*Note to Axl Rose -NEVER mess with a festival crowd. Coming on an hour late the Guns n’ Roses frontman didn’t feel the need to apologise to the crowd. Yes, we all turned out to see you play. But no, we didn’t want to lose an hour of your set because of the curfew of playing live music being reached. If you ask me the set was a let down. Out of sync, out of time, out of luck. Bog off boys!

*Pete Doherty was up to his usual tricks in Leeds when his band The Libertines performed a truly blistering set. It’s great to see the boys back together and ripping it up live.
But backstage Pete was having his usual lady problems. Approached by a girl named ‘Cheryl’ she said: “Since when did you become f***ing famous?” before accusing him of changing and not recognising her. Seconds later she starts crying on him and he’s forced to try and comfort her. Not exactly what you want after you’ve played a blinder.
Anyway, Pete managed to calm her down and it turns out she was a very old school friend of his.  A source tells me: “One minute she was being sweet and tearful and the next she was protective, crying hysterically and wouldn’t let Pete have pictures with any girls in the bar. After about 20 minutes they retreated to his tour bus together.” See – groupies can still get it on with rockers!

*I Blame Coco front lady Coco Sumner is a real talent. Shy and cute in real life but such a powerhouse performer. But don’t be expecting her to perform with her famous dad Sting anytime soon – in fact it will NEVER happen. Coco, who’s fantastic album The Constant is out now, tells me: “It will never happen. He does his thing and I do my thing and it’s separate. And we’ll keep it that way. If I would collaborate with anyone then it would be with Ian Dury or Abba.” Now that I’d like to see.

*Olly Murs is a lovely chap. He’s working hard and genuinely seems like a jolly nice guy. His new track Please Don’t Let Me Go is out this Monday and he’s hoping for a numero uno. But if things don’t go quite as well he’s willing to go back to being ‘normal’ again. He tells me: “I’m enjoying every day – I want to look back on this year whether things are a huge success or not and think I gave it my best shot and had an experience. I’d like to have a house and a new car and then I’ll be fine. I’m realistic about the industry. I worked in a call centre as a recruitment consultant and worked in a jam factory a couple of days a week. I’m grounded.”
The star spoke out about the auto-tuning controversy that X Factor have experienced this week and he said he’d never seen anything suspect. “I for one didn’t see any auto-tuning going on when I was on the show,” he added. “But I can’t speak for others. I mean, Jedward? Ha.” What could he possibly mean!

Shhh
WHICH star is hiding her secret age. This blonde is actually an incredible 47 despite claiming to be a decade younger. She even has two passports to her lie. Must have a great surgeon….

*Joss Stone has oodles of cash stacked away for a rainy day – so she’s taking an entire year off! I’m told the star, who’s still only 23 years old, is intent on doing up her garden during her time away from the music industry. My source reveals: “Joss has the most incredible house down in Cornwall that she’s done up with beautiful hippy inspired art pieces and stain glass windows – as you would expect. But she’s ready to start work on the garden and has no qualms about taking time out.” Good for her.

*That Usher is a cad. I hear the father-of-two, who releases brill new single DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love this week, has a secret weapon to getting himself some lovely lady bumps – he has a back-up car to pull the ladies in. During the day he’s the image of a perfect father and drives a Mercedes with baby car seats and then at night he brings out a Porsche. A mole tells me: “His day car is covered in baby stuff – Cheerios on the seats, crackers and toys. But he takes the Porsche out in the evening to impress the ladies. He’s a clean freak really and doesn’t want potential lovers to see the mess.” Clever boy.

*Former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan was looking beyond amazing when I bumped into her last week. There’s a new weave, an amazing new figure and a new sense of confidence after being ousted from the band that made her famous. The teeny star tells me being happy following the departure from Sugababes has had a lot to do with it. Keisha revealed: “Yes I’ve been working out and I’m not going home every night and eating a Chinese takeaway. I wasn’t being healthy towards the end of being in the band. I was eating because I was so miserable. I’m happy now and I’m looking after myself.”
The star, who won’t release music until early next year, also set the record straight on whether she’ll be reuniting with her old chums Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy (who famously walked from the band branding Keish and Mut bullies) from the original Sugababes line-up. “I’ve recorded over 30 tracks now so it’s time to whittle them down for the album – and I’m nearly there,” Keisha added. “Mut will probably feature in there somehow and I’ve been hanging out with Siobhan too. Whether we all work together I’m not sure. But we’re very much friends and looking at what we could do. I certainly never thought I’d be in this situation with reuniting with the original girls. But it feels very easy and very natural for me. We’ve grown up a lot since then.” Indeed you have – I’m loving the new fit and fabulous Keisha.

*Adam Garcia is a class act. Not only is he a great judge on Sky1’s dance show Got To Dance he’s also going down a storm in the West End dance show Tap Dogs.
I took the hunky Aussie for a bite to eat last week and he told all about working on the West End and moving on from the cult classic film Coyote Ugly. “It’s been 10 years since the film came out now and people are still coming to see me off the back of that film – which is pretty amazing,” he told me. “This show is an 85 minute sprint and keep me fit. That’s why I’m able to eat what I want and not bother going to the gym.” “The show’s been going for 15 years and I’m in the latest reprisal. Being on the West End is a real thrill.”
But not everything has gone to plan with his fanbase in the UK. “I was outside the other night and this woman came up behind me and full-on goosed me,” he said. “It wasn’t even a laughing matter. I lost my sense of humour and told this woman off. It was beyond rude.”
That it was Adam – but on the plus side at least people still want to goose you!
Catch Adam in Tap Dogs before it finishes next Sunday at the Novello Theatre. Call the box office on 0844-4825170 or log onto www.tapdogs.co.uk.

*Scott Mills is presenting his big ones. No you smutty lot, his new compilation album is called B1G ONES. Featuring every summer hit possible this is the one CD you need following a summer of raving it up in the sun. It features Plan B, Flo Rida, Jason Derulo and Cheryl Cole. Go get it!

*Fancy dressing as Freddie Mercury for a day to help raise money for people living with HIV and AIDS? Well now is your chance.  Next Friday (September 3) thousands up and down the UK will be sponsored to dress as Freddie as part of the Mercury Phoenix Trust’s Freddie For A Day campaign. Get involved yourself and log onto www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com.

*When your hair starts to grow back after alopecia it can have a couple of undesired effects. Just ask Gail Porter. The star told me over coffee at the GMTV studios this week: “My hair grew back and then my eyelashes but I’d completely forgotten about the rest of my body until I took my daughter Honey swimming and realised I had Julia Roberts armpits and God knows what else going on downstairs.” The stars currently planning her 40th birthday celebrations for early next year. “It’s going to be huge,” Gail said. I don’t doubt her.

*Drew Barrymore told me about her best buddy Cameron Diaz last week when she was in town to promote her flick Going The Distance. And it would seem the pair have rather bizarre nicknames for each other. Drew laughed: “Ah, my poo poo! That’s our nicknames for each other poo and poo poo!! We just spent the last few months together hanging out rooming, we are roomies! We have so much fun together we both have the same outlook on life – I guess we basically don’t take it too seriously!”
She also told me she’s gagging to do another Charlie’s Angels film with Cam and Lucy Liu. “I would do another Charlie’s Angels in a shot,” she said. “I would do it until we had to do it in wheelchairs – Charlie’s Angels, the senior years. But the stars will have to be aligned in the right place! The thing is although the movies are really fun, they take a lot of work so I don’t know when we’ll work it out but anytime soon I am up for it!”

*Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding says she has hung up her party shoes once again. The star told me last week: “This has been my only day off this week. I’ve been working 6-day weeks for so long. I can’t tell you what I’m doing cause if I talk about it too soon then it won’t be interesting anymore.” Sarah, who these days is forging a career as an actress, insists that days of clubbing all night are behind her. “I was in bed by 9pm on a Saturday night,” she admitted. “My party girl days are far behind me. I’m glad I did it, but I’ve taken all of that stuff and locked it away in a chest. I’m 28! I need to start behaving. When you’re in your early 20s its all about having lots of fun, but I’ve got too much to do now.” Is this the same Sarah Harding you caned it non stop for two weeks in Ibiza just a matter of days ago? Oh yes, it is.

*Denise Van Outen’s little girl Betsy was beyond cute at last week’s V Festival. Suri who?! Anyway, it sounds like Denise is coping just fine with getting back to normal as a new mum. She told me: “It was so much harder than I expected at the beginning but it’s much better now. She’s just the best thing.”
And Den reveals she’s eased back into her size 10 clothes with ease. “I didn’t really do anything but run around after her,” she revealed. “It’s been non stop and I think the adrenaline has worked wonders. I’ve started training for the Inca trail that I’m doing for charity now so that’s getting me very fit. I’m running or hiking pretty much every day. So that will fine tune me.” Indeed!

*Doctor Who star Karen Gillan sounds like she has some rather large ambitions as an actress if you ask me. She revealed: “I’m signed up for the next series of Doctor Who so I have no plans for anything else right now, but I would to get into theatre after this series. I think Lady Macbeth is a character I could really get into – and she’s from Inverness like me.”
Fortunately it sounds as if the quirky star’s new found fame and paparazzi attention is just washing over her like water off a duck’s back. “It doesn’t bother me or change how I dress,” she said. “I’ve always been into fashion so I’m going to wear what I like. And I don’t exercise or diet or anything. I slouch in front of the TV.”

*Rupert Grint is after a role as far away from his Harry Potter role of Ron Weasley as possible after the film franchise finally shuts up shop for good. He said: “I want to play someone psycho and be really mad. I’m trying to line stuff up but for now I want to hang out with my friends.”

*Snoop Dogg held a huge “Welcome Back” to the UK bash at London’s Merah club last night following his performance at the Wireless Festival. Actor Tim Wade hosted the swanky bash and other guests included rap legend Jay-Z. HUGE!

Shhh
WHICH Brit film star needs to remember he’s married with kids? This suave gent was all over a friend of mine this week in Bungalow 8. Naughty!

*Irritant – Big Brother’s Sunshine
This pathetic little try-hard was getting right on my tits this week. So I’m thrilled she was evicted!
She’s the most annoying housemate this year’s series (which, may I add, I love) had to offer. Her “future career” will be nothing more than a has-been TV star that had her 30-seconds of fame. Maybe she could earn a few bob from chopping off that Gwyneth style long hair and selling it to a wig-maker. She’s in Big Brother. She is a fame whore like all the rest of them!

Barclaycard Wireless Unwind Area Gossip…..

*Glee star Cory Monteith was the main attraction at Wireless! He was besieged by fans when he pitched up to the swanky Barclaycard VIP area. And as a true Gleek, I couldn’t resist leaping in for a snap! The star tells me we may be seeing a far more surprising cameo from another big band – Coldplay! “I’d love Coldplay to have a cameo,” he said. “There were talks – at first they didn’t want us to do one of there songs which is understandable because at that time no one knew what Glee was, but thankfully we think they’ve changed their mind.” That will be interesting!

*Prince Harry once again showed face to see Pink rock Hyde Park on Friday evening and I was there to witness the Royal enjoying his evening. But it didn’t all go to plan! I’m told the Royal wanted to meet Pink but he was, er, Royally snubbed! My mole tells me: “Harry was hoping to meet her before she went on but she was too charged and ready to rock to see anyone so he was miffed. Pink doesn’t agree with a few things the Royal family believes in – including their use of Bear fur in the hats of the Queen’s Guard. So she wasn’t interested.”
Harry hung with pals in the Sanctum Hotel VIP Area before being whisked out of the park only an hour into her set. I saw him chatting happily to a gaggle of black ladies before slipping out the back door. Oh the life of a Prince….

*Don’t mess with Darius Danesh at a gig. That’s what I learnt at Barclaycard’s Wireless festival. I stood aghast as the 6ft 4ins hunk and his brother drag two punters out of the crowd in a headlock and deliver them to festival security after an altercation in the crowd watching Pink. Darius told me after: “These two boys urinated into a bottle and threw it and it went up in the air and hit a guy on the head and he fell flat on his face. He was really hurt. That’s no way to behave in a concert. And I don’t put up with that – so I took matters into my own hands.” Too bloomin’ right Dazza! Pee chuckers should be chucked!

Gossip from the O2 Silver Clef Awards in aid of Nordoff Robbins…..

*There was only one person rock God Slash wanted to talk to me about at the O2 Silver Clef Awards to benefit the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity. And that lucky young lady was Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Slash told me the pair have been beavering away on a sexually charged new track for her second solo record. He revealed: ¡°thing about Fergie is when you look at her in the Black Eyed Peas she definitely has a glamorous side but I can see the dark edge and if you pick up on it and if you get to know her she is a rock chick. “She is a little dark. We wrote a song together that’s not on my record but it may be on her solo record and the lyrics are very graphic. Sexually graphic. Her attitude is hard. I have a great imagination so she is not dirtier than I would imagine but she is cool. She has some rock chops all around just lifestyle not just vocal chops. When I got to know her I realised she had been round the block a couple of times.” Eeeew, charming!

*Bless Tony Bennett. I mean, he is 82 years old. Just before meeting Sharon Osbourne an aide had to explain who she was. She said: “It’s Sharon, Tony. Ozzy’s manager and from the television.” He got it just in the nick of time. I met the legend himself and he had some wise words for me. He said: “Listen, it’s not what you get. It’s what you give that makes life a treasure.” Too true, Tony.

*With all these guest judges on the X Factor you have to wonder whether Sharon Osbourne (above with me) would be tempted to make a shock return to cover for her old arch enemy Dannii Minogue. Well, it would appear no amount of cash could persuade her. She told me: “I wouldn’t even do that for £10 million. I’ve moved on in my life. That’s the past and I’m looking towards the future.”

Gossip from the Isle Of MTV in Malta

*She may be one of the most famous women in the UK – but Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears has never heard one of Cheryl Cole’s songs! The star tells me: “I have literally no idea of her music. I’m sure she’s lovely but I’ve never heard a song of hers. I’m sorry – I know people love her. But I’m so deluded. I know she’s the break out success of Girls Aloud.”
Fortunately the frontman made up for his Chezza error by talking about his wild partying in Glastonbury after the band performed last weekend. “How do I manage to not become some sort of clubbing alcoholic drug addict,” he giggled. “You just have to be specific with your partying. We have a schedule and we set a pink X across a day so that we can go out and stay out for 48 hours and go mad. Glasto was our last blow out and we won’t have that again until August. It is important if you don’t schedule that time in. When you don’t schedule things in and you’re out all the time then you are wrong.
“At Glastonbury we partied all day until 9am and went straight on the bus. I slept under a bench for an hour and got straight on the bus.”
Jake also talked about marriage to his partner of six years Chris and said they won’t be progressing to having a civil ceremony. He said: “I don’t think there will be a wedding. Chris would never go for that. He’s too punk to do anything like that. Glastonbury six years ago was our first date. I did ask him to marry me that night on the dance floor. I don’t think we ever will. He thinks marriage for us would be, as he says it’s a really bad look. We might as well be married we have rings.” Aw sweet.

*David Guetta played a storming set at the Isle of MTV and I caught up with the man himself before he played for the 50,000 strong crowd in Valetta.
The French DJ, who’s album One Love is back in the Top Ten Album Charts again, tells me he’s ready to start thinking about working with a brand new vocalist – and this time it’ll raise a few eyebrows. David is desperate to work with Leona Lewis! He tells me: “She’s an amazing talent and incredibly beautiful. I’d love to work with her and see what we could do. There have been initial talks and it looks positive. It would be great to see what we could do together.” This is the best collaboration idea I’ve heard for a long time! Over to you, Leona!

