Coronation Street's Charlie Condou can't stomach Antony Cotton's Twitter pictures

Coronation Street's Charlie Condou can't stomach Antony Cotton's Twitter pictures

PUBLISHED: 09:45 EST, 1 April 2013 | UPDATED: 13:04 EST, 1 April 2013

Charlie Condou has denied that he took a sly dig at his Coronation Street co-star Antony Cotton via his Twitter account.

The 40-year-old actor reportedly riled Cotton, 37, after it was alluded that Charlie had slagged off the amount of pictures he posts on the social networking site of his food.

However, Charlie denied that his comments were actually directed at Antony after the news broke of tensions between the two soap stars.

At odds: Coronation Street stars Antony Cotton and Charlie Condou have had an argument over food

Charlie tweeted: 'Thanks to @DailyMirror for today's non-story. My tweet had nothing at all to do with Antony and my comment about nobody giving a s**t....'

He continued: 'Certainly wasnt a reply to someone who mentioned him, as you can see from my timeline. Im really not that childish.'

The pair were accused of being embroiled in an argument over Twitter which was sparked by Antony posting pictures of his food.

Cotton, who pays Sean Tully on the soap, sparked the dispute after posting a picture of his breakfast on his Twitter page last week.

What's so offensive? Antony's picture of scrambled eggs and bacon offended Charlie

Shortly after Antony had uploaded a snap of scrambled eggs and bacon Charlie posted: 'Why do people post pictures of their dinner on Twitter.'

A fan replied: 'What, like Antony Cotton does?'

Charlie continued: 'Seriously, who gives a s***!'

Tensions simmering: The pair reportedly do not see eye to eye

Another follower wrote: 'Your mate Antony Cotton does it all the time #noonegivesas***.'

Antony did not comment on the remarks but a Coronation Street source told The Mirror: 'If tensions have been bad then this will be like lighting the blue touch paper. Antony loves his cooking and shares his creations with everyone â€" to have a barbed comment like this seemingly aimed at him will infuriate him.'

It seems the pair don't just clash over their Twitter picture and a source told the paper: 'It is an open secret that Antony and Charlie do not see eye to eye. There is a real divide throughout the cast and crew, with some people Team Condou and some Team Cotton. They are both very different people and simply rub each other up the wrong way.'

New poll reveals two thirds of Brits think the Queen does a wonderful job but 80 per cent would like to see more of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

New poll reveals two thirds of Brits think the Queen does a wonderful job but 80 per cent would like to see more of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

• 75 per cent say the Queen is doing a brilliant job of leading the country
  
• Two thirds say she should consider lightening her load but not retire
• The extra help should come from the Duke of Cambridge say 80 per cent
• One in 10 look to the royals for guidance in morals and manners

By Ruth Styles

PUBLISHED: 11:08 EST, 1 April 2013 | UPDATED: 12:33 EST, 1 April 2013

The Queen is doing a wonderful job but needs to start taking things easier are the main findings of a new survey that looked at British attitudes toward the monarchy.

75 per cent said they agreed or strongly agreed that the Queen has done a wonderful job over the last 60 years, while 69 per cent said it was time for the Queen to lighten her schedule - a sharp rebuff to former Labour deputy prime minister, John Prescott, who recently said the Queen should abdicate and 'consider enjoying a long and fulfilling retirement.'

Despite the imminent abdication of the Netherland's Queen Beatrix, those close to the Queen say she is unlikely to follow suit.

Popular: Two thirds think the Queen does a great job while one in 10 look to her for moral guidance

Instead, they say, more duties will be given to the Prince of Charles and the Duke of Cambridge, which will certainly please the 80 per cent who would like to see more of the third in line to the throne.

The findings come in the wake of a health scare for the Queen, which saw her rushed to hospital with a bout of gastroenteritis.

The poll of 2,000 people, which was commissioned by Hello! magazine, also found that 62 per cent were happy to see the Queen team up with the Duchess of Cambridge for some of her engagements.

