OVERHEARD

The Brit organisers at Sony had obviously set their sights on making [the awards ceremony] Michael Jackson's comeback. Now, I'm signed to Sony and it makes me pretty ashamed that they are using the Brits to promote an American artist's failed comeback at the expense of Jarvis Cocker.

Bernard Butler, former guitarist with Suede, letter to the Guardian

Those within the British music industry who have colluded in this heavy- handed, mob-like response to a prank should be ashamed of themselves.

Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn, musicians and founder members of Everything But the Girl, ibid

Justice for Jarvis! Justice for Jarvis!

Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey, stars of Men Behaving Badly, at the post-Brits party

People think the spirit of a thing is dead when they've accepted it - it's like eating late dinner when you're young. First it's a tremendous excitement, then it becomes an everyday thing.

Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet, on the 'rumours' of ballet's death, Daily Telegraph

I know it sounds stupid, but I hate wearing hats - I hate it - and the last thing I wanted to do was have this grey horsehair thing stuck on my head.

John Thaw explains why he initially turned down the BBC series Kavanagh QC, Telegraph

I still wonder what my life would have been like if I'd just stuck to flying and not gone through all this other nonsense.

John Travolta, qualified jet pilot and actor, Time Out

Probably the most evil institution in Britain today.

Paul Johnson, a former contributor, on the News of the World, Spectator

So, Kylie, if you imagine your career as a calendar, what month are you in now?

Chris Evans to Kylie Minogue, T F I Friday, C4

I took the decision to let the cameras in. I cannot now complain if they found incident, tension, drama and upset in the year they spent with us.

Sir Jeremy Isaacs, director of the Royal Opera House, on BBC2's The House, Spectator