The world of show business avoided a serious blow over the weekend when celebrities including Sophia Loren and Chic frontman Nile Rodgers were evacuated during a cruiseship naming ceremony in Southampton.

The stars had gathered in a quayside marquee to celebrate the launch of the $750m ($992m) 4,400-berth MSC Bellissima.

But strong winds from Storm Freya forced the event to continue on board for safety reasons, UK media reported.