Veteran BBC Royal Correspondent, Nicholas Witchell - famously described as 'that awful man' by Prince Charles - said that he was unsurprised by the results.

'Her recent brush with gastroenteritis has reminded us that even the most robust constitution cannot be immune to illness.

'She will never retire - that's one point on which we can be absolutely categoric - but after 61 years on the throne, one senses there is an acceptance of the need to lighten the load a little, both for her own sake and her husband's.'

Duty: 69 per cent said the Queen should lighten her workload and pass on some duties to younger royals

Busy: Both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge have begun to take on more work in recent months

Indeed, it is the 91-year-old Duke of Edinburgh who become increasingly frail in recent years, who has given the Queen the most cause for concern.

Most recently, the much-loved senior royal was forced to pull out of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations after succumbing to a serious bladder infection.

Both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge have stepped up their schedule of engagements in recent months as they attempt to support the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, although according to Witchell, Prince William could take on more.

'The hardest person to persuade of the need to slow down will be her [the Queen] but William in particular must realise we're at the point where royal duty will have to take precedence over his military career.'

The Queen's lifelong friend, Lady Anne Glenconner sees things differently, however, telling Hello! that the Queen is 'not the retiring type'.

Worry: The increasingly frail Duke of Edinburgh is giving the Queen cause for concern

Double act: Two thirds said that they would like to see the Queen and Duchess of Cambridge together more

She added: 'She [the Queen] is absolutely able to fulfill her duties. I have seen images of her since she left hospital and she looks as wonderful as ever.

'She is full of energy and optimism and I am sure she will bounce back.'

The Queen's sense of duty has proved popular with the British public, one in 10 of whom say that they look to the monarch and the rest of the Royal Family - although possibly not Prince Harry - for guidance in morals and manners.

Commented royal cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson: 'I have no doubt that it is the Queen's constancy and steadfast adherence to a task and trust she believes is for life that instills in us a nation-defining sense of confidence.

'In that and so much more, she is remarkable.

Help: Other members of the Royal family such as the Yorks and Wessexes could also take on more

Chris Brown continues to open up about Rihanna assault and promises that it will 'never happen again'

Chris Brown continues to open up about Rihanna assault and promises that it will 'never happen again'

By Jade Watkins

PUBLISHED: 09:10 EST, 1 April 2013 | UPDATED: 11:59 EST, 1 April 2013

He once refused to talk about his infamous 2009 assault on his on and off again girlfriend Rihanna.

But as Chris Brown desperately tries to win back the public, he continues to be upfront and frank about the incident which subsequently shattered his reputation.

The singer once again opened up about vicious attack with Matt Lauer on the Today show on Monday morning.

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It was wrong: Chris Brown continued to open up about his assault on his on and off girlfriend Rihanna during an interview on The Today Show on Monday morning

In an interview to promote his new album Fine China, the 23-year-old said that his 52 week stint in domestic violence counselling finally made him see the error of his ways.

'I think it is just proving myself once again and me being a man. Knowing what I did was wrong and never doing it again,' he told Lauer.

'As far as she (Rihanna) and I are concerned, she knows my heart and I know her heart. I am not really focused on the negative, everything is positive for me. I did my 52 weeks of couselling and learned it was absolutely wrong.'

Frank: The 23-year-old tried his best to be open and frank as he was grilled by The Today Show's Matt Lauer

Chris said that during counselling he played the incident in his head over and over again.

'It was domestic violence counselling. A 52 week program. Every Monday in Virginia, I remember going, sitting in there thinking "why did I do what I did?" I really just wanted to get help,' he told Lauer.

When Lauer asked Brown if he could promise that won't ever happen again, the With You star repeatedly told him 'absolutely'.

Reformed: Brown told Lauer he was a reformed man following his 52 week stint in counselling

Brown also told Lauer that he was now concentrating on moving forward 'positively', but realised that not everybody will be willing to forgive him.

'I am moving forward, positively. I think for me it is about proving myself to my fans and for me my fans have been my number one support,' he said.

