Elton's £1m traffic jam

Just like any married man, Sir Elton John has finally been tamed.

He was once known for wild excess but though his bash celebrating his "marriage" to David Furnish cost £1 million, according to one gatecrasher it was a rather sedate affair.

Perhaps the guests were a little subdued because some had spent up to two hours in their Bentleys and Rolls-Royces queueing up in the country lane leading up to Sir Elton's Windsor estate.

Stars such as Victoria Beckham and Hugh Grant had barely arrived and had dinner before they were on their way home.

By 2am many of the 700 guests - possibly the greatest number of stars ever assembled in one marquee - had left and were tucked up in bed though the party was supposed to continue until 7am.

The only incident of any drama happened when some local people gatecrashed. Vernon Luff, 34, managed to get into the marquee. "It looked wonderful, with fairy lights dangling from the ceiling, but nothing was really happening," he said. "There was a DJ but no one was dancing. Everyone was just standing and walking around. Drinks were lined up at the bar and no one was taking them."

Even Sir Elton's stalwart party partner Elizabeth Hurley had had enough by 2am. She was outstayed by only a few, including Ronan Keating and Sir David Frost.