*Kid Rock is hardcore if you ask me. I had drinks with the former hubby of everyone’s favourite peroxide blonde Pamela Anderson and gave up trying to keep up. He drinks three doubles of Jim Beam whisky with a “splash” of coke in a pint glass. He told me: “This is a real drink.” Indeed. Whereas I was suffering with a hangover from hell – Kid was up at the crack of dawn for an early flight!

*Kelis (with me above) was one of the headline acts in Malta and I caught up with the lady herself to talk about wearing fur, her brilliant new album Flesh Tone and Simon Cowell, who she describes as looking “cuddly”.
Kelis was embroiled a big row with animal rights group PETA recently when they called for her to stop wearing fur. The singer furiously struck back at the start of the year saying she wouldn’t be told what she could and couldn’t wear – vowing to continue to wear fur of all kinds. And she sent a clear message to the bunny lovers once again when we met. “My take on Peta is the same as it was before,” she told me. “I wear what I want when I want and I’m not dictated too. My opinion on wearing fur won’t ever change so they need to get used to it.”
She also spoke briefly about how important it is for her to keep her private life, erm, private. It’s no surprise after her messy split with rap superstar hubby Nas - which resulted in the birth of the couple’s cuter than cute son Knight – last year. She told me: “I’ve never courted the celebrity thing. I’m not new to this industry and it serves no purpose as a musician going out on a red carpet to talk about my private life. I mean, I actually do have a job so I don’t feel like I need to go out and share my private life with people. It’s just a distraction. I appreciate being able to be a mother and have a clear distinction between my work and my private life.”

*Brit fashion star Louise Roe continues to make a big splash around the world. She’s become the first Brit to join the cast of MTV’s The City and stars alongside Whitney Port and the gang in the show from this Tuesday.

*Sam Young is my favourite London DJ. He’s at every event worth bothering with – and now he’s taking a step into being a chart star himself. He’s just released Closer Than Close 2010 – a mash-up with 90s star Rosie Gaines. It’s THE single you should be listening to right now – go download it!

*Louie Spence is a serious horndawg sometimes! I here the flamboyant Queen of Pineapple has gone to extraordinary lengths to get closer to T4 host Steve Jones ahead of today’s T4 on the Beach in Weston-Super-Mare. A mole told me: “Louie found out what hotel Steve was staying in and booked in there as a laugh. He loves a bit of Steve! Watch the show on Channel 4 today at 2pm for performances from N-Dubz, Pixie Lott, JLS and Dizzee Rascal.

*My old mucker, gossip blogger Perez Hilton, sure knows how to make an entrance. He turned up donning Elton John ‘tiger’ glasses to catch Pink at Wireless. But he didn’t end up spending much time in the UK at all! Mr Hilton held a glittering One Night Only gig in London featuring Kelis, Peaches, Diana Vickers and The Hoosiers last night and leaves later today! Yikes. Come visit us again soon!

*That Sharon Osbourne is a clever little thing. She’s planned hubby Ozzy’s tour dates around their wedding anniversary celebrations! Ozzy reveals: “Only Sharon could organise a gig in f**king Venice for our anniversary!  Yeah, I’m gonna do a gig under water then we’ll go on one of those boats!”
And it sounds like Aunty Sharon and Uncle Ozzy are desperate for daughter Kelly and her model fiance Luke Worrall to set a date for their nuptials. He revealed: “We don’t know if there’ll be a wedding this year. They are obsessed with each other – you never see them apart! Sharon and me keep asking all the kids when they’re gonna give us Grandchildren – Sharon is desperate for them as you can imagine!
“I’ve already got five from my first marriage and it’s inevitable – you might not want to be called Grandad but it’s gonna happen!” That’s one rock and roll set of grandparents!

*Rejoice! It sounds like funny man Russell Brand is finally going to get rid of that wild bush of a barnet. He reveals: “I will be getting my hair cut very soon. I have to get it cut for the new Arthur movie! It’s going to be a major event and we’ll all go out afterwards to celebrate.” The Get Me To The Greek star also says he’s finally reached his tether when it comes to shopping for clothes in public – he’s bagged himself a stylist! “I have some one who makes me look this good now,” he admits. “I hate shopping. It makes me all nervous and jittery and I always feel like the sales assistants are taking the piss ….so I’ve got a lady that does it for me. It’s simple really. A nice tight pair of jeans, t-shirt with a neck what shows my tits, a scarf or two….and definitely NO baggy jeans!  Makes life much easier.” I bet!

*New Britain’s Next Top Model host Elle MacPherson has had enough of being called The Body! She tells me: “I can’t believe people still call me ‘The Body’. It’s kind of embarrassing now. I mean still now at 46?!! I’m like, come on give me a break. When I was at school I used to be called Elle the Smell….so I guess The Body is an improvement on that.”
She also told me she’s not going to turn into on of these late forty-something pillow faced freaks with help from botox and fillers. She added: “Lets just say I prefer the natural look – natural beauty is far prettier than anything else.  If you try and adjust or add or improve where do you stop? It’s far better to make the most of and enhance what you’ve already got than mess around with Mother Nature.” I agree – and in real life she has a face that actually moves. Shock horror!

*Holly Willoughby sounds quite taken with Eclipse star Robert Pattinson if you ask me. Speaking at this week’s premiere she revealed: “R-Patz is just so handsome, brooding and sexual. I just want to kiss him all the time. The story is kind of like Mills And Boons as all the action happens behind the bedroom door – although I hate to compare it to that.” Indeed, Holly!

*Being a Vampire in a Twilight movie stinks – literally. Just ask Calvin Klein’s latest undies model Kellan Lutz. He told me at the Eclipse premiere: “There was more competition between the girls and the guys to get the better body. I was dragged to yoga as I needed to be flexible and I learnt how to do a headstand. People started passing gas when they started stretching which was quite funny but you aren’t meant to laugh.” Sounds, erm, lovely! NOT!

*Fearne Cotton admitted to being a bit worse for wear after watching Kings of Leon in Hyde Park on Wednesday night. She told me: “I shouldn’t be allowed to go out on a weekday. I drunk a lot of cider and did a lot of jumping around to Kings of Leon. That’s why I can’t wear heels today and stuck the Converse on.” Sensible lady!

*Move over Fabio – Former Destiny’s Child gal Kelly Rowland wants to perfect her ball skills by being the next England manager. Now, I know nowt about football but this sounds amusing.
Kelly told me: “If I was manager I would be like: ‘Bend over son – I want to see that ass’. As England is my spiritual home I was cheering you guys on last Sunday.
“Your technology rules really suck. I felt so sorry for the guy that didn’t get his goal allowed because he had hussled to get that. I’d get the players to completely protest over that.”
“I’m not going to tell you which footballers I have my eye on though because I don’t need their girlfriends coming after me.”
While most drowned their sorrows when our team got given the boot out of the World cup, Kelly was inspired by it. The singer, who’s brilliant track Commander is out this week, invited me down to Radio 1 to watch her Live Lounge performance on Thursday and she was looking super trim.
Knocking back a carrot smoothie she revealed: “I’m actually detoxing right now. When I was watching the game I was eating loads of crap like profiteroles and loads of fried food. So now I’m literally drinking juice 5-6 times which things in it like spinach, broccoli and cucumber.” Miss Rowland, I like how you roll.

With thanks to Jon Furniss and Dave Nelson for Pictures

I’ve been looking forward to catching Leona Lewis’ first UK tour all year – and I’m pleased to let you all know that it didn’t disappoint.