'The naysayers are going to have their opinion. Anything I do... It's not going to be "Chris is the greatest". So I am not going to focus my life on pleasing those people. The only thing I can do is please my family, myself and please her (Rihanna) and my fans.'

Naysayers: Brown admitted that he could not please everybody

His morning interview comes hot off the heels of another candid sit down on Ryan Seacrest's radio show last week, in which Chris revealed how he won back Rihanna following the assault.

During his chat with the American Idol host, the R&B star said he took full responsibility of the incident, admitting that the attack was completely his fault.

'It’s all about my responsibility,' he said on KIIS-FM radio last Tuesday.

Party girl:  On Monday, Rihanna tweeted a picture of herself wearing a chic tuxedo jacket adorned with Chanel brooches and a backwards cap, captioning it 'Fun times lastnight'

Back together: Chris and Rihanna's reconciliation shocked the world after he brutally beat her in a vicious 2009 attack, leaving her severely bruised and battered

The singer said that he tried his best to reform himself over the years until he and Rihanna recently reconciled and that he was never sure that Rihanna would even speak to him again.

He added that he was 'eternally grateful' that in the end she found it within herself to forgive him, leading to their reconciliation.

Charity: Chris spray painted a mural last week for charity as he continues to rebuild his reputation

'I just tried my best to be the best man I could be over the years and just show her how remorseful and sorry I was for the incident and that time was probably the worst part of my life and being that she has and she’s a wonderful person I’m eternally grateful and thankful,' he said.

While he may have won back his girlfriend, the singer acknowledged that it might not be so easy to win back the public's affection.

'People are entitled to their opinions. I can’t go around blaming. It’s all about my responsibility and me growing up as a man,' he said.

And while some of his recent antics, including getting into a bar brawl with fellow singer Drake and shouting out obscenities in nightclub, have been deemed as childish and immature, Chris said he realised that it might now be time to grow up.

'I think now that I’m becoming older, and trying to mature in this life under the public eye at all times, I have to focus on doing the right thing and being more of a humble individual,' he admitted.

Chris, who reignited his romance with Rihanna last year, also revealed details about their relationship, describing it as 'childlike'.

'It’s still like we’re kids. I try not to be too grown and be like, "Lets have candlelight dinner every night." I try to make sure everything is fun. It has to be fun and it has to be genuine,' he explained.

Chris continues to face a public backlash against his actions, which left Rihanna bruised and battered after he attacked her during an argument back in 2009.

He was sentenced to a five-year probation and six months of community service by a court after admitting to the assault.

Due in part to the fact that the pair have reconciled, they've faced a fresh onslaught from domestic abuse campaigners and the general public.

Bruised and battered: Rihanna was left bruised and battered by Brown after he viciously attacked her in 2009

 

Emma McQuiston: Britain's first black marchioness talks breaking class boundaries and dealing with racism

Emma McQuiston: Britain's first black marchioness talks breaking class boundaries and dealing with racism

• Emma McQuiston, 26, is the daughter of a Nigerian oil tycoon
• She is to wed Ceawlin Thynne, Viscount of Weymouth, 38
  
• His father, the Marquess of Bath, is notorious for his harem of 'wifelets'
• The Viscount is heir to Longleat House and its 100,000 acre estate
• Her half-brother Ian is married to Ceawlin's aunt, Lady Silvy Cerne Thynne
  

By Ruth Styles

PUBLISHED: 04:17 EST, 1 April 2013 | UPDATED: 08:23 EST, 1 April 2013

His father might be famous for his harem of 'wifelets' but Ceawlin Thynne, Viscount Weymouth and son of the notorious Marquess of Bath is taking a more conventional approach to marriage.

But his wife-to-be is anything but the typical aristocratic bride. Not only is artist Emma McQuiston the daughter of a Nigerian oil tycoon, she's a former actress and celebrity chef.

Yet despite the 26-year-old's impressive CV, the soon-to-be marchioness has admitted that her presence at Longleat has raised eyebrows among some elements of the aristocracy.

