When you think of Sir Cliff Richard things that automatically spring to mind are Mistletoe and Wine, Wimbledon and those cheesy annual calendars he does for his loyal fans.
The last thing you think of are his rock star credentials. And the man himself says he lived through the crazy rock star years of the sixties without once being tempted to trash a hotel room or have a 24-hour booze binge.
“I lived through the day and age when popstars liked chucking TV sets out window,” says Cliff, 71. “My band used to laugh at me saying I wasn’t cool enough. They would joke that I’d never throw a television out the window, instead I’d get into a hotel room and get the hoover out to leave it looking nice. And my generation hardly even owned a TV set – they couldn’t afford it. The last thing I’d do was throw one out a window.”
Cliff, who’s about to take his annual holiday in America and Barbados following the success of his Souliscious UK tour, says he’s glad he never got persuaded to turn to the dark side of fame when it came to booze and drugs.
“It’s sad that youngsters nowadays can’t hold it together,” bachelor boy Cliff, who has sold in excess of 250 million albums, says. “There’s always been drugs in our industry since the very beginning. I just don’t get why people do it.
‘Put it this way I realised quickly early on that the herbal cigarettes everyone around me was smoking wasn’t just a cigarette. I never smoked and would have my windows open wide. It’s a piece of good fortune that I never started smoking. I had an aversion to it – my father smoked heavily and I couldn’t stand it. He’d get me to pass an ashtray to him and when I did I’d have to leave the room and wash my hands.”
He sounds genuinely upset by the passing of Amy Winehouse due to her alcohol addiction.
“There is a self destruct button in the industry and when you think about the people that have died too young in our business like Amy Winehouse it’s just sad,” he says. “Too many young talented lives. Amy was too talented to have lost so quickly. Amy obviously didn’t deal with her drinking habit. Having never had a problem like that I don’t know what it takes to pull out of that situation. I do have friends who have been addicts and have stopped. It is possible to stop – I’m just lucky to have never gone down that road. Somebody told me once that you can be a lush but not an alcoholic – and that’s me.”
He shows no signs of slowing down yet. And you get the impression he’d be working a whole lot more if his music was reaching a larger audience.
Cliff’s miffed radio stations across the UK have blanket banned his recent recordings and without his tracks getting played to a mass audience sees
little point in slogging his guts out on new material.
“Radio play is where I suffer,” explains, the star, who has never married. “There’s a new station coming out and they’ve made a point of saying they’re not going to play me. That’s just unfair. Whether these radio stations like it or not they’re essentially lying to their public. Outside of America there was nobody until I did it. This was five years before the Beatles were even around and I’d sold millions of records.
But yet still I’m ignored? It’s ridiculous. Over the years of the chart I’ve outsold every single artist. I’ve sold more single records than The Beatles,
Elvis or Sinatra or Elton. I was the real deal. It’s depressing working on an album project and at the end of it not getting the music to the people.”
He goes as far as saying not being played on the radio makes him consider a full time retirement. He says: “Retirement says you’re going to stop forever. I prefer the word stop. I can stop eating chocolates for a while. But it doesn’t mean I won’t eat chocolates ever again. So in some ways I think I’d like to stop. And then just phone up when I have an urge to record or tour. I won’t retire yet. But not being played on the radio makes me want to retire.”
Cliff does however say the opportunity to judge on one of the UK’s top TV talent shows would be something he would have loved to have done – but he’s
never been approached.
He says deadpan: “I don’t understand why nobody has ever approached me about being involved in a show like X Factor – I would have loved to have done it.
It’s something I’d definitely consider. The American one is the big one these days isn’t it? But we do have a UK X Factor here, don’t we? I would have validity here – after all I was the first person who kicked off British music around the globe.”
People are obsessed with Sir Cliff’s extraordinary toned physique these days. Despite being in his seventies he posed topless in his last calendar for fans. He puts it down to good genes, a healthy diet and lots of tennis.
“But let’s face it,” he laughs. “I’m never going to be Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
Although it’s clear when it comes to using moisturiser and looking after his skin he’s definitely not shy. “I try every single moisturiser on the market,” he admits. “If I’m recommended a moisturiser then I immediately by an industrial lot of it and slather it on. I sit there for a show and a make-up artist recommends it and I buy a gallon and lash it on. Men have the same problem that women have with their skin. Men are out there in the wilderness being damaged all the time. I’ve got a feeling that if I wasn’t in this business I wouldn’t worry about my looks. I’d probably be incredibly fat with bad skin.”
There would be no topless shoots going on then!

