Days after Elizabeth Hurley made headlines appearing in the same figure-hugging black Versace gown she originally wore at the 1999 Met Gala in New York, I’m reliably told she plans to go one better.
Now 60, Liz also intends to roll back the years by once more slipping into her most famous outfit of all - namely the Versace “safety pin dress” she wore at the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere in 1994. Since seen on display at the Big Apple’s Metropolitan Museum, not to mention once being worn by Lady Gaga, the legendary number - also known as “That Dress” - isn’t in Hurley’s personal collection.
A source however tells me: “Elizabeth’s made it clear she wants to wear the dress in public again - it’s only a matter of time.”
Complimented on still boasting his trademark mane of hair as he prepares to turn 93 next week, Tory grandee Michael Heseltine chuckles: “It's important to be remembered for something.”
Promoting her upcoming show at the Royal Albert Hall in June, canny pop veteran Lulu can’t resist letting slip that Take That will be joining her.
Her association with the band dates back over 30 years when she toured with the lads after singing on their 1993 hit Relight My Fire. It was memorably claimed Lulu (then 45) and group member Jason Orange (then 23) had a fling, though Lulu later coyly remarked: "I'm not going to answer that, and that's my prerogative."
Confessing to now living with a fearsome companion behind closed doors, Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood enthuses: “I’ve always loved Daleks and I saw them for sale. They were all ex-BBC. I’ve got a black Dalek and it sits in the corner of the garage...it tries to exterminate me as I tinker.”
Presumably not to be placated by a famous “Hollywood Handshake”?
Amiable luvvie Sir Derek Jacobi struggles to be diplomatic when asked for his memories of short-fused Russell Crowe on the set of Gladiator.
Cast as Senator Gracchus, he awkwardly recalls Russell proving “a bit starry” and a “bit Hollywood” at the time. Insisting Crowe eventually deigned to give him the time of day, Jacobi hastily adds: “Nothing to say against him.”
Addressing controversy surrounding the Bank of England's plans to ditch Winston Churchill and fellow historical figures from bank notes in favour of animal images, Bishop of Manchester David Walker playfully suggests: “If we do need a significant Downing Street resident...let's put our energy behind that doyen of British politics: Larry, the Number 10 cat.”
Reflecting on life with hubby Neil after over 40 years of marriage, formidable spouse Christine Hamilton cheerfully announces: “People say, ‘Who wears the trousers?’ We wear a leg each...but I decide which pair we put on in the morning!”
