'You're not worth it' - L'Orйal drops Baroness Greenfield

'You're not worth it' – L'Oréal drops Baroness Greenfield

Baroness Greenfield has been replaced as the chairman of the judges of the Women in Science awards by Dame Athene Donald.

Baroness Susan Greenfield has been dropped as the chairman of the judges of the Women in Science awards Photo: REX

By Richard Eden 6:24AM GMT 23 Jan 2011

Baroness Greenfield, who withdrew her claim of sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal against the Royal Institution, has suffered a further blow.

Mandrake can disclose that the glamorous neuroscientist has been dropped as the chairman of the judges of the Women in Science awards. They are sponsored by L'Oréal, the cosmetics giant, whose slogan is "Because you're worth it". She had helped establish the awards in this country.

Katy Gandon, of L'Oréal, confirms that Susan Greenfield has been replaced by Dame Athene Donald, the physicist. She says of Dame Athene: "She is a big hitter in science. It helps our fresh new look." L'Oréal has also ended its partnership with the Royal Institution. The company will work with the Mayfair-based organisation's rival, the Royal Society, instead.

Broad church

Father Michael Seed, who helped to convert Tony Blair to Catholicism, marked his 25 years as a priest with a mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mayfair.

Now the friar, who also directed Ann Widdecombe towards Rome, is to celebrate in a more unusual location. A party is being held in his honour at the Pigalle Club, the louche venue known for its burlesque shows.

"I've never seen it in action," he tells me. "My close friend is organising it and his best friend is the owner."

Grandma's pride

As women in the media take advantage of Miriam O'Reilly's ageism victory against the BBC, spare a thought for the feelings of the men d'un certain âge.

Tom Conti, 69, who starred in the film Shirley Valentine, says: "It is so funny, having been in the industry for so many years, because you go through a transition.

"At the beginning, women wait at the stage door and say, 'Can I touch your hair?' Then, you hear them say, 'Oh, my mum loves you so much.' I'm just waiting for the moment somebody says, 'Oh, Tom, my gran loves you so much.' I'm sure it is coming soon."

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