Tim Rice's surprising Evita admission as Rachel Zegler enjoys rave reviews

While Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler enjoys rave reviews for her London Palladium starring role in Evita - she belts out famous number Don't Cry For Me Argentina from the outdoor balcony to delighted street crowds below - co-writer Sir Tim Rice surprisingly hasn't been among the song's biggest fans. Reflecting on the enduring popularity of his and Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit composition, which topped the UK singles chart in 1977, lyricist Rice admits: "It's one of those songs... I hear it so often, I think, 'I'm not too sure I want to hear it again!'"

Acknowledging his stance only softened when Don't Cry For Me Argentina was again performed on his recent UK tour, Sir Tim, who attended Evita's opening night this week, concedes: "I really began to think, 'Actually it's not a bad song. I can see why it's worked.'"

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As Oasis begin their comeback in Cardiff on Friday, Blur arch-rival Alex James is in a conciliatory mood. Reflecting on the groups' "Battle of Britpop" 30 years ago, which memorably saw Blur pip Oasis to the number one singles spot, he now suggests: "We were both winners!"

Asked whether he'll be attending one of the Gallagher brothers' concerts, cheesemaker Alex however awkwardly responds: "I'm delighted for them...but I'm not sure I'll be going."

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Recalling being a guest of His Majesty on the Royal Train, now being decommissioned after nearly 125 years, ex-cabinet minister and current Spectator editor Michael Gove complains the official breakfast was "a minimalist fruit salad that even a dieting catwalk model would consider frugal". Gove instead enjoyed a "big boys' breakfast" with travelling coppers, cheekily adding: "I think the sausages may have been Wall's rather than Highgrove organic."

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Turning 85 on Monday,Sir Ringo Starr considers The Who's recent firing of drummer son Zak Starkey bizarre. With Zak axed following a London concert, Ringo cuttingly remarks: "He played two beats wrong, according to Roger [Daltrey]."

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Championing weight loss jabs, currently all the rage in Westminster, Health Secretary Wes Streeting cheerfully announces: "Half the House of Commons tea room [are having them]... let me say some MPs are half their size.'

Political lightweights are no longer frowned upon!

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After I reported last week that northern glamourpuss Denise Welch was having reservations about roughing it at Glastonbury prior to son Matty Healy's band The 1975 headlining, she now mischievously clarifies: "Glastonbury? I've done it once, I've seen my son headline...and I will never go back again!"

The actress and Loose Women star adds: "You never have the right wristband for the right place. I'm the mum of the headline act and it makes no difference whatsoever!"

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News preachy actress Kate Winslet had eagerly accepted an ambassador's role with the King's Foundation prompted critics to note she'd been publicly voicing anti-Royal sentiments only six years ago.

Don't expect Ms Winslet to be turning on the establishment again any time soon: I'm told the smart money's on the Oscar-winner becoming "Dame Kate" in the not-too-distant future..