Cliff’s Soulicious Tour, Live at the O2, DVD is out now

Senkai is the latest Matt Hermer restaurant on the block. I dined alongside Pixie Lott, Lisa Snowdon, Chloe Green and Amber Le Bon at London’s first sustainably sourced Japanese inspired restaurant this week. The food was ace – and believe me I’ve gobbled posh sashimi in every plush joint London has to offer! Anyway, Amber told me she’s thrilled dad Simon of Duran Duran is over his recent vocal problems. Amber said: “I’m so pleased for him. It was scary – his voice is what he relies on. But he’s fine now and already back on the road.” Good to hear!

Well done to Britney Spears. Her Femme Fatale tour this week was leagues above her last Circus tour. She sang far more live, the dancing was better (but still not on point) and the set design was fabulous and grand. I took Myleene Klass down to the gig and it’s fair to say Leenie was envious of that Britney hair whip. Top night!

Noel Gallagher is fast becoming one of my favourite people. Mainly because of the fact he says everything we are all thinking! At this week’s Q Awards Noel was on particularly spiffing form. On mobile phones Noel said: “I just want a basic 1994 Nokia mobile. I can keep it in my back pocket and just do the basics with it – phone and text. What would I need a camera on it for? iPhones are for Cockneys and ****s. And they are far too big.”
On collaborating with other artists: “I’ve never been asked to do a collaboration. I guess i just don’t give off that come and get me vibe. I wouldn’t be adverse to doing one with Coldplay or U2 - anyone who sells 50million albums.”
I also happened to overhear Noel boasting about the fact he’s accepted a cameo in a Bo’ Selecta Christmas special. Proper, erm, bo.

We all might feel crazy-eyed-Kitty on X Factor is a tad bat shit crazy but I can’t help but love her. At least she’s exciting to watch and in tune! And Brian May of Queen thinks so too. The curly haired legend blogged about his love for Kitty recently and now says the pair are in touch. Brian told me at the Q Awards: “I’m watching her with great interest. At the weekend there were not that many rock voices but she seemed to have going on. There seemed to be quite a lot of bullying going on and I felt for her. She seems to be really progressing now. We’ve exchanged a couple of emails since I wrote that blog about her. X Factor is a machine and its ruthless.”

Get used to the name Victoria Justice – because I’ve got a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot from her next year. The likes of Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez can take a hike. She’s the new teen queen for Nickelodeon and will be coming to ITV next year. Not only does she sing, dance and act, she’s a blooming good laugh. I caught up with the star – who has over a million twitter followers – this week in London. Next year she will star in new flick Fun Size where Chelsea Handler will play her mum and her co-star is Johnny Knoxville.

SHHH
Which star is worrying neighbour with her erratic behaviour? She’s supposed to be clean of drugs but is constantly traipsing down her stairs in towering heels to pick up from dealers outside. Sad.

Love is in the air for Skins star Luke Pasqualino and Gossip Girl actress Jessica Szohr! I’m told the pair have grown close and are “openly dating” on set whilst filming new comedy horror flick Love Bite in the UK. My mole says: “They’ve been going out for a few weeks now and by all accounts are completely smitten with each other.” The pair were last week spotted canoodling in Essex whilst filming scenes for the werewolf movie in Canvey Island.

Rob Brydon’s autobiography Small Man in a Book is out now in time for Christmas. It’s a great read from the Gavin and Stacey comedian. I caught up with the man himself (above with me) at a recent launch bash and stars including Ronni Ancona, Kelly Jones, Michael McIntyre and Ronnie Corbett turned out. Rob told me he wrote it all himself too. “It’s been very cathartic writing this book and I’ve worked hard on it,” he said. Funny read!

