-studded premiere of new guns-girls-and-gangsters movie Dead Man Running in London’s Leicester Square.

The film’s been part-funded by England football star Rio Ferdinand, who posed for the paparazzi alongside his erstwhile team-mate and co-producer Ashley Cole…

Ah, just imagine the frisson of excitement among the photographers when someone shouted, “Cole’s coming!” - followed by the crushing disappointment when they realised it was only Ashley, not Cheryl.

Mind you, Rio and Ash weren’t the only pretty pair on the red carpet. The film’s star 50 Cent (he plays a revenge-hungry loan shark, in case you were wondering) posed for plenty of pics with ‘Superstar’ singer Jamelia…

Oooh - I never knew they were friends. Did you?

Naturally, no low-budget Brit gangster flick would be complete without an appearance from Danny Dyer - so you’ll be pleased to hear he’s high up on the cast list. And following the premiere and after-party, Danny returned to the May Fair Hotel, where he was met by “phantom hugger” Tania McIntosh…

Poor Tania was doubtless horrified when she opened her eyes and realised who she’d been hugging. After all, the woman does have some standards…

And finally, here’s Mel B arriving back at the same hotel - sporting a completely different frock…

How so? Well, she’d also found time to attend a party to celebrate the launch of British Airways’ direct London-to-Vegas flight. Gosh - it’s almost as if she’ll turn up to absolutely anything, isn’t it?

Pictures: PA, Wenn, Big Pictures

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Myleene in Wag-slamming shocker!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Blimey - has someone put something in Myleene Klass’s herbal tea this week?

The usually oh-so-serene model/presenter/musician seems to have gone a bit soundbite-tastic over recent days. Hot on the heels of her “marriage is unnecessary” bombshell last weekend, the star has now indulged in a spot of Wag-bothering.

“The whole Wag thing is diabolical,” she told Ireland Online. “I heard about one girl - who will remain nameless - who’s willing to put up with her husband’s indiscretions because of the lifestyle it gives her.

“No man is worth a handbag! Buy your own stuff! I don’t profess to be the most talented person, but I put the work in.”

No man is worth a handbag? Hmmm… that seems a bit harsh. I suppose it all depends on the handbag really.

But joking aside, do you agree with Myleene? Is she right to single out Wags for a tongue-lashing? Tell us what you think.

Picture: Wenn

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Who has the most annoying celebrity voice?

Posted by Jane Murphy

It’s pointless poll time again, folks.

The latest? A survey of more than 1,500 people by Magic 105.4 radio station found that seasoned broadcaster Janet Street-Porter has the most annoying celebrity voice in the UK.

(Incidentally, have you noticed how it’s absolutely impossible to say “Janet Street-Porter” out loud without doing an impression of her?)

Still, JSP only just made it to the top of the list: publicity-shy glamour girl Katie Price’s dulcet tones came a close second.

Meanwhile, national-treasure-in-waiting Alan Carr was voted people’s top choice to make announcements on the London Underground.

Alan’s response (via Twitter, of course)? “Wonderful. Am so flattered and surprised. Who would want to hear my voice when they’re six feet under?

“I’ve even been practising ‘Mind the gap’, ‘Doors are closing’ and my favourite phrase of the underground, ‘Turn left outside for the replacement bus service’.”

Fellow Twitter king Stephen Fry was voted the celebrity with the No.1 iconic voice, narrowly beating Sean Connery.

So which celebrity voices do you most love - and hate - to hear? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA

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Katie’s evening drags on

Posted by Jane Murphy

God knows she’s got her knockers - but you have to hand it to Katie Price for hitting back in spectacular fashion and keeping us all entertained. I defy anyone to look at this snap from her latest book launch and not laugh just a little bit.

Katie appeared to be channelling the late, great Diana Dors as she posed for pics in London’s Selfridges to mark the publication of Standing Out: My Look, My Style, My Life.

And her lovely assistants? From left to right, we have: boyfriend Alex ‘Roxanne’ Reid wearing that outfit from Katie’s infamous Ibiza trip; riding instructor Andrew Gould sporting a memorable get-up from the KP Equestrian launch; brother Daniel Price in a cut-down version of his sister’s wedding dress; and close friend Phil Turner working this season’s must-have “sexy banana” look.

