Following news of Jeffrey Archer's death aged 86, a little-known fact has emerged: the author once bizarrely hoped to be cast as the next James Bond. Top theatrical agent Michael Whitehall, father of comedian Jack Whitehall, was taken aback when a cocksure young Archer marched into his office in the late 1960s announcing he wished to succeed departing 007, Sean Connery.
Archer's Bold Pitch to the Agent
Despite his lack of acting experience, Archer enthused at the time: "I'd be bloody good...I think it would be a wonderful part for me and I'm sure you could do a good deal for me!" Whitehall declined.
Clarkson's Government Snub
After his surprise appearance at the Conservative conference made headlines, Jeremy Clarkson revealed he'd been snubbed by the government. Having highlighted the plight of farmers to Tory delegates in Birmingham, the presenter later explained: "We were supposed to be seeing the Labourites tomorrow, but they cancelled."
Relations with the Labour comrades have long been strained: Doncaster-born Clarkson has previously threatened to stand against the South Yorkshire city's MP, Ed Miliband.
Baker's Recollection of Phil Collins
With Phil Collins back in the news discussing his falling out with Sir Paul McCartney - the bad blood dates back to Phil feeling patronised by Macca during the Queen's Jubilee Concert in 2002 - presenter Danny Baker suggests the Genesis star has long been the thin-skinned type.
"When I was receptionist at the NME, Phil Collins was unique in being the only artist who would ring up complaining about a review he'd got, demanding to speak to the reviewer," Baker mischievously recalls.
Collins on Marriage and Allsopp on Filming
Dame Joan Collins, due to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary with Percy Gibson early next year, reflects: "It's so important to like your partner. So many people go into relationships on the crest of what, I can only say, is lust. When that falls apart, there's nothing."
Filming her annual Christmas craft show for Channel 4 just weeks after being airlifted to hospital following a fall on a Devon beach, Kirstie Allsopp admits emotions have been running high on set. "It's bloody difficult with a broken leg, and there have been tears," she reports.
Birthday Wishes and Household Help
A very happy 90th birthday to booming thespian and explorer Brian Blessed, who has no plans to slow down in his 10th decade. The Flash Gordon star still maintains that climbing Everest and flying to Mars remain on the bucket list.
Discussing life at her Herefordshire home with current American beau Billy Ray Cyrus, Elizabeth Hurley playfully complains: "He can't cook or really do anything like that. He's trying to learn because he wants to be able to bring me a tray for breakfast or something. That hasn't quite happened yet."