Rav Wilding doesn’t seem to have learnt his lesson when it comes to love following his split a few months back with Chantelle Houghton. I’m told he’s gone from one blow up blonde to another.
This time around he’s seeing Morgan Lees – contestant of my favourite TV show The Bachelor. I’m told the pair have been dating for the past month and Rav couldn’t be happier! Good for him. Hopefully Morgan’s not as fame-hungry as the ex….

Wyclef Jean has sent some stern words in the direction of former bandmate Lauryn Hill when it comes to the small matter of The Fugees reuniting. “If it is going to happen then they better hurry up because in 4-5 years I’m going to run for President again in Haiti,” he said at the Party In Pink Zumbathon event raising money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. “For The Fugees thing to happen Lauryn has to want it to happen. I hope one day that it can happen.” Me too…come on Lauryn!

You may not know the name Charlene Soraia but her stun-ning vocals on the Twinings TV advert will ring a bell. She reworked The Calling’s 2001 hit Wherever Will You Go and the track is soaring up the chart. Even Sophie Habibis covered Charlene’s version on XF last week. “I missed Merlin to watch the X Factor,” she told me this week. “I was distraught! It was a bit surreal but then I had to remember it wasn’t me on that stage so that’s fine. It’s a tricky song to sing because it’s quite low in the register so good on her. I’m just shocked that people like it! I’d never have got my music to this many people in my entire career so I know how lucky I am to get this advert.” Her debut album Moonchild was produced by Oasis hitmaker Paul Stacey and due to “overwhelming demand” has had its release brought forward to November 21.

If you were Matt Cardle right now you would have reason to be pretty angry.
You won the X Factor, you’ve been flat out working on your debut album and then just weeks before you release your debut album teenyboppers One Direction – who lost against you – release their debut single, cause nationwide hysteria and go straight to the top of the charts.
“They’re competition and it is s*** that they got to release before the winner of the actual show,” Matt, 28, says. “It’s also worrying me that if One Direction decide to get slicker and go for more of an older market  – which I think they might do – then I’m stuffed too.
“I just hope I’ll be able to cement myself into the charts before that happens. Otherwise I’ll be fuming. At the end of the day James Morrison, Coldplay, Adele and everybody else are all competition – so I can’t win unless I have an album that does the talking – and I think it does.”
He actually blames the fact he’s taken his time on his first album since winning the show as the reason everything has been screwed up release wise. The singer adds: “If I had my album finished by the time Cher Lloyd and One Direction released their tracks in the charts then I would have been really bothered. But the truth is I wasn’t finished. It’s my own bloody fault taking my time on this record.
“Simon let me go away and co-write the album and work on this as a long term prospect. And I wasn’t ready and it wasn’t right to release the music earlier.
“I’m surprised I’ve been allowed to go away and get on with it. If they were to have taken the control away from me then I would have been devastated. Thankfully they didn’t. I honestly thought I was going to be turned into some X Factor puppet the minute I won. But I’m not.”

Instead of going down the usual route of rushing the winner into the studio, performing a load of covers and mediocre pop tracks and launching a full blown publicity attack, Matt’s gone away and worked with real stars of the music industry.