The completists among you may like to note that Katie swapped wigs for the book-signing - although I do feel her split ends could have done with a trim…

Still, proud Alex didn’t seem to mind - although according to the hotshot showbiz reporter from The Sun, he “scowled” when asked if he was feeling comfortable…

Oh well, maybe his gold lamé swimsuit was rubbing a bit: it was a tad on the tight side, after all.

Anyway, following the Selfridges gig, the entire party continued their drag-themed day by going to see John Barrowman perform in La Cage Aux Folles.

At this point, Katie dumped the wigs and got changed into a hoodie and sweatpants…

…while Alex dressed as Dappy-out-of-N-Dubz…

…but had clearly still found time to top up his shocking pink lipstick before heading for the theatre.

So are you impressed with Katie’s latest publicity stunt? Tell us here.

Pictures: Wenn, Big Pictures

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Simon’s a nice boy really (apparently)

Posted by Jane Murphy

If you happen to be among the 15 million viewers who caught last weekend’s The X Factor, you could be forgiven for thinking that Simon Cowell was a rude, smug, vain, self-centred irritant.

But how wrong could you be? Well, very wrong, according to… er… Simon’s mum Julie Cowell.

“It would only upset me if he really was a nasty person,” she tells Yours magazine. “Simon isn’t nasty - he’s just honest.”

Mind you, Mrs C does concede that her son was “determined and often difficult” when he was growing up. And she recalls how she once bought a new hat - then made the mistake of asking five-year-old Simon how she looked in it. His response? “You look like a poodle.”

Remember, that’s not nasty - it’s just being honest.

Picture: PA

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Reveal’s party pics - revealed!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Heavens to Betsy! There were some eye-popping sights on the red carpet at last night’s Reveal magazine knees-up in London - not least the appearance of Big Brother 10 winner Sophie Reade accompanied by former housemate Rodrigo Lopez.

Wondering why Rodrigo’s looking so miserable? Well, it could be because his little-talked-about relationship with fellow BB10 “star” Charlie Drummond has just hit the skids.

According to Rodders, Charlie didn’t love him at all and was only hooking up for a spot of post-show publicity. Er… well, that didn’t really work, did it?

Anyway, back to last night - and romance was very definitely in the air for presenter Vanessa Feltz and her partner Ben Ofoedu...

Ah, that’s nice, isn’t it? No?

And tabloid-tastic Lib-Dem MP Lembit Opik bowled up with his rumoured squeeze, lingerie model Katie Green…

Hmmm… I’m not sure the body language between these two is particularly encouraging here. Still, I’m sure they’re together for all the right reasons. Oh yes.

In other news, Tory maths tsar Carol Vorderman showed up in a dress designed by Victoria Beckham…

Incidentally, it’s the second time she’s worn a Posh frock over recent weeks - and they’re not cheap at £2,000 a pop! Maybe Tory maths tsars aren’t feeling the pinch like the rest of us.

Needless to say, there were plenty of former reality TV stars at the party, too - including Danielle Lloyd, Michelle Heaton, David Van Day, Calum Best and the always-good-for-a-paparazzi-pic Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace…

Ah, don’t you wish you’d been there, too?

Pictures: Wenn, PA

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Victoria’s latest secrets

Posted by Jane Murphy 

Look! It’s everyone’s favourite pop-princess-turned-fashionista Victoria Beckham leaving a London photographic studio yesterday evening.

Hmmm… I can’t quite make out whether that blue bendy thing in the bottom of the shot is Mrs B’s leg or somebody else’s arm - but I think I’d better settle on the former. Otherwise, that’s how naughty rumours start.

Anyway, the appearance of this new pic gives me all the excuse I need to fill you in on all the latest Posh-related gossip.

Ready? Apparently, she’s set to film a cameo for Gossip Girl - although original plans for her to appear as Chuck Bass’s long-lost mum have since been pooh-poohed. And quite right, too. Whatever next? Madonna as his granny? Actually, that might work…

But I digress… Victoria’s also being lined up to be a judge on the upcoming series of talent show So You Think You Can Dance?. Mind you, she’d only be appearing as a “guest judge” as she’s apparently far too busy with her fashion range to commit full-time.

Talking of which, Posh has also reportedly ruled herself out of Mel B’s Spice Girls reunion plans because she’s too tied up with her fancy frocks. Bummer!

And finally, according to the Daily Mail, Victoria has just embarked on a new diet regime which consists entirely of fish and berries.

“Victoria’s only indulgence is a glass of wine every night,” a source tells the newspaper. “She thinks she’s the best ambassador for the clothes she designs, so she wants to be model-thin.”

