Ed Sheeran is going to be HUGE after this summer. The singer-songwriter is currently plugging away with single The A-Team. And he tells me he’s had to overcome a lot to make it big! “I used to have a really bad stutter and a massive birthmark on my face that I had to get lasered off,” he said. “I reckon that’s probably why I had a really bad stutter and I had to do lots of speech therapy. I also don’t drink now. When I was younger I moved to London without any parents and went a bit off the rails. This year I knew I was getting to be a good stage with my music so I decided to give it up along with smoking.” Check out his album Songs of Life and Hope NOW!

I’m super excited about Sheridan Smith’s career right now. The star’s just finishing her run in Flare Path alongside Sienna Miller on the West End and is then starring in her first film. But I’m especially excited to hear about her next West End role – playing Bridget Jones on the West End in the musical of Helen Fielding’s book. Sources tell me the star has done the read through and work shopping for the role that will likely open next year in London. Featuring an original score written by Lily Allen the star confirmed she was in talks. She told me: “I’ve done the workshop and it went well. Lily has done an amazing job with it.”

Sheridan will conquer the world – you mark my words.

Note to Kate Middleton: Mischa Barton is after you! Speaking at the glam clothing launch of dress designer Pia Michi this week the star told me she’s gagging to gift the Duchess of Cambridge with, erm, one of her Mischa bags. The part time actress said: “My company is a big deal to me. I feel really blessed to have it. I even gave one to Elizabeth Taylor before she passed away. I’ve had really amazing people having them – like Sharon Stone has one. Kate Middleton is beautiful and I’m a real fan of hers so she would be my ideal next person to have one.”
I’m told Mischa peeved off other guests including Michelle Heaton, Elen Rives and Lizzie Cundy with her stroppy antics backstage getting ready for the event. A source adds: “She turned up three hours late and spent five hours getting a whole head of extensions put in. Then she refused to wear any of the Pia Michi dresses and chose from a range that her team had brought with them. She eventually settled for a Matthew Williamson maxi dress.” Diva antics still firmly in tact then…..

I have great news for fans of Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen – Sugababes have just signed a huge new three-album deal with Sony, after moving on from their old stable, Universal.

The ladies, who have had six UK No1 singles, now have a new one, Freedom, lined up for release.

“The Suga­babes are far from over,” says my mole. “Sony are very excited about the new material and are putting a lot of money into the new ­album.

“Freedom has been picked as the theme tune for a Nokia campaign too. There’s even talk about them going to the States with this record too.”

The ’Babes are clearly back!

My favourite girlband of the moment, Wonderland, are releasing their debut album this week. Some of you will know I’ve banged on about them for months now – but I’m going to do it once more.

They have REAL talent, can sing live, have no hidden agenda or gimmick and are lovely girls to meet. This is the sort of band that I want to see prevail in the pop charts today. Also, the album’s great – featuring all their hits so far including current single Starlight.

I caught up with the girls at the W Hotel in London this week where they launched their self titled album for all the media. Sharon from the band told me: “We’re just so glad to finally have our music out there and for people to be able to buy it. We’ve been working like dogs over the past few months and it’s all finally starting to pay off. It has been the best time of my life and hopefully this is something we can think about doing for the rest of our lives. Yes, I need a day off and that would be lovely but as far as I’m concerned we need to be working our backsides off for now. Days off can come in the years to come. I’m just grateful for being in Wonderland with the other girls.”

Check out the girls album Wonderland now……

S Club star Rachel Stevens was on fine form at last week’s Tunnel of Love event in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The star tells me despite meeting up with all her old bandmates recently there’s not a chance in hell of S Club 7 reuniting. “It just wouldn’t work really,” she admitted. “It was great for us all to be back in one room together. But we could never go back and sing those songs again. It was very much a great moment. But it’s in the past for me.” SHAME!

Love, Actually star Martine McCutcheon is making a return to music – and she thinks she’s onto a winner with her new material. The star told me at this week’s Tunnel Of Love event in aid of the British Heart Foundation. “I’ve started working on it,” she said. “It’s going to be soulful. And far more adult. I’m not a spring chicken anymore so it won’t be too up tempo. But I’m excited about it. I guess it just feels like the time is right to get back to my music. I’m just finishing off my second novel and then I’ll be in the studio.” Only time will tell if Martine will have another Perfect Moment in the charts! She certainly has one hell of a voice….

Above: Erin O’Connor strikes a pose at the Tunnel of Love.

