Property’s Robert Tchenguiz might be driving himself around for a bit — or hailing a cab. His long-standing chauffeur has reportedly won the lottery. Tchenguiz is understood not to be seeking a new driver. But who could blame his employee of 17 years for taking some time off after getting five correct numbers on the draw?

And who could blame Tchenguiz, who has emerged as one of the high-profile victims of the credit crunch, for trying his luck on next week’s Thunderball?