Britain's richest street: The place by the palace, where the average house price is £19.5m

By ARTHUR MARTIN and JAMES MCMEEKIN

The figure is 93 times the national average house price of £205,985. Even a single square foot of land in the street would cost you £1,193.


They are beyond the reach of mere mortals. In fact, the homes in Kensington Palace Gardens would be too pricey even for many celebrities, bankers and lottery winners.

A string of eye-watering property deals has helped to turn it into Britain’s most expensive street.

The average price of a mansion in the affluent road in Kensington, West London, is an astonishing £19.2million, according to a study by property company Zoopla.

Britain’s richest man Lakshmi Mittal, a steel magnate worth £23.8billion, bought one of the houses for £57million from the Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone in 2004, and renamed it Taj Mittal.

Since then he has bought another home on an adjoining street for a record £117million from hedge fund tycoon Noam Gottesman.


Pricey: The Boltons in Kensington is among the most expensive streets it the UK. Just a single square foot of land in the London borough now costs £1,193


Residents of Kensington Palace Gardens also include Jon Hunt, who founded Foxtons estate agency which he sold for £390million in 2007.

An extraordinary subterranean playground is being built which will house a tennis court, health centre and a private motor museum for his six vintage Ferraris.


Keeping up with the Joneses: Nigella Lawson and Madonna are just two famous faces who call the borough of Kensington home


The property tycoon is thought to have rejected an offer of £200million for his eight-bedroom home from Mr Mittal’s son Aditya in 2008.

One of his even wealthier neighbours, Russian oligarch Leonid Blavatnik, is also building a massive underground extension for a swimming pool, gym and private cinema.

Mr Blavatnik, who has made at least £4.7billion in the oil business, outbid Mr Mittal and Roman Abramovich in 2004 with an offer of £41million for the 15-bedroom property.

The street’s allure is helped by Kensington Palace, set back from the road on the eastern side. The former home of Princess Diana is still the residence of several minor royals.


Both ends of the street are manned by armed Diplomatic Protection Group officers because it houses several embassies, including those of Israel and Russia.

As prices in the street soared in the past decade the makers of Monopoly chose it as the top square on the board ahead of Mayfair.


The second most expensive street is The Boltons, Kensington, where the average house is £13.3million, with Frognal Way, Camden, third at £10.6million. In fact the top ten expensive streets are all in London.

Virginia Water in Surrey - home to Wentworth Golf Club - is the seventh most expensive postal district in the country, with an average house price of £937,419.

The survey found 5,922 streets nationwide where the average home is more than £1million. Of these, 2,290 are in London, followed by 89 in Guildford and 78 in Cobham, both in Surrey.

Nick Leeming, from Zoopla.co.uk, said: 'Our study has found an enormous gulf between prices at the lowest and highest ends of the property market.

'A home in Britain's most exclusive street is beyond the wildest dreams of all but an extremely wealthy elite.

'At a whopping £19.2million, even National Lottery winners would now struggle to afford a house on Billionaire's Row.

'Those who aspire to live in a wealthy area, surrounded by celebrities, will also need a reality check.


Fashionable: Commuter hotspot Guildford, in Surrey, boasts 89 'million pound streets' - the second highest in the country


Footballers' wives territory: Cobham has the third highest number of 'million pound streets' in the country


'With a single square foot of land in Kensington costing £1,193, it is well out of the price range of your typical British homeowner.

'People have always been obsessed with the value of their home as well as those of neighbours, friends and family.

'Our rich list will give those who live on streets near the top of the list some serious bragging rights.'




source: dailymail

A rare and beautiful sight: A spectacular end to a sunny Memorial Day

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Urban phenomenon: The sun shines down on 42nd Street at the end of Memorial Day during the biannual occurrence coined 'Manhattanhenge' by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson


One of the most beautiful things in nature must surely be the sun rising and setting.

When that sunset happens to align with a street grid, basking a city that never sleeps in a radiant glow of light, even busy New Yorkers would be pushed not to stop and marvel at its brilliance.

It's that time of year again known as 'Manhattanhenge' - when the sun aligns precisely with the street grid in Manhattan, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid.