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Bride-to-be: Emma McQuiston will become the UK's first black marchioness when she weds Ceawlin Thynne

Watch out Pippa! McQuiston shares her love of all things food and plenty of recipes on her blog

'There has been some snobbishness, particularly among the older generation,' she revealed.

'There's class and then there's the racial thing. It's a jungle and I'm going through it and discovering things as I grow up.

'I'm not super-easily offended but it's a problem when someone's making you feel different or separate because of your race, or forming an opinion about you before they even know you.'

Her mother Suzanna also admits to being worried on her daughter's behalf but hopes she'll be accepted.

'I always felt there might be this slightly snobbish thing about anyone that's black but it seems that everybody has taken Emma into their hearts and they love her.'

The snobbish comments are all the more ironic because McQuiston isn't exactly a stranger to high society.

Love: McQuiston first met the Viscount of Weymouth when she was just four years old

Family: Ceawlin, McQuiston's husband-to-be, with his father, the notorious Marquess of Bath

Cover girl: McQuiston is on the cover of the May issue of Tatler and gave an interview to the society magazine

In fact, McQuiston and her husband to be are technically already family.

The daughter of Oxford graduate, Ladi Jadesimi, McQuiston grew up in the rolling Wiltshire countryside and has long been part of her future husband's circle, first meeting him when she was just four years old.

Her mother, Suzanna McQuiston, had already been married when she met Emma's father, and had a son named Ian, now 51.

Ian is the husband of Lady Silvy Cerne Thynne, the daughter of the sixth Marquess of Bath by his second wife, and the half-sister of the current incumbent.

Lady Silvy is the Viscount of Weymouth's aunt, which means that his soon to be brother-in-law is also his uncle.

With connections such as these, it is perhaps no surprise that McQuiston was a regular guest at Longleat celebrations, often spending Christmas and Easter with the Bath family.

< span>So familiar with Longleat is she, McQuiston even made the state rooms the subject of a dissertation she wrote at 18.

'I've always loved it here,' she says of the house. 'I would see Ceawlin at Christmas, Easter and family get-togethers.'

After studying history of art at University College London, she became an actress before reinventing herself as a celebrity chef with her own internet television show.

McQuiston also has her own food blog in which she charts her passion for eating, posting a stream of photos of herself posing with the unusual food and drink she unearths.

More recently, her blog has taken on a distinctly romantic flavour with McQuiston happily posting photos of herself and her fiance on holiday at Disneyland, as well as writing of wedding dress fittings with her mother.

Love: The Viscount of Weymouth proposed during a romantic trip to Disneyland, according to McQuiston

Future home: McQuiston will become the chatelaine of the stunning Longleat House after she marries

Glamorous: McQuiston has led an interesting life, including stints as an actress and TV presenter

Excited though she is about her impending nuptials, McQuiston admits that she's still feels herself to be something of an outsider.

'I have never had anything horrible said or happen to me,' she told the Daily Telegraph. 'But it is something you sense.

'You can just tell with some people when they meet you, particularly in America when you are acting and you speak with a British accent.

'You just become a little more aware of how you look.'

One person who clearly isn't worried is McQuiston's 38-year-old husband-to-be, who proposed after just 18 months.

Unlike his father, who has had an estimated 70 'wifelets' since the end of his marriage to Ceawlin's mother, Anna Gael Gyarmathy, the Viscount of Weymouth has had a far less colourful love life.

Prior to McQuiston, the Viscount's most famous relationship was with Jane Kirby who was tragically killed in 1996 when a building collapsed during a holiday to New Delhi.

'We'd been to a party and in the middle of the night he woke me up to ask me,' McQuiston revealed of the proposal in an interview with Tatler magazine.

'I made him do it again and again until it sunk in.'

