IT'S not hard to guess what failed pop princess Billie Piper sees in husband Chris Evans.

He's a multi-millionaire who hasn't had to work for years and seems to spend his time collecting houses and going down the pub.

He may be 17 years older than Billie but what immature 21-year-old wouldn't want to be married to a shrewd funny man who could indulge her every whim?

Critics said their marriage wouldn't last, but two years on they seem to be going strong - but for how long?

Looking at recent pictures of the couple my advice to Chris would be to spend some of his hard-earned cash on a mirror and sort out his image before Billie's pretty head is turned by someone more her style.

The last few months have seen Mr Evans walking around with a shaggy beard and hairstyle, dressed in dirty jeans, scuffed shoes and an oversized coat.

More often than not he is snapped walking down the street with a pint in one hand, a cigarette in the other and his young wife hanging off his arm.

Now Billie claims she fell in love with Chris' personality - which is lucky when you look at how far he has let himself go - but how long will she put up with loving with a slob?

Bless her! She is trying to fit into her husband's lifestyle - joining him on extended holidays and claiming she only washes her hair once a week but when it comes down to it she is a girl - and us girls like to look good.

Latest pictures show Billie trying to look grungy but all she manages is a youthful chic - she looks clean and her bright red nail varnish throws scorn on any claims that she embraces her husband's tramp look.

Billie is trying to launch a new career as an actress and her first role in a BBC drama was met with great praise. She may be young but she is no fool and knows how the entertainment industry works.

She'll only get parts if she looks smart and well-groomed whatever she says about shunning the shower.

Her first proper movie role will be seen in cinemas next year and as she gets thrust back into the glamourous world of showbiz she will no doubt meet a lot of lads her own age who will look fantastic.

A young stud might not be man enough to steal her completely from the very comfortable life she enjoys as Mrs Evans but with latest research suggesting female infidelity is on the increase her head (and body) could easily be turned.

I would hope for the sake of keeping his young wife hanging on his every word and sleeping in his bed, Chris would pay the very small price of a decent haircut and suit.

Another older man having problems with the logistics of seeing a younger woman is Rod Stewart, 58, who has complained that people are always giving him a hard time for going out with Penny Lancaster, 32.

He says that no-one has a go at Paul McCartney for his marriage to Heather Mills - who is 26 his junior.

It's true that both are old rockers who have landed on their feet by grabbing hold of sexy models but you only have to look at Rod and his girlfriend at the opening of his musical Tonight's The Night to see why he is compared unfavorably to Macca.

Penny looked a mess in a small piece of see-through black lace with her hair piled on her head like a bird's nest but Rod was blind to her fashion disaster.

He was in seventh heaven simply because he had a blonde on his arm (whether it was his girlfriend or not) and HE was soon posing with the sexy young actresses from the show.

In contrast, new-mum Heather Mills always epitmises up-to-the-minute style and sophistication possibly because she has such a great act she to follow to keep a place in her man's heart.

While Rod keeps trading in one young peroxide stick insect for another with no suggestion of commitment, Paul appears to have simply fallen in love again after the death of his beloved wife Linda.

Someone should tell Rod that under those circumstances age REALLY doesn't matter.

Published: 31/10/2003