Nice

TO SEE art imitate life with the news James Bond will face up to a Russian villain in the next film outing.

The last time a Russian villain appeared was in 1989, played by our own very good baddie, Bobby Carlyle. But what of an American villain? If art should replicate life we don’t have far to look for a role model.

AND it was great to see the line-up of older ladies sing Congratulations to Sir Cliff, after the veteran of the pop trenches was awarded a very large slice of license-payers money. Glaswegian songwriter Bill Martin came up with the lyrics to the hit song, and every time it’s played out Bill hears the sounds of a till jingle, rather like It’s A Wonderful Life, when every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.

Naughty

PIERCE Brosnan says he felt “compelled” to return to the Mamma Mia! world for the new movie. But couldn’t he have been compelled instead to stay at home. His original performance, as wooden as a Greek fishing boat, was only beaten by his inability to hold a single note.

SHARON Osbourne told Meghan Markle’s father he should “get clean and sober.”

Thomas Markle is said to be outraged at the X Factor judge. And so he should be. Taking such advice from Ms O is like asking Andrew Griffiths’ advice on how to use social media.