Tsk! If she gets any thinner, we won’t be able to see her. And then what would I write about?

Picture: Big Pictures

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Who’s a proper Charley?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Right then, it’s time to catch up with another long-forgotten Big Brother housemate. And today it’s the turn of BB8’s Charley Uchea.

So what’s she been up to then? Well, you probably won’t be very surprised to learn that the Lewisham It girl was out clubbing in a revealing outfit at London’s Funky Buddha last night.

And I doubt you’ll be in the slightest bit shocked when I also inform you that Charley later popped out of her not-so-sturdy-looking vest top in front of the paparazzi. (I’ve given it some thought and decided I’d spare you the sight of that particular picture.)

Ah, she’s all class, isn’t she?

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
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Katie Price - mum of the year?

Posted by Jane Murphy

At last! There’s some good news for loose-lipped, headline-hogging, horse-loving, ex-bashing, boob-flashing cage-fight groupie Katie Price.

Want to know what it is? The recently divorced glamour-puss has been shortlisted for this year’s Celebrity Mum of the Year award. Katie is, of course, doting mum to reality TV regulars Harvey, seven, Junior, four, and two-year-old Princess.

Mind you, I doubt Ms Price has a hope in hell of winning. After all, she’s up against some strong competition from 19 other high-profile mums, including Samantha Cameron - wife of Tory leader David - who had to cope with the tragic death of their son Ivan earlier this year.

Three Spice Girls also made the list - Mel B, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell - but there was no room for mum-of-three Victoria Beckham. Surely some mistake?

Other shortlisted candidates include Tess Daly, Charlotte Church, Myleene Klass, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and last year’s winner Suzanne Shaw.

Desperate for Katie Price to win the award? Think Victoria Beckham’s been cruelly snubbed? Think it’s all a load of old brain-shrinking nonsense? Tell us here.

(Oh, and if you’ve got a favourite, you can vote for her here.)

Picture: PA

SEE ALSO:
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Myleene: ‘Marriage is unnecessary’ >>
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Lindsay out-Donatellas Donatella

Posted by Jane Murphy

Eek! Is it Hallowe’en already?

Erstwhile party girl Lindsay Lohan bowled up to last night’s Whitney Museum of American Art Gala in New York, sporting a huge fur coat, orange skin and long blonde locks.

Yep, it seems she’s turning into Donatella Versace before our very eyes. Indeed, when Donatella herself turned up, she looked positively normal by comparison…

Other guests included our very own Alexa Chung, who looked super-glam in a blue minidress - although, that said, this probably wasn’t the best picture taken of her all night…

Why the scrunched-up eyes and puzzled expression, Alexa? Hmmm… I’m guessing this could have been the moment when Donatella Lindsay walked in…

Impressed with Lindsay’s latest look? Tell us here.

Pictures: Wenn, Big Pictures

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Did Paris issue live lobster demand?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Hello and welcome to today’s silly Paris Hilton story.

Ready? According to the New York Post, everyone’s favourite hotel heiress issued producers with a three-page rider before agreeing to film a cameo appearance as herself in upcoming action comedy The Other Guys.

So what does the tabloid claim Paris needs for a hard day’s work in the office? A round of cheese sarnies and a can of Coke? Nope. A tropical fruit basket? Nah. A selection of live crustaceans and a bottle of vodka? Could be!

An irate source told the newspaper: “The producers were shocked when her team handed them a three-page list of demands - including live lobsters to be prepared fresh when she’s ready to eat, and a bottle of Grey Goose vodka - all for just one day on the set.”

But hang on! Paris’s “people” have since dismissed the story as “totally ridiculous and untrue”. Hmmm… true or not, they're definitely right about the "ridiculous" bit…

Picture: PA

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Myleene: ‘Marriage is unnecessary’

Posted by Jane Murphy

Now, that’s not very public-spirited!

Musician/model/M&S mouthpiece Myleene Klass has revealed she won’t be tying the knot with long-term partner Graham Quinn - because she doesn’t see the point.

So that means we’ll never get to nose at her wedding pics in OK! magazine - which doesn’t seem fair. Quite apart from anything else, I’d like to see what those two fellas out of Hear’Say look like nowadays.

But, alas, it’s not to be. “I’m going to keep on living in sin,” mum-of-one Myleene told The People. “I quite like it. People keep asking me when I’m going to get married but I’ve gone off the idea now.

