Ephraim Hardcastle
THE Pope’s new restriction of the Latin Mass, which – among less controversial things – calls for ‘the conversion of the Jews’, is opposed by the long-established RC paper the Catholic Herald. ‘We’re coming out strongly against it,’ says its editor, William Cash, who feels ‘the beautiful Mass must be preserved’. I suggest that he requests a meeting with His Holiness to discuss the matter. ‘I don’t think that’s on the cards,’ says William, thricemarried son of diehard Brexiteer Bill Cash MP, speaking at the ultra-convivial Boisdale media awards lunch yesterday.
APROPOS the Latin Mass controversy, the Catholic Herald asked Margaret Thatcher’s biographer, Charles Moore – a conservative in both church and secular matters – to write for them on this subject. He hasn’t got back to them. ‘Charles has become noticeably less outspoken since he got his peerage this year,’ a friend cautions. ‘Also it’s possible he’s a bit wary of boulevardier William.’
POP star Boy ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me’ George, 60, pictured, announces: ‘Today I must submit to a search of my personal computer and phone because of the court action taken by my ex Jon Moss... but I hope they enjoy the handful of exchanges we have had in 20 years.’ He disparages claims by former Culture Club bandmate Moss, exclaiming: ‘He wants even more of my coins!’
CHARLES Dance, Emmy-nominated for playing Lord Mountbatten in The Crown, regrets criticising Meryl Streep’s behaviour during the filming of Plenty in 1985. Recalling being asked ‘How was it working with Meryl Streep?” to which he replied: ‘Not easy,’ he says: ‘Alarm bells were going all over the world. “Is he crazy? Is he mad? What is he saying?”’ He would never say it now, he adds. If it was true, why not?
WHILE dining in fancy restaurants with her father, Sir John Mortimer, who died in 2009, actress Emily Mortimer, pictured, recalls: ‘He would always say, “This is the absolute best meal of my life” and “You’ve never looked more beautiful”. It didn’t matter that by the time he was saying it in his last years, he was completely blind.’ It’s the thought that counts, surely.
HARRY Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, 32 tomorrow, explains: ‘I have always been Dan but not a Danny. If you introduce yourself as Danny to anyone in the UK there is a 50 per cent chance they will sing Danny Boy to you immediately.’ Hope this item doesn’t increase the ‘Danny Boy’ problem.