There's no question that it's a singular coup for Marks and Spencer to have it's new underwear shown off by Leonardo DiCaprio's lovely lady Bar Refaeli. And it's presumably a lucrative agreement for the Israeli model, who looks stunning as ever in the special Valentine's Day lingerie campaign.

But while Heidi, Ambrosia and the rest of the Angels gang regularly strip off for Victoria's Secret, until now I hadn't really put Marks & Spencer's bras and knickers in quite the same league.

Although Mylene Klass, Lulu and Antonio Banderas have all been associated with the high street chain in the past, the brand seems a bit removed from the labels Bar usually represents.

Leo's girl has ad campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Guerlain and P Diddy fragrance I Am King on her CV, so the fact that she's added to it with a middle class British retailer comes as a bit of a surprise.

    I've realised I have something in common with Paris Hilton. No, it's not the millions in the bank and the pink stretch limo, but one of the ways she sorts the wheat from the chaff when it comes to deciding on friend material.

The particular test which rang a bell with me? The one where she sees how the chums-in-waiting fare when they meet her beloved Chihuahua Tinkerbell.

Non-dog owners may scoff, but I think it's a stroke of genius on Paris' part. My Cavalli is an excellent judge of character so I pay attention when he takes a dislike to someone. He's been proved right on many occasion, whether it's been a disloyal friend or unsuitable boyfriend material. He really is a girl's best friend!

There I was having a wonderful weekend trawling the sales, blissfully snapping up those final bargains when the bad news arrived. A pal texted me to say it was all over between Harry and Chelsy.

I can't believe it. I mean, I know that they had their odd spat, and that it can't have been easy with him trotting around the UK on army training assignments while she was left to her books in Leeds, but even so...

Somehow I just never saw it coming. They always seemed like such a good match, adventurous, good fun, and with a real zest for life. And they looked so happy, whether they were at a formal do or just hanging out together.

I was - and still am! - convinced they are meant for each other. One of the things I like most about Harry is his cheeky, fun-loving side and his bubbly girlfriend perfectly complemented that.

Hopefully time apart will make them realise how much they miss each other and before we know it they will be happily ensconced in the VIP section together at Mahiki.

This week will stick in my mind as one of the most exciting ever, celeb-wise. I'd barely come down from the high of Mr Obama's inauguration when it was time to plug myself into a live online feed again for the Oscar nominations.

My heart was doing the river dance as the ten-second countdown to the live broadcast started. It made me wonder how Kate Winslet must have been feeling! I bet there's a party going on in the Winslet household right now.

It was great to see Kate get a nod - but can someone explain something to me? How do they define the difference between a leading actress and a supporting actress? I only ask because she was nominated in the best actress category for The Reader - the film she picked up a best supporting actress Golden Globe for.

Whatever the answer, it's great to see a British star - especially one with the grace and charm of Kate - challenging State-side talent on their home turf. I have to admit I was a little disappointed Dev Patel wasn't short listed in the main categories, but at least Slumdog Millionaire did well overall. Ten nominations... what a haul!

With the nominations for the Brit awards now announced I'm really chuffed Duffy is up there topping the list of nods with Coldplay. Her album Rockferry seemed to become the unofficial anthem of last summer, and Mercy still has what it takes to get me moving.

Considering the musical reputation the Welsh have, though, it's weird there aren't more chart toppers emerging from the principality.

Veterans like Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey are both from the south, as is Cerys Matthews. Born in Bangor and brought up in the small seaside community of Nefyn, Duffy is the only internationally recognised talent to come out of the North. You'd think there would have been more. Does anyone know if I've missed someone?

Like millions of people around the globe I spent most of yesterday glued to CNN online watching the inauguration of Barack Obama as America's 44th president. Was that great TV or what?

During his post swearing-in speech I had to keep reminding myself this was for real - not something written for a Hollywood movie. It seemed like Harrison Ford or Will Smith could erupt onto the scene any moment.

The hopes, the dreams and the vision he laid out moved grown men to tears and had me reaching for a tissue... what a script!

Like the rest of the world I was caught up in Obama mania today - with all the hype and history and inspiring speeches it was hard not to. I raced through work so I could get home early to watch the inauguration ceremony.

This was TV at its best. A hunky new President reducing the crowd to tears, and a smart caring new First Lady wearing a fabulous lemon yellow dress a colour it's almost impossible to get away with mid-winter!

