The Macmillan enchanted ball

The newly re-furbished Savoy Hotel was the venue for the Macmillan Enchanted Ball on Wednesday night. The great, the good, and the downright rich were there to raise money for the cancer charity. An auction was held including fabulous things like a Stella McCartney coat (a coat that would be created bespoke by her personal tailor) and five-star cruises.

If I'm honest, I was left feeling a little out of my depth at this point, this was one of those fundraisers where they raise a fortune in a night. It wasn't until I bumped into Bernie Nolan that I breathed a sigh of relief. Bernie is one of us i.e normal. Lorraine Kelly once said that she was the hardest-working woman in the business - and she is definitely that.

Despite the fact that she bumbled in after the Champagne reception had finished, after the entire room had sat down to dinner, uttering a thousand apologies and bemoaning the traffic - she did it with panache!

She told me it was just three weeks since her mastectomy and reconstruction, yet she was out looking amazing, raising money and awareness for this vital cause.

She also said that she was saddened to hear that 'The Jade Effect' was wearing off and that her message, and the message that can't be repeated often enough ladies, is GET CHECKED EARLY! Don't put it off. I am a fine one to talk because I have done just that. Too busy, too busy - BUT, Bernie inspired me to book my smear.

Will you book yours too?

Serious issues aside, I have to say this was my first time meeting any of the Nolans and Bernie was one of the few celebs who doesn't let you down. She met every (admittedly high) expectation I had of her. I went along with my best mate/partner/right hand man/couldn't live without 'Edward' who, being gay, was especially excited to chat with her. When I asked her why she's such a huge gay icon she said, without missing a beat, 'the gays have great taste'.

As well as the Champagne reception, a scrumptious meal, and entertainment from Beverley Knight, we were given goodie bags (hurrah!) filled to the brim with lovely, girlie things including Green & Black chocs, mascara, eye shadow and foot smoother. Bizarrely, all the things that I'd run out of! I took that as a sign to go and get my smear sorted.

I still haven't heard how much cash the night raised, but between the auction and what I'm sure was a hefty ticket price (I didn't pay, but I did make a donation today online - you can too at Macmillan.org.uk) I'm sure it was a lot! It's wonderful to think we're one step closer to beating cancer.

Bernie Nolan said she was living proof that breast cancer can be cured - 83 per cent of women survive it. Maybe that can be 100 per cent if we get checked early girls.

My other big social engagement for the week was the re-launch of 'The Swan Restaurant' which is part of the recently rebuilt 'Globe Theatre" on London's South Bank. I'd love to say that I'm so cultured and boffin-like that I visit The Globe on a regular basis, but that would be a lie.

That might change now that 'The Swan' is back in action. Not only is head-chef, Keiren Steinborn one amazing cook (I was treated to a Thai Curry which was perfection) but there's also a cool bar. I did mingle about in there longer than was necessary. All in the name of work you understand - Swanattheglobe.co.uk.

It's definitely the place to be if you feel like you want to soak up a bit of London's culture.

Oh, one last showbiz nugget, I bumped into Joe McElderry for the second time at the Regent Street Christmas lights switch-on. I can confirm he is still ADORABLE.

RB xx

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