“When I was younger, I thought I’d get married and have a fairytale wedding. But now I really don’t think it’s necessary. As you get older you realise what your priorities are.

“My aunt keeps calling me ‘Mrs Quinn’ and I have to keep telling her it’s not my name. I can understand why people call me that. But not being married doesn’t mean we love each other any less.”

So do you agree with Myleene’s views? Is there still a place for marriage in modern society? Tell us what you think.

Picture: PA

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Johnny Depp! William Shatner! Keith Richards!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Blimey - it was all happening at Saturday night’s snappily named Spike TV Scream Awards in Los Angeles.

Among the winners? Loose-lipped glamour-puss Megan Fox showed up in a slinky red dress to collect the gong for Best Sci-Fi Actress for her ground-breaking (ahem!) role in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

And Johnny Depp picked up the Most Anticipated Movie award for next year’s Alice in Wonderland - in which he stars as the Mad Hatter…

But Johnny wasn’t just there to gather trophies for films that nobody’s actually seen yet. He also presented Super Hans from Peep Show Keith Richards with the Rock Immortal gong.

During his acceptance speech, the 97-year-old (or thereabouts) Rolling Stone commented: “I liked the ‘living legend’ - that was alright. But ‘immortal’ is even better.”

And talking of living legends, guess who showed up to collect Star Trek’s award for Best Sci-Fi Film. Only the original Captain Kirk - William Shatner - who, as you’ll doubtless recall, was controversially snubbed for a role in this year’s blockbuster.

Addressing Star Trek director JJ Abrams, who was seated in the audience, William quipped: “JJ, I’ll handle this. This movie was big. Imagine how big it could have been with me in it. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

Sadly, Kanye West was unavailable to leap on stage, grab the microphone and declare that Beyoncé would have made one of the best Captain Kirks of all time. Still, there’s always next year…

Pictures: PA

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Miley Cyrus joins Sex and the City

Posted by Jane Murphy

Those Sex and the City cameos are coming thick and fast, folks. The latest? Friday afternoon saw teen superstar Miley Cyrus arrive on set to film a scene with Kim Cattrall.

So what happens? Well, as the more eagle-eyed among you will already have spotted from our picture, Miley shows up to a red carpet event wearing the same outfit as Kim’s character, PR princess Samantha Jones: a silver sequined dress accessorised with a studded belt.

Apparently, the event in question is the premiere of Samantha’s ex-boyfriend Smith Jerrod’s new film - so she wants to look “hot and young” in front of photographers.

But then Sam’s friend Anthony (Mario Cantone) yells out: “Mother of God! She’s wearing the same dress as Hannah Montana!”

Other stars lined up for cameos include Penélope Cruz, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand. Oh, and rumour has it Liza and Barbra may sing a duet at the wedding of Anthony and his partner Stanford.

Now, if that turns out to be true, I think this could well be the biggest grossing movie of all time…

Picture: Wenn

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Nice to see George!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Watch out, Bruce Forsyth!

Fellow silver fox George Clooney appeared to do a passable Brucie impression on the red carpet at last night’s The Men Who Stare At Goats premiere in London. Could he be after the Strictly Come Dancing host’s job?

He certainly does a nice line in rubbish jokes, after all. Hot on the heels of Wednesday’s “I’m going to adopt some of Brad Pitt’s kids” gag at the Fantastic Mr Fox press conference, George made a quip at yesterday’s junket about goats being better at acting than co-star Ewan McGregor. (Don’t worry, Ewan - he was only kidding. Geddit? Ahem - sorry.)

Anyway, further evidence of George’s Strictly ambitions came when he showcased his “dad-dancing” prowess outside the cinema…

Fancy footwork? Terrible jokes? A really, really long chin? Pack your bags, Forsyth…

Pictures: Wenn, Rex Features

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Katie’s peacock frock shock!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Spotted any bald peacocks recently?

There must be a few around at the moment - because someone’s clearly nabbed a shed-load of their feathers to make up the skirt of Katie Price’s amazing frock.

Yesterday, while ex-husband Peter Andre and current lover Alex Reid were embroiled in a public war of words about who threatened who in a Wednesday night telephone call (snore!), Katie was hanging out - quite literally - at London’s May Fair hotel.

Apparently, she was desperate to pull her corset up to avoid giving everyone an eyeful - but was unable to do so because her arms were weighed down with bracelets and bangles. Don’t you just hate it when that happens?

Impressed with the frock? Too distracted by the cleavage to formulate a proper opinion? Tell us here.