Despite having written four solo albums before finding fame on the show, his debut single Run For Your Life is penned by Gary Barlow and his main collaborator on the album Letters is producer and song writer Eg White.
Eg’s responsible for some of the classic songs of our generation having worked with James Blunt, Adele, Florence and the Machine and James Morrison. The singer says his previous work before he found household fame on X Factor persuaded Simon Cowell and his record label Columbia to let him start his album from scratch. The only cover is his No.1 version of Biffy Clyro’s When We Collide which made Christmas Number One last year.
“If they had been a pile of w*** then they would have said I was doing what they wanted and I would have had no choice – but they weren’t and they let me go and do it,” says Matt. “Simon has been really sweet with me the whole time. It’s almost been good that he’s had X Factor US on his plate so I could just get on with it. I doubt I was that high on his list. I hear he’s heard the album and I’ve heard he loves it so that’s the thumbs up from him.”
Matt, who worked as a painter and decorator, bricklayer and postman before finding fame on the ITV1 show, has a refreshingly honest outlook on his chances of success. He says he won’t be miffed if he doesn’t score an immediate chart topper. He explains: “I’ve got the hard bit of work now – I’ve got to keep what I’ve achieved. If a new artist comes out with a new record and gets a top ten single or album it’s an incredible achievement in this current day.
“But if I were to come out and not get a number one then I’m going to be a failure. Even if I get a number three I’d be happy but I’ll be deemed a flop. That’s not fair. I want to make my name through this album now – not the TV show.
“I’m desperate to shake off the X Factor tag. It’s all about shaking the X when it comes to the music I’m about the release. But I can’t knock the show for what it’s done for me. I’ve got my break from it and I’ve got my foot in the door by doing it. Now it’s time to move on and just be me.”
And behind closed doors the star is definitely settling down and being himself – with his dancer girlfriend of nine months Sarah Robinson by his side.
The pair live in a private Chelsea block and he proudly stops his car on the way out of our interview to purchase her a fancy £1,000 Burberry handbag. It’s clear the ladies man of yester-year – remember his fling with X Factor fashion director Grace Woodward? – has simmered, for now.
“The girls have stopped chasing,” he says. “I’ve not been out much. I guess I haven’t thrown it about at all – and I could have. I’ve got a girlfriend now and I’m pretty much settled down.
“If I had been single I would have been out there smashing it up and getting naughty with women. I’m in a good place and it’s been easier working hard on the album with just the one girl on my arm.”
But there is one girl Matt has his eye on – and it’s not your average sexy lady. “I fancy the Williams sisters – the big manly one, Serena,” he laughs with a naughty glint in his eye. “She’s nice.”

Matt’s single Run For Your Life is out October 9 and his debut album Letters is out October 17.

It’s the end of an era today at BBC Radio 1 where Jo Whiley bows out from the station in her last ever show this afternoon.
Jay Z has played at her house, Madonna’s co-hosted her show and Jo’s been there at the very beginning of so many core Radio 1 acts … from Plan B to Lily Allen and the Arctic Monkeys to Adele!
To celebrate Jo’s move to Radio 2 the radio star’s Rock star husband Dave Grohl chooses his favourite moments from the times they have met on the show today (Sunday).  Dave told Jo in the interview: “In the last 20 years you’re the one Radio 1 presenter that I’ve always wanted to do interviews with. I’ve probably done more with you than anyone in the world and I can’t imagine that this is really our last interview.” A fitting end to an era – tune into Jo today between 1-4pm.

Former singer Lily Allen stepped out today at Cheltenham Racecourse for Gold Cup Day. And the lucky mare (sorry, couldn’t resist) backed the winner of the first race (The JCB Triumph Hurdle) picking out the ‘Zarkandar’. Good for her, eh!
Lily, there with boyfriend Sam Cooper, later tweeted: “Just found out I’m sharing a box with Jeremy Kyle, should be interesting… Didn’t take him for a betting man.”

Above: Lily in her interesting outfit and Sam on the left in tweed….

Above: Lily speaks to Clare Balding of BBC Radio 5 Live at Cheltenham

Boyzone fans need to keep their fingers crossed big time. Because Ronan Keating and the boys MIGHT release their current UK wide Brother Tour on DVD at Christmas. But it all depends on the footage. Ronan told me this week at London’s O2: “The deal is we’ve financed the filming of the show tonight ourselves, out of our own pocket. It’s nothing to do with the record label. Whether we release a new album somewhere towards Christmas with a DVD attached or a separate DVD of the whole tour we don’t know yet.
“I know fans wanted our last tour on DVD but none of it was recorded. So that’s not possible.”
The star also said touring without Stephen Gately – who sadly passed in October 2009 – is still hard for the boys. “Dublin will be hard,” he admitted. “And the beginning of the tour was difficult. We all go out there and you still look for the fifth person. I doubt it’ll ever get easier.”
Ronan also made a point of saying this wouldn’t be the last Boyzone tour. He added: “This isn’t our swansong tour like some are suggesting. There will be a new album at Christmas – that could be a concept album. We definitely won’t be bothering with going for the Christmas No.1 though. With X Factor there’s no point.” Too true!

