The night LiLo and Kim met Barack and Michelle: Wise-cracking President hosts star-studded White House Correspondents' Dinner

-Journalists, politicians, government officials, and celebrities gathered for the 98th annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington last night
-Event was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC's late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live
-Lindsay Lohan and Kim Kardashian were among crowds of A-list celebrities who were invited to dine with Washington's elite, including Obama himself
-In his speech, President Obama lampooned the GOP, Secret Service, Mitt Romney, and even Hillary Clinton

By Beth Stebner


Comedian-in-chief: President Obama was in fine form Saturday night and delivered a comedy routine that left the audience in stitches. No one was safe from mockery, including the shamed Secret Service and likely GOP adversary Mitt Romney

Worlds collided in the nation's capital last night, as President Obama shared a meal with the likes of Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan at the 98th annual White House Correspondents' Dinner.

The president enjoyed a genial evening with the members of the press, thanking them for their time and dedication.

Nothing was off limits during Washington’s night of levity, including the recent Secret Service scandal in Colombia, 'dog socialism', and the state of media today. And of course, he didn't shy away from the political arena.

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Dazzling: First lady Michelle Obama was beaming at the dinner in a modified version of Naeem Khan's paisley organza ball gown from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection, while host Jimmy Kimmel, left, looked a little more sombre


A night to remember: Lindsay Lohan, left, managed to make it to the dinner, and Kim Kardashian, right, covered up in forest-green velvet for her evening with the president


Job well done: President Obama high-fived Jimmy Kimmel, right, who hosted the night's events as Caren Bohan, centre, of Reuters, looks on delighted


Sharing a laugh: Host Jimmy Kimmel, left, sits alongside First Lady Michelle Obama, during the dinner


Candid chat: Mrs Obama leans in to hear what must be a snarky comment from Kimmel

Effortless: The first lady laughed alongside host Jimmy Kimmel, left, and accessorised her Naeem Khan gown with good hoop earrings and a soft pink lip gloss

The president appeared in high spirits as he began his comedic routine. ‘We gather during a historic anniversary,’ he said. ‘Last year at this time, in fact on this very weekend, we finally delivered justice to one of the world’s most notorious individuals.’

That man wasn’t Osama bin Laden - no, a picture of none other than Donald Trump flashed on the screen.

Jabs at his likely GOP rival Mitt Romney came soon after.

‘I’m not going to attack any of the Republican candidates - take Mitt Romney,’ the president deadpanned, adding that the former Massachusetts governor would call the luxurious Hilton ballroom 'a little fixer-upper.'

He continued: '[Romney] and I actually have a lot in common… We both have degrees from Harvard. I have one, he has two.’ After a pause, he added: ‘What a snob.’

Four years ago, Mr Obama recalled, he was locked in a tough primary fight with Hillary Rodham Clinton, now his secretary of state.

'Now she can't stop drunk texting me from Cartagena,' he said, referring to their recent trip to the Summit of the Americas in Colombia, where Clinton was photographed drinking a beer and dancing.


Kardashian klan: Kim Kardashian, left, and her mother Kris Jenner sit at their table during dinner; the President made several cracks at Kardashian


Night on the town: Lindsay Lohan was seen at her table talking animatedly to fellow guests


Worlds collide: Former Senator Rick Santorum spoke with Lindsay Lohan, bottom left, at the dinner


Getting political: George Clooney speaks with Chris Wallace of Fox News as they attend the White House Correspondents Association Dinner


Night out: Newt and Callista Gingrich arrive at the dinner waving, left, and Attorney General Eric Holder and his wife, Sharon Malone, seen right


Former offices: Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, left, laughs in a hallway in the Hilton, while former Secretary of State Colin Powell, right, smiles for the camera


Boys club, girls club: Director Steven Spielberg has U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta enjoying a laugh, left, while U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) poses with actress Reese Witherspoon, right


Butt of a joke: Kimmel poked fun at New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, right, who was sitting next to actress Sofia Vergara

Animated: Actress Sofia Vergara flashed a large smile as she was talking to Kim Kardashian, left, and Kris Jenner, right

Next up was a video satirising Mr Romney’s highly politicised event of strapping his dog Seamus to the roof while on home from a family vacation.

In the faux-political video, the announcer hinted at what a horrible world it would be if 'socialist' first dog Bo Obama were allowed another four terms in office.