Sun rising up: Manhattanhenge occurs when the setting sun aligns itself with the east-west grid of streets in Manhattan, allowing the sun to shine down all streets at the same time


This special day - also known as Manhattan solstice - comes twice a year. This year it falls on May 30 and July 12 - when the sun sets with half the disc sitting above and half below the horizon. Though fans can also enjoy the spectacular views on May 31 and July 11 when at sunset, you can see the entire ball of the sun on the horizon.

The times are calculated every year by the astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, who coined the term 'Manhattanhenge' in 2002, named after the British Stonehenge, which celebrates summer and winter solstice.

Though in New York it does not signal the solstice - the changing of the season - due to the position of Manhattan's grid.


Beautiful: This occurs in Manhattan due to a clear view to the horizon beyond the grid - across the Hudson River to New Jersey - as well as the tall buildings that line the streets, creating a vertical channel to frame the sun


Mr deGrasse Tyson explains: 'In spite of what pop-culture tells you, the sun rises due east and sets due west only twice per year on the equinoxes - the first day of spring and of autumn. Every other day, the sun rises and sets elsewhere on the horizon.

'Had Manhattan's grid been perfectly aligned with the geographic north-south line, then the days of Manhattanhenge would coincide with the equinoxes. But Manhattan's street grid is rotated 30 degrees east from geographic north, shifting the days of alignment elsewhere into the calendar.'

Mr deGrasse Tyson notes that the dates correspond with Memorial day and Baseball's All Star Break.

He said: 'Future anthropologists might conclude that, via the sun, the people who called themselves Americans worshipped war and baseball.'


Namesake: Manhattanhenge is named after Stonehenge in England when the sun Sun rises in perfect alignment with several of the stones, signaling the change of season



Last year: The sun illuminates New York's 34th Street during 2010's Manhattanhenge as well as the city's iconic Empire State Building


He explains that the reason this unique urban phenomenon occurs in Manhattan is due to a clear view to the horizon beyond the grid - as New York does across the Hudson River to New Jersey. Combine that with the tall buildings which line the streets, creating a vertical channel to frame the sun and you get a rare and striking photographic opportunity.

To get the best view of this rare and beautiful sight, sun watchers need to be as far east in Manhattan as possible and look west across the avenues.

The best places to get a view are the Empire State or Chrysler buildings as well as along 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets.

Tonight, Manhattanites can view the full ball of the sun at 8.17pm for about ten minutes.


source: dailymail

Don't you know who I am? Corrie's Helen Flanagan refused entry into Scott's Swansea match... despite being a WAG

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


But I'm a WAG! Helen Flanagan argues with Wembley senior safety supervisors to try and be let back into the Swansea football match


Helen Flanagan might be a premiership WAG now, but staff supervisors at Wembley didn’t recognise the Coronation Street star at her boyfriend’s match yesterday.

The 20-year-old actress went to watch Scott Sinclair play for Swansea in yesterday’s play off against Reading, but was refused entry into the stadium.


She's on Corrie! Fans stepped in to tell security who she is


The star, who plays Rosie Webster in Corrie, left the stadium during the match and when she tried to return, security staff didn’t want to let her back in.

Fans stepped up to defend Sinclair’s girlfriend though and after convincing staff she was who she said she was, they eventually escorted her back in.

Luckily she managed to catch the end of the match, during which her boyfriend scored a hat-trick that has sent Swansea into the Premier League.


Thanks guys! Helen finally talked her way into their good books and was let back into the match


The 22-year-old footballer has been dating 20-year-old Flanagan for 18 months.
They met while the striker was on loan to Wigan from Chelsea and was living in Manchester.

But it seems the WAG hasn’t become as well-known yet as fellow footballer’s girlfriends by stadium staff.


Happy couple: Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair on a date in Manchester in April this year


Man of the match: Scott Sinclair of Swansea celebrates after scoring



Co-stars: Helen seen out last week in Manchester with her Corrie co-star Brooke Vincent

source: dailymail

How not to look classy! TOWIE's Lydia Bright wears Kate's dress but looks less than stylish

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Not classy! Lydia Bright tried to recreate the same ensemble as Kate today, she did not quite pull off the look


Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge turned heads in her £175 beige Reiss dress last week but when Lydia Bright tried to recreate the same ensemble today, she did not quite pull off the look.

The Only Way Is Essex star was spotted strutting into a London office with a Selfridges bag in tow, wearing the same high street dress as Kate.

