Scripted ‘reality’ television show Made In Chelsea doesn’t have a patch on this. I hear that a new book, written by a property consultant based in the wealthy corner of west London, has caused the Chelsea set to splutter on their champagne.
Author Michelle van Tulder has socialites in the royal borough quaking in their Louboutins with Table 72: The Girl Without A Filter.
It chronicles the life of a school-run mother, Charlotte, as she lunches with her closest friends at The Restaurant in the King’s Road, which is based on van Tulder’s favourite table at The Ivy Chelsea Garden.
The cast of characters includes ‘gym-buddy bunny’ Azam; ‘sexy feline aristocrat’ Rose; ‘ice-cool maneater’ Vanya; and Mary, a ‘mildly scandalous ex-socialite fashionista’. Fearful that their dirty laundry is about to be washed in public, locals are trying to ascertain if any of the characters could be based on people they know.
‘It’s the talk of the town,’ artist Ghizlan El Glaoui tells me. ‘People around here are worried their secrets are going to be in the book, their dinner party invitations will be cancelled so close to Christmas and coffee morning chat has gone stratospheric. It’s all everybody is talking about at the school gates. Even I’m worried I might end up in the book.’
Former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh tells me: ‘You want to see if you can spot anyone you know. I don’t think I’m in it, but I’m trying to guess who the characters are based on.’
One of the husbands in the book absconds to the US after losing the family home and all their savings on the stock market, another has an affair with his nanny, while a third cheats on his wife with his personal assistant.
Van Tulder, 53, tells me: ‘I can’t possibly comment. They always say fact is stranger than fiction, and this is no exception.’
Michelle van Tulder has socialites in the royal borough quaking in their Louboutins with Table 72: The Girl Without A Filter
Former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh tells me: ‘You want to see if you can spot anyone you know. I don’t think I’m in it, but I’m trying to guess who the characters are based on’
Guy’s date night with glam wife
Guy Ritchie was said to be furious following the recent theft of filming kit worth more than £1million from the London set of his television drama, The Associate.
But the director, 56, appeared in better spirits on Tuesday as he enjoyed a night out in Mayfair to celebrate the birthday of his wife, model Jacqui Ainsley, 43.
The pair, who have three children, were spotted leaving private members’ club Oswald’s. Jacqui wore a daring satin and lace dress.
Guy Ritchie enjoyed a night out in Mayfair to celebrate the birthday of his wife, model Jacqui Ainsley, 43
Stroke won’t stop Queen’s guitarist
He WILL rock you — again!
Queen guitar player Brian May, 77, who suffered a ‘minor stroke’ three months ago which left him unable to use his left arm, is ‘much better now’, according to his wife, the actress Anita Dobson.
‘He’s stabilised now, which is brilliant,’ she tells me at the Television and Radio Industries Club Christmas lunch at The Londoner hotel.
‘I just hope we don’t have any more recurrences. He’s got the
use of that arm back now. He’s playing the piano quite a lot in the house. He likes a lot of Beethoven – I love it.’
Anita, 75, adds: ‘It was scary. His brain’s overloaded, that’s what it is. He’s too clever for his own good.’
Queen guitar player Brian May, 77, who suffered a ‘minor stroke’ three months ago which left him unable to use his left arm, is ‘much better now’, according to his wife
Gaia is latest nepo starlet
Dame Emma Thompson and Greg Wise’s only daughter has become a star in her own right.
Gaia Wise, who turned 25 this week, captured attention on the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square for the world premiere of The Lord Of The Rings animated fantasy, The War Of The Rohirrim.
Gaia voices the fearless lead character Hera, which she describes as a ‘dream’ role.
‘Butterflies doesn’t quite cover it – they feel a bit like dragons at this moment in time,’ she says of her nerves.
‘If I’m allowed back, I will always love to play Hera – she lives in me now.’
Gaia Wise, who turned 25 this week, captured attention on the red carpet at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square for the world premiere of The Lord Of The Rings animated fantasy, The War Of The Rohirrim
King’s key role in solving mystery
Lady Antonia Fraser has suggested an interesting way to boost the morale of cancer-stricken King Charles – solving a centuries-old royal mystery.
The historian has called for DNA testing of bones in Westminster Abbey possibly belonging to the ‘Princes in the Tower’, Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, who disappeared in 1483 and are thought to have been murdered on the orders of their uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, later Richard III.
‘Charles II did not check the authenticity of the bones because he couldn’t, but Charles III could,’ she says. ‘[Finding out who they belonged to] would be wonderful, and might cheer up the King.’
Lady Antonia Fraser has suggested an interesting way to boost the morale of cancer-stricken King Charles
Lady Pole irked over daughter’s title
She’s campaigned with vigour for a change in the law in favour of her daughter – and all other female aristocrats, who cannot inherit titles.
But now Charlotte Carew Pole has acquired a handle of her own, albeit in poignant circumstances, becoming Lady Carew Pole following the death at 85 of her father-in-law, Sir Richard Carew Pole. His successor to the baronetcy is his elder son, Charlotte’s husband, Tremayne, 50, who becomes the 14th baronet.
Charlotte, 48, is mightily irked that the baronetcy will ultimately pass not to their daughter Jemima, but to son Lucian, who’s a year younger.
Lady Charlotte Carew Pole campaigned with vigour for a change in the law in favour of her daughter – and all other female aristocrats, who cannot inherit titles
