No ballet dancer has been a ‘household name’ in Britain for more than a generation now – even mention of Darcey Bussell would draw a blank on the Clapham omnibus were it not for her post-retirement stint as a judge on Strictly. The days when the likes of Margot Fonteyn and Moira Shearer were splashed over front pages have long gone.

But Marianela Nunez and Carlos Acosta seem to have enough traction in the metropolis to sell about 11,000 seats each for week-long seasons at Covent Garden showcasing their artistry. (In other words, they could just about fill Wembley Arena once.) Both are without question enormous talents, celebrated internationally, their Hispanic origins reflecting a global trend in ballet demographics. At 44, the Argentine Nunez is dancing in her prime with the Royal Ballet; Cuban Acosta, 53, no longer takes classical roles, but combines direction of Birmingham Royal Ballet and managing with performing with his small contemporary company Acosta Danza.

Meet Farah Ahmed, Jason Arday’s colleague

Let cyclists pee in........

© The Spectator