Future marchioness: Emma McQuiston with the Viscount of Weymouth at a private screening of Skyfall

Food fan: McQuiston is a prolific food blogger and presents online cookery demonstrations

Lindsay Lohan 'to agree to rehab stint ONLY if she can continue taking ADHD medication'

Lindsay Lohan 'to agree to rehab stint ONLY if she can continue taking ADHD medication'

By Bianca Carneiro and Louise Saunders

PUBLISHED: 08:02 EST, 1 April 2013 | UPDATED: 08:02 EST, 1 April 2013

Adamant: Lindsay Lohan has now reportedly told her team of lawyers she is only prepared to go to a 'lockdown' facility if she will be allowed to continue taking her medication for ADHD

Prosecutors are already said to be debating whether to send her to jail or undertake a 90-day stint in rehab.

But Lindsay Lohan has now reportedly told her team of lawyers she is only prepared to go to a 'lockdown' facility if she will be allowed to continue taking her medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Sources close to the 26-year-old actress have claimed she has taken the drug Adderall on a daily basis 'for years', and the troubled starlet is said to be prepared to 'take her chances at trial' if her lawyer Mark Heller can't find a rehab facility to accommodate her demands, TMZ reports.

Lindsay was first prescribed Adderall back in 2010 when she was diagnosed with the condition while behind bars for her previous misdemeanours, and is said to be adamant that she needs the prescription medication to function.

The 26-year-old was sentenced earlier this month to spend three months in a 'lockdown' facility after she was caught lying to cops during an investigation into a car crash in Malibu last July.

She's already spent time in regular rehab and a women's jail in Los Angeles for previous offences, which is what made the prospect of a 'prison-type' rehab a clear choice.

Lindsay's lawyer Mark Heller offered to prosecutors for the Mean Girls to spend her time in a rehab that would keep her against her will but TMZ reported that there is 'no such thing' as lockdown facility in the states of New York or California - not even across the entire United States.

Now prosecutors are re-evaluating what to do with Lindsay, but nothing has been decided. The case could easily land back in court where the judge may have to hand down a new verdict.

Striking a deal: The troubled starlet is said to be prepared to 'take her chances at trial' if her lawyer Mark Heller can't find a rehab facility to accommodate her demands

Working on it: Lawyer Mark Heller is currently trying to help accommodate Lindsay's demands in a 'lockdown' facility

Of course Lindsay won't take the wait lying down, as she has instead chosen to spend her last moments of freedom party hopping in the south of Brazil.

The Liz & Dick actress was showing no signs of slowing down her party lifestyle in the wake of the ruling as she enjoyed yet another night out on Saturday.

Continuing her party tour of Brazil in the coastal resort of Florianopolis, the actress seemed to be in high spirits as she took to the DJ decks for a set.

Party girl! As she grinned away at her private table, onlookers would be forgiven for thinking the starlet didn't have a care in the world

The Mean Girls star has been in Brazil since Thursday after reportedly being paid a six-figure sum to launch John John Denim's flagship store in Sao Paulo.

And she was still doing her bit to support the brand on Saturday night, cutting a leggy figure in a sky blue John John Denim vest and a high-waisted black sequin skirt as she arrived at the nightclub. 

Lindsay completed her party look with a branded navy blue baseball cap and Mary Jane platform heels as she enjoyed her third night out in a row.

The actress was looking happy and relaxed, in spite of her suffering a wardrobe malfunction when she arrived in picturesque Florianopolis earlier in the day.

Careful! Lindsay Lohan nearly slipped out of her dress as she stepped off a helicopter in Florianopolis, Brazil on Saturday

Saved by the hair: The only thing keeping the 26-year-old from full exposure was her hair

Struggling to balance her bags and her headphones as she stepped off her helicopter, the star very nearly popped out of her dress altogether as her low-cut maxi shifted in the hasty getaway, almost revealing too-much of her ample chest.

Fortunately her long red hair was draped in a ponytail over her right shoulder, providing a natural barrier from a potential wardrobe malfunction.

Within a few steps all was back to normal for the Liz & Dick actress as she and her entourage left the heliport and presumably continued on their weekend of sun and fun.