Sometimes you just need to blow your own trumpet – so I’m going to start by saying my party ROCKED!
Celebs were rammed into London’s swanky Cuckoo Club to celebrate two years of my showbiz column at the Sunday Mirror. And what a night full of surprises it was.
Not only did we all raise £1800 for my chosen charity Macmillan Cancer Support we also partied the night away to performances by Spice Girl Melanie C and my new favourite singer Clare Maguire. Not only that I performed with Melanie on the encore and we belted out When You’re Gone – I was her Bryan Adams for the performance!

Above: Melanie C rocks out…..

Jordan turned up with boyfriend Leandro Penna (above). They both drank water and didn’t touch a drop of alcohol before heading off for a late night bite at The Ivy. Katie told me: “I’m sorry I’m being so well behaved tonight but I’m trying to be good. I don’t want to come tumbling out of here! I’ll leave that to you tonight.”

Matt and Emma Willis (above) popped by to raise a glass of bubbles, Arlene Phillips swung by with her daughter Alana and fellow So You Think You Can dance judge Sisqo, Capital FM DJ Lisa Snowdon took me for a cocktail ahead of the bash, Donna Air and Caroline Flack were nattering away in a corner, despite being ill Beverley Knight came by to give me a squeeze, the Blue boys were raring to go when they pitched up, top chef Gizzi Erskine was busting out the moves and top model Poppy Delevingne raved at the front during my stage debut with Melanie.
Tunes were span by drag queen extraordinaire DJ Lady Lloyd and my old mucker Lisa Moorish and the 250 strong crowd were treated to amazing Ciroc vodka and Hoxton gin cocktails.
One celeb managed to go to extraordinary lengths to make it to my bash. Comedian James Corden came stage from the stage at the National Theatre to be there and was mortified to find out his car had been towed during the party! The next morning he told me: “That was such a nightmare. Never good leaving a party late at night and having to go to the pound to collect your car.” That’s what you call proper party dedication!
But it wasn’t just the stars that turned out that impressed me – Spice Girls Geri Halliwell and Mel B both sent me messages of support. Geri posted a card of a cricket pitch streaker leaping above a wicket and Mel wrote: “I’m so sorry I can’t be there tonight – I’m in Australia for X Factor and that’s just as well because you wouldn’t be able to fit my pregnant ass on any seat or couch right now.”
Overall the night was a huge success and we raised a lot of money for charity – thanks to everyone that came to help me celebrate and I had better start planning the 3rd anniversary….it’s going to take some real beating to out do this amazing night!

The good news is my two year column anniversary bash at raised £1800 for Macmillan Cancer Support – a charity close to my heart. The likes of Caroline Flack, Donna Air (both above with me), Arlene Phillips, Blue and Lisa Snowdon all donated on the door. Special thanks go out to DJ Lady Lloyd and the wonderful Lisa Moorish for spinning the tunes. And biggup to the wonderful team at Cuckoo Club – special thanks to Pearl!

Above: The wonderful Clare Maguire belts out Shield and the Sword.

Above: New X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos is one of the most grounded stars I’ve met of late. And she’ll be big news when she officially signs for X Factor as the new judge.  And it sounds like she’s preparing for her super stardom too – she’s put herself on a party ban (except mine). She told me: “I’m not going out anymore as I don’t want to be pictured falling out of clubs drunk. It’s not nice. So if I’m going to get drunk I’ll do it in the comfort of my own home.”
Tulisa was keeping her lips tightly sealed about bagging the X Factor judging role but she did say: “Of
course I’m thrilled. It will be amazing to do it, it really would, so fingers crossed.”

Above: Arlene Phillips and Sisqo were on form. Poor So You Think You Can Dance judge Arlene didn’t realise the cocktails were alcoholic! Whoopsy!

Above: My girls Lizzie Cundy and Alex Best strike a pose….

Two of my favourite new girlbands Wonderland (above) and Parade met up at the bash and got chin wagging at the bar. Not long later, all ten girls were in the ladies, doing their make up and chatting together. Parade’s Bianca said: “Wonderland are great girls, we were chatting away to them. We got on so well that we’ve invited them over for a girlie night at our house. We’ll get some cheesy flicks, some cocktails and have a great night in.” Sounds like a fun night!

