Paloma Faith's Cringe-Worthy Royal Encounter
Most individuals would experience nerves when meeting senior members of the Royal Family, but singer Paloma Faith has disclosed that her interaction with the Princess of Wales descended into such profound awkwardness that she resorted to using a disabled companion as an escape route. The 44-year-old performer was introduced to Prince William and Catherine following her appearance at the 2023 Royal Variety Performance.
An Ill-Advised Conversation Topic
For reasons that remain unclear, Faith chose to discuss Catherine's physique with the princess, specifically inquiring how she managed to regain her shape after the birth of Prince Louis five years prior. "I said, 'Didn't you look good post-partum, Kate. How have you lost that weight so quickly?' We chatted about kids and stuff," recalled Paloma, who was a mother of two young daughters at the time and has since welcomed a son.
Perhaps realizing belatedly that royals typically avoid public discussions about their bodies, Faith sought a rapid exit from the conversation. Standing nearby in the reception line was comedian Rosie Jones, who has ataxic cerebral palsy.
A Controversial Escape Plan
"Then I looked at [Rosie] and thought, 'Can we just say that, because you're disabled, we have to go, and you need me to help you?'" Faith explained. "Then everyone was, like, 'Rosie said she needs Paloma to take her because of the stairs.'"
Speaking on her Mad Sad Bad podcast, the singer added that Jones "helped me in a very non-PC way by allowing me to abuse and use her disability to get myself out of a potentially uncomfortable situation with some Royal Family members."
Remarkably, Catherine did not appear to hold a grudge against Faith for the inappropriate remarks. The following year, the Princess of Wales invited the singer to perform at her Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Fashion Feud: Trinny vs. Susannah
Former What Not To Wear co-hosts Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine have publicly clashed over fashion choices. Beauty entrepreneur Trinny, 62, posted a video showcasing her new barrel jeans—the high-rise, balloon-shaped style currently trending.
"The trousers do all the work," Trinny explained. "To keep it from swallowing you whole, anchor the proportions—tuck the top in, steer clear from long jackets, and add a pointy shoe so people know you still have feet. I'm sold."
Despite receiving approval from the Princess of Wales's former personal stylist Natasha Archer, Susannah Constantine, 63, delivered a blunt critique: "I'm sorry Trin, but they are hideous! This is a harem pant moment."
Gary Numan's Financial Struggles
Despite selling more than ten million records worldwide, musical icon Gary Numan has confessed that his finances remain in precarious condition. The 68-year-old artist, known for hits including Cars and Are 'Friends' Electric?, revealed he regularly "goes broke" and must request cash handouts from his 89-year-old father Tony, a former British Airways bus driver.
Numan attributes his monetary troubles to his wife Gemma "living beyond my means." He elaborated: "Money for me comes and goes. We have really good periods and there's loads of it, and you think you're wealthy, and then you have a year where it's not so good, and suddenly you're broke again."
"And you're ringing dad: 'Can you help? I'm a bit short.' You know, at 60-odd years old. It's like that. I live beyond my means—or, my wife lives beyond my means," the singer admitted.
Strictly Come Dancing Scoop
While Strictly Come Dancing continues searching for new hosts, BBC producers appear to be making progress with contestant recruitment. Sources indicate that former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem, 41, is poised to compete for the coveted glitterball trophy.
"It is all but a done deal," claimed an insider from the actress-singer's native Australia. "They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Strictly would not represent Goodrem's only competition appearance. The artist, who previously dated fellow pop singers Nick Jonas and Brian McFadden, is expected to represent Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest next month.
Royal Estate Tours Launch
King Charles may have identified a method to assist with funding his brother Prince Andrew's relocation to Sandringham. The monarch is introducing private tours of the Norfolk estate priced at £150 per person.
"Join our experienced guides for an intimate tour, bringing to life the history of the Royal Family," states promotional material. The guides are unlikely to highlight the residence of the lesser-spotted Mountbatten-Windsor family member.
Celebrity Weight-Loss Critique
While weight-loss medications have helped numerous celebrities slim down, actress Frances Barber remains unimpressed by the results. "I'm not a big fan of the new Ozempic look," declared the Silk star, 67. "I don't think it makes any of the people I've seen look younger. If anything, it makes them look older and drawn."
Baroness Limb's Parliamentary Preparations
Has any peeress ever prepared more diligently for her duties in the House of Lords than Baroness Limb? The newly appointed Labour peer—one of 25 nominated by Sir Keir Starmer before Christmas—has provided intriguing insight into her preparations.
When questioned about resigning from her honorific role as a "Fellow Commoner" at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, Limb explained: "I resigned from this role to devote my time, in due course, to working in the Lords as a full-time working peer."
The 73-year-old added that she has also stepped down from "all other voluntary work," which should provide ample time for parliamentary duties. Limb, who donated £50,000 to the Labour Party, previously admitted to falsely claiming a PhD and ended her membership at the prestigious Athenaeum club following exposure.
She has stated she will not take her seat in the Lords until matters relating to her "previous voluntary roles are resolved." These included chairing the City & Guilds charity, which is currently subject to a Charity Commission investigation concerning her tenure.