'America’s dogs can’t afford four more years of Obama - that’s 28 years for dogs.'

The video finished with the slogan: ‘I’m an American, and dog gone it, I ride on the outside. (Paid for by the Wolf Pack of America).'

Throughout the routine, Mrs Obama could be seen laughing at the dinner table. The first lady was wearing a modified version of Naeem Khan’s one-shouldered paisley organza ball gown from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection.

The version that went down the runway had a twisted strap over the left shoulder, but Mrs Obama seemed to prefer a dress that better displayed her décolletage.

She accessorised the look with detailed gold hoop earrings and a loosely-waved bob, as well as a large cocktail ring worn on her left hand.

The first lady also elected to wear a bright pink lipstick to match the colours of her gown.

Earlier, the president gave a knowing nod to several instances of 'hot microphone' instances, lampooning himself in a monologue, asking who the Kardashians are, and why exactly they're famous.

'What am I doing here,' he asked off stage. 'I'm opening for Jimmy Kimmel and telling knock-knock jokes to Kim Kardashian.'

The crack drew a thumbs up from former Pennsylvania Sen Rick Santorum, who dropped out of the presidential primary campaign earlier this month.

Santorum had called Obama a snob for encouraging young Americans to attend college.

But Mr Obama touched on serious themes as well, remembering The New York Times' Anthony Shadid and Marie Colvin of the Sunday Times of London who died while covering the uprising in Syria.

'Never forget that our country depends on you to help protect our freedom, our democracy and our way of life,' he said.

Then he returned to the lighter side: 'I have to get the Secret Service home in time for their new curfew.'

The president then passed the podium on to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, who he noted got his start on a program called The Man Show.


Glamour girls: Both Arianna Huffington, left, of the Huffington Post, and NBC's Ann Curry, right, opted for bright colours and sleeves


Famous friends: CNN's Wolf Blitzer and actress Eva Longoria, left, and CNN's Piers Morgan with actress Goldie Hawn, right


Blonde ambition: Sen John McCain's daughter Meghan McCain, left, and news anchor Diane Sawyer, right

Newsmakers: ABC News Global Affairs anchor Christiane Amanpour and her husband, James Rubin, left, and living legend Barbara Walters, right

‘In Washington, that’s what we call a congressional hearing on contraception,’ he said.

Kimmel began joking straight out of the gate, saying: ‘It’s an honour to be here. Mr President, remember when the country rallied around you in the hopes of a better tomorrow?

'That was hilarious. That was your best one yet. There’s a term for guys like President Obama. Probably not two terms, but there is.’

No one was safe from the wry jokes of the outspoken host of Jimmy Kimmel Live.

He poked fun at everyone from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (‘I think you’re misunderstanding New Jersey’s slogan. It’s not the Olive Garden State’) to Newt Gingrich (‘It’s great to see the Gingriches here, because that means the check cleared.')

He also picked up on the Secret Service prostitution scandal in Colombia, saying he told the Secret Service that for $800 he wouldn't joke about them, 'but they only offered 30.'

'If this had happened on President Clinton's watch, you can damn well bet those Secret Service agents would have been disciplined with a very serious high five,' Kimmel said.

Among those who attended Saturday night's dinner were former Secretary of State Colin Powell, the cast of the hit TV show 'Modern Family,' singer John Legend, actor George Clooney, Army Chief of Staff Gen Ray Odierno, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, director Steven Spielberg, and actress Zooey Deschanel.

Proceeds from the dinner go toward scholarships for aspiring journalists and awards for distinction in the profession.

The association was formed in 1914 as a liaison between the press and the president.


Running the gamut: The president displayed a range of emotions during the course of the night


Jovial: President Obama waves alongside Caren Bohan, right, of Reuters, President of the White House Correspondents Association, alongside Reuters Editor in Chief Steve Adler, left


Women in white: Claire Danes, left, Kate Upton, centre, and Ginnifer Goodwin, right, all opted for bright white looks and dramatic makeup on the red carpet


Glamour girls: Zooey Deschanel, left, Dakota Fanning, centre, and Charlize Theron, right, all opted for floor-length gowns with interesting detail

Every president since Calvin Coolidge has attended the dinner. Some of the proceeds from the dinner pay for journalism scholarships for college students.

