Madge's sense of humour failure...

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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She isn't exactly known for her sense of humour, but last night pop icon Madonna eclipsed even her own boring standards after she found herself the target of jibes from British Comedy Awards host Jonathan Ross.

The Like A Prayer singer made a surprise appearance at the gong-fest, held at London's Television Centre, to present the special Ronnie Barker award to Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen. But what she hadn't bargained for was a pasting from the loose-tongued host.

The television funnyman, who is hardly known for his subtlety, joked about 47-year-old Madge's recent adoption of a baby from Malawi.

Shortly before she gave the award to Ali G impersonator Cohen, Ross said to her: "Congratulations on your little lovely black baby, David. Are you stopping there, or getting more? When I went to Africa all I got was a wallet."

To which a less-than-amused Madonna replied: "You might go home with a black eye." Immediately the US superstar, who is married to British film director Guy Ritchie, went from being all smiles to having the hump - and she walked out before the after-party had even begun.

Her appearance at the annual awards was accompanied by her usual diva behaviour. While other high-profile celebrities were happy to enter via the venue's front entrance, Madge insisted on making work for event's organisers by demanding to sneak in via the back door, well away from fans outside who had heard of her impending appearance.

Our source said: "Madonna refused to enter in the usual entrance - it took a lot of work to make sure that her journey ran smoothly." Once inside, Madge had staff, and indeed her own heavies, working overtime to ensure that she wasn't pestered by other celebs.

And Heather Mills McCartney joined Madge on Ross's gag hit-list when he jibed: "Heather leaving Paul McCartney - like leaving on a limb."

Winners at last night's ceremony included Harry Hill, who picked up two, Charlotte Church, for being the best comedy newcomer, Extras actor Stephen Merchant, and Ant and Dec, who took the People's Choice Award.

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