Ellie Goulding made everyone Starry Eyed when she scooped the BRITs Critics Choice Award last year and saw her debut album Lights sail to No 1. Since then she’s written for Diana Vickers and collaborated with Tinie Tempah on Wonderman and a No 2 single with a cover of Elton John’s Your Song. Natalie Edwards sat down with her at Vodafone’s LFW event to talk Burberry modelling campaigns, moving into acting and her highly-anticipated second album.

How was it heading back to the BRITs again where this year you were up for Best Female and British Breakthrough Act?
It was amazing – the BRITs were insane! I got to wear Vivienne Westwood and kept wondering if she saw it. I was really cool to be back and be nominated. Plus it was nicer having the awards somewhere different but I didn’t go to the aftershow though as I was a bit tired and not really up for it.

Who did you hang out with there?
The table I was sat on was positioned next to Justin Bieber. I was also next to Pixie Lott who is lovely and Jessie J too. It was a good little crew! My team are my favourite people so it was just nice to be around them. I didn’t get to talk to the Bieber but I’m sure he’s lovely – he seems like a really nice little kid. He’s way too young for me to fancy him but I’ve heard he’s a lovely kid.

Are you happy that Jessie J’s taken over from you as the latest BRITs Critics Choice winner?
We are on the same management so we have been aware of each other. She has always said that she is a really big fan of mine and I went to see her life and was like ‘wow’. She is really cheeky and fun. We’ve got a lot in common and have fun whenever we see each other. I actually interviewed her the other day for iTunes Ping and had so much fun. Apparently I’m really good and a natural at it. I could be your undercover reporter – I’ve always wanted to go round with a Dictaphone.

We spied you heading out to Burberry’s London Fashion Week show one of their gorgeous coats worth £2,595. Are we going to see you modeling for them in the future?
I didn’t get to keep the coat! But I feel like I won’t ever wear it again as it’s reserved for a really special occasion. Burberry have always been really good to me and they are fans of mine. But no, I don’t think I could be a model as I’m not pretty enough. I don’t think I’m the right person to be a model.

Would you ever like to branch out from singing?
I think being in a play would take up too much time as you would have to keep rehearsing and learning your lines but I would like to be in a film. I’d like to be in a small film with a small part to get a bit of experience.

What about teaming up with someone like Plan B who is a director as well a musician?
He’s really lovely and if I ever got the chance it would be great because it would be a whole new world. It would fun to be someone else rather than yourself for a bit. I did have some scripts sent to me but I wasn’t ready at that point. I’ve studied acting and it was my thing for a bit. I’ve acted all my life and definitely thought about it but I need to get back to remembering everything I was taught. Being a singer you have to be yourself so brutally but then with acting you’re being someone else so you have to get back into that frame of mind again.

Would you ever like to combine singing and acting and be in a musical?
No, I love musicals but I’m not sure about that. I think I would like to do a bit of acting at some point though.

How are you getting on with your second album?
It’s started to sound very dark and very weird. This album is going to be even more emotional – I’m all about emo. Captain emo over here! I wanted to make it so there is hope. I want to make an effect whether it’s happy or sad.

Have you been splashing the cash to toast the year you’ve had?
I bought a vintage Chanel necklace which was £800 from Matches. I saw it and I never impulse buy but I bought it like that. I’ve worn it a few times – including the Brits.

Vodafone UK is title sponsor at London Fashion Weekend as part of Vodafone VIP, a reward scheme for all its customers which gives unrivalled access to the biggest events in the world of fashion, festival, Formula 1(tm).
To join in visit vodafone.co.uk/vip