But instead of displaying a classic royal style, Lydia’s ill-fitting dress was not flattering and the Essex girl even had VPL.

Just like Kate, she also paired the above-the-knee number with black heels but Lydia’s clunky shoes were anything but dainty.


At least the handbag's different! Lydia wears the same Reiss dress and black heels like Kate but carries a different bag


The camel-coloured ‘Shola’ design is from one of the Duchess’s favourite brands and she wore the Reiss frock to meet Barack and Michelle Obama during their UK visit last week.

After the new bride showed off her impeccable figure in the design, the fashion chain’s website crashed and the dress sold out within 24 hours.


VPL: Lydia was displaying visible panty line through the dress as we caught a glimpse of her underwear


Obviously Lydia was one of the women to flock to the site to quickly grab herself the same dress.

After the mania, it was advertised on eBay for £600 and a £30 copy is being prepared by Tesco.

Reiss then announced that the dress will be re-released in five to six weeks to cater for the demand.


Special occasion: Kate wore her Reiss dress last week while meeting Michelle Obama (right) and President Obama


But after more investigation into the British fashion chain, it was found that the original Reiss dress was manufactured by women paid only 99p an hour in a poor suburb of Romania’s capital.

It was produced for less than £15 by seamstresses earning significantly less than the average salary for textile workers in the Eastern European nation.

The 170 employees of clothing firm Rimcor Ex work in a factory which resembles an industrial compound with bars on the windows, 8ft walls and solid metal fences.


Red carpet glamour: Lydia looking lovely at the Bafta TV Awards with on/off boyfriend James Argent


But the average high street shopper is no doubt blissfully unaware of how their favourite dresses find their way onto the shelves.

Lydia Bright was back in London after her recent trip to Marbella, Spain, with the rest of her cast-mates from The Only Way Is Essex.

And despite her underwear being on show through the ill-fitting dress, her holiday tan did suit the beige frock nicely.




source: dailymail

Who was Pippa Middleton's charming companion? After living high life in Paris, she is accompanied by mystery Frenchman

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Secret admirer? Pippa Middleton is spotted with a French friend during her trip to Paris earlier this week


As she watched the tennis, Pippa ‘high-fived’ a dashing male admirer.

And the same Frenchman was with her later as, with a large group of friends, she went for dinner at the exclusive Le Cinq Mars restaurant.

Afterwards the group went on to the achingly trendy Montana Club, frequented by every major celebrity who finds themselves in Paris, including Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Lenny Kravitz.

Pippa and her friends stayed out clubbing until 2am before heading for her apartment.


High Five! Alongside other friends, the pair laugh and celebrate as they watch the tennis


Once again, the attractive brunette was accompanied by her mystery escort.

But when asked by a photographer if he was a boyfriend of Pippa’s, he was quick to reply: ‘No! Just a friend.’


Just friends: Miss Middleton and her friend share a joke on court. He has insisted the pair are 'just friends'


Pippa is said to be ‘seriously’ dating former professional cricketer turned City broker Alex Loudon, an Eton-educated friend of Prince William.

But although he attended both Kate’s confirmation in March and her wedding to William last month, he and Pippa haven’t been pictured together for several weeks.


Pippa Pops Up at the French Open as William and Kate Reveal North America Plans!


source: dailymail

Pippa's Paris freebie: VIP treatment at the tennis tournament for Kate's sister

By REBECCA ENGLISH

VIP treatment: Pippa Middleton receives a book from Xavier Peugeot during her freebie trip to watch the tennis in Paris


Sitting centre stage at the French Open on Monday, she appeared to be having a ball. And no wonder.

For Pippa Middleton was enjoying what those in the business like to call a ‘freebie’, courtesy of leading car firm Peugeot, which sponsors the Paris tennis tournament.

Indeed so excited was the company at its coup that news of the younger Middleton sister’s arrival in the Roland Garros VIP enclosure was plastered over the competition’s official programme yesterday with the headline: ‘Pippa à Roland! Sensation!’


Best seats in the house: Pippa could barely hide her delight as she watched the action through her Gucci sunglasses at Roland Garros


Her host Xavier Peugeot, who is the great, great grandson of one of the original founders of the firm, Armand, ensured the moment was captured for posterity.

