According to the tabloids - red top gossip, we love it - Lily Allen is richer to the tune of £20,000 after label bosses felt a shred of sympathy for her Alright, Still long-player not making the Mercury Music Prize cut (clicky).
A source, liberally smothered in sauce we hope (barbecue, obviously), revealed:
"Behind the scenes it was widely expected Lily would be on the Mercury list as she's an innovative performer with genuine lyrics. Her label thought the Mercury (judges) would love her. When the nominees came through, Lily was naturally dismayed but didn't let it get her down. But her team thought she deserved a perk and have put £20,000 in her bank account."
Allen, though, has remarked that she's not particularly bothered about her snubbing in favour of the likes of Editors and Guillemots. "Look at the previous winners," she said, "Where are they now?"
In my basement, actually. Having a party. A wild party. And you're not invited. So get back on your bike and go steal a handbag from Whitechapel market or something...