ELLIS-BEXTOR SPARKS FUR CONFUSION

British pop star SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR sparked confusion over her stance on the fur trade this week (begs19SEP05) when she attended the opening party for a new Versace boutique in London, which stocks fashion garments incorporating fur.

The TAKE ME HOME singer famously appeared in an advertisement for People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) holding a skinned fox - giving the impression she is an ardent opponent of animal cruelty.

But she sees no hypocrisy in showing her support for Versace - even though the fashion house is a regular target for PETA protests.

The 26-year-old says, "I did that campaign to raise awareness, so people think about what they're buying before they do. I don't have a complicated view about it.

"I don't wear fur, but I don't mind other people wearing it, or standing here in a shop that sells it at all."