Celebrity Gossip, January 15: Damian Lewis - the truth behind Henry VIII’s weight

The Homeland actor took on the role of the king, who many view as having been grossly overweight, for the TV adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s book, but has stayed his usual slim size.

He told the Radio Times: “Actually the truth is, though it might be an odd thing to mention, that Henry had a 32-inch waist - and he remained that way for quite a long time.

“He was the pre-eminent sportsman in his court. He was much taller than anyone else. His beautiful, pale complexion was often remarked upon by commentators.

“And so I think what I’ve found is that the grandiose, more paranoid, self-indulgent, self-pitying, cruel Henry emerged in the period after this series.”

MERYL STREEP has revealed playing Emmeline Pankhurst in the upcoming film Suffragette was an honour.

The Oscar-winning actress will portray the leader of the British suffragette movement in Sarah Gavron’s drama, which also stars CAREY MULLIGAN, HELENA BONHAM CARTER and BEN WHISHAW.

“I can’t wait for the world to see this film because it’s the first time a major motion picture has tackled the fact that women were only considered full human beings, not even 100 years ago. So that’s pretty amazing,” the Into The Woods star said.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO and RIHANNA have reportedly been spotted flirting at a party at the Playboy Mansion.

The pair both attended designer Nikki Erwin’s 30th birthday party at the weekend and rumours have been circulating online that the Wolf Of Wall Street star and the Diamonds singer were seen kissing.

But a source who was at the party told E! News: “No one was making out. They are just friends. That’s it.”