OVERHEARD

Everyone has just been left reeling. It is totally the end of an era.

Jordan Paramor, news editor of Smash Hits, on the Take That split, Evening Standard

Excruciatingly evocative.

Alan Clark, politician and diarist, on Sylvia Syms' portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the TV dramatisation of the Scott Inquiry, Evening Standard

The day after the first episode, the number of calls wanting information was up by 300 per cent.

Keith Cooper, Covent Garden's director of corporate affairs, on the effect of BBC2's The House, Guardian

Sharon doesn't just have to steal every scene, she has to win every scene.

James Wood, actor, on Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance in Casino, Vanity Fair

A few old women have tried to kiss me over the years. You know they get overcome with little Aled Jones and try to smother me with kisses.

Aled Jones, ex-chorister, now 24, on the pitfalls of child stardom, Guardian

I'd be the first black James Bond, OK, and I'd get done what needs to be done, like my teeth. I've always wanted perfect teeth. I mean my teeth are quite good as it is.

Chris Eubank, boxer, on his new ambition, Sunday Telegraph

Thanks to Michael Jackson, our slum is now on the map.

A resident of one of Rio de Janeiro's slums, featured in the pop singer's latest video, Evening Standard

Shakespeare didn't write it for film, and if he had done so he would have written it differently.

Oliver Parker, director of Othello, on why he altered the original text, Times

You can't get by just on conceptual art.

Julian Spalding, curator of Glasgow's new Gallery of Modern Art, on why he prefers Beryl Cook to Damien Hirst, Times

I love this icon shit! You wanna know the best thing about it? People give you shit for free! That part I really like. I get the icon discount.

Iggy Pop, rock star, Loaded