I won’t bore you all with a full review. I just want to let you all know what I enjoyed and I what, in my opinion, could be worked on.

Firstly, she has the most incredible vocals I’ve heard for years. Not only is she singing live for the entire gig (take note, Miss Houston), she’s also dancing. She looks like she’s really enjoying herself and having a great time.It’s great to see she’s loosened up and not just standing there like an Angel singing ballads.

She’s looking comfortable on stage and we are finally able to say that the UK version of X Factor did, as Simon Cowell always harped on about, create a Worldwide superstar.

More than anything else I was personally pleased to see the gig sold out too. Being able to sell-out arenas is no easy thing in this day and age – especially as a young female Brit. I was thrilled to be going home on the tube and a little girl of no more than eight turning to her mum and said: “I want to be like Leona when I’m older.” I know this was coming from an innocent young girl – but how good is it to have a role model like that for our children nowadays? A British born and bred role model for fans across the world. She doesn’t shave her head and show off her lady garden, do drugs and fall out of nightclubs or get in trouble with the law. She’s a woman with a real voice.

My only criticism of the show is the styling and the stage set. Yes, William Baker (Kylie’s main artistic director) did well and it was nice, fluffy and magical with its Labyrinth theme. But for me it didn’t feel Leona enough. It felt more like a Kylie concert that was only 70 per cent executed. I wanted more Leona – more horses, more peace and love and more happy Leona-style things. That will come – give her time.

I’m thinking by the time we have another new album Leona will have so much more of a direct idea of what SHE wants to do. Her confidence must have increased ten-fold following these shows too. And so it should! She’s an incredible talent and I’m already gagging to see her again live.

What did you guys think of the gig? Do let me know! She’s planning to take the show to Europe next!

PS. I’m going to put it out there right now – I want Leona to work with David Guetta. I think it would be an incredible mix. After seeing Outta My Head live I can just see it happening. Come on, David!

PPS. Take That’s Jason Orange was in front of me sporting a huge bushy beard and James Blunt and his Spanish girlfriend Sabina were also there.

*Lindsay Lohan’s had one hell of week partying it up in Cannes.
Earlier in the week she was pictured with mysterious lines of white powder on a table next to her at one bash and on Friday night it seemed like she needed more than a little bit of help walking. The star was out with British socialite Lady Victoria Hervey on a yacht for dinner with pals. Lady V told me: “She’s on good form and there were about 40 paps flashing cameras in her face. Who could walk under that amount of flashing.” She has a point about that! Come on Elton – rescue her!

*Friday evening saw Paloma Faith take to the decks at the Hoxton Pony for an exclusive DJ set. The star kicked off her exclusive DJ set at the venue and said: “I’m dressed like a Christmas cracker, and now I”ve gone bang!” The star got so into her set – even rapping over 2-Pac and Biggie Smalls tracks – before blowing the speaker system forcing the people to go home!

*Now I didn’t see this one coming, Grace Jones was bitten by a fan this week. The, let’s face it, fairly scary music legend was traveling out to Cannes where she rocked the exclusive Belvedere vodka party when a rather over-zealous admirer crossed the line. My mole tells me: “Grace was approached by a drunken fan when she got on the flight and they were singing her songs and making a nuisance of them selves. They managed to get right up close to Grace and they insisted on kissing her hand. She held her hand out and this guy bit her hand. Grace obviously was startled and immediately walked away. Thankfully she controlled her anger and stayed right out of the way of the person fot the rest of the trip.”
Fortunately Grace was looked after incredibly well by Belvedere and that probably softened the blow of being gnawed on. Her rider included a platter of oysters, champagne and red wine and she chose to only wear a g-string, a basque and a mask on stage to perform for the likes of Sarah Harding. I’m a definite slave to her rhythm!

*I loved catching up with Shaznay Lewis of All Saints fame this week. She’s a top girl and we’re going to be hearing a lot more from her again soon. She told me: “I’m hoping to be in the studio soon actually. I’m going to be working on a new solo record. There’s no plans for an All Saints reunion anytime soon. But we’re in touch all the time. We’re all mum’s now and its madness when we are together.” I bet it is! Good to see you, Shaz!

*Shhh
WHICH young pop singers are secret lesbians? These two have been having lady loving for the past few weeks and are apparently blissfully happy!

*Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon tells me he’s nearing completion on the band’s new album with super producer Mark Ronson. Speaking at the Ivor Novello Awards he told me: “Mark came to us wanting to make a classic sounding Duran album – not a Mark Ronson sounding Duran album. And I think that’s what we’ve achieved. We’re all thrilled with the results. And we’re nearly finished. Mark’s been an absolute joy to work with.”

*Paul Weller’s son Natt Weller is kooky as can be. He wears make-up, dresses like a space age goth and doesn’t give a damn what people think. But he’s a nice lad in person. He’s been busy recording his own music for the past few years and debut single Tallula is on the net right now – he’s even got a video for the track circulating on youtube.com. But he tells me it’s more than a bit annoying to travel when you’re a boy that wears make-up. He said: “I have to take it over every time I come back to the UK via Paris. The French make you do it when you go through customs. So I have to wipe it off – then reapply. It’s frustrating.” I bet!

*It was a case of third time lucky when legendary music producer Trevor Horn was presented with his gong for PRS For Music outstanding contribution to British Music at the Ivor Novello Awards this week. First choice to present Trevor award was Robbie Williams but I hear he jetted back to LA and couldn’t make it, secondly Elton John was supposed to do the honours and finally they drafted in ABC frontman Martin Fry. Phew – got there in the end.

*Emily Blunt clearly packs a punch in Hollywood these days. So much so that I hear the British actress flew her own private hairdresser half way around the world for the amfAR event in Cannes this week at a cost of £40,000. The charity bash, which was attended by J-Lo and Paris Hilton and a whole host of A-Listers, was the event to be seen at this year. A source tells me: “Her hairdresser was paid close to £30k for the trip but then they had to get a jet to fly her over and pay all the expenses. Obviously her film company will pay for it – but it’s very extravagant, to say the least.

*Lily Allen could barely hold all three of her heavy Ivor Awards when I bumped into her backstage. She told me: “I still think my songs sound like nursery rhymes. I’m sure I’ll be found out one day! I’m still going to be writing lots. But it’ll be for other people from now on.” The star’s next project is opening up a vintage clothing store in London. They’re even making a TV documentary for Channel 4 about the whole change of career. Why not, I say!

*Sex and the City star Kristin Davis is the latest big star to ask for the help of trainer to the stars Tracy Anderson. Kristin – who plays Charlotte in the series and stars in the movie (out this Friday) – has been working out like a beast to get in shape for a bikini scene in the movie. My source tells me: “She’s gone to Tracy as she was aware of the amazing shape Madonna and Gwyneth are in thanks to her efforts so she knew that Tracy got results. She’s been doing two hours of working out every day. Doing dance aerobics for an hour and an hour of pilates every day. She’s had sweat pouring off of every inch of her body to get fit.” I look forward to seeing those ripped muscles at the premiere this week!

*Lee Mead continues to make a big impact on the West End – this time he’s the male lead in Wicked at the Apollo Theatre in Victoria. And I went down to catch up with Lee and his charming wife Denise Van Outen this week. The couple’s baby Betsy is just two weeks old and they are getting to grips with being new parents. Lee beamed telling me: “She’s the light of my life. It’s totally changed the dynamic of Denise and me – we’re a family now. I’ve started this run in Wicked and have to make sure I get to see her as often as I can. It’s tough going to work and leaving her. But I’m over the moon to be a father. And Denise is an incredible mum.”
Den looked svelte and happy on her second night out since the birth. But is she on some crash diet to ditch her baby weight? “Of course I’m not,” she said. “I’ve just had a kid and I’ve done nothing yet. Although I did get excited being able to go for my first power walk this week. I’m in no rush to be slim. Believe me clothes are covering things well – I’m breast feeding and not interested in being on a silly diet.”