Mr Peugeot, who is the family firm’s director of marketing and communications, even presented the new Duke of Cambridge’s sister-in-law with a lavishly bound book charting the 200-year history of the brand.

A coquettish Pippa – who normally drives a BMW Z4 – looked delighted to receive it.

The six-day trip saw Kate’s little (and some would say wildly more ambitious) sister arrive on Eurostar in Paris on Thursday for a few days’ sightseeing, with everything done in the best possible taste.

It will, however, raise questions about whether it is wise for her to be seen ‘cashing in’ on her sister’s new found celebrity.


Swanky: Pippa stayed for part of her holiday at a luxury apartment in the super chic - and eye-wateringly expensive - Rue de Varenne


Her seats at the Roland Garros tournament on Monday were some of the best in the house and Pippa, 27, who is herself a formidable player, couldn’t hide her delight as she watched the on-court action through a pair of tinted Gucci sunglasses.

A Peugeot source said: ‘Pippa was invited to Roland Garros by a friend who was a guest in the Peugeot VIP area hosted by Xavier. Once they realised who she was, she was introduced to a number of influential people. As a high profile and distinguished guest Xavier was keen to give her a gift to mark the firm’s bicentenary.’

The tennis tournament’s organisers were clearly also cock-a-hoop at the publicity Pippa’s visit afforded them, with the event’s daily newsletter picturing her on the front.


source: dailymail

Blink if you've had more Botox, Simon: Millions of Britain's Got Talent viewers shocked by Cowell's face

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Droopy: Britain's Got Talent fans were quick to point out Simon Cowell's wilting eye and a small bruise by his cheekbone. Right, as he usually looks


He admits being vain, so perhaps Simon Cowell should avoid watching any repeats of Britain’s Got Talent.

Millions of viewers were shocked by the music mogul’s drooping left eye during the live semi-finals of the ITV show on Monday night – thought to be caused by Botox treatment.

It was the first time Cowell, 51, had been seen on British TV since the X Factor final in December, and fans were quick to point out his wilting eye and a small bruise by his cheekbone.


Homecoming: Cowell joined judges for the Britain's Got Talent semi-final


A show source said: ‘Simon had overdone things a little with the Botox and it soon showed up on camera – especially as we film in high definition, which is particularly unforgiving.

'During the break between shows, the producers were quick to change the lighting over the judging panel.

'Simon was not happy.’


Exasperation: Cowell and the BGT judges. Cowell once described Botox as 'no more unusual than toothpaste'


One Twitter user wrote: ‘Whoever did Simon Cowell’s Botox wants sacking. Droopy left eye lid and bruising!’

Plastic surgeon Rajiv Grover said: ‘There can be noticeable sagging around the eyes and brow area in older men if Botox is used, because they have heavier brows which tend to sag before many women.’

Cowell once described Botox – which is injected into the face and forehead to relax frown lines – as ‘no more unusual than toothpaste’.


Monster moobs: Simon Cowell showed off his man boobs with a shirt almost open to his navel at the Britain's Got Talent semi-finals yesterday


Chest awful: The head judge appeared to think he'd nailed his look, however, and gave waiting fans a 'V for victory' sign as he had a cigarette outside the studios


Earlier Cowell took his manly display of chest a few buttons too far on outside the BGT studios.

The star had unbuttoned his white shirt under his pale grey suit almost to his navel to show off his he-vage - male cleavage - in a style so Seventies all that was missing was a medallion.

Cowell displayed his macho man look outside the BGT studios as he enjoyed a cigarette with ex girlfriend Jackie St Claire, 52.

source: dailymail

Oops, she did it again! Saucy Britney Spears impersonator gets second chance on BGT semi-final- but still gets three 'nos'

By JODY THOMPSON

Not that innocent: Britney Spears impersonator was on the Britain's Got Talent second live semi-final tonight - despite being voted off by all three judges at her audition


She caused controversy for getting through to the Britain's Got Talent semi-finals despite getting buzzed off by all three judges in auditions - but Britney Spears impersonator Lorna Bliss was back on the show tonight for another Toxic performance.

The 30-year-old wannabe singer sparked accusations of a fix when she was put through despite being voted off in auditions for her racy near-naked routine which finished with her draping herself across the judges' desk.

