EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Oscar-winning screenwriter attacks Madonna and Rupert Everett because their rom-com flop had a punishing effect on director John Schlesinger before he died

No doubt Madonna and Rupert Everett would rather forget about the existence of the flopped 2000 rom-com The Next Best Thing, but Oscar-winning screenwriter Frederic Raphael has launched a stabbing attack on the couple for the punishing effect the making of the film had on the director, John Schlesinger.

It was his last movie before he died 20 years ago this month.

In a letter to Schlesinger, published in his new book Last Post, Raphael writes, “You’ve resurfaced from England to do that last Hollywood movie, The Next Best Thing, starring Madonna and Rupert Everett.

“You were no longer a director with whom it was a privilege to work. You worked for them and they let you know.

“There’s a mean, deranged donnée in the mastering of a one-time master by two quasi-stars who take pleasure in knowing he only has a job because they chose him.” Ouch.

In a letter to Schlesinger, published in his new book Last Post, Raphael writes, “You’ve resurfaced from England to do that latest Hollywood movie, The Next Best Thing, starring Madonna and Rupert Everett (pictured). “You were no longer a director with whom it was a privilege to work. You worked for them and they let you know’

As the cost-of-living crisis hits, think about TV stalwart Ross Kemp.

“We have a really old swimming pool that I want to keep really, really cold because I can’t afford to heat it,” growls the actor, best known for playing the violent Grant Mitchell in EastEnders.

The 59-year-old star, who used to be married to media executive Rebekah Brooks, adds in Waitrose & Partners Weekend (where else?): ‘My kids have no problem swimming in the North Sea because that’s how it is in our pool. ‘

Age-defying bunny girl Kate throws a wild 50th bash

She shares her birthday with Sir Mick Jagger – whose raucous 80th garnered a lot of attention.

And Kate Beckinsale celebrated her 50th in the same way with a smashing party complete with outfit changes, three birthday cakes and some very daring dances.

The London-born star dressed up as a Playboy Bunny with a bow collar, black ears and ripped fishnet stockings.

She posted videos of herself dancing to music with a group of her friends, including American actress Demi Moore, at her Hollywood home and was treated to three cakes.

“What a party – full of love and glitter and the best people,” says Kate (below in red).

She had previously celebrated with her mother, Judy Loe, who was married to her father, Richard Beckinsale, until his death in 1979.

Kate Beckinsale (center) similarly celebrated her 50th birthday with a smashing party complete with outfit changes, three birthday cakes and some very daring dance moves. The London-born star dressed up as a Playboy Bunny with a bow collar, black ears and ripped fishnet stockings

Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews has been commissioned to tear down a tool shed he built without planning permission on the £7million Jersey estate he shares with his wife, model Vogue Williams.

Matthews, 34, caused a fight with a neighbor after constructing the building in a field near his five-bedroom house, which has a swimming pool, gym and snooker room.

The resident objected, saying it was within a designated coastal protected area. Matthews asked for retroactive clearance, but officials upheld the complaint.

Royal explorer Rosie Stancer, whose grandmother was the Queen Mother’s sister, clearly passed on her adventurous genes to her son.

Jock Stancer cycles nearly 2,000 miles from London to Bergen, Norway, on a homebuilt bamboo bike to raise money for charity.

Rosie once cut off two frostbitten toes with a pocketknife during a failed solo attempt to reach the North Pole.