It’s always a pleasure when a Hollywood superstar like Mickey Rourke gives you a bell on a Saturday afternoon. And that’s exactly what happened to me yesterday!
The Wrestler star couldn’t help but call his favourite columnist to talk about his plans to make a new movie about the life of rugby player Gareth Thomas – who despite the rugby world’s macho image announced he was gay in December 2009.
And Mickey tells me he’s currently struggling with learning Welsh! “I’m inspired by the story behind Gareth,” he told me. “He’s a brave guy and the first professional to come out while still playing, anywhere across the world.
“I can tell you I will be learning welsh. But Dean, let’s say it’s a work in progress at the moment.
“I’m meeting Gareth’s parents and his family tomorrow in a box to watch the game. This is an incredibly important story about equality and it’s something I want to make happen.
“We’re only in pre-production so we’re working on the script, the treatment and we have the producers onboard. I’m very excited to see Gareth play – it’s a first.”
But this wasn’t any usual call – he was on a First Great Western train to Cardiff to watch Gareth play with the Crusaders against the Salford City Reds after deciding he needed a bar for the journey down.
“I just didn’t want the hassle and the traffic of being stuck in a car,” he laughed. “Admittedly I wouldn’t usually travel by public transport except from when I’m forced too. But I’m actually very easy going when it comes to getting around.
“I’m fine with the fans and meeting people. They’re the people that made my name and kept my career alive so why not be on a train with them.
“Also – there’s a f***ing bar on a train.”
Mickey, 58 shocked onlookers on the train leaving Paddington just after midday yesterday when he pitched up with girlfriend Anastassija Makarenko.
Mickey also admitted he’s going to be slimming down to play Gareth. He chuckled: “I don’t know about beefing up for the role, I think I need to beef down.” Classic.
Mickey’s manager Emanuele Palladino added: “Mickey wants to take this opportunity to really immerse himself in Welsh rugby and its culture this weekend so it’s a busy trip.”
I’m more than as little bit excited about a star like Mickey Rourke mucking in for the rugby – and why not. Good on you Mickey – and I look forward to speaking to you again!

*Rachel Stevens (above) is trying to make her mark in the TV field these days. Today she’ll make a start on that new career by working on the red carpet interviewing the stars at the film Baftas. And she told me she couldn’t wait to meet the stars: “It’s incredibly exciting and my first red carpet working. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I really hope it leads to more opportunities.”
But it doesn’t sound like the former S Club 7 singer, who three months ago gave birth to first daughter Amelie, is just sticking to one genre in the showbiz world – she has lots to achieve. She added: “I’m getting back into the studio and want to sing again so that’s high on the agenda and I’m going to be doing lots more TV presenting. Historically ladies in pop have done well on TV – so if I can join the likes of Myleene Klass then I’d be thrilled. I’d also love to be a judge on a panel show. My dream job would be filling in on the panel of X Factor. I’d love to give the guidance to the contestants and I’m not afraid to speak my mind.” Over to you Mr Cowell….
Rachel is hosting the Orange Wednesdays red carpet coverage from the 2011 Orange BAFTAs today – the show will be available to view on Monday 14th February at www.orange.co.uk/bafta.

Shhh
WHICH star once dabbled in acid. This young lady spazzed out so much so objects started melting into the floor ala Terminator 2. WOW!

*The female cast members of The Only Way Is Essex had better keep their filthy little mitts off of Mark Wright on the new series – because the diamond geezer’s girlfriend Kayla Collins isn’t going to let any other lady sink her claws in. I bumped into the I’m A Celeb star at the MTV Jersey Shores bash at Mahiki this week and she told me: “He’s with me now. We’re getting on so well and he’s so adorable. I’ve honestly never been happier. I’m not sure if I’m going to be in the show yet but he’s not going to be seeing any other women on the show. I’m popping back to LA for a quick trip to see my cat and then I’ll be back. I’m hoping there could be something special with Mark.” I’m sure Lauren Goodger and Sam Faiers are sharpening their claws in anticipation.

*Tamsin Egerton gained a lot from appearing in new flick Chalet Girl – she even bagged a NBF (new best friend for those of you over the age of 13). Tamsin told me at the film’s premiere this week: “You can see the chemistry between Felicity and I in the film. We got really close by the end, because we’re around the same age and we’re both from the UK. I guess we are NBFs.” Bless.

*Olivia Palermo sure has come a long way since her days on The City. Nowadays she’s a bonafide style icon. So that might explain why my spies in Gstaad, Switzerland, saw the clothes horse strolling in the sunshine with iconic fashion designer Valentino this week. My mole tells me: “She was carrying a Birkin bag and they were arm in arm – with a hot male model on the other side.” Good for her.

