Joan Collins to back anti-Europe party bid

Joan Collins will today become the latest celebrity to back the UK Independence Party's European election campaign.

The former Dynasty star's endorsement will be unveiled at an event in the East Midlands, where Robert Kilroy-Silk is standing as a UKIP candidate.

Not to be outdone, Labour is planning a star-studded press launch today to publicise the first day of postal voting in the European and London mayoral elections. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will be joined by Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart and "other celebrities" at the event in central London.

The Conservatives can count on the support of Bryan Ferry, Marco Pierre White and the fashion designer Bruce Oldfield. Collins adds a touch of glamour to the UKIP campaign, which has already benefited from the backing of Sir Patrick Moore, Edward Fox and former racing driver Stirling Moss.

The high-profile contribution of Mr Kilroy-Silk has seen a surge of support for the party which has three MEPs. A YouGov poll suggested UKIP could overtake the Liberal Democrats in the European elections on 10 June.