Pics with thanks to: Steve Bainbridge

Sarah Jessica Parker was on great form introducing a clip of her brand new Weinstein film I Don’t Know How She Does It – a comedy about the life of Kate Reddy, a finance executive who is the breadwinner for her hubby and two kids! Decked out in a white Dolce and Gabbana dress the actress made a speech to the 200 people at the Glaceau vitaminwater party at the Martinez Hotel. Afterwards she told me she was nervous as hell. SJP said: “I’m not a public speaker – that was terrifying speaking infront of all those people. Especially with this movie. I’m proud of it and I want it to do well so I was happy to come to Cannes to promote it.”

Ever wondered how Pirates of the Caribbean star Penelope Cruz stays looking so super sexy and hot? Well I now know. Since giving birth to her first son, Leo, with hubby Javier Bardem in January she’s been taking Ballet Barre work out sessions after being recommended them by her buddy Madonna. “She can’t get enough of the work outs,” says my mole. “She studied ballet when she was young and she’s found it great for posture and shape. She wanted to keep her curves and it’s enabled her to do that perfectly.”

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at the Hotel Du Cap last Friday evening. I’m reliably informed Hollywood heavyweights Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson and Bradley Cooper spent much of the evening knocking back rose wine and nattering to guests at the hotel. My source tells me: “Robert insisted that everyone called him Bob throughout the night and was super friendly with everyone.” What a legend.

Alexa Chung was at the festival as an ambassador for jewellery company Chopard and it sounds like she was having a right jolly time swanning around the croisette and getting paid for it! The presenter and fashion-icon-in-the-making was wearing a £4 million necklace at a special screening of her buddy Emily Browning’s creepy new movie Sleeping Beauty. I’m told Alexa had two security staff following her around for dear life. A mole tells me: “Alexa couldn’t be out of sight of the security team all evening. Chopard want to be a bit more trendy and not so stuffy – so employed her for the coolness factor.” Lucky bitch.

Jude Law loves his football – possibly a bit too much. I hear the star hosted a special Cannes celebrity football five-a-side game yesterday with Eric Cantona. The pair both captained teams at the special game and the pair’s friends showed up in their droves to watch them play footie. How very Robbie Williams of Jude.

Duran Duran were the big draw at the European launch of Belvedere Red at Cannes club VIP last week. I partied with the boys on the clubs infamous revolving dancefloor as they sang seven of their biggest hits ahead of their UK tour kicking off in Newcastle this week.
And from what Simon Le Bon tells me there’s plenty more years of Duran to come – as well as a few possible collaborations. Simon said: “We are having the best years of our life right now performing all around the world. We’re all about live music and the new album reflects that.
“Tinie Tempah did come up to me at the Brits and say he wanted to do something with us. I’m not sure if it was just all talk – but we’d love to. Put it out there and get him to call us. Obviously Lady Gaga would be one we would love to work with too. She’s definitely pushing the boundaries of pop.”

Cheryl Cole has found a new celebrity fan in the shape and form of style queen Diane Kruger. I hear Troy star Diane bumped into the X Factor US judge at the Martinez and was full of admiration for her. My source tells me: “Diane was so sweet and ran over to say hello to Cheryl wishing her well in America and saying to stay focused and relaxed. It was very sweet of her and Cheryl was chuffed.”
The Girls Aloud star has been staying at the Martinez out here taking a break before returning to the US for X Factor and fulfilling her commitments to L’Oreal doing some European promo. Contrary to rumours the star leaves France at the end of the weekend….missing out on seeing her manager will.i.am in Cannes when he performs at the Grisogono jewellery event later this week.

Let’s face it David Walliams isn’t the butchest of men. The Little Britain star had me howling with laughter at the Calvin Klein Honor Women of Independent Film bash at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes.
David – who had his hand permanently fixed to wife Lara Stone’s backside throughout the night – had been somber throughout the evening but quite literally exploded into a dance off with his wife when Baccara’s Yes Sir I Can Boogie came on the speakers. The comedian was flinging his arms around in the air and Lara was twirled around non-stop. You literally couldn’t make it up.

Vanessa Hudgens (above with me) is on a mission to ditch her High School Musical image. And starring in a new movie opposite Michael Caine sounds like the perfect tonic. The pair join forces for Journey 2: The Mysterious Island and are currently shooting and Vanessa told me the pair have formed an unlikely friendship. “He’s amazing,” said Vanessa. “I walked in to film with him the other day and he was sitting in his chair and blasting out a song. He was singing Katy Perry’s Firework at the top of his voice. He’s truly one of a kind – and for a gentleman of 77 he’s so cool.”
The star was experiencing her first Cannes trip and said she couldn’t wait to return with a movie to promote. She added: “I’m not doing the whole red carpet film thing this year. I’m literally with a friend and we’re enjoying all the festival has to offer. It’s a low key trip this year.”

