Elton John and Madonna: noble fund raisers & philanthropists. So different personalities and... so close in passion for fashion.

According to reports, Madonna, 48, feels under huge pressure to give an impressive performance at Wembley Stadium on July 7, where she tops the bill at the British leg of a string of concerts across the world to raise awareness of global warming.

"The state of the planet is something she feels very strongly about," said a friend. "She feels that at Live Earth she will be speaking to the planet. And she obviously wants to look her best.

"The eyes of the world will be on her and she is very conscious of her advancing age. She has thrown herself into the fitness regime like never before."

Sources say Madonna has been using the so-called gyrotonic expansion system, a wooden contraption of levers and pulleys which elongates muscles. She also practises pilates and yoga and does between 200 and 400 sit-ups a day.

Another noble fund raiser and philanthropists is Elton John, 60, the founder of Elton John Aids Foundation, a big international charitable body. He seems to be fit and well for his jobs as performer and public figure...