Several journalists were also honored at the dinner, including:

-Matt Apuzzo, Adam Goldman, Eileen Sullivan and Chris Hawley of The Associated Press, for winning the Edgar A. Poe Award for their stories about the New York City Police Department's widespread surveillance of Muslims after the Sept. 11 terror attacks. It's the fourth major prize for the series, which has also won the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting, the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting and a George Polk Award.

-ABC's Jake Tapper and Politico's Glenn Thrush, Carrie Budoff Brown, Manu Raju and John Bresnahan, for winning the Merriman Smith Award for excellence in presidential coverage under pressure. Tapper won in the broadcast category for breaking the news that rating agency Standard & Poor's was on the verge of downgrading the federal government's triple-A credit rating because of concerns over political gridlock in Washington. In the print category, Thrush, Budoff Brown, Raju and Bresnahan of Politico won for their report on the deal between Obama and congressional Republicans to raise the U.S. debt ceiling.

-Scott Wilson, of The Washington Post, for winning the Aldo Beckman award. Wilson was recognized for his 'deeply reported and nuanced stories, his evocative writing and his clear presentation of complex issues, particularly on the foreign policy front.'

Watch video here




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'Aretha, Tina, Mariah... now you': 20-year-old soul sensation Ruth Brown brings the house down as The Voice stars sing for your votes

By Andrea Magrath


Soul star: Ruth Jones was the standout performance of the evening on The Voice

She may have been the last contestant on stage, but Ruth Brown was far from the least on The Voice tonight.

The 20-year-old Londoner finished the first of the audience-voted live shows on the highest of notes, bringing the house down with a dazzling rendition of Get Here (If You Can) by Oleta Adams.

The judges, Jessie J in tears, were unable to give their review of Tom Jones' final team member for several minutes thanks to the audience stomping their feet and roaring their approval.

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Sensation: The 20-year-old was the last performer of the evening but far from the least, dazzling with a rendition of Get Here (If You Can)

Once the noise died down, Ruth's coach said: 'I've heard a lot of singers in my life and this girl comes from somewhere else. She's wonderful.'

An emotional Jessie J said: 'I watched you with so much admiration and pride. Your voice is natural. It doesn't feel like you are singing anyone else's song.'

Danny compared Ruth to singers like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Mariah Carey.

Stunning: The judges were on their feet and Jessie J was in tears following the song, with the audience continuing to cheer and stomp their feet for several minutes

'You make me proud to be here,' said will.i.am. 'I don't know if people would have seen you the way they're seeing you if you had gone on any other show.'

There were a number of standout performances by powerful vocalists throughout the show, which saw Tom and will.i.am's teams go up against each other.

The first contestant up was Joelle Moses, one of will's team. Joelle and will were shown clashing over her song choice during rehearsals, with Joelle not keen on a lot of her mentor's suggestions.

The jazz man: Jaz Ellington was another standout performer, with his rendition of Etta James' At Last

She ended up with I'm Goin Down by Mary J. Blige, and wowed the audience with her impressive vocal range.

'You nailed it!' her proud coach said afterwards. 'You were concerned that you were going first, but you can't worry about that... You are the bar setter.'

Next up was Tom's contestant Sam Buttery.

'Sometimes all you can do is sit, stare and be in awe of somebody': Jessie J and the other coaches were full of praise for the singer

The singer with a quiff to rival Jedward's divided the judges with A Little Respect by Erasure, performed with a troupe of bright backing dancers.

Danny was impressed, telling Sam: 'There is a great, great singer there. The falsetto was incredible. You are setting the bar really high.

'I was truly entertained,' will added. 'I just like watching you. The high note you hit at the end was dope.'

Powerful: Joelle Moses kicked off proceedings with a stunning version of I'm Goin Down by Mary J. Blige

But Jessie didn't like the troupe of backing dancers who performed with him, feeling it distracted from his performance. 'Your vocal is great,' she said, 'but I would have preferred to see just you onstage.

'The show is The Voice, and I want to just talk about your vocals. I don't think you needed all that.'

Frances Wood, will.i.am's second team member, sang Chaka Khan's classic Ain't Nobody.

'I'm so proud,' said will. 'You came and you entertained, you smiled and loved it. You got rid of all your nerves - you did it.'

'It's called The Voice, I don't want to see dancers': Sam Buttery impressed with his performance, but Jessie J was unimpressed by the 'distracting' routine behind him

Jessie said that after watching the performance she wished she'd turned around during the blind auditions: 'It's nice being able to see how much you've grown. In the blind auditions I didn't turn around for you, but now I wish I did!'