*I have new music coming out my ears these days. Here’s my tips for some good tunes. I listened to Kylie’s brand new album Aphrodite this week – it’s HUGE and will have Kylie fans rejoicing the world over, if you like country music then Lady Antebellum are fantastic and their album Need You Now is out now and I’m loving Remi Nicole’s new single Let It Go with Bless Beats, Wiley and Plug 1.

*Kelis is the girl of the moment right now. Her album Flesh Tone is HUGE. And everyone wants a piece of her. Trust me, she’s got the album of the summer – perfect for any Ibiza fan. The star is also the talk of the fashion world too. John Galliano himself requested she leave London to fly to Shanghai to perform at a Dior store launch this week. Celebs watching in the audience included Charlize Theron and Marion Cottilard.

*Tara Palmer Tomkinson is busy beavering away on her next book – and this time it’s going to lift the lid on her socialising and drug fuelled past. Speaking at the Lastminute.com summer party she revealed: “I’m concentrating on my book at the minute called Inheritance. It is self-autobiographical and about the lifestyle of a rich girl. There is an awful lot of sex and drugs in the book; though I remember my life being more about drugs than sex. I didn’t get a lot of sex – probably because I was on drugs. I’m not saying if I have more sex now.
“I wondered why a lot of the sex in the book had disappeared and then I realised it’s because my mum edits my drafts. I find her reading a sex scene I’d written really awkward.”
The funny girl also talked about turning her back on television – but she’d take up a position as an X Factor judge if Simon Cowell asked. She added: “I gave up television because I thought I’d taken it as far as I could. I was always going to be known as one type of presenter. I’d love to be a judge on a judging panel though; that’s exactly what I need. Get Simon Cowell to get in touch. I would need new teeth and hair for that though. And a pair of high-waisted trousers.”

*Frank Lampard ought to watch out – Louie Spence wants a piece of him! Louie, who was hanging out with the glamorous Lizzie Cundy, told me: “I fancy Frank Lampard the most, he is a God, on and off the pitch! I’ll be his lucky mascot any day! I’ll be watching every match, but definitely not for the football. I can’t wait to feast my eyes on their legs and see their rippling muscles when they peel their shirts off!”
The Pineapple Dance Studios star added that he’s getting a lot of attention these days – mainly from straight men. “I’m getting lots of attention from builders and policeman which is fabulous with me,” he said. “I haven’t had any crazy fans but some people have cooked me brownies and cakes.” Once on the lips – I lifetime on those hips!

Last week I was invited for dinner with the wonderful Janet Jackson as she flew into London to promote her new Lionsgate movie with Tyler Perry – Why Did I get Married Too?
First thing you realise with Janet is she’s incredibly shy and takes a while to warm up in social situations. But once she’s had a nice fruity cocktail she was on form. Charming, relaxed and very personable. She wants to know what you do, where you come from and what you do for a living. It was pretty much a dream come true to meet her. Here’s what we nattered about….

How are you coping with being the death of your brother Michael?
It’s getting easier to deal with by the day but it has been the hardest few months of my life. Having my family around has gotten me through all of this. I guess working on the film made it easier too.
We’ve all become so much closer from losing him. I really do rely on my brothers a lot these days. The kids are doing great now too and that’s a great thing. I’d be lying if I said I was doing OK and I’m back to normal – it’s still is a struggle. The love from his fans all across the world does help things along.

Do you actually manage to have a private life?
I like the fact I mange to keep a lot of my life private from the public eye. Everyone thinks I’m single but I’m not. I’m seeing somebody special and its great right now. They are making me incredibly happy.

And what about working out – you’re in fabulous shape these days.
Getting in the gym doesn’t get easier – and anyone who says they enjoy it is lying. I don’t believe them. I hate working out. I’m in the gym for my next film role right now. It’s called For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Ranbow is Enuf. I can’t do anything like yoga or those bending classes – they don’t agree with me. I need to do cardio and work hard.
Being in a gym has never been an enjoyable experience – especially when people are looking at you in photos and talking about what you look like.

And what about the music – juggling all your work must be quite a task?
I hope to tour soon and get back out there with my music. I’m constantly writing and working on new tracks but I don’t know whether I’ll have a new album soon – I’m working on the films right now.

So you’ve slimmed down and chopped your hair off.
I slimmed down and did the hair for my next film if I’m honest. I like the short hair and it’s not the first time I’ve had it this short. So it’s nothing new for me. I had it like this with Michael when we picked up an award for Scream. So it’s like revisiting an old style.

How do you chill and relax when you’re at home?
I love watching movies and doing normal things at home. I’ve seen Avatar five times and I’m very normal away from the public eye. I can’t wait to see Sex and the City and see what they do with that. I don’t know which girl I’m most like at all. But I hope it’s just as good as the first.

And what have you managed to get up to in London?
I’ve spent the days running around Chelsea and the Kings Road, been out on Bond Street and Sloane Street shopping and I’ve been getting to grips with London. I feel naturally very at home here. So it’s been lovely. I’d love to come back here and tour – I’ve always had such a great reception from people here. I try to go out without being recognised – sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I don’t wear disguises though.

Other guests at the exclusive event included T4 host Jameela Jamil, Capital’s Margherita Taylor, Claudia Winkleman, Noel Clarke and Radio One DJ Nihal.

*I hooked up with singing legend Whitney Houston this week in Birmingham at the start of her UK tour. I’d love to say it was an amazing performance and a return to form, but I have to be honest her voice was far from what it used to be. You can still hear a hint of that trademark Whitney sound but it’s far below par in my opinion.
On the plus side she was on great form when I met her after the show backstage. We talked about whether or not she’d love to help out Simon Cowell as a judge on the US version of X Factor and whether or not she’d like to return to acting. Whitters told me: “I don’t think I could possibly be on the X Factor. I will leave that to the professional judges. It takes a special talent to judge somebody. I do love doing movies though – and I have started looking at a number of different scripts. I hope something will work out there.” Whitney is still a huge star but I wish she’d returned and blown us all away with that original voice. I hope one day she’ll get back to the top of her game.

*There’s only one festival to be seen at these days – Coachella in California. And there was no doubt who stole the show in the fashion stakes – model Agyness Deyn and singer Katy Perry.
While Aggy debuted her newly-cropped Sinead O’Connor hairdo, Katy wore a kinky bondage harness and treated the festivities as an excuse to have an early hen do before marrying Russell Brand later this year.
My party mole tells me: “Katy had all her girls and gays with her and held a VIP drinks event, openly saying it was her hen do. Her pals were all jeering her on as she did a lapdance for a guy dressed up as a robot, who said: “Hey Katy, you want a piece of this machine?” She giggled and said he reminded her of Russell, then she led an impromptu Bratwurst eating contest with pals watching in hysterics. I lost count after four sausages went down the hatch.” The minx!
My spies also spotted Dawson’s Creek star Rachel Bilson wandering around with only glow sticks for company, a newly-single Paris Hilton puffing on fags – celebs beware: next year I’m there!

*My favourite fashionista Taylor Momsen, of Gossip Girl fame, seems to be making waves in the music world too. I’m loving her Hole inspired new band The Pretty Reckless and their single Make Me Wanna Die that’s out May 17.
She may be grunge central these days, but Taylor tells me it could have all been When she was a kid she auditioned for the role, but lost out to Miley Cirus. But it doesn’t sound like she’s too bothered. She tells me: “I wouldn’t have lasted, I’m too strong-headed and I don’t think they would have been able to handle me.”

Shhhh
WHICH star loves nothing more than picking up lesbians for his wife in bars and watching them make out minutes later? Fortunately the wife LOVES it!

