In fairness, she had held her tongue for more than a year. So when the opportunity arose to take public revenge for Sir Elton John's attack on her, Madonna seized it with relish.

The moment came during an hour-long interview with Michael Parkinson, to be screened on ITV1 on November 12, 2005. The chat show host asked her about her diva-like behaviour, saying Sir Elton once shouted at his manager because the wind was too strong.

With a glint in her eye, 47-year-old Madonna giggled, 'Yeah, but...' and put her arms in the air miming one of the singer's famous wigs flying off. It brought a huge cheer from the audience.

She then added sarcastically: 'I'm not going to go there. Elton is one of my closest friends.' Only a swift change of subject by the diplomatic Parkinson apparently prevented her saying even more.

The spat between the pair started 13 months ago at a music awards ceremony when, in a foul-mouthed tirade, a furious Sir Elton accused the singer of miming on hearing she had been nominated as best live act.

He added: 'That's me off her Christmas card list.' He later revealed that two cards he sent her had, indeed, been returned.

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