'It's very bold to sing a Chaka Khan song. But you did it, and didn't try to copy it,' Tom opined. 'You did it in your own way.'

Danny wasn't completely won over by the young singer, commenting: 'The dance moves were a bit stiff and you were a little pitchy at the start, but as you got more comfortable you got better.'

'I'm so proud': France Wood impressed her coach will with Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody, while Jessie said she regretted not turning around during auditions

Tom's next contestant, Adam Isaac, was the first contestant to play an instrument during his live performance.

He performed All My Life by the Foo Fighters, and had the audience going wild.

Complimented as having the stage presence of a frontman, Adam commented how pleased he was to be able to sing a rock song on Saturday night television - perhaps a dig at the show's more pop-friendly competitors.


Rock on: Things took a different turn when Adam Isaacs shook the night up with All My Life by the Foo Fighters

Ouch! will said he'd wished Adam had rocked out harder on his guitar, but the contestant explained that he'd overdone it during rehearsals, and fell off the stage, injuring himself

will was put in his place when he reviewed that Adam's guitar-playing was a little demure. 'There was a lot of energy, the band was rocking, your voice was screaming, but the only thing that was missing was the energy on your guitar,' he said. 'It looked like you were playing it gently, but if you had really rocked out, it would have been bananas, apples, oranges and mangoes.

But Adam explained that his performance during rehearsals was so energetic that he ended up falling offstage and chipping a bone in his arm, which impressed will to no end.

Jessie advised the singer to relax his jaw during his high notes, but said 'You sang the **** out of that.'

New style: Leanne Mitchell was taken out of her comfort zone by coach Tom Jones when he gave her Pink's pop hit Who Knew? to perform

Fan-favourite Jaz Ellington was as stunning as ever in his rendition of Etta James' At Last, rivalling Ruth for the performance of the evening.

He had all four coaches on their feet for the first time of the night. 'His name is Jaz, ladies and gentleman, he is the Jazz Man,' his coach will said afterwards.

'Sometimes all you can do is sit, stare and be in awe of somebody,' said Jessie. 'That is one of my favourite songs. I'm so proud to be a part of this show and support talent like yours.

'He is perfect,' Tom said of the singer. 'He is a singing teacher, he teaches people-' to which Jessie interrupted, 'Teach me, please!'

Pop classic: The singer transformed the well-known song into a far more vocal-led, powerful rendition

Leanne Mitchell was taken out of her comfort zone by coach Tom Jones when he gave her Pink's pop hit Who Knew? to perform.

The singer transformed the well-known song into a far more vocal-led, powerful rendition.

'When I first heard it, i wasn't sure about the song choice,' said Jessie. 'But you won me over, you didn't sing it like Pink.'

Northern Irish 17-year-old Sophie Griffin, the youngest of the contestants, sang Titanium by David Guetta and Sia.


Youngster: Northern Irish 17-year-old Sophie Griffin, the youngest of the contestants, sang Titanium by David Guetta and Sia

Change of heart: Danny admitted that he preferred the other contestant in Sophie's battle round last week, but that he'd been won over

Her coach will said that he was proud of all his team. 'Each one of you so far has come out and done your best, performed just like you were at your house in front of your families. There may be cameras here but behind those cameras there are families at home together watching.

'Your range is incredible, and that song is so current, it's on the radio now, so kudos for tackling that,' said Jessie.

Danny admitted that he preferred the other contestant in Sophie's battle round last week, but congratulated will on doing a great job with the teen singer.

Harmony: On and offstage couple Matt and Sueleen performed Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

On and offstage couple Matt and Sueleen performed Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac.

Matt made headlines this week for revealing that he'd refused show bosses' request to cut his long grey beard, calling into question the programme's selling point that they were only concerned with the contestant's voices, and not appearance.

'Listening to you guys sing I was just imagining you putting out your own music and writing songs and touring,' said will. 'I can't wait to hear that, the world needs singers like you.'

Fans in high places: Tyler's coach will.i.am said he could see himself touring with the contestant, who sang Bring Me Higher Love

Tom revealed: 'At first they weren't sure about doing the song, but I'm so glad they agreed because I think it's the perfect song for these two wonderful singers.'

Danny said: 'You may sleep in separate beds but your voices are married in harmony together.'

