OVERHEARD

I sang Carmen once, and the costume fell off.

Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano, on being too thin for grand diva roles, New Yorker

I had a strange day on Saturday, buying things like Immac and knickers - not the kind of things you want people to see you buy. And because we've been on Top of the Pops, people were giving me funny looks.

Justine Frischmann, singer with Elastica, discovers the down side of fame, Melody Maker

I've brought a bit of glamour to the Church.

Samantha Fox, pop singer, on finding God, Time Out

Every writer in England votes Labour . . . except A S Byatt.

Martin Amis, novelist, South Bank Show

Henry Mancini said when we were recording Santa Claus, The Movie, `Get me a knife'. He wanted me to remain a treble forever. But I was more interested in my girlfriend than I was in being a boy soprano.

Aled Jones, singer, Daily Telegraph

You can't avoid cattiness if 15 desperate girls are up for the same job. It was hell.

Julia Sawalha, actress, on the road to AbFab, Radio Times

side of fame, Melody Maker