William Hickey

Bringing the gossip since 1933

- By Robert Meakin

WHILE the disgraced Lord Mandelson condemns “baseless” claims he was preparing to abandon beloved pooch Jock and flee for the British Virgin Islands, I’m reminded the rogue's canine companion was considered a notable diplomatic asset across the Atlantic.

During Mandy’s infamous days as British ambassador to the US, the border collie became renowned for “working the crowd” at Washington gatherings (mainly by chasing tennis balls), not to mention forming a useful political allegiance with Vice President JD Vance's German shepherd, Atlas. It was also Jock’s barking that reportedly alerted his owner to approaching staff at 5.40am last September, informing him of his firing from London.

DESPITE recently appearing in hit shows Ted Lasso and Succession, Dame Harriet Walter, 75, complains ageist typecasting has forced her to start penning her own roles.