31 March 2006
Mirror
ALAN SHOCK AT HIS BOOK PALS By Martin Fricker
HiGHBROW writer Alan Bennett's clearly bemused by this novel experience - posing with
Kerry Katona at a literary awards show.
And the brassy former Atomic Kitten star, 25, brought her unique touch to proceedings by wearing a daring low-cut top and sticking out her tongue.
Alan, 71, might also have struggled to recognise some other surprise guests at the British Book Awards - Big Brother's Chantelle Houghton, 22, and rock chick Kelly Osbourne.
At least the award-winning playwright had something in common with Kelly, 21 - both left clutching gongs.
But while his was for best author, hers belonged to mum Sharon, honoured for best biography. Also present at London's Grosvenor House hotel were Jamie Oliver - given an outstanding achievement award - fellow chef Gordon Ramsay and food writer Tom Parker Bowles.
JK Rowling landed the coveted book of the year prize for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
But the biggest cheer was for cricket ace Freddie Flintoff, whose Being Freddie was named top sports book.
