Ageing DURAN DURAN star Simon Le Bon has launched himself into a strict fitness and health regime - in a bid to look as good as young stars BRITNEY SPEARS and Justin Timberlake in magazines.

The 45-year-old singer - whose eighties band are enjoying an unexpected spell in the pop limelight again - has quit smoking and now regularly exercises with his sexy wife Yasmin, because he knows image is vital to maintaining success in today's music market.

He says, "If you want to sit comfortably in a magazine alongside people like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, you've got to look reasonably good.

"Yasmin and I exercise together. Occasionally we get a bit of help, but the whole personal trainer thing is a bit too Hollywood for me. Fresh air and running after the children is what I prefer to do."

Le Bon has also taken steps to improve his singing performance.

He adds, "I've also had a few sessions with a voice coach, and I've increased my range. But stopping smoking has made the biggest difference."

20/02/2004 17:12