Pictures: Big Pictures, Wenn

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Vote for Big Brother’s Mikey!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Hello and welcome to the latest in an occasional series entitled: “What one-time Big Brother stars have been getting up to since we forgot all about them.”

The latest? Mikey Hughes - the blind cross-dresser from Big Brother 9 - is running for parliament in the upcoming Glasgow North East by-election.

Mikey kicked off his campaign yesterday by bowling up to the constituency in a removal van then giving a nearby statue a good going-over with a feather duster. He also brought a model and some rubber ducks along. As you do.

“I’ll be cracking down on crime, cleaning up the streets and cleaning up Westminster,” the former housemate promised. “I think more CCTV cameras would help cut crime. Compulsory ID cards and DNA tracking would also be useful in catching thieves.”

Sadly, the odds are against Mikey: he’s just 100/1 to win the by-election. Still, at least he’s trying to do something useful, rather than releasing a god-awful single or falling out of a nightclub in a see-through outfit - so good luck to him.

Pictures: Big Pictures

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Fantastic Mr Clooney and friends

Posted by Jane Murphy

By George! Last night saw the London Film Festival open with a star-studded premiere of new UK animation Fantastic Mr Fox - and all eyes were on George Clooney (who voices the lead character) and his new(ish) girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis.

Earlier in the day, George made his traditional “chummy Brad Pitt reference” during the film’s press conference. “I’m going to adopt some of Brad’s kids,” he joked to reporters. “I owe him a few.”

Anyway, back to the premiere… George’s mate Cindy Crawford also showed up, sporting a slashed-to-the-waist gown not too dissimilar to Elisabetta’s…

And Sophie Dahl - granddaughter of Fantastic Mr Fox author Roald Dahl, fact fans - brought her little boy along…

Oh, I do apologise. That’s actually Sophie’s fiancé, nimble-fingered jazz pianist Jamie Cullum. Nice!

And finally, here’s thinking woman’s crumpet Jarvis Cocker - who voices a character called Petey in the film - looking ever-so-slightly awkward on the red carpet…

By the way, I think the official name for Jarvis’s pose is “supply teacher attempting to win over unruly inner-city schoolchildren”.

Pictures: Wenn

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Max Clifford: ‘Fame is empty and meaningless’

Posted by Jane Murphy

Now, we all know that fame costs - and right here’s where you start paying in sweat, etc, etc. But why bother? PR guru and friend-to-the-stars Max Clifford claims that becoming a celebrity isn’t necessarily all it’s cracked up to be.

Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Uncle Max revealed: “I work closely with famous people and have done for a long time, and I am able to tell you how empty and meaningless most of it is.

“People think fame equates to money and success and happiness - and in 99% of cases it doesn’t.”

Max’s past clients include Kerry Katona, Rebecca Loos, Jade Goody and Georgina Baillie (Andrew Sachs’s granddaughter, remember?) - while his most high-profile current client is Simon Cowell.

So do you agree with Max? Or is it still worth having a shot at hitting the big time? Tell us what you think.

Picture: PA

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Tara’s so transparent!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Limelight-loving socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson has been slightly off-radar recently - although not for want of trying.

She’s bowled up to plenty of red carpet events over the past few weeks, but she keeps getting upstaged by the likes of Cheryl Cole and Geri Halliwell. Bummer!

Still, Ms P-T clearly realised it was time to up her game - so showed up to last night’s Tatler 300th anniversary party in London sporting a see-through chiffon dress and no bra. Job done! 

Are you impressed with her efforts? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA

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Peta slams Paris for pig adoption

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here’s everyone’s favourite hotel heiress Paris Hilton sporting a fancy new up-do at last night’s Fox Reality Channel Really Awards in Los Angeles.

But let’s not linger over her hairstyle. After all, there are far more important Paris-related topics to discuss today - because the party girl has just been blasted by animal rights activists for adopting a pot-bellied piglet.

The star ordered the Royal Dandie - now named Princess Piglette - from a breeder in Oregon. “Paris is thrilled!“ the star’s rep told US gossip site TMZ. “She’s a major animal lover and is excited for the arrival of her new piglet.”

However, a spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has branded Paris a “wretched example” to her young fans for treating animals as if they were “as disposable as her friends and fiancés.” Mi-a-ow! Sorry, I mean: oink, oink!

The angry activist continued: “The Chihuahuas, ferrets and kinkajous she’s paraded through her home in the past were not accessories, and pot-bellied pigs aren’t either.”