But despite being given a second chance, she threw her opportunity away tonight with some dodgy dance moves and seriously wobbly singing and got voted off for the final time.


Red hot: But despite the bikini followed by the red PVC jacket and hat, Lorna didn't impress the judges with her performance


The winners of the show were talented boyband New Bounce and boogie woogie pianist Jean Martyn.

Before Lorna even took to the stage for a second time however, bosses had gone to great lengths to explain to baffled viewers why she had been reinstated in the first place.

Hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly asked judge Amanda Holden to explain and she blamed it on co-judge David Hasselhoff.

She said: 'When we were doing the deliberation about which acts to put through, we realised something was missing from the show.


Throwing it away: The Britney impersonator ditched her hat - and any chance of being in Saturday's grand final if the judges have their way


'The Hoff realised it was Lorna Bliss, so the Hoff started it and I'm sure Simon will finish it.'

Lorna, who claims to have spent £150,000 over the years to look like her idol, then took to the stage to impersonate Britney when she made her infamous MTV VMAs appearance singing Slave 4 U in 2001 - complete with yellow snake.

She was also wearing a replica costume of the skimpy green bikini top with blue big pants with added blue and green tassels that the star wore for her now iconic performance.


Need a lift? But the Britney impersonator was dumped by the judges after her second time on the show


She then did a quick change into red PVC to reprise a version of Oops, I Did It Again - but despite the costumes and backing dancers, her thin voice failed to hit many of the notes and her choreography was lacking yet again.

Simon buzzed her off first, before fellow judges David and Michael McIntyre followed suit.

Previously, show fans were up in arms about her being allowed back on the show again.

Britain's Got Talent is on every day this week on ITV1 at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, as the further acts are whittled down to qualify for Saturday's final - and the chance to win £100,000 and play for The Queen at the Royal Variety Performance in December.


Lorna Bliss - Britains Got Talent Live Semi-Final - 2011



source: dailymail

TOWIE's Sam and Joey kiss and make up after lovers' tiff turns physical

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Tussle: Sam Faiers and Joey Essex wrestle after partying all day at the Ocean Club in Marbella


They've barely been able to keep their hands off each other during their break in Marbella.

But The Only Way Is Essex stars Sam Faiers and Joey Essex were getting physical for another reason yesterday as they stumbled back to their hotel after partying all day at the Ocean Club.

The reality TV couple got into an argument as they left the party worse for wear, according to witnesses.

After exchanging cross words the couple got into a tussle, with glamour model Sam pulling at her boyfriend's beloved barnet.


Holiday blues: the pair are returning to England today after a week spent in Spain


After their very public necking session the couple enjoyed a Shisha pipe before finally heading back to the hotel.

They were earlier spotted arriving at the Ocean Club, where they drank and danced with friends - their typical day's activity for much of the trip.

Sam, who recently opened up a clothing boutique in Brentwood with her sister Billie, wore a black and white frilled one-piece swimsuit.

She and her co-stars including Amy Childs, Lydia Bright and Lucy Mecklenburgh have been parading about Marbella in a series of bright and skimpy outfits during their stay.

The holiday is finally at an end though, with Sam and Joey flying back to the UK today.

They have spent their last day in Spain with Sam's nanny, after a week of raucous partying.


Party with the girls: Sam took a break from her man to dance with her friends at the Ocean Club party


Sam told her followers on Twitter today: 'Last day sunbathing in Spain :-( with nanny! Then home tonight! X x x'

'Home today. On way to @SamanthaFaiers nannys house 2 have a nice day round the pool.Then airport later! Had 12 hours sleep last nite,' Joey added.

The holiday hasn't been all positive - Joey was robbed mid-week when thieves broke into his hotel room.


Get a room: Joey and Sam couldn't keep their hands off each other during water sports earlier in the week


Among the items stolen were his beloved Hermes belt, orange Ugg boots and £10,000 in cash.

The reality star believes he was targeted by thugs who recognised him from television, according to the Sun.

But the fashion-concious club promoter was bereft for long - his helpful manager flew out to Spain in order to deliver more clothes.


source: dailymail

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris finally has some 'girls time' at the mall

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Girls' day out: Paris Jackson enjoys a shopping trip to the mall in Calabasas, Los Angeles, with a friend


With two brothers, Paris Jackson spends most of her time surrounded by the opposite sex.

