Love, Criticism, and Chaos: Richard Eden’s Diary

As the girlfriend of Russian oligarch Sergei Pugachev, Alexandra Tolstoy lived a billionaire’s lifestyle, enjoying a multi-million-pound home in Chelsea, a chateau on the French Riviera and a beachfront house in St Barts.

Now single, however, the socialite, 51, has been left shocked and distressed after being suddenly evicted from her home in Battersea, south London, along with her three children.

‘In the middle of my most frenetic year of work, I have been told we have to move house imminently as the owners have sold it,’ explains the daughter of historian Count Nikolai Tolstoy. ‘We were promised it was a rental for as long as we wanted it, so not great, but too busy to waste time on spilled milk.’

The author and television presenter says she’ll be flogging household items including their ‘beloved Aga’ range cooker and an antique French cupboard online.

It’s not the first time that she has faced upheaval. After splitting up with her husband, Cossack horseman Shamil Galimzyanov, in 2009, she had an affair with exiled Russian billionaire Sergei Pugachev – who was still married to his wife Galina – with whom she had three children.

When their relationship collapsed in 2016, she was forced to leave their £9million townhouse in Chelsea.

Alexandra pleaded on social media last week: ‘Anyone know of a four-bedroom for rent?’

In happier times, the interiors enthusiast said she was ‘flooded with an almost euphoric happiness’ to be living in a ‘little cottage’ in Oxfordshire in 2022.

Countess Alexandra Tolstoy has been evicted from her home in Battersea with her three children

‘I spent a decade living in some of the swankiest houses in the world, but this is the place that makes me the happiest,’ Alexandra declared.

Pugachev, 62, once known as ‘Putin’s banker’, has been holed up in France since he was accused in the UK by Russia of embezzling more than £655million.

King Charles’s ‘hot equerry’ ties the knot

Olivia Lewis and Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, the King’s ‘super equerry’, got married in Wiltshire last weekend

The sight of his sporran has been enough to cause cardiac acceleration among women.

But perhaps these pictures will persuade them to abandon hope of going on manoeuvres with the King’s ‘super equerry’, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson?

Olivia Lewis has shared snaps from St Mary’s Church in Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, where the couple were married last weekend with a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The romance started while Olivia worked for the Cabinet Office. Lt Col Thompson has a child with his first wife, Caroline.

Speaking to superstar Beyonce’s mother Tina Knowles at the Royal Festival Hall, Stella McCartney admits she has a problem with her daughter Bailey. ‘I have an 18 year old, but she is now at an age where she is stealing all my major clothes,’ wails the fashion designer, 53. ‘She is, like, “Can I go into the archive?” and she whips out the most iconic pieces. She is, like, “Oh, that is the 1997 runway.” And I never see it again.’ 

McKenzie slams body shamers

Sports presenter Lee McKenzie has been suffering from health issues

Sports presenter Lee McKenzie has spoken about the ‘horrific’ abuse she received concerning her appearance this week at the Spanish Grand Prix.

McKenzie, 47, who is a regular presenter on Channel 4 and the BBC, says viewers criticised her weight gain, which she attributes to a medical condition.

‘Last month I went into hospital for an operation, and I’ve been struggling with some health issues for a while now,’ she says. ‘The comments about my appearance and weight have been horrific… they came from women and men alike.’

Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq frustrates her husband, Charlie Brooker, with the quota she imposes on eating out. ‘She’s really puritan about what I would call “treats”,’ he says. ‘She thinks going to Nando’s is a sort of a once-in-three-months treat.’ Brooker, 54, creator of Netflix drama Black Mirror, adds: ‘It’s not like we’re going to Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant. We can afford to go to Nando’s, but she’s concerned about people being spoiled. My counter argument is, “It’s Nando’s.”’ 

Scam sites are targeting Styles fans, says watchdog

A bogus firm is trying to pass itself as one of Harry Styles’s companies

Still only 31, he’s already enjoyed the trappings of several lifetimes’ success, acquiring enviable properties either side of the Atlantic, not to mention pretty well every luxury motor you care to mention.

But it would appear that Harry Styles’s unstoppable rise to an estimated £225million fortune has also inspired unscrupulous types to try to scam some of his fans. Indeed, I can disclose that the Financial Conduct Authority updated a warning yesterday about a bogus firm which seemingly tries to pass itself as one of Harry’s companies, Erskine Group Ltd.

The bogus entity is called Erskinegroupltd.com – and purportedly operates from the same address as Harry’s own company. ‘This firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams,’ warns the FCA. ‘This firm is not authorised by us and may be targeting people in the UK.’

After years of boozy benders, Dawn O’Porter, the bestselling author and wife of actor Chris O’Dowd, has given up alcohol.

‘Six weeks ago, I decided to quit booze,’ explains Dawn, 46. ‘The first four weeks were really hard.

‘Now, I feel like I’ve got a super-power.’

The mother of two adds: ‘I’ve been loving socialising sober. I remember everything, which is so nice.

‘I haven’t dealt with a dance floor yet, but I am up for the challenge.’

It’s quite the turnaround for the self-proclaimed party girl, who once proudly declared that she drank ‘like a fish.’