A bonkers three quarter of a million women in the South West crave their fifteen minutes of fame, says a report by Sheilas’ Wheels - who appear to be some kind of authority on ‘that kind of thing’, being a car insurer designed for the female driver and all.

Their First Steps To Stardom study concludes that 38 per cent of women in the South West are fame-hungry whores (okay, we’re paraphrasing a little).

Almost 47 per cent of misguided lasses in the region mistakenly believe that an appearance as an extra in a TV ad may be their best chance of getting famous. What, like Halifax’s Howard? Don’t make us larf.

Some 19 per cent of women in the South West said they would be willing to go to an audition for a TV show, such as The X Factor (but surely that would involve some kind of talent?), whereas 11 per cent of women said they’d go as far as sexing a celebrity to make it happen (ah, that’s more like it). Crivens, aren’t ladies a silly bunch?

These ‘findings’ are published as Sheilas’ Wheels launches its catchily-named Make Me A Sheila Star campaign which aims to make fame (of sorts) a reality for five lucky lasses. They’re searching for women in their 20s to 70s to guest star the new TV ad which is due to air later this year.

To find out more, yous should visit the Sheilas’ Wheels website. Applicants need to upload or post in a photo of themselves and, in time-honoured fashion, complete the following line: Make me a Sheila Star because.

Howzabout, ‘…because I was in The Pipettes and need some cash cos no-one bought our album’? Aw, we like The Pipettes - here’s one of their tunes to make up for our cruel jibe. It’s a helluvalot better than the Sheilas’ Wheels song that’s for sure. And yes, our video function thingy seems to be working again now, thanks for asking.

!vb:yt,QQu7la0n_34!

Posted by Thin White Duke

If you’re after a perfect accompaniment to your Sunday afternoon, head down to the Globe Inn, Clifton Road, Exeter for 2.30pm this afternoon. The Creative Collective will be showing a selection from the Exeter Phoenix’s Two Short Nights screening. Some of the films may not be suitable for kids, but you could always send them up to the bar for those bits. The screening is, of course, free of charge, and it may get you into the Creative Collective habit. For more details, check out the Exeter Phoenix media centre.

Posted by Cptn