She is quite probably the most famous woman in the world - and for at least an hour or so Essex agreed.

Hundreds queued outside County Bookshop at Lakeside in the hope of catching at least a glimpse of Monica Lewinsky.

Journalists and photographers jostled with the public as they peered through the store to try to spot Bill Clinton's former mistress tucked away at the back.

The 25-year-old was half-hidden by a giant display of her new book, Monica's Story, at the front of the shop. Each copy had been slashed in price from £16.99 to just £9.99.

Visitors were encouraged to part with their cash near the display before being shepherded past an organist, providing some light entertainment.

Dressed in her trademark navy suit, she signed each copy simply with her name and smiled politely without looking up unless spoken to.

Fans didn't even get to pass their precious book to her - instead each copy went first via a publicist and was handed back by yet another staff member in true conveyor belt style.

But most visitors were pleased just to see her in the flesh.

Vicky Devenport, 53, of Tonswell Avenue, Pitsea, was the first to have her book signed.

She said: "I told her to keep her chin up and that we all make mistakes. She said 'that's nice to hear.'

"I feel sorry for her because Bill Clinton's got away with it all. I know he nearly lost his presidency but she's still going through it."

Jo Halls, 24, of Westbourne Grove, Westcliff, was less sympathetic towards Monica.

She said: "She's not a victim. She knew what she was doing when she flirted round the President with her big hair and her big smile."

Monica was scheduled to sign books for five hours but within two hours of the shop opening the crowds had dwindled to embarrassing proportions and half a dozen Lakeside security guards were left twiddling their thumbs.

Staff were forced to hold the book aloft in the hope passers-by would be tempted to make a purchase.

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