If imitation is the best form of flattery, Victoria Beckham should be feeling very flattered indeed. Within weeks of her appearing in a fitted silk bomber jacket, Primark has produced its own leather-look version. And it is flying off the shelves.

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Primark get Posh: The £12 jacket is a deadringer for one worn by Victoria Beckham - apart from the £3,000 price tag

Virtually all 160 stores in the chain have had to reorder and restock the jacket. At a mere £12, it can never compete with the luxury of Mrs Beckham's £3,000 number, thought to be part of Gucci's latest spring/summer collection. But it certainly ticks all the right fashion boxes.

"There is no way you can tell that this jacket costs £12 or that it's not actually made of leather," said GMTV stylist Mark Heyes.

"Primark, out of all the budget shops, really has their finger on the pulse. The jacket is simply a massive hit throughout."

Last night a spokesman for Primark said the store was delighted at the success of the bomber jacket, which had "captured the public's imagination".

But despite this fashion success, the Beckham's are struggling to maintain their star status. David Beckham was snapped hobbling on crutches while Victoria looked like a literal shadow of her former self in California. Dressed in severe black, Posh's gaunt frame is more like a Size 0 model than a healthy star.

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Me and my shadow: Posh looks like a cardboard cut out while David Beckham hobbles on crutches

David has every right to look morose. The international footballer injured his ligament after a bad smash during a Real Madrid match and will be out for four weeks. It rules out any chance of a recall to England's squad for this months Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Victoria has been struggling to make a splash in America. The once-upon-a-time pop star is hoping a prospective reality show will raise her profile in the U.S.