Riddle of ‘missing’ singer Kim

Pop singer Kim Wilde was missing last night, leaving worried TV bosses desperately trying to track her down. Kim, 24, who is due to present a television pop show next week, left a scribbled note to a friend saying simply: ‘Gone away’. She is thought to be on holiday somewhere in Africa with her boyfriend, musician Gary Barnacle. Her manager Neil Ferris said: ‘She just wanted a holiday, but I’m sure she is all right.’

But BBC executive Don Kirkby said: ‘I am extremely worried and baffled by Kim’s disappearance.’ Producer Pete Hamilton added: ‘Kim is scheduled to be guest presenter on the Oxford Road Show next week. We have a lot of things to sort out, and I will have to find a substitute if she does not return soon.’