Lindsay - who will enter a 90-day rehab in May after being charged for lying to police after a car crash last summer - has been in Brazil since Thursday, where she appeared at the opening of John John Denim's flagship store.

Grand entrance: The actress arrived on the island after partying in Sao Paulo the night before

The former Disney star was reportedly paid $ 100,000 to walk the red carpet and say a few words at the event.

But of course she used the travel opportunity for vacation purposes as well, hitting up some of the best clubs in the city while she was there.

On Thursday she frantically left a nightclub after she was pictured trying to escape the crowd under a table.

The picture was tweeted by a Brazilian who had attended the party with the caption: 'Bafão! In party in Sao Paulo, Lindsay Lohan refuses to take pictures and hides under the DJ table.'

Long night? Lindsay was snapped reclining under a nightclub table in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Thursday night after attending the opening of John John Denim clothing store 

Playing the part: The star blew a kiss for a mob of fans before allegedly hiding from them later in the evening

And on Friday she hit up several clubs that were taking part in the Lollapalooza festival, checking out performances by bands like The Killer and Hot Chip.

According to E! Online Brazil, Lindsay has been soaking in the music scene as she is working on a new album she hopes to release by the end of the year.

However, it seems the star has been trying to turn over a new leaf as according to Us Weekly she 'shocked' the crew of Anger Management this week, which she had a guest role on.

And she's off: Lindsay Lohan stormed out of a nightclub in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Friday night

A source told Us Weekly magazine: 'She has showed up on time and early, and she has been very prepared and professional.

Her appearance on the show wasn't without controversy, as she was later accused of leaving the set with some items from the wardrobe department.

According to sources who told TMZ, Lindsay absconded with a two bracelets, a necklace, sunglasses, a pair of shoes, gold earrings, a silk bathrobe, lingerie and tap shorts - and later went clubbing wearing some of the items.

Joey Essex tells Billie Faiers of his plans to ask Sam to marry him as he whisks her away to Dubai

Joey Essex tells Billie Faiers of his plans to ask Sam to marry him as he whisks her away to Dubai

By Sarah Fitzmaurice

PUBLISHED: 18:01 EST, 31 March 2013 | UPDATED: 03:32 EST, 1 April 2013

Their relationship has had ups and downs but on Sunday night's episode of TOWIE Joey Essex revealed that he is set to propose to Sam Faiers.

The 22-year-old reality star decided to confide in Sam's sister Billie and told her of his plans.

Joey turned up at his girlfriend sister's house and it was clear that he found it difficult telling Billie about what he had in mind for the proposal. 

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Delighted: Billie Faiers seemed overjoyed at the news that Joey Essex is planning to propose to her sister Sam

He told her: 'I don't know how to put it in a professional manner.'

Joey added: 'Basically I want to propose to Sam. I’ve had it planned for ages but I want to do it in the right way.'

The shop owner added that he was planning on taking Sam away to pop the question and he said: 'I’ve got loads of things to do I’ve got to go and get her passport.'

Difficult to get out: Joey clearly had trouble telling Billie he wanted to marry her sister

He's going to pop the question: After the 22-year-old explained how he planned to propose the pair shared a hug together

Billie was thrilled with the news and said: 'She isn't going to have a clue'.

Later in the episode Joey showed Billie the sparkling ring he planned to propose with and Billie was stunned by the dazzler.

The Minnie's Boutique owner said: 'Oh Joey it's perfect'.

Showing off the dazzler: Later in the episode at the roller disco Joey showed Billie the ring he had bought for Sam

It's a dazzler: Joey admitted that he had been trying on the ring over the past week

'It's perfect!': Billie was speechless after Joey revealed the ring

He explained how he had picked out the style and the diamonds were set into a white gold band.

Joey surprised Sam at the roller disco party and as the pair went to leave he showed her he had all her bags packed and asked her: 'Do you want to go Dubai?'

Sam seemed shocked and confused and referred to her 80s fancy dress outfit asking: 'What in this?'