Tyler James, known for being Amy Winehouse's best friend, sang Bring Me a Higher Love.

His coach will.i.am said that during the song he imagined them going on tour together, and afterwards could picture groupies going backstage and skipping his dressing room to go see Tyler.

Showing them how it's done? The coaches Danny, Tom, Jessie and will started the night off by singing Beautiful Day by U2 - but their performance was easily eclipsed by some of the contestants

'I loved the simplicity of it,' said Jessie. 'You seemed so comfortable. It's hard for guys to sing up that high, but it was amazing.'

'If I had been his coach, I would have done exactly the same as will,' said Tom. 'Perfect song choice. I've never heard someone sing something so strong in falsetto.

Danny added: 'I could go on iTunes now and download that and listen to it. That was a brilliant version of that song.






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It's working! Miranda Kerr shows off her impressive body in new lingerie campaign after revealing her Victoria's Secrets

By Kimberley Dadds


She recently revealed the secrets to her sensational body, including yoga every morning and a 'super healthy' diet.

And the hard work certainly seems to be paying off for Miranda Kerr, as she has shown off the fruits of her labour once more.

The Australian model has posed for a brand new campaign for Victoria's Secret in a number of lingerie shots.

Heavenly body: Miranda Kerr has shown off the fruits of her hard work by posing for a new Victoria's Secret lingerie campaign

Miranda, who turned 29 last week, flaunts her washboard stomach and perfect curves in the new images.

And you certainly wouldn't realise she had only given birth to her first child little over a year ago.

The pretty brunette expertly posed in a number of scantily clad outfits, including an animal print strapless number, and a cute white and beige lace one.

Slender: She was the perfect advert as she showed off the new lingerie designs with her washboard stomach and pretty looks

In another image she showed off her natural beauty with her hair blowing across her face while she posed in a push up bra and tiny briefs.

She causes envy with women the world over with her slender 5ft 9 inch frame and has Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom as a husband to boot.

But just a few days ago she opened up about her secrets to keeping in such great shape.

Top model: Miranda, who turned 29 last week, showed off her curves in the push up bras

Miranda revealed she carries out 30-minute yoga sessions each morning.

Following the birth of her son Flynn last year she has also started experimenting with resistance training, a method favoured by a number of Hollywood stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba.

She said while promoting a new Reebok campaign for Easytone Shoes: ' 'I make sure I do half an hour of yoga in the morning so that then I’m feeling good.

Healthy and happy: She recently revealed her secrets to her looks - 30-minute yoga sessions each morning and a 'super healthy' diet

'I have been working out quite a bit doing Pilates and yoga and strength training with weights and resistant bands and I eat super healthy.

'Health is really wealth I think.'
And she has certainly demonstrated how well it has all worked in the latest images.



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David Cameron's heartbroken former lover becomes a nun called Sister John Mary: 'I thought of marriage... then God called,' says PM ex

-She dated Cameron in the 1990s while working at Conservative Party HQ
-It's thought he was so shaken by their split that he never romanced someone in politics again
-By 2008 she had apparently become overwhelmed by problems with substance abuse


By Caroline Graham and Sharon Churcher


The ex who found God: Sister John Mary features in new documentary God is the Bigger Elvis

With her long serge habit, make-up-free face and closely cropped hair hidden by a traditional wimple, she appears indistinguishable from her fellow Benedictine nuns.

Sister John Mary is devoted to a never-ending ritual of worship and work at her convent with the 36 sisters who follow the Rule of St Benedict on an isolated 400-acre farm.

It’s a life she was called to but it is hardly one the 44-year-old glamorous blonde seemed destined for when she worked in London at Conservative Party HQ - with her ambitious young boyfriend David Cameron.


Sister John Mary’s real name is Laura Adshead. She is a former pupil of £24,000-a-year Cheltenham Ladies’ College, from where she went up to Oxford - meeting Mr Cameron when they were young undergraduates.

Laura dated him from the spring of 1990 until summer 1991, and while he worked at Conservative Central Office, she went on to become the then Prime Minister John Major’s correspondence secretary.

Then their lives took different turns. Mr Cameron was selected for political stardom, while Laura left politics to study at the Wharton business school in Philadelphia.

She became an executive in Manhattan for Ogilvy & Mather, the advertising agency that inspired the television drama Mad Men - but the stresses of success, and, perhaps, of personal rejection, finally proved too much for her.