*How does a girl try and ease the pain of a fourth marriage breakdown? She goes shopping of course. Patsy Kensit looked happy and ringless when I spotted her in Selfridges this week having a browse for new outfits. But she didn’t just look for new clothes – she even got her eyebrows threaded at the store. Ouch!

Irritant of the Week
Heidi Montag
The 23-year-old star of MTV’s The Hills has taken her girl next-door image and messed with it. TEN surgical procedures later and this monstrosity of a reality star looks like a weird twisted version of herself. This week she decided to unveil her freakish body to the world by the pool in Las Vegas in a bikini while her brand new pop song played on speakers. Self obsessed, hideously ugly nowadays and giving young American women a really bad name. She should be ashamed of herself.

*Cheryl Cole is currently trying to work out whether to release a brand new album or a swish updated version of her debut effort Three Words. The star’s been recording for the past few weeks in LA and the UK in between her European promotional tour and it seems she just can’t work out what to do. My mole tells me: “Songs are not completed as yet. But she’s been working hard writing and recording. She will hopefully be able to get some more recording done and then work out what to do.” New album please, Chezza.

*Fans of motor racing are set for a proper treat with this years Gumball Rally. In he past the likes of Martine McCutcheon, Jodie Kidd and Jay Kay from Jamiroquai. But this year the car race, which sets off from pall Mall on May 1, has already signed up Dizzee Rascal, Eve and Xzibit. But from what I hear there could be an extra special guest joining the Gumball towards the end in the shape and form of Hollywood star Brad Pitt. My source tells me: “Brad’s expressed an interest I joining the rally for one leg of the race. But he’s got to try and make his schedule work with it.” Gumball culminates in Times Square in New York on May 7.

*I don’t really get all this Justin Bieber fuss. Fortunately the annoyingly smug little man has some UK competition in the shape and form of Harry Byart from Essex. After being snapped up by P Diddy’s manager Kirk Burrowes he releases his debut single Crush on May 10 on Ministry. Good luck to him.

*Newly single star Jaime Winston seems to be embracing her craft in every way possible these days. The star has a steamy lesbian sex scene in new flick Boogie Woogie. Ray’s daughter told me at the after party: “I wasn’t embarrassed about the lesbian sex scene and I’m an actor so it’s all the same to me. It’s only acting so I don’t understand why people are so funny about it. It’s really no different to a sex scene with a man.
“I’m not into lesbian sex but I approached it like a man and had a male attitude towards the role. It won’t make me approach a relationship with a guy any differently now as it’s just acting, darling.” Other stars at the swanky bash included X-Files star Gillian Anderson – who was her usual stroppy self avoiding journalists like we had the plague. That woman needs to lighten up.

*Hmmm. I didn’t see this one coming. Nancy Dell’Olio is planning to bring out a book on how to look good. Speaking at the Recognise Mag launch Sven’s ex told me: “People are always surprised by how good I look, which is always very sweet, but I don’t understand why. The best capital you have are your looks and you’re always improving. As well as your outside appearance it’s all about your state of mind too. I’m going to be bringing out a book which is going to give women advice and tips about looking good.”

*Liz McClarnon is getting right behind her former bandmate Kerry Katona as she makes a bid to reinvent her career and become a success again. “I knew Kerry before anyone else did,” Liz told me at the Recognise Magazine bash. “She did some really messed up stuff back then but she always came through and I think she will this time too. Now she’s got rid of that fella I think she will come good. Kerry has always been there for me and she was the one there for me when I lost my virginity. She was someone I could always openly talk to.
“I haven’t seen or spoke to her in ages, but I’m so pleased see how well she’s looking and hearing how she’s improving. She looks so beautiful now and I want to look her in the face and tell her how beautiful she is. We do have mutual friends so once she’s come through and back to being the old Kerry I’d really like us to go to dinner. We were so close.” Liz also revealed Bryan Ferry has written two tracks off for her to feature on her new solo album. Get her.

*Pop star Lee Ryan reckons he’s more rock and roll than some of the rock ‘n’ roll stars of yester year! Lee told me at the premiere of his new film The Heavy: “I know that Robert Pattinson has already got that Kurt Cobain flick. I can imagine he would do it. If I was to do it people would be like: “He was in Blue, he’s not a rockstar.” But trust me I was more rock ‘n’ roll than the lot of them. I made the most rock ‘n’ roll Top 10 once and I was up there with Sid Vicious. I’m into quite real films and like to play real life characters. I would quite like to play a rock star or someone back in the day.” Righty ho, Lee!

*Tara Palmer-Tomkinson’s been laying pretty low for the past year. In real life she’s fun and you always have a giggle with her. She’s been quietly working on her music career – even writing some of the music for new Brit flick The Heavy. At the premiere she told me: “I’ve done some music for the film. I’m going to see how it goes down tonight before I commit to doing any more music. Maybe I won’t give up my day job. I’m very passionate about music but I’m very realistic about it too. I would like to write music for other people and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to write some music for The Heavy. I would love to write for Alicia Keys. I spend so much time in front of the camera for TV shows so it’s really nice to sit at home and look really ugly in sweat pants and work on my music. Trust me it’s not a pretty sight.” I don’t believe you TPT!

*Former Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett sounds like she’s been diving in feet first to get some acting work – she’s even trying to dance! Roxanne tells me: “My most recent embarrassing audition is where I turned up for a West End dance call and I’m not a dancer. Instead of leaving I found myself doing a two-hour dance call. It was like a Comic Relief sketch and I’m so glad it wasn’t being filmed. Let’s just say I left an impression on them – I certainly won’t be going into dance. I think Louie Spence would have had a nightmare if he had seen me. It was literally like a comedy sketch so that has been my nightmare for the last six weeks.”

*Strike Back is the newest Sky1 show to blow me away. Think 24 crossed with Spooks and Hurt Locker. It’s big budget, full of twists and keeps you gripped. As well as the show’s stars Richard Armitage, Andrew Lincoln and Shelley Conn Sky’s Angela Griffin turned up to the event. Angela tells me she’s pleased to be back on screen with Angela and Friends after a break. “I went off to Morocco for a holiday with my husband Jason and the kids,” she said. “So I’m rejuvenated and ready for action. We’re doing great on the show and tomorrow I have Joan Collins on. She’s such a glamorous woman. I love presenting but I haven’t left my acting roots behind. I’m always looking for new roles to get my teeth into. If the schedules work then I will do it! Also at the bash was The Saturdays star Una Healy (above with me) and her rugby player boyfriend Ben Foden. Una tells me the girlband have been hard at work on new material. She said: “We’re adding new tracks to Wordshaker and re-releasing it soon. So it’s great to be in the studio again. We’re also so excited about playing at the Isle of Wight Festival.” Catch Strike Back on Sky1 HD on May 5.

*Apparently Sandra Bullock’s dawg of a husband, Jesse James, was so keen on Steven Soderberg’s racy new film The Girlfriend Experience and its former porno actress star Sasha Grey, he was in talks to back the Broadway version putting his fave porn actress Sasha in the lead and giving tatooed mistress Michelle ‘Bombshell’ McGee a small role! However now that his cheating has been exposed Jesse’s pulled out of any involvement in the project. The film of the The Girlfriend Experience in out now on DVD.

*Is Kate Moss planning on expanding her property empire? I only ask because the supermodel has planning permission signs up outside her huge Cotswolds mansion in Little Farringdon. A sign says Kate’s PA Miss Fiona Young has applied to turn a grain store/cart shed into a habitable house within her land. It’s OK for some, eh!

*Shhh
WHICH ageing rocker needs to lay off the bongs these days. My spies spotted this man in the street last week in his boxer shorts saying to a friend: “Look how cool the moon is, man.” Bizarre!