Wanna go to Dubai? As Joey and Sam left the party Joey surprised his girlfriend who had no idea what was going on

The pair trundled off and snippet's from the next episode showed Joey waiting at a dressed dinner table in tears on the phone to his father.

Whether Sam will accept the proposal remains to be seen and neither have given any clue of her answer on their Twitter pages.

Will she say yes? Viewers are left with the cliff hanger of not knowing if Sam will say yes or not

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, turns heads with her skin-tight skirt as she attends Easter service at Windsor... That £860 Easter bonnet helped, too!

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, turns heads with her skin-tight skirt as she attends Easter service at Windsor... That £860 Easter bonnet helped, too!

• Countess stole show in tight bright outfit with geometric pleated collar
• Accessorised with on-trend harlequin weave clutch and stiletto shoes
• Wore Jane Taylor Millinery peacock feather headpiece worth £860
  
• She was named London School of Fashion's first ever patron last week

By Larisa Brown

PUBLISHED: 10:08 EST, 31 March 2013 | UPDATED: 18:35 EST, 31 March 2013

After her recent bout of illness, all eyes were on the Queen as she attended a church service yesterday.

At least, they were until the Countess of Wessex turned up.

Sophie’s skin-tight outfit â€" with an exposed zip stretching from the hem to her waist â€" will inevitably draw comparisons to the derriere-hugging dress worn by Pippa Middleton at her sister’s wedding to Prince William.

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Sophie, Countess of Wessex came up top in the fashion stakes for Easter service at Windsor castle today

The Countess attends the Easter Matins service at St George's chapel at Windsor castle

The Countess teamed her racy royal-blue number with an equally extravagant peacock-feather hat designed by Jane Taylor Millinery, thought to be worth around £860.

Her mother-in-law appeared back to her best, weeks after being admitted to hospital for the first time in a decade.

The Queen, who turns 87 this month, was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers as she arrived for the traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle with other members of the royal family.

Princess Eugenie and her sister Beatrice wore dresses cut above the knee despite the chilly weather. Both arrived in stilettos, with sparkling clutch bags.

The Countess of Wessex was accompanied to St George’s Chapel by her two children Lady Louise Windsor, nine, and James Viscount Severn, five.

Sophie Rhys-Jones, Countess of Wessex, wearing an electrifying Royal blue dress, with Lady Louise Windsor

Sophie accessorised her outfit with a small black harlequin weave clutch and matching pointed stiletto shoes

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, right, meet children after the Easter service

Looking the picture of elegance, the Countess holds on to her clutch bag and Order of Service

Although her sartorial choices are often overlooked due to the popularity of younger family members, Sophie, 48, has demonstrated in recent years that she remains a fashion force to be reckoned with.

The night before Pippa wowed the world with her bridesmaid’s dress at the royal wedding of 2011, the Countess turned heads at a royal reception with a plunging scarlet gown from Bruce Oldfield.

Her choice for the wedding itself â€" a chic peach-coloured dress and matching jacket, with a statement Jane Taylor hat â€" prompted readers of Hello! magazine to crown her the most elegant guest.

It was announced last month that the Countess will become the first ever patron of the London College of Fashion.

Beatrice and Eugenie looked a picture of elegance with their feather in hats and high heels

Rachel Black created the headpiece worn by Princess Beatrice while Sarah Cant made Princess Eugenie's

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice looked elegant for the Easter service in hats and high heels

The Queen receives flowers from children after leaving St George's Chapel in Windsor with her grandchild Lady Louise (pictured right)

Sophie's daughter Lady Louise, 9, wears a green check coat with velvet collar to attend service with her family

Queen Elizabeth arriving at the Easter service at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle

She will hold the position for three years, working on its Better Lives campaign which aims to use fashion to promote change and sustainability.

Such accolades demonstrated how far the Countess has come since her own wedding in 1999.

The Countess was roundly criticised for her ill-fitting  ivory silk coat dress, inlaid with 325,000 beads and an enormous veil that obscured much of the gown.