The 42-year-old actress Patsy Kensit is said to be “devastated” at the end of her year-long union with DJ Jeremy Healy – her fourth spouse – after he shunned her pleas to seek professional help in solving their problems.

Big Brother 8 kicked off with an all-girl house, complete with the reality show’s first identical twins, a bisexual political protester and a Posh Spice wannabe.

The Big Brother house is to be turned into a party venue when the series ends next Friday.

One Briton assured of a prize at the Oscars tonight is Jack Cardiff, one of the world’s finest cinematographers, who will be honoured with a lifetime achievement award.