But it looks like the 13-year-old finally got some 'girl time' as she headed to a mall with a young friend.

The brunette hit the shops in the Los Angeles suburb of Calabasas as she enjoyed the long Memorial Day weekend.


Just a regular teen: Despite her upbringing, Paris looked like a normal teenager hanging at the mall


The tomboy daughter of the late Michael Jackson appeared to be enjoying some time away from her brothers Prince, 14, and Blanket, nine.

Of course, walking around a mall freely is something Paris wasn't able to do when her father was alive.

Paris and her siblings used to wear masks or headscarves to cover their face when out and about with their famous father, who died in June 2009.


Hidden: Paris (left) and her brother Prince used to wear veils when their father was alive


Since moving in with their grandmother Katherine Jackson, the Jackson children no longer have to cover their faces and have more freedom.

They have signed up for a host of after-school activities, including acting classes and karate.

Although some of the children has expressed a wish to become famous like their father, the Jackson family are making sure they have as normal a childhood as possible.

However, Katherine, 80, and their aunt La Toya, 54, who is closely involved in their upbringing, want them to get an education before any attempt to launch themselves fully into the public eye.


Blue-eyed girl: Paris is growing up a pretty young woman


La Toya said in March: ‘They have gone to school and they really like it, so I’m very happy for them. It’s taught them something totally different about people and life.'

Earlier this month, the siblings were spotted on a playdate with Will Smith's children Jaden and Willow.


source: dailymail

As Cheryl and Simon go to war, his people claim she asked for £2.5m to return to British X-Factor

By BEN TODD and PAUL REVOIR

Open neck: Simon Cowell - baring his hairy chest - returned to Britain's Got Talent last night but made no mention of the Cheryl Cole controversy


Only a month ago Simon Cowell told the world Cheryl Cole was ‘special’.

Last night, however, the TV mogul and the pop star were at war – through their ‘people’ – amid claims her advisers demanded £2.5million for her to return to the UK X Factor after her shock axing from the U.S. version of the show.

It came after ITV issued a statement confirming that the Girls Aloud star will not feature in its judging panel for the TV talent contest.


Holed up: Cheryl has not been seen since returning from America


Cowell himself has remained unusually silent on the issue – other than a subtle reference on last night’s Britain’s Got Talent, where he also raised eyebrows by arriving for a turn as guest judge in a suit and unbuttoned shirt which bared his hairy chest.

But according to senior sources at both his production company Syco, and ITV, associates of Mrs Cole believed to be led by pop star William Adams – known as Will.i.am and who became her manager a month ago – wanted the broadcaster to agree to the huge fee.


Happier times: Cheryl and Simon smile together on the judging panel of the X Factor in December 2009


The friend said: ‘Will.i.am doesn’t want her to have anything to do with Cowell anymore. Cowell thought she would come running back and take the UK job – but why would she when she’s been hung out to dry in the U.S..’

Since her humiliating sacking, Mrs Cole has been uncontactable – with sources suggesting she did not even know of the demands allegedly being made on her behalf.

She has refused to take telephone calls from TV executives, including Cowell.


Allies: Cheryl with her new manager Will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas who is believed to have demanded the huge fee for her to return to X Factor


Within hours, it was confirmed that Tulisa Contostavlos – from pop band N-Dubz – was joining the show alongside Louis Walsh, U.S. pop star Kelly Rowland and Take That singer Gary Barlow.

An X Factor source revealed: ‘There was a Plan A we already had which we’re happy with and is a great team. It got to a point with Cheryl where we had to move on.


New panel: Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland will join Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh on the judging panel


That public statement also signalled the end of Cowell and Mrs Cole’s professional relationship, which began when she joined the X Factor in 2008.

Even a month ago, he said of Mrs Cole: ‘She’s got a great ability to communicate. She’s a great judge. She’s smart. You meet someone special a few times in your life and this girl is special.’

Within days of that comment, Mrs Cole had surprisingly axed Hilary Shaw – her manager since 2005 – to hand control to Mr Adams, who has found worldwide fame with the Black Eyed Peas.



Lost her 'mojo': A TV source said Cheryl seemed to have completely 'lost her mojo' after arriving in America

source: dailymail