*You won’t catch Irish songstress Imelda May stripping off like naughty Lady GaGa or Rihanna. Instead of flaunting the flesh the singer – who’s album Mayhem is out now -  will be sticking to her 50s wiggle dresses. “I love people who have their own style but I don’t know if I’d have the nerve to wear leotards on stage as I like to keep myself a little more covered,” she giggled. “It’s nice to leave more to the imagination I think. You have no-where really left to go after everyone has seen what you had for breakfast!”

*Peter “Voice Of The X Factor” Dickson has a bizarre effect on Leona Lewis these days. Speaking at this week’s Chortle Awards hosted by Al Murray he revealed: “I have this affect on people who work on the show and I spoke to Leona Lewis about it not too long ago. She told me that every time she heard my voice ‘I have palpitations, can’t breath, my stomach tightens and my nipples pop out’. I said my God love, I’m going to be phoning you up every day. It doesn’t take a lot to work out why I get her nervous though because I am the last thing they hear before the doors open and they walk out in front of 20 million people. And then poor Leona gets palpitations and nearly dies of a heart attack. For anyone men out there now thinking of recording my voice and playing it to Leona, please don’t do that to her. She’s nervous enough already.” Ha!

*Any other husband wouldn’t be complaining about having lots of sex. But I guess when you’re trying to impregnate your wife it could become a chore. Just ask Richard Bacon. “I’ve been married now for three years and we’re trying to have kids at the moment,’ he told me at the Chortle Awards. “It’s another way of saying that we are having a lot of sex. And we’re working really hard at it. It does become a little bit routine after a while as it doesn’t feel the same as it did when you were a teenager. You’re more likely to say ‘Really? I’ve got another chapter in my book I want to finish’. But I imagine, like most people on Valentine’s Day we’ll be having sex. Not for romantic reason – it’s purely functional.” Good luck with that Richie!

*Ashton Kutcher didn’t sound ready for Valentine’s Day with wife Demi Moore at all when I caught up with him this week. Promoting new flick No Strings Attached he told me: “I’m getting back to LA just in time for Valentines Day but unless I manage to get a card and a gift some one is not going to be happy and its all gonna be very unromantic! I was in Paris and should’ve done something then but failed.  And now I’ve probably got an hour to go up to Bond Street, so let’s hope I can find something there…there’s always Topshop right?!” I fear Demi may require diamonds…

*Kristin Scott Thomas may face the wrath of Twi-hards after admitting she didn’t enjoy having a romp with Robert Pattinson. The British actor may have women falling at his feet but Kristin was unimpressed with the British actor on the set of their upcoming film Bel Ami. “See I don’t have an amazing crush on Robert Pattinson. He’s not my type,” she told me at the 31st London Film Critics’ Choice Awards . “I played one of Rob’s three love interests – he was very busy – but it was just the same as playing the love interest of any heartthrob.” Such a hard life, eh?

*Pierce Brosnan may need to get himself a restraining order against Olivia Williams who played his wifey in recent flick The Ghost Writer. Something tells me The Sixth Sense actress rather enjoyed working with the former Bond hottie. “The obvious attraction to the role was that I’d be married to Pierce. He’s the nicest man in the world and is phenomenally good-looking – breathtakingly so,” she said. “He would have had every right to be arrogant and impatient with someone like me who is a bit of a fan but he was kind, funny and self-effacing.” And scared-stiff too, probably!

*Ladies, prepare yourselves because Colin Firth has promised to pose in just his dressing gown if he scoops the Best Actor Oscar for The King’s Speech.
“I have a feeling that whatever happens in the next, whatever years I have to live, that I will find a pretext for re-enacting Faye Dunaway’s morning after pose,” he tells me
And it seems far from being the quintessential Englishman, Colin’s actually hiding a desire to pump out his lips and unleash his inner rockstar.
“I haven’t improved on playing the guitar since I was younger, even if I did play it for an hour or two yesterday,” he said. “I’d have been in The Rolling Stones if I could be in any band. But who says I haven’t already set up my own.”

Despite being crowned winner of Sky1’s Must Be The Music in September last year, Emma Gillespie, aka Emma’s Imagination, has kept her feet firmly on the ground. Having been helped along her way to musical success by show judges Dizzee Rascal, Sharleen Spiteri and Jamie Cullum, Emma scooped a £100,000 prize fund and since signed to Gary Barlow’s record label Future Records.