*Could Lorraine Kelly’s pretty daughter Rosie, 16, be appearing on a catwalk wearing the latest trendy designs sometime soon? I only ask because the wee lass was spotted by a top model scout at the launch of the GMTV stylist Mark Heyes’ new book Get The Look at London’s uber trendy Sanctum Hotel this week. Lorraine told pals she was “undecided” about whether Rosie should go for a meeting or not. Go for it, Rosie!

*There’s only one single you should be downloading or purchasing this week. Ben Montague’s Haunted is a classic ballad – something that any Take That fan would love to have on their iPod. It’s the first track from Ben’s album Overcome, out May 3. Get involved people – Ben writes his music himself, is a great live performer and is easy on the eye too.

*Los Angeles venue Soho House is pulling in the Hollywood heavy weights as expected since opening just a handful of weeks ago. My spies have spotted Cameron Diaz, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gordon Ramsay and Penelope Cruz over just the past two weeks. Oh to be a fly on the wall….

*Former Playboy bunny Kendra Wilkinson is fessing up to some major dark days in the new series of her reality show on E! This weekend. In scenes to be screened tonight she talks about her drug abuse at the age of 13 and how her family ended up sectioning her during her crazy partying days. Watch Kendra spill the beans on the E! Entertainment Channel at 10pm tonight.

*Christina Aguilera looks cute and healthy these days. We’ll be seeing an awful lot more of Chrissie now she’s unveiled new single, Not Myself Tonight. I can’t get enough of it. This is one girl that continually pushes buttons and the new sound is ace. I hear the star can look forward to being lent some amazing Stephen Webster jewels when she comes into London in the coming weeks. Assia Webster, Stephen’s wife, tells me: “Christina can always borrow whatever she needs and we’re making her some bespoke pieces too.” Lucky weasel.

*So they didn’t walk down the aisle last weekend – but David Walliams and Lara Stone did manage to enjoy date night this Thursday. The pair popped into Vue in Leicester Square to see the movie of the moment, Kick-Ass. Even the film’s soundtrack is amazing – featuring the likes of The Prodigy and Ellie Goulding.

*Rumours started floating about this week that the Sugababes were to be dropped by Island Records. This isn’t the case I hear. In fact a source tells me Heidi Range, Jade Ewen and Amelle Barrabah will be busier than ever despite a disappointing charting for their latest album Sweet 7. My source reveals: “The girls are off to do promo in India  – and have a huge gig out there. Then they’ll begin recording new material. This isn’t the end of them. Thing may not have worked out with this album but they are still positive about making things work.” Good luck to them.

*I have so much in common with Mollie King of The Saturdays. To start with she’s blonde and she hates camping. The girls play the Isle of Wight festival in June and Mollie tells me: “It’s going to massive for us. We may stick around and see the other bands but maybe not if it’s rock because that’s not for me. I’m not sure if I’d camp. If we did I’ll be traipsing around the festival in my massive heels!” Get yourself some Hunters, girl!

All the gossip from the Marie Claire bash!

*The amazing thing about Sarah Brown is her ability to connect when she speaks in public. She nails it every time. I caught up with her after yet another powerhouse speech at the Claire Inspire & Mentor event in association with The Prince’s Trust this week and we talked fashion and mentors. “I think this campaign is amazing – everybody in life needs some sort of mentor, even me,” she said. “I do lots of work with charities and I it is a task sorting out outfits for them all. I guess I’ve enjoyed wearing some different outfits lately but I do laugh when people say I have style. I know what works for me.” Indeed she does!
Other stars at the event included Jenni Falconer, Keeley Hawes and my favourite emerging stage actress Hayley Atwell.

*Mama Said singer Dionne Bromfield was in no doubt of who her mentor in life was when I bumped into her at the Marie Claire event at London’s snazzy Ivy Club this week. Step forward Amy Winehouse. Dionne, 14, told me: “Amy is my mentor in life – she means the world to me and I learn so much from her. She’s doing well now. She’s been clean for 18 months and she’s doing great. It makes me laugh when people say she’s crazy – she’s really not. She’s just Amy.” Righty ho!

*It doesn’t sound like Naomie Harris would be that enamoured to be enjoying the next instalment of Pirates of the Caribbean – especially because it’s supposedly being filmed in the not so sunny St Ives in Cornwall this time around. Naomie told me: “I’m really not sure yet whether or not I’m going to be involved. I have heard about it – but I’m really not sure yet. And if it is actually filming in Cornwall then it’s possibly not quite so appealing.” I hear you!

*I have to give it to Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe, she’s got a great sense of humour. The star, who plays Mercedes McQueen, tells me she barely works out to keep her figure in check for all the glam shoots she does for the likes of FHM and the infamous annual Hollyoaks calendar. “I tend to work out at 7am for five days in a row and then give up for the rest of the month and that’s all I need to do,” she laughed. “I don’t try and trim down at all to get into my bikini in the summer. I just tell them to airbrush my belly and my eye bags out. I don’t have enough time to work out properly and I get bored.
“I eat a balanced diet like the next girl and have a lot of treats and probably drink too much alcohol.” Jen and fellow Hollyoaks girls Claire Cooper and Leah Hackett have joined forces to open a new dress rental scheme for women to bag red carpet gowns as worn by actual celebs (including Tess Daly, Alicia Keys and Cheryl Cole) for their night out – with a percentage going to Christie’s Children’s Hospital in Manchester. Log onto www.theclosetliverpool.com.

*Has Ricky Whittle got worms? The former Strictly star must have gobbled down 20 mini burgers in front of my very eyes at The Closet bash this week at Circo in Liverpool. His relationship looks to be back on track with Carly Stenson – the pair sloped off via separate entrances trying to fool waiting paps before returning to Carly’s pad for a cosy night in together. I wish they’d just step out and be happy together – it’s not like they’re Posh and Becks for crumbs sake!

*Drew Barrymore is due a holiday – she’s not had one for THREE years! The actress, who’s making her directorial debut with the new flick Whip It, says: “My flaw that I’d like to make peace with is to take a vacation. So, if I do that this Fall, you’ll know that I’ve done something for the first time in three years that I have not done.” She must be one tired young lady!

*Edith Bowman gave me a bell this week to talk about her brand new live music show Evo Music Rooms. The star will introduce four live acts per episode and can’t wait to get cracking at bringing live music onto our screens once more. “It’s all about the evolution of music,” she told me. “There’s six episodes and we’ll have everybody from Faithless to the Specials performing. Once Jonathan Ross goes there’ll only be Jools Holland left to show off live music.
“We really need Top of the Pops back. The only outlet for live music is Alan Carr or Jonathan. And then it’s just one type of music. The Rihannas or the Mariah Careys and half the time it’s not live. We’re going to have six headliners – relevant and current just now.”
It doesn’t sound like Edith and her partner Tom Smith of The Editors will be adding to their brood anytime soon. They have far too much on their hands it would appear. Edith, whose show Evo Music Rooms premieres on April 8, Channel 4 at 12.05am, added: “I think at some point we’d have more children – but right now I have the festivals coming up, the show and we’re moving house too. We’re hoping to exchange in the next couple of weeks. I don’t have anytime to breathe let alone fornicate.” Thanks for setting the record straight Edith!

Hey Denise – good to see you looking so well! And you’ve hardly put on any pregnancy weight at all!
It is quite a neat little thing isn’t it. I’m lucky because I haven’t put weight on my legs and bum – it’s just my big old boobs and belly.

Tell me about your new maternity range for Very.co.uk – how did it come about?
I got involved with Very partly because of Fearne Cotton – when we were up Kili in a two-man tent.  And she was telling me about her range and I got to meet the people. She said I should do it and we had a chat. I love clothes and I was surprised when she said she actually designed all the pieces herself. I was like: “Come on, surely not.” But we actually do. It was through her that I met the team. Initially I was going to talk to them about doing something else and then I got pregnant. I want an ongoing relationship relationship with them. I’d like to do mums on a school run.