No, I wasn’t sure what a kinkajou was either - but I’ve just Googled it and now I want one. (Only joking, Peta people!)

So should Paris ease up on the pet-buying? Tell us what you think.

Picture: Wenn

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Kerry joins the Nolans

Posted by Jane Murphy

Girls Aloud? Puh! The Saturdays? Bunch of lightweights! Sugababes? Dull, dull, dull! Last night was all about the triumphant return of The Nolans, who kicked off their UK comeback tour in front of a star-studded audience at the Manchester Apollo.

Singing siblings Coleen, Bernie, Linda and Maureen were joined on stage by a bunch of much younger male dancers, who did things like this…

(Don’t have nightmares, kids.)

And then they all went off to the show’s after-party, which was thronging with a tabloid editor’s dream selection of guests, including Kerry Katona and her ever-fragrant husband Mark Croft…

(Kezza used to shop at Iceland with Coleen - remember?)

Also there? Coleen’s Loose Women co-star Denise Welch - who’s rapidly been gaining a reputation for No.1 party girl over recent weeks - showed up with her lovely husband Tim Healy…

Note how Tim keeps a firm hand on his wife’s shoulder. It’s probably for the best, eh?

And here’s Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard, looking positively demure - by her standards, at least…

Other guests included motormouth Shameless star Tina Malone, former Emmerdale harridan Claire King and boy-from-Blue Antony Costa. I bet that was a quiet, low-key evening then - don’t you?

Pictures: Wenn

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Smith’s back - and Mr Big’s flies are undone

Posted by Jane Murphy

Oooh - it’s all happening on the Sex and the City movie set in Manhattan.

Want the gossip? Well, Jason Lewis bowled up on Monday - fuelling rumours that his character, Smith Jerrod, revives his romance with PR princess Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall). Hurrah!

And talking of Kim, she’s been wandering round in this slightly unnerving comfy-fleece-metallic-mini-and-Ugg-boots ensemble…

I’m not sure whether this is a new look for Samantha (surely not!) or simply a between-takes look for Kim.

Meanwhile, Sarah Jessica Parker looked groomed to perfection as she got ready for her close-up…

…whereas Chris Noth (who plays Mr Big) bowled up with his flies undone…

Well, there’s nothing like being ready for action, is there?

So are you excited about Smith’s return? Unnerved by Samantha’s outfit? Tell us here.

Pictures: Big Pictures

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Mel and Beaver hit Manhattan

Posted by Jane Murphy

Keith Harris, eat your heart out! (Sometimes it’s probably best not to go for the obvious gag at first, don’t you think?)

So here’s fallen Hollywood hero Mel Gibson wandering round New York with a beaver on his arm.

Why? Well, he’s in the midst of filming new movie, The Beaver, which tells the everyday story of a man who can only communicate through his - you guessed it! - toy beaver.

Yesterday saw Mel (and Beaver) hit Rockefeller Plaza to film scenes in which the pair make a guest appearance on breakfast TV show Today.

Jodie Foster is both directing and co-starring in the movie: apparently, she plays Mel’s wife who’s understandably grown tired of his beaver-obsessed behaviour.

Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? I don’t know about you - but I can’t wait for that one to hit the big screen…

Pictures: Big Pictures

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Miley’s rubbish rap

Posted by Jane Murphy

Oh dear! US teen superstar Miley Cyrus upset her legions of fans a couple of days ago when she decided to close her Twitter account.

But why, Miley, why? How could someone who has so many fascinating, insightful things to say about the world (in 140 characters or less) suddenly turn her back on us in this way?

Well, the answer lies in this new video - which sees Ms Cyrus rapping (yes, rapping) about the reasons behind her Twitter-shunning decision. Be warned: it’s all a bit squirm-inducing…

Fair enough, Miley - but I'm sure there are a lot of positive aspects to Twitter, too. (Oooh - did you notice how I turned into an owl at the end of that sentence?)

Anyway, I think it’s time for a Tweet-tastic celebrity such as Stephen Fry - or possibly Phillip Schofield - to produce a pro-Twitter rap video. Over to you, boys…

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Kimberley: ‘Sarah’s too wild for me’

Posted by Jane Murphy

Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh has admitted she rarely goes out clubbing with bandmate Sarah Harding - because she can’t match her hard-partying prowess.

“Sarah’s too wild for me - and she knows I can‘t keep up,” Kimberley told Company magazine. “She only invites me on the occasional night out.”