Sean Penn and Scarlett Johansson were out and proud as a couple in Cannes. Not only were they both individually promoting movies, the pair are set to sit side by side at a Haiti benefit on Wednesday that Sean’s organised with socialite and charity campaigner Ella Krasner. They make a hot couple! The bash will definitely be the hottest ticket in town this week….

The new girl of the moment is officially Jessica Chastain. She plays Brad Pitt’s other half in new flick The Tree of Life and I caught up with the actress at the slick calvin Klein bash. She told me: “Working with Brad was great. I guess it feels like things are starting to take off for me and it’s great to have such an amazing response ahead of the film’s release.” Trust me, this girl will be huge next year.

Alice in Wonderland star Mia Wasikowska is going place. The star was in cannes promoting new Gus Van Sant movie Restless with co-star Henry Hopper. But I hear the star had an entire team from LA flown over to attend to her every need. A source told me: “Her hair and make-up team alone cost £50,000 to get to France from LA and pay for their time.” Alright for some.

Uma Thurman caused a stir arriving at the Hotel Martinez beach party on the croissette for the Calvin Klein bash. While all other stars – including Rosario Dawson and esteemed fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth – walked around with no security, Uma had two burly bouncers following her every move. I spied her talking at length with model Natalia Vodianova at the party and the two gorillas wouldn’t let anybody interrupt – including her team! Wow.

And if you didn’t know any better you’d think that Uma Thurman and Jude Law were a couple. Uma Thurman – supposedly back together with Arpad Busson after a brief split – was all over Jude like a rash at the plush Chopard party in Cannes on Monday evening.
My spies watched aghast (and gave me these exclusive pictures above) as the pair spent all the night whispering into each other’s ears and nattering. But I’m told Uma wasn’t letting anybody nestle alongside Jude – and went to extraordinary lengths to make sure it didn’t happen. My source says: “They didn’t want anybody else interrupting, that’s for sure. They spent the whole evening sat together and looked totally into each other.
“At one point Uma popped to the loo and a blonde girl made her move to sit next to Jude. Uma was furious when she got back and told her to sling her hook when she returned. She looked like the catch that got the cream.” They would make a hot couple!

I’ve heard horror stories about Kirsten Dunst (above) so was a bit nervy about nattering to her in Cannes. But she’s pleasant as can be and funny too. The star arrived a couple of days early for her Melancholia premiere on the croisette and I caught up with her at the Glaceau vitaminwater party at the Hotel Du Cap. “I’ve had a blast,” Kirsten told me. “It’s the first time I’ve been able to enjoy Cannes and not be frantically busy. I went in the sea swimming today – although I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s bloody freezing.” Noted. Also at the party was Mad Men’s Jon Hamm (below) – in town trying to find a distributor for his new flick Friends with Kids. He happens to be one of the politest actors I’ve ever met….

There was only one place to be in Cannes – the Nobu Berkeley Street pop-up restaurant at the hotel 3.14. David Walliams and Lara Stone were spotted slurping on wonderful Iceberg vodka cocktails, Jonathan Ross dined there alonside Robert De Niro one evening and new bosom buddies Vanessa Hudgens and Rosario Dawson dined with four American ice hockey players.

Jonathan Aitken’s daughter Victoria is finally starting to make some waves in the music industry after years of trying. Her new single Queen of the House is stupidly catchy – and proper Euro pop. Vic’s signed a record deal now in Germany and the new single has entered the dance charts at No.5. I bumped into her at snazzy restaurant Eden Roc and she told me: “I’m glad things are taking off for me. I’ve been working hard on it all.” Good for her.

Naomi Campbell knows how to throw a good knees up! And the supermodel partied the night away with her billionaire boy toy Vladimir Dororin this week following her Fashion For Relief event in Cannes. Naomi was dancing pretty much non-stop until 5am at Jalouse members club Baoli. “She was sat behind the DJ booth and was ordering huge bottles of champagne all night – at one point she was dancing on the table,” says my party spy. Get her.

Don’t mess with Faye Dunaway – or she’ll elbow you in the ribs! Lizzie Cundy came face to face with the screen legend at the Chopard bash and faye snapped: “You look far too glamorous for me.” And proceeded to literally elbow the presenter out the way to get past her. Lizzie tells me: “She has the sharpest elbows in the business. I was