Now you’re married to Lee Mead – your life couldn’t be more different to the last time we met.
My life has changed in every way possible. I’ve gone from being a single woman to being a pregnant married lady. And it’s been quick.

Did you think you’d fall pregnant so quickly?
I honestly thought it would take a long time to get pregnant. That’s what I was told and it happened quite quickly. It was a bit of a shock but a nice surprise. Hopefully I’ll have this baby and we’d then like to pop out the second one straight away afterwards. I’m going to do two and stop. I feel like I have to consider my age.
The only reason I felt my biological clock is ticking is because I went and had a full body MOT and I was told that and it panicked me. I just went for a check up and they said after: “Have you thought about this.” I mean I’ll be 36 when the baby comes in five weeks and now did feel like the right time.

Nowadays you can afford to wait a little longer though…..
My mum had my sister when she was 21 and that was normal in the 60s but these days you leave it later. I didn’t want to leave it too late and it’s stressful. The older you get the more problems you risk with your pregnancy. With all sorts of problems like the tests for downs and the chances are increased.

Did you get nervous going for your scan?
I was worried going for a scan each time – like anybody is. It was so nerve wracking hoping that everything was OK.  It’s a nice time to have a baby because so many of my friends are having them.

And you’ve been eternally broody!
Honestly though, if I’d have met the right person 10 years ago I would have done it then. I’ve been eternally broody. I always felt the guys before were not the right ones to have a kid with. There was always something wrong with the relationship. A lot of women do this – you try and make things right and you create this thing in your head that things will get better or change. It doesn’t. You just know when you know.

And how’s the pregnancy been?
I’ve really enjoyed being pregnant. I’ve not been sick – I’ve had the odd little cold. I’ve been in good health. I’ve not had spots or sickness or anything. I’ve been really lucky.
I was worried about it of course. I’m sure every woman worries. I’ve been really really lucky with pregnancy. But it seems to suit me. I’ve carried on as normal – I’m still working and running around to meetings and training with Nicky. I’m doing power walking – 50 minutes or half hour. Three times a week.

And how’s your weight doing?
I’ve weighed myself and I’ve only got five weeks to go and I’ve probably put on just under two stone. Now I’m at the stage where the bump is going to go mad. I’m covering myself in Bio Oil non-stop and making sure there’s no stretch marks. Lee’s been touring so he’s only home every Sunday and we sit down and watch Pineapple Dance Studios and then he’s off again. He’s joining the cast of Wicked in the West End for nine months.

Above: Fearne Cotton – also a designer for www.very.co.uk shows up to show Denise some support!

And you know the sex?
Yes, we’re having a girl. We call it Shakira right now. I thought it would be funny and have been winding Lee up saying we’d call her Beyonce or Shakira. We’ve chosen the name already – it’s quite traditional and not too crazy at all.

Have you changed your name to Denise Van Mead?
I haven’t changed my name to Denise Van Mead – people know me as Outen so it would be too difficult. Ion my private life I’m Mead. It’s easier when you have to query a house bill – they don’t rip me off now. I love being called Mrs Mead.

And will you be working with Very.co.uk again after the birth?
I’m going to be doing my next range with Very two weeks after the baby is due and I’ll be a working mum. And I have a TV project for July with Channel Four. One of the teatime shows.

What happened with the BBC and the Wizard of Oz show – were you axed for being preggers?
The one thing I will say is that I was in talks about doing it and so was John. And literally the last minute it was off – and it wasn’t my choice. I would have been able to do it. If you feel in good health then it can work. Myleene Klass presented the One Show and went into labour on air. Holly Willoughby was back doing the X factor a week after or two weeks whatever. Anyone could have an accident or something or be ill and miss one show. That’s just one of those things. Being pregnant isn’t something that can hold me back.
I got a really nice letter from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber this week actually and the thing is that a lot of it’s been blown out of proportion. I have to be very careful about what I say. I have a very good relationship with the BBC and working with them in the future is something that I want to happen. I’m meeting them soon about something else.
My side of it went like this; I was in talks with them about doing it, it was at the final hurdle that something went wrong and they changed their mind and got a new panel with a new line-up. We were definitely talking to them about doing it and I actually found out that I wasn’t doing it through the press. I wasn’t spoken to. You know what though; things happen for a reason and the other good thing is that I am having a baby and I do have other things lined up.
Andrew sent me a lovely letter saying he was supporting me and these things happen. It’s a shame because I love the show and I am gutted. I won’t lie, I love that show more than anything. They offered me a lesser role in the end that obviously wasn’t right for me to take. I must say Charlotte is a great choice for that show. She looks amazing and she’ll be outspoken as a judge. And a great mentor to the girls. It could have probably been handled better.

OK, back to birthing. Are you scared?
I’m petrified about the birth. I’m going to try to go naturally with the birth but I want the epidural and the drugs. Everything they have and I’ll push as hard I can.
If you do have a caesarean then they say to rest for six weeks but you are back on your feet then you are fine.

And how excited is your husband Lee Mead about the baby arriving?
Lee’s so excited about the birth and having a baby. We actually already know what she looks like because we’ve had so many 3-D scans. I’m obsessed with the scans. I keep going to have another one. I want to see how she’s grown by the day. He finishes his current play a week before my due date and then he goes straight into Wicked. So the week that I’m due to give birth he opens in Wicked.

And how will it work with your private life and work lives? You’re both busy people!
Our baby will fit into our lives and I’ll never be one of those women that stays home all day watching Alan Titchmarsh and Loose Women. I’m out and about and will be a working mum. I’ve spent a long time building up this career and I enjoy it. A baby isn’t the end of the world and we can carry on doing a job like TV. It will be a juggling act but it’ll be fine.

Have you already planned how you will drop the pounds after the birth?
I’ve thought about losing baby weight. Nicky Waterman is my trainer and she has a plan for me to get back into shape. But there’s not a rush. I’ll just get on with it. I’ll be working out within a couple of weeks of birth. I’ve not pigged out hugely. I’ve not had huge cravings – apart from Nandos. Oh, and hot chocolate. I can’t wait to take Shakira Beyonce Mead to Nandos for a Peri-Peri chicken. Ha ha.

Is your diet super healthy anyway?
My diet is pretty healthy. Breakfast is bran flakes with skimmed milk to keep me regular – so many women suffer with constipation in pregnancy. Then for lunch I now have my biggest meal of the day and I have a jacket potato or a bowl of pasta. I tend to have all my carbs then. And then in the evening I have something smaller and have a Covent Garden soup or some pitta and dips or some grilled fish and loads of salad. Two pieces of fruit every day too. Occasionally I have a treat – a Nandos.

Did you want a little girl? Or a boy?

I’m not worried about having a boy and then a girl. I really thought I was having a boy and they say they come out front and everyone said I was. My friend’s single at the moment and she is obsessed with psychics and I knew what I was having and she went: “Oh, you’re having a boy.” And we walked out and she’d been telling my friend she was going to be meeting the man of her dreams and I was like: “I hate to break it to you but oh no you’re not!”

Will you be showing off your child with a photo shoot?
I won’t be doing mag deals for the newborn. The last thing I want is for her to be plastered on a mag cover in a shoot. So we’ll do one shot of the three of us to put out to the papers and if they want to use it then we’ll donate money to charity.

Would you ever do a fly on the wall show like Jordan’s TV show?
I’d never do a show like Jordan’s TV show. I’m obsessed with watching them and love them but I couldn’t do it. She doesn’t like me though – she thinks I fancy Peter for some reason. It’s really weird but I really don’t. I’ve loved her show since it begun too so it’s annoying.

Log onto www.very.co.uk to see Denise’s new maternity range.