Dame Joan Collins danced until dawn at a surprise 75th birthday party held in St Tropez on Friday evening. The actress, best known for her role in the 1980s television series Dynasty, was greeted by shouts of 'Surprise' as she entered the luxury villa of millionaire entrepreneur Simon Reuben, where 60 close family and friends had gathered.
The party was organised by her fifth husband, Percy Gibson, 43, who had sworn guests to secrecy. Collins, who was dressed in a stunning blue and white Roberto Cavalli evening gown and bedecked in Theo Fennell jewellery, was close to tears as she described Gibson as 'my life partner and true love'. She added: 'Now I know why all my friends have been ignoring me for the past two weeks.'
Among the guests were Oscar-winning composer Leslie Bricusse, celebrity photographer Terry O'Neill, food writer A.A. Gill, jeweller Theo Fennell, and actor John Standing. Also present were Collins' children, Sacha and Tara Newley, and her ex-husband's widow, Evie Bricusse. The evening began with pre-dinner drinks and champagne, followed by a dinner of foie gras and a buffet of lamb and gourmet fish dishes, paired with fine French wines.
A large chocolate birthday cake was presented on a dish shaped like a swan's back, bearing a photo of Collins' family. One guest described the atmosphere as 'very South of France chic', noting that the grande dame of showbiz stayed dancing until dawn. Collins, who has been a star for over 50 years, was overwhelmed by the night and thanked everyone for coming.
