British talent has always managed to hold its own across the pond, but 2008 is already proving an exceptional year for homegrown stars branching out into the US. First there was our double triumph with Tilda Swinton and Daniel Day-Lewis picking up the big prizes at this year's Oscars, and now we have our very own Leona Lewis whipping up a storm Stateside. With her insanely catchy ballad, the lovely Londoner has scored the first number one in 21 years by a female artist from the UK and now has US record bosses fighting to sign her up. And the best thing about her? She's unlikely to be hitting headlines with tales of misbehaviour. "I'm not the type of person to come stumbling out of nightclubs," she said recently. "I'll be in trouble with my dad if I get up to anything like that."

Oh Carla, how I envied you and your glamorous life. France's elegant first lady, winning over everyone with your charm and beauty while you travel the world in a selection of great outfits with your dashing husband Mr Sarkozy. But as you stepped off the plane at Heathrow as you arrived for the UK state visit I was stunned. Where were your heels? My sources tell me that you've taken to wearing flats to not tower over your 5ft 5in husband. All very commendable I'm sure, but I certainly wouldn't give up my Jimmy Choos for any man, and I'm 5ft 10in! Look at Tom and Katie - it doesn't seem to bother them

After all Britney's been through lately, I must admit I had my fingers crossed that she would pull something fabulous out of the bag when I heard she was going to appear on US sitcom How I Met Your Mother. And low and behold, she did. OK, so it might not have been an Oscar-winning performance, but the girl can act. And not only was she funny, but she looked amazing! (UK residents - check it out on YouTube if you don't believe me!) Brit's cameo role brought in an extra three million viewers for the show, too, so whatever people think of her, there's no denying the girl's lost none of her star appeal.