Jools marries long term squeeze Christabel

Musician Jools Holland married his long-term partner Christabel McEwen today in a private ceremony attended by a host of stars.

Lulu, Ringo Starr, Stephen Fry, Lenny Henry, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson were among the 200 guests at the St James’s Church service in Cooling, near Rochester, Kent.

The couple, who have been together 15 years and a have a 15-year-old daughter Mabel who was maid of honour, had to get a special licence for the event because the church is currently out of service.

Ms McEwen, 43, wore a cream dress with gold detail and carried a bouquet of cream roses.

Former Squeeze musician Holland, 47, wore black tails and a black top hat.

After the ceremony a band – not Holland’s 18-piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra - played as the newlyweds walked to nearby Cooling Castle for the reception.

Publicist Dan Walsh said: “It was a nice casual affair. All the local residents were out in force.

“They (the couple) were beaming, everyone was delighted. They gave each other a quick kiss for the photographers outside.”