Philippines President Fidel Ramos showed Joseph Estrada around the presidential residence yesterday, apparently clearing the way for a smooth transfer of power from the outgoing former army general to the one-time actor.
"We had breakfast together, just the two of us, and I was trying to get the feel of the place," Estrada told reporters after meeting Ramos. "He even introduced me to the maids, the waiters, and the waitresses."
Television personality Chris Evans yesterday hit back on behalf of his friend, Paul Gascoigne, over allegations that he had jeopardised the England midfielder's World Cup fitness with a booze and kebab binge.
Evans explained that Gazza had drunk only a couple of halves of lager before having his picture taken by an autograph hunter while eating a kebab at 1.30 a.m.
Rock wild man Keith Richards has survived three decades of drink and drug excess - but now world tour dates are in turmoil after he was nobbled by a book. The guitarist, legendary for his hellraising, fell off a ladder in his library, breaking a rib. So the Rolling Stones are postponing next Friday's opening of their European tour.
Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul and the late Linda, is urging Tony Blair to carry out Labour's pre-election promise to ban Britain's fur farms. Her call comes as four MPs plan to climb inside a cage in front of the Houses of Parliament today, in protest at the fur trade.