FROM POLNAREFF TO MISS WORLD

"This sacred so special man, so kind, so sensitive, so gifted, so funny, so classy, so fanciful, so alive!" - A Fan, 2016

T H U R S D A Y,  1 6  N O V

I was just about to get out of bed when Ma shouted up, “there’s a letter for you from France in an envelope addressed by yourself.” I whizzed down to find a signed photograph of Polnareff! It must be because of the letters I left him at Nice and Beaulieu. I don't suppose he knew this particular photograph was for me - but still, it’s fab. At school Anya was very envious.

Went home and got the little bus at Hedge Corner. No-one was in as Ma and Chump were shopping in London. I played Polnareff LP and had a big tea. Mummy came back with the most gorgeous long white skirt and black velvet top, she looked beautiful.

About 8.15, out of pure chance, I happened to put France Inter on and this chap was interviewing a singer. He had a super voice rather like Polnareff's, and what’s more, he gabbled in the same way. It was him!!! He was on till 9 so I had my dinner in my room.

“I was moaning in parts, he sounded so utterly wonderful.”

He was in such a gorgeous mood, and sounded even keener than ever, just like when we met him. He said he goes out nearly every evening to night-clubs and gets back at 3 or 4 in the morning. He was wearing dark glasses as usual and the interviewer asked him why. “Because it’s sunny,” he replied!! He says he smokes five packets of cigarettes a day. This worries me a bit. He never drinks alcohol, only milk. So much Polnareffing in one day has made me quite miserable. I’m pining for him but we won’t see him for months. When I heard ‘Mes Regrets’ and ‘Dame Dame’ later, I could have cried.

“Cheered up, and saw Miss World.”

Miss Peru won; she was my third favourite. My first two were Miss Argentina and Miss Czechoslovakia. The ugliest two were Miss USA and Miss England, in that order.

50 years ago today Ingrid joined 24m other Brits to watch Madeline Hartog-Bel from Peru win Miss World.