OVERHEARD

He is a vicious, vituperative, vitriolic, objectionable, abusive, arrogant, excretory, disgruntled, cavilling, small-minded, arse-licking, toadying sycophant who should never be let near a theatre again. One day I'll say what I really think but that will have to wait for the book.

Michael Bogdanov, director, on his least favourite (but as yet unnamed) theatre critic, New Statesman

I suspect it is me and if so, I am delighted. To be Michael Bogdanov's most hated critic strikes me as a badge of honour which I will wear with pride.

Charles Spencer, theatre critic of the Telegraph

I've always been one of those geezers that nobody actually treated like a star; being a little fat, bald bloke, people used to come up and chat all the time and I would often meet really interesting people. But now they just run up and shout "It's good to talk!" and then scarper.

Bob Hoskins, actor, on being the current face of BT, Time Out

The horrific scenes in this film could well have the effect of making people drive safer. They will see the consequences if you drive recklessly and without care, because the scenes are so grotesque.

An RAC spokesman

makes a contribution to the Crash debate, Guardian

Anyway, who really cares wheth-er I'm gay or straight? Do they really think that they've got a serious chance of shagging me or something?

George Michael, singer,

on recent speculations

about his sexuality, Sun

I would have like to have played the part of Mary Magdelene.

The Bishop of Stepney,

on the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar, London Evening Standard

Maybe they will go nuts when they see you ... but don't be disappointed if they don't.

Friends actress Courteney Cox to Eighties icon Tom Selleck, before his first entrance in the show, Radio Times

The key to Britain's musical prowess is boredom.

Jarvis Cocker, frontman for Pulp, Q

The assistant had put seven colours out, and I said, I'm sorry I can't buy this shirt, my mother would kill me.

Sir Cliff Richard, singer, on how he chooses his clothes,

Daily Telegraph

Maybe they will go nuts when they see you ...but don't be disappointed if they don't.

Friends actress Courteney Cox (aka Monica) to Eighties icon Tom Selleck, before his first entrance in the show, Radio Times