Could Michelle have looked more elegant in that gorgeous gold-embossed ensemble? I'm not familiar with the designer behind it, Isabel Toledo, but I'll definitely be checking her out - as will millions of others, I expect.

I love the Brits, there always seems to be such an edgy buzz surrounding them. While in the past the awards ceremony has makes headlines with the news of badly behaved artists or controversial moments, this year it's already getting talked about for all the right reasons.

One big - or should I say pint-sized - reason for this is the involvement of Kylie in a hosting role alongside Gavin and Stacey's James Corden and Mathew Horne.

At first I thought they made an unusual trio. But thinking about it, it all makes sense - the hottest rising talent in the UK bantering with someone who's demonstrated her own comic skills on several occasions is bound to be a winning combo.

I almost dropped my caramel latte when I saw the pictures of Prince Albert of Monaco at the South Pole today. Oh my goodness! I thought we were feeling the chill in Britain at the moment, but minus 40 - that's just awful!

How do you even train for something like that? Especially if you live in Monaco? It might get a little colder in the winter, but you're never going to face subzero temperatures and snowstorms and fog. Hats off to Albert for taking such a bold step to highlight the problems caused by climate change.

First it was the haircuts, then their fashion choices, and now Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham have been pitted against each other once more - this time in new ad campaigns.

Appearing in a series of shots for Miu Miu - Prada's more affordable clothing line - Mrs Tom Cruise looks completely fantastic! A world away from her casual daywear - or even her usual red carpet look - Katie's glamorous and somewhat androgynous photos are really striking.

There's no question that this foray into the world of fashion advertising is a resounding success that will generate lots of publicity for the brand - and I do hope it will be the start of something new for the star.

Meanwhile, unveiled on the same day were pics of her pal Victoria Beckham, starring in an underwear campaign for Armani. Mum to three kids, there is no denying how fantastic Victoria looks - though of course she has shown her edgy side before in the Marc Jacobs ads.

Nevertheless the photos are beautifully shot, and Victoria looks absolutely amazing... but, for bravely branching out into new territory, Katie gets my vote this time!

Why is it that as soon as two beautiful celeb ladies appear on the same show, they're immediately pitted against each other as rivals? First there was Cheryl and Dannii on The X Factor, now there's Kelly Brook and Amanda Holden on Britain's Got Talent.

What makes people think all women are likely to stab each other in the back if there's a career hike in it for them? I'm sick of it. Why aren't there any stories about how Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan are fiercely competitive?

Couldn't it just be that Amanda is happy to have another girl around to gossip with and share fashion tips? Judging by the pics of them together today there's no animosity. I'll certainly be watching the series with interest to see how their friendship develops.

Katie Holmes is one devoted wife! Moments after taking her very final bow in Broadway show All My Sons, the actress hot-footed it to a helicopter and then a plane to join hubby Tom Cruise at a Golden Globes after party in Los Angeles.

And far from appearing tired or dishevelled after the 3,000-mile trans-America trip, the mum-of-one still managed to look gorgeous - wearing an appropriate golden dress - alongside her man.

It's no surprise Mr and Mrs Cruise, seen here together at a concert in New York in December, were all smiles at the event. With her six-month run in the Big Apple now over, Katie can look forward to spending some quality time with Tom - who proved himself a real gent by escorting his mum to the ceremony - and their gorgeous little girl at their Los Angeles mansion.

I wonder what's next for the 30-year-old Mad Money star? More theatre work, or a leading role in a new Hollywood film? Or perhaps a new baby brother or sister for little Suri? Any children with Tom and Katie's genes are bound to be just as cute!

How adorable is Mickey Rourke? I just love the fact he dedicated his Golden Globe win to his pooches. Some might think he's barking mad, but I, as the proud owner of my own pup, know exactly what he means. You can always rely on your dog to cheer you up if you're feeling down.

His speech was quite a contrast to Kate Winslet's in which she seemed to thank everyone she could think of - from the make-up department to the late author of the novel her film Revolutionary Road was based on!

Still you can't really blame her. After missing out on a Globe five times then suddenly winning two at once she was bound to be a bit overwhelmed. Many congrats Kate - I'm sure Oscar success is just around the corner!

I couldn't help giggling when I heard Andrew Lloyd Webber's comments about Simon Cowell after signing up two of his X Factor acts for his Eurovision show. Especially since he was no doubt spot on in his assessment that his pal was "probably still sunning himself in Barbados and extending his property" while the composer announced the deal.

