The sound of a million hearts breaking

Well, it may have taken almost fifty years, but it looks like one of the most on-and-off-again relationships in the history of Hollywood is finally over. And it's a sad day for the millions of fans who hoped that the shiny, happy couple would be able to work through their differences.

In retrospect, the clues were always there that something was amiss. She was a fashion model, and he was an Olympic gold medalist turned hair stylist. He'd always been dogged by salacious rumours that he and longtime companion Allan Sherwood were more than just friends. And when he appeared in public in 1993 sporting a new earring, the muttering grew louder. By 2004, their spokespeople announced that the couple were to spend some time apart, largely because he was reluctant to marry.



Now it seems as though Ken has finally thrown caution, and his beard Barbie, to the wind. He's here, queer and plastic fantastic.

Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken is the latest edition from Mattel, aimed at adult collectors, but available to anyone with $82 to spend on ten inches of plastic. With the hair of Bob Downe, and the dress sense of Octopussy-era Roger Moore, the dapper fellow comes with a tiny little airdog, a bottle of Evian and flip flops.

According to the website, Ken offers "cool sophistication in breezy Palm Beach! Sporting a dashing jacquard-patterned jacket with a light pink polo shirt and crisp white pants, Ken doll is ready for Palm Beach social season, sunning by the pool and a stroll with his little companion." What's not yet clear, is whether or not those molded underpants will finally be removable. If not, Ken's social season is likely to be as dry as his tinderbox hair-do.