THANKFULLY Ray Bates didn't feel the need to take a leaf out of Richard Branson's book on Tuesday and dress up for the unveiling of his new scratch card game at a very festive lunch at Le Coq Hardi. If he had followed the example of the Virgin king he would have donned something appropriate such as a tutu and a pair of wings. Instead, the ever groomed National Lottery boss looked dapper in a smart three piece suit.
Meanwhile in London, Richard Branson was wearing a wedding dress. He was launching his new Virgin Bride one stop wedding shop where prospective brides and grooms can buy everything for their big day - from the dress to the honeymoon.
He seems to climb into a pair of nylons and skirt at the flash of a camera bulb - he dressed as an air hostess for the launch of his airline and Dame Edna Everage for the opening of one of his record shops so this week's spot of cross dressing as a blushing bride shouldn't have been such a surprise. Oddly enough what caused the most fuss was his clean shaven chin - long time fans of Brookside will note a startling resemblance to the much missed mumsy Sheila Grant character.