William Hickey

Bringing the gossip since 1933

- By Robert Meakin

WHILE Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler enjoys rave reviews for her London Palladium starring role in Evita - she belts out famous number Don't Cry For Me Argentina from the balcony to delighted street crowds below co-writer Sir Tim Rice surprisingly hasn't been among the song's biggest fans.

Reflecting on the enduring popularity of his and Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit composition, which topped the UK singles chart in 1977, lyricist Rice admits: "It's one of those songs...I hear it so often, I think, 'I'm not too sure I want to hear it again!'"

Acknowledging his stance only softened when Don't Cry For Me Argentina was again performed on his own recent UK tour, Sir Tim - who attended Evita's press night this week - concedes: "I really began to think, 'Actually it's not a bad song. I can see why it's worked."