She descended into a world of drinking and addiction before finally finding salvation in God at the abbey in the Connecticut hills, three hours north of New York City.

New life: Laura at the abbey, in smart dress and pearls, before becoming Sister John Mary

‘I did think my life would progress on the normal tracks of meeting someone, marrying, having children, but that’s not the path that God has led me,’ Sister John Mary says in a new documentary revealing her story.

Photographs are shown of her when she was a young woman, posing in a leopard-skin top, dragging on a cigarette and savouring a glass of wine.

But she admits that her lifestyle then brought her little except loneliness.

She says: ‘I feel like I tried most things in life that are supposed to make you happy. That journey took me down into alcoholism and drug addiction.’

It has been suggested that her downward spiral may have started soon after her break-up from the future Prime Minister.

In a 2007 biography of Cameron, a former colleague of the pair at Conservative headquarters recalled Laura being granted a ‘period of compassionate leave’ to recover from the heartbreak.

The authors say Mr Cameron was also shaken by the split and its aftermath, and add: ‘Perhaps as a result of the fall-out from his affair with Adshead, Cameron thereafter dated women outside politics.’

Laura later went out with the historian Andrew Roberts, one of Mr Cameron’s friends.

When she moved to New York to work as a strategic planning director at Ogilvy & Mather, she found herself part of a social whirl that included aristocratic Europeans and American trust fund heirs.

Newspaper diaries chronicled her presence at society events - at one polo match she mingled with Prince Albert of Monaco, Estee Lauder’s granddaughter, Aerin, and a billionaire polo-playing friend of Prince Charles, Peter Brant, who is married to model Stephanie Seymour.

She spent freely, renting a £15,000-a-month summer home with pool and tennis court in the exclusive enclave of The Hamptons on Long Island, regarded as the summer seaside playground of America’s wealthy elite.

But by 2008 she had apparently become overwhelmed by problems with substance abuse, and declared that she had decided to become a nun. She recalls: ‘I remember having to tell my mother, “I’m going to join the abbey,’’ and she said, “Yes, I can see this world has no real meaning for you any more.’’ I looked at this place and saw women who had what I wanted.

‘You make a decision here to surrender your life to God.’

Laura seems to have embraced the lifestyle wholeheartedly. The film shows the formal ceremony that she went through in order to join the order of nuns.

She is seen dressed in a smart fuchsia dress and knotted pearls - then happily allowing the sisters to untwist her long blonde hair from a bun and cut it back.

A wimple is then placed around her head before she is introduced to the congregation by her new name.

‘This is the only place I could see myself being - because this is where it’s at,’ she says.

She is seen at prayer, weeping with emotion. ‘She really is committed to the abbey,’ said a source who met her at a service to which the public were admitted.

‘Her mother and sister were at the service. The nuns chanted in Latin. It was very beautiful.’

Last week, answering a telephone call from The Mail on Sunday, the convent’s porter, Mother Deborah Joseph, described how, as a novice, Laura must go through an apprenticeship known as ‘formation’.

Laura took her vows four years ago, but formation lasts for as long as five-and-a-half years.

Only at the end of this apprenticeship will she be eligible to take holy orders and assume the title of ‘Mother’.

Asked whether Sister John Mary could speak, Mother Joseph said she was too busy to come to the phone, explaining: ‘She’s out of the house and on the land. She’ll be busy until Vespers.’

To outsiders, the regime at the Abbey of Regina Laudis may seem harsh. The first bell of the day rings at 2am to announce Matins.

Then it clangs at first light, again at 8am for Mass and then at regular intervals until Vespers, at 5pm.

Chores for interns such as Laura include mopping the chapel floors, tending a herd of dairy cattle and scrubbing the pails that senior nuns use to churn butter.

Laura is embracing the lifestyle, despite the apparent hardships. ‘A monastic life, this is where the struggle is,’ Laura says in the film.

‘There’s no way out. You don’t get to leave and go to a movie.

‘You don’t get distraction from all the human emotions. It’s like this hothouse where things get worked out.’

The film featuring Laura is called God Is The Bigger Elvis, the title referring to the convent’s Prioress Mother Dolores and her former life, which was also glamorous.

She is a one-time Hollywood starlet, Dolores Hart, who appeared with Elvis Presley in two of his films, Lovin’ You and King Creole, before entering the order in 1963.


Happy couple: The Prime Minister married Samantha in June 1996



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