Chart success beckoned with her first single This Day hitting the Top 20 and her debut album Stand Still entering the Top 20. She also bagged a new celebrity fan this week in the form of Jessie J who revealed she voted for Emma to win. Ahead of the release of third single Brighter Greener on March 27 and her debut headline tour next month, I got on the phone to the Edinburgh-born singer to talk having Gary Barlow as a boss, money-grabbing ex-managers coming out the woodwork and the axing of Must Be The Music.

What’s been the most surprising thing to happen in the four months since winning the show?
I think when people recognise me because I’m not used to that. I always think they are recognising me because they’ve met me at a party or something but it’s obviously because they’ve seen me on the telly! It’s not like they’re chasing me down the street or anything. People are always really nice and they’re like ‘Oh you’re that girl from the show’ and tell me they’ve bought my album. It’s really nice and I always make time for people. It’s not at a level where I have to wear a moustache or wig to disguise myself.

The last four months must have been a whirlwind. How much of what’s happened can you remember?
It’s all happened so quickly. I really feel like I haven’t had a change yet for it to sink in properly. If you think about it I won it in September so it’s only been a few months. I still can’t believe it.

Your video for Bright Or Greener looks very glamorous…
It’s me floating around on a lake but it was f**king freezing. We shot it at in a park in London and I was lying there on a lilo trying to look all glamorous but it was pretty hard.

Have you been out splashing the cash since scooping £100,000?
I think I’ve bought a couple of jumpers! I also got myself a laptop and an iPhone but that’s only because I needed them to keep in touch and get myself updated with technology because I’m sh*te. I’ve never ever spent a lot of money so I’m still really tentative when I go out. I’m always like ‘I couldn’t possibly buy two pairs of shoes in one go!’ I’m too scared to spend it. But I’ll now get a taxi instead of a bus. I’m still sticking to charity shops for clothes because it’s what I know and I like finding different things to wear. I feel a bit weird going into big expensive shops and would never pay £100 for a top! I quickly run into H&M instead.

Do you keep in touch with any of the MBTM judges?
Yes I was actually round at Sharleen’s place for a cup of tea a couple of days ago. It was really nice and it’s so lovely because she always gives me lots of advice and tells me about experiences she’s had.

Would you like to collaborate with any of the judges?
I don’t know. I’d never rule anything out but as a songwriter and artist myself I’m really keen to prove that I can have a go at it on my own. I’d love to put the album out and establish myself as an artist first. I’d hate for people to think I was just hanging on to other people’s coattails. I’d absolutely love to collaborate with other artists but where I’m at now I want to establish myself first. I’m still exploring everything and that’s a lot of work still for me to do. I’m under no illusion that I’m a successful artist yet. It can happen but I’m just trying at the minute.

Are you disappointed that Sky have decided to drop MBTM after just one series?
I was really surprised. It’s a real shame as it was such a great show and it did really well. Maybe it will come back next year in a different form. I honestly have no idea why they would choose to cancel it and really wish that I did know. Maybe I should start a campaign to bring it back!

What’s it like having Gary Barlow as a boss?
It’s amazing to have Gary Barlow as a contact. Often we sit together having a cup of tea and just talk about songwriting. He is such a massive fan of music and has so much knowledge. He is very obviously as passionate about music as I am. Despite being such a big star he’s so laid back and not up his arse. He is such a busy man and has a great team around him.

Gary always gives great support to his artists so are you hoping he’ll sign you up to support Take That on tour?
I would absolutely love that! But I would never take for granted that that would happen. I’m just happy to be where I am right now as there are so many musicians out there that are still busking and haven’t got a record deal. It would be huge and any help from Gary is appreciated.

Since winning the show have you had any old acquaintances come out of the woodwork?
I’ve had a few. I had one old guy claiming to be my former manager and saying that I owned him quite a bit of money. He was my old manager but it was all complete b*****ks and he sadly was just trying to make a quick dollar. It was really disappointing to be honest. He was a ‘friend’ that had helped me get a couple of gigs and we then split the money but there was no contract or anything like that. It just seems he got arsed when I won the show and it was really disappointing.