Art Garfunkel, who was part of pop duo Simon & Garfunkel, highlighted how an influx of Muslims from war-torn states could change the nature of Europe

While luvvies such as Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch queue up to condemn David Cameron for not allowing more migrants into Britain, one major entertainment figure has bravely voiced an alternative view.

Art Garfunkel, who was one of the distinctive voices of the Sixties as part of the pop duo Simon & Garfunkel, has highlighted how an influx of Muslims from war-torn countries including Syria could change the nature of Europe for ever.

‘We are at a very interesting stage right now, where people are escaping from horrendous situations all over the world,’ the 73-year-old singer tells me.

'There was a book I read recently, called Reflections Of The Revolution In Europe, where the author wants you to say: “Look at the shopkeepers, look at the dry cleaners, and it’s all turning Islamic.”

‘He is saying: “Look, I’m not going to make any judgments about this, but I want you Europeans to see that the changing face of Britain, of Germany and all over Europe is happening. It’s becoming much more Muslim. These are the facts.” ’

The 2009 book, by Christopher Caldwell, argues that mass immigration by Muslims is altering the culture of Europe because of their reluctance to join the culture of their new homelands. He claims Muslims do not so much enhance European culture as supplant it, and are ‘patiently conquering Europe’s cities, street by street’.

Caldwell says it’s ‘chilling’ that Europeans can’t have an open debate about the issue because any criticism of Islam is branded Islamophobic. He predicts that Britain is most susceptible to violence and political extremism.

The Bridge Over Troubled Water singer recently completed an epic walk around Europe, so feels he understands the migrants who make dangerous journeys in search of a better life.

‘The amount of movement and change is extraordinary,’ says Art, who performs at the Albert Hall tonight. ‘Taking those long walks around Europe, I get down into it — I’m engaged.’

Art Garfunkel was one of the distinctive voices of the Sixties as part of the pop duo Simon & Garfunkel

Downton Abbey fans worried this series will be the end of the hit drama can breathe a sigh of relief: I can confirm the rumoured feature film is going ahead.

Big-shot producer Barnaby Thompson, who owns Ealing Studios where much of ITV’s costume drama is filmed, made the disclosure at a private party at Claridge’s.

‘We’re not getting rid of any of the props from the studio — we have to keep everything there because we need it for the Downton Abbey film,’ he tells me.

‘Like with the show, some of the film is going to be shot there.’ No wonder, then, that the cheeky actors were banned from taking props as souvenirs.

Jagger girl gets Minnie Mouse job

Having grown up in the crazy world of showbusiness, Georgia May Jagger is used to plastic, child-like creatures obsessed with clothes and shopping.

So Sir Mick Jagger’s daughter was the natural choice to curate an exhibition of photographs of Minnie Mouse as a ‘style icon’.

The 23-year-old model wore a plunging little black dress that made Minnie look demure in her polka-dot frock.

Elsewhere at London Fashion Week, Countdown presenter Rachel Riley turned heads in a sheer-panelled white dress by Julien Macdonald that showed off her legs. That’s how you spell eye-catching.

Georgia May Jagger wore a plunging black dress as she showed off her Minnie Mouse-inspired exhibition at London Fashion Week (left). Elsewhere, Rachel Riley turned heads in a sheer-panelled white dress (right)

Former rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio was a daunting figure for England’s opponents but he is even more intimidating to his teenage daughters’ boyfriends.

At Twickenham for the unveiling of a sculpture Land Rover commissioned for the World Cup, Dallaglio was asked what he says to boys when they start courting his daughters, Ella, 18, and Josie, 16.

‘I don’t have to say anything to them,’ he says. ‘They just have to look at me.’

The Duchess of Cornwall is mourning her friend, the acclaimed interior decorator Melissa Wyndham, who has died aged 66 after a 20-year battle with breast cancer.

Melissa was the sister of Sotheby’s boss Henry Wyndham and fellow designer Jane Churchill, who tells me she never lost her work ethic.