So what do you do instead, Kim? “Cheryl and I will stay in for a takeaway and a gossip. It sounds boring, but it’s nice to chill when you’re always so busy.”

But don’t panic, Girls Aloud fans! Kimberley insists the band will never split up. “We’ve had conversations and agreed that, even if we stopped making music in five years’ time, we’ll never officially break up,” says Kimberley.

“A lot of groups split because they’re having a bad time or not getting along, then they make a big comeback. We don’t need to make a profound statement and, hopefully, the five of us will stay on the same page for the next 50 years.” Phew!

So would you prefer to go out partying with Sarah - or to stay home for a natter and some nachos with Kim and Chezza? Or perhaps you’d opt to flounce off to Los Angeles with Nadine Coyle instead? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA

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Pete warns cross-dresser Alex

Posted by Jane Murphy

Saint Peter Andre of Brighton and Hove has warned ex-wife Katie Price’s cross-dressing, cage-fighting lover Alex Reid not to “frock up” in front of his kids.

(Hmmm… do you ever look back at the last sentence you wrote and suddenly wonder if life is passing you by? I do it all the time nowadays.)

“Whatever people are doing in their private lives, and that goes for them or anyone, can you please not do it in front of the kids?” Pete told The Sun. “I’m not going to criticise. I’m not going to say, ‘How dare you do this or that’. Just don’t do it in front of the kids. Give me that little bit of respect.”

I suppose it’s fair enough for Pete to be concerned - but I can’t help thinking his children are probably unshockable by now. A man in a dress could well barely raise an eyebrow…

What do you think?

Pictures: PA

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Peter Andre: The Next Chapter - our view >>
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It’s Pamela in a wedding dress (again)!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Look - Pamela Anderson’s just got married again.

Oh no, I tell a lie - she just wore this wedding-dress-and-train ensemble to last night’s Hollywood Style Awards. Well, I guess she just grabbed the first thing that came to hand when she opened her wardrobe - and it happened to be a wedding gown. She does have quite a few of them, after all.

Pammy was joined on the red carpet by her make-up artist's daughter Adelaide Gault, who acted as an impromptu bridesmaid - plus close friend, photographer David LaChapelle, who posed nicely alongside her for the cameras…

Aside from the “bridal party”, guests included a serious-looking Kelly Osbourne, who appeared to have come straight from the office…

…and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere who went for the grown-up look, too…

So are you impressed with their “Hollywood style”? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA, Wenn

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Coleen goes NHS and snubs OK!

Posted by Jane Murphy

How refreshing! Apparently, pregnant wonder-Wag Coleen Rooney isn’t going to have an elective Caesarean on a bed of rare lilies while being tended by designer-clad wood nymphs and stylists from a glossy magazine.

Instead, she’s hoping to give birth naturally in the NHS-run Liverpool Women’s Hospital (LWH), just six miles down the road from her childhood home in Croxteth. And in case you were wondering, the baby’s due within the next fortnight.

“The midwives here can’t wait to help her through the birth,” a hospital source told the Sunday Mirror. “It’s a tremendous fillip for all the dedicated and hard-working staff. They’re really proud of LWH and overjoyed Coleen has opted to support them and the NHS.”

What’s more, Coleen and husband Wayne have reportedly turned down a £1m offer to sell their first baby pics to OK! magazine because they want to do their best to keep their child out of the spotlight.

Blimey - celebrities behaving like normal people? Whatever next?

Pictures: Wenn

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Sophie’s Oxford Street strip

Posted by Jane Murphy

You’ll never guess who I saw when I was sitting on the 73 bus down London’s Oxford Street yesterday. Only Big Brother 10 winner Sophie Reade standing at a bus stop in her scanties!

But on further investigation, it transpired this wasn’t just a last-ditch bid to win some attention: Sophie was being paid to promote the brand new Ann Summers superstore…

…although not everyone seemed particularly interested in the shop’s eye-popping range of naughty outfits and sexy lingerie…

Meanwhile, our oh-so-lovely friends at the Daily Mail have been eager to suggest that Sophie doesn’t seem to have lost her “Big Brother blubber” (that’s their phrase, not mine - obviously). Frankly, if that’s “blubber”, I’m Davina McCall.