Wouldn't it be great if Simon got him to be a judge on The X Factor? Their bickering would no doubt make TV gold, and we'd also get to see whether Andrew was right when he insisted he works with acts in a different way from Simon.

So come on Mr Cowell, sign up Sir Andrew!

When are we going to stop talking about the Pitt-Aniston-Jolie triangle? Seriously, it has been nearly four years since Brad and Jen's divorce was finalised and yet the media keeps finding new excuses to go on writing about that 'story'.

Admittedly all three stars are hot Hollywood property and their love lives will always attract more attention than most, but I do not understand why we are still going on about it when those concerned have moved on so far they could be on another planet.

This week, the man at the middle of it all was asked to address those rumours of an affair with Angelina while filming Mr And Mrs Smith - which I would just like to point out finished shooting four years ago now.

In the interview Brad referred to his ex-wife as a "sweetheart", said they still talk to each other and even referred to the Ange vs Jen situation as "created". So there we have it! At least the people whose lives all this talk concerns seem to have resolved things in their own way - and in private. Jennifer has been linked with John Mayer for ages now, and Brad and Angelina have six children together for goodness' sake!

So come on media folks! We've been there and even bought the T-shirt - remember the "Team Aniston" and "Team Jolie" shirts released by trendy LA boutique Kitson? - so let bygones be bygones and let's talk about something else!

Can you remember the last time you saw Posh dressed casual? Has there ever been a time when she's left the house looking anything less than immaculately groomed? Does she sleep in her stilettos? These were the questions I found myself pondering today after seeing her in full-on Audrey Hepburn mode at David's AC Milan debut.

Gosh, it must be tough being Posh. I take care with my appearance, but some days I like nothing better than pulling on a pair of comfy jeans and a baggy jumper. Imagine if you just didn't have the option?

I'd like to see my fave Spice Girl shift down a gear or two once in a while. Come on Victoria, you've got the high-society lady look nailed - I want to see your take on casual chic!

There can't be many women out there who don't envy Kylie Minogue in some way - for her perfect figure, her music career, her youthful looks... Need I go on?

But despite her fame, fortune and amazing talent the 40-year-old doesn't seem to have been particularly lucky in love. Until now.

I was delighted to see those pictures of her frolicking in the snow with hunky new man, Spanish model Andres Velencoso. The huge smile on her face says it all. This one's making her happy and she's content for the world to know it.

And I for one am rooting for her. After the heartache brought by the end of her relationship with Olivier Martinez and her battle against cancer, I'm really hoping 2009 turns out to be the year of lasting love for our Kylie.

What to make of the new Doctor Who?! Like millions of other fans I was intrigued to discover who'll be replacing David Tennant as the new Time Lord. But I was more than a little surprised when it turned out that unknown actor Matt Smith is to take up residence in the Tardis.

With all the hype that had surrounded the role I was convinced the Beeb would hedge its bets by plumping for a more established star. And - dare I say it - was initially dubious about the 26-year-old newcomer's ability to fill his charismatic predecessor's shoes.

Perhaps I've been too hasty, though. The former footballer's youth means he can grow into the role over the course of a few series, and as a relatively blank canvas can make his mark on the programme without any other strong associations impinging.

To step into a character as established and well-loved as Doctor Who is inevitably a difficult task and I can't help thinking that even if a more seasoned actor had been named there would still be those unhappy with the choice. The truth is, you can't please everyone!

So good luck to Matt in his new role. David's a hard act to follow, but real talent will always shine through.

Oh to be Simon Cowell! What better way to welcome in the New Year than with an exciting new project building a dream house in the Caribbean designed to his personal specifications... although I would have probably given the mirror-lined bedrooms a miss...

He's worked hard to earn his estimated £130-million fortune and knows how to have fun with it. He also seems really generous, having invited ex-girlfriend Sinitta and her two kids to join him for a month over Christmas at his current home on Barbados. I don't seem to recall any generous offers like that from any of my old flames - but then I am not sure I'd want to stay with any of them for four weeks either!

Speaking of houses, I just read Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall are no longer up for buying that fabbie converted barn in Upper Kilcott they had their eye on, reportedly because of security concerns.

I understand that as one of our more 'normal' royals she prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but am not sure how smart a move backing out of that deal was. Judging by the pictures it looked like a perfect first home for the couple - it has 43 acres, is close to 'equestrian' locations and even had planning permission for stables - which is surely going to make it hard to beat.