20 APRIL 2004               

David Beckham has cut short his recent troubles, by shearing off his flowing blond locks.

The football maestro and his pop star wife set the flashbulbs blazing at a bash thrown by their management company 19 on Monday night. And the pair delighted photographers by playfully kissing and hugging on the red carpet.

After spending 15 minutes signing autographs outside London's Royal Albert Hall, the happy couple disappeared inside. "I am proud to introduce the beautiful and talented Victoria Beckham," David told the audience, before his wife took to the stage in a stunning black Dolce & Gabbana gown to perform her single Let Your Head Go.

The singer's former bandmate Emma Bunton also played at the event, along with Rachel Stevens and Will Young. But all eyes were on the footie ace, whose new crop stole the show.

Becks bid adieu to his ponytail in preparation for a sunglasses advertisement he will make next week. And the money he makes from the new campaign will come in handy, because he has reportedly shelled out £10 million on a Swiss chalet for his wife.

The Septieme Ciel chalet, found in the mountains above Verbier, has stunning views over Mont Blanc, not to mention its own sauna, steam room and cinema.

Stars who've switched from brunette to blonde