Pictures: Wenn

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Guy: ‘I still love Madonna, but…’

Posted by Jane Murphy

Unlike certain high-profile divorcees I could mention, Guy Ritchie has kept fairly tight-lipped since he split from Madonna last year. But now he’s got his new Sherlock Holmes movie to promote - so needs must…

And - whisper it - it turns out he may be a bit of a berk. Well, a lot of a berk, actually.

His thoughts on his ex-wife? “She’s a manifester, if there ever was one. First-rate manifester. Madonna makes things happen. Put Madonna up against any 23-year-old, she’ll outwork them, outdance them, outperform them.

“The woman is broad. And, of course, here you go, I still love her. But she’s retarded, too.” Retarded? Retarded!? Who the hell uses that word nowadays?

But that’s not all. In a ridiculously long interview with Esquire magazine, Guy also offers us plenty more choice soundbites.

My favourite? “The great thing about gypsies is they keep you smart. They will steal, you can bet on it. But they know things. They teach you lessons. About steam engines, about coursing dogs, folk music. They give great currency to language.”

(Ah yes - everything I ever wanted to know about steam engines, I learned from gypsies.)

Want another? “You can tell a lot by a person’s marmalade. My palate is really a fine shred - it’s accessible. I’m not saying I won’t test you. Because all marmalade tests you.”

See what I mean? Prize berk! Give me Peter Andre in OK! magazine any day…

Pictures: Rex Features

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Loose women on the loose - again!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Gosh - doesn’t time fly when you’re gossiping about sex, celebrities and hormone replacement therapy?

ITV’s lunchtime staple Loose Women is 10 years old this month - which gave cast, crew and carefully chosen guests just the excuse they needed to have a good old-fashioned knees-up at London’s Café de Paris last night.

Continuing her current spate of paparazzi-pleasing moments, presenter Denise Welch put on quite a display at the end of the evening - although to be fair, her male companion looked even less “together” than she did (above).

But competing with Denise in the post-party attention-grabbing stakes was her co-star Carol McGiffin - who paused briefly to flash at some drag queens (as you do)…

…while Sherrie Hewson opted for the traditional “I’m-not-drunk-really-otherwise-I-wouldn’t-be-able-to-wave-at-you-would-I?” pose, much beloved of teenagers when their dads come to collect them from parties…

Also at the do? The rest of the presenting team were joined by Dame Kelly Holmes (hurrah!), Peter Andre (woo-hoo!), Les Dennis (woo!) and a rather overexcitable John McCririck (boo!).

Pictures: Big Pictures

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Any news from Paris?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Those celebrity snaps from Paris Fashion Week are coming thick and fast - and I have to admit I’m already tiring of seeing pictures of Katy Perry and Russell Brand wandering hand-in-hand along tree-lined boulevards.

After all, there are plenty more top double acts in the French capital. An example? ‘I’m Like A Bird’ singer Nelly Furtado and burlesque queen Dita Von Teese met up on the front row at Elie Saab (above). Mind you, there’s no point getting too close to Nelly: she’ll only fly away. Or so I’m told.

Meanwhile, Kate Moss and Jamie Hince looked like they were loving every minute as they strode towards the Miu Miu show…

As you can see, Kate opted to wear a skin-tight leather dress - which is all well and good until you need to nip to the loo in a hurry.

Hollywood superstar Renée Zellweger also showed up to Miu Miu - but did that usual “Hollywood superstar” thing of wearing black with more black and a pair of huge shades…

In other news, Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto showed up to the Louis Vuitton show dressed like this…

Stop sniggering at the back there: come next spring, we’ll all be wearing outfits like these. Possibly.

Pictures: Wenn

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Mad Men star is ‘more influential than Barack'

Posted by Jane Murphy

Now, that’s just silly. According to a major new poll by US men’s lifestyle website AskMen.com, the most influential man on TV in 2009 is a fictional character currently residing in 1963.

Yep, Don Draper - the hard-drinking, chain-smoking, womanising ad man played by Jon Hamm in award-winning HBO series Mad Men - topped the survey, ahead of super-sprinter Usain Bolt in second place and Leader of the Free World Barack Obama in third.

In a valiant attempt to explain the results, AskMen‘s editor-in-chief James Bassil insists: “In a turbulent 2009, men are seeking the stability of tradition in the masculine qualities they imagine their fathers and grandfathers to have had.

“The character of Don Draper brings all these traits together, and in doing so speaks directly to the modern man. He’s a man whose time has come.”

Personally, I’m just shocked that Homer Simpson wasn’t in the top three. How about you?

Pictures: PA

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