Between them, of course, they can do whatever they please. However, both are in the media spotlight - as are all the couples potentially (as you point out) - however, not all will sell papers and the paps won't want those (obviously the Vincent Natalie story just didn't sell).

The only way to stop paps is to not buy papers (if you are us) and I don't. The only way to avoid paps (if you are one of the chosen few) is to give them nothing to pap.

No, being papped might not be fair, but until it's made illegal or no one buys the papers which use these pictures, anyone in that domain knows it works both ways (if you are in demand then you'll earn more). They can choose to help the situation by not acting as they have in public but they have chosen (for whatever reason) to continue doing so. It's their perogative, but it only helps feed the monster.

So should they should stay inside or avoid all public contact just in case there is a photographer sitting in his car with a long lense? They're hardly doing anything in the balcony pics.

I do agree with you to a point, but I don't think it's always practical when you've developed quite a naturally tactile relationship. Paparazzi are very well hidden quite often - for example you'd think you'd be safe on a private balcony!

The Brian asking Ali out comments were probably a joke.

I love the way pap has become a noun and a verb these days. When I was at school it was only a (vaguely pejorative) adjective.

Yes, Kez, well thought through btw and I agree with what you said here generally.

But my point was that the paps will not stop as long as you are in the limelight, whether they are doing DD photoshoot or saying complimentary things about their partners when interviewed. I watched one BBC (or C4) documentary a few months ago about how the paps work their dirty tricks and it churned my stomach. It's hard times, they want to make money too. But just how far is too far, this question would never be answered to one's complete satisfaction alas.

Erinfan, you twist my words. I didn't say don't go out. I said they shouldn't feed the monster if they don't want the pictures to be taken.

If they are only friends then they do not need to walk in the park arm in arm. They do not need to kiss each other as they say goodbye. Of course they can if they wish but they have become this years SCD couple who 'sell well' so they may also choose not to do these things if they would prefer the chaos to die down.

Did I twist your words?!

How I wish they had`t already performed the Rumba......I suppose they could do a sexed up version just for the tabloids......On a more serious note I think they look good together and I hope the rumours are true.

No! Not at all.

I have just edited - it was in reference to Erinfan, sorrry!

No, just his wrods

I think she was referring to me.

I didn't mean to twist your words Kez - I've edited my post a bit, as I do agree with you to a point. I just think it's very easy to say do nothing in public, but not always that straight forward to carry out when you genuinely have quite a tactile relationship.

Strolling along arm in arm in the park is asking for Paparazzi to take photos of you. On the other hand though, a quick kiss on the cheek on a private balcony - for whatever reason - can be done in an instant without any thought towards who may be watching. Tabloids can then twist those pictures so easily.

Well, that rhumba was so weird! Dancing to the song 'That's what friends are for' and then they were gyrating with each other. Maybe they really DID ask for it!

Alas, the paps argument will never end. I would love to see it made illegal personally. Most of the content of papers nowadays is dire. However, many celebs make their income directly from the back of it (thinking the likes of Jordan etc here) . Others make money indirectly - through higher appearance fees due to their saleability. It would be very interesting to know how many celebs would really prefer paps not to exist, but we would never get a truthful answer to that.

So would I. I think the leniency towards the paparazzi is disgusting. The coverage of Britney Spears having a mental breakdown was revolting and its just ridiculous that they can stalk celebrities, photograph them topless (for example) and then print pictures in global papers. Certain Z-list celebs pay plant the pictures, but many other celebs are genuinely caught out. Such an invasion of privacy!