OVERHEARD

We Spice Girls are true Thatcherites. She was the first Spice Girl, the pioneer of our ideology - Girl Power.

The chart-toppers wannabe politicians, Spectator

I have been tainted by The Girlie Show brush ... we had to be ball-breakers, proving we could match men in any lewd, crude behaviour and even when I did get the chance to do a sensible interview, there would be somebody yelling down my ear: `Ask them about their boyfriend'.

Clare Gorham, who won't be co-presenting the new series of C4's Girlie Show, Guardian

I've been saying for ages, I can do it, why don't they let me? And now they have. I feel a bit like a teenager: slightly alarmed, but very excited.

Susannah York, on making her debut with the RSC, Telegraph

Devious, truculent and unreliable.

Judge John Weeks sums up Morrissey, in court for failing to pay Smiths drummer Mike Joyce a fair share of the band's profits, Independent

I was sitting with her when she said to me, `I wrote that in my journal last night'. I said `You're writing a journal?' and I thought `Oh God'.

Alan Parker, director of Evita, on Madonna's set report, Guardian

I've changed and it's because I have given birth to two babies - my gorgeous daughter and the film I waited seven years to do.

Madonna on Lourdes and Evita, Sun

I happen to be heterosexual but I don't have any problems with playing lesbians. In fact I have only had to snog a bloke once (on film) and I nearly had a breakdown.

Charlotte Coleman, actress, Time Out

I've been here for nearly 10 years, and that's a decade of my tastes and my choices. Change is good for the organisation, good for the public and good for me. I'd hate to outstay my welcome.

Richard Eyre, on his decision to retire as director of the National next year, Times