16 NOVEMBER 1996, Page 36

Innocent bedfellows

Sir: I very much enjoyed Jonathan Keates's review of Julie ICavanagh's superb biogra- phy of Frederick Ashton (Books, 9 Novem- ber). However, I think Mr Keates is mistak- en in referring to Ashton and his lifelong friend Billy Chappell as having been lovers. I knew both, and well remember how vigor- ously they always denied it. Mr Keateg may have received this impression. from. Miss Kavanagh mentioning the fact that'the two when on tour sometimes shared a bed. But, as she makes clear, in the case of Billy and Fred the one thing did not lead to the other.

Selina Hastings

9 Rothwell Street, London NW1