Celebrity tattoos: the good, the bad and the ugly

Tattoos have for years been a channel for self-expression, or in some cases self-mutilation. It’s fair to say that our generation will provide some tatted-up grandparents, cozied around with their cocoa playing “Guess what this used to be”. Who’s to judge – it’s their furrowed membrane.

Ever parading in the public eye, our celebrities have been having a good go at communicating their artistic creativity on their well-insured bodies. We look at some of the good, the bad and the ugly.

It is thought to have cost Cheryl Fernandez-Versini £12,000 for her latest tattoo; now she has a lady garden at the front and the back. Tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado was awarded the honour of decorating the singer’s derrière for 55 hours – spanning across her lower back, entire gluteus maximus and finishing at the upper thigh. What blooming buttocks, hubby Jean-Bernard sure comes out smelling of roses.

Your name is the Spanish translation for dove and you’re a bird with class – makes sense to get très palomas on your back. Paloma Faith’s tattoo artist Coppoletta elegantly covers the singer with three detailed doves, diagonally from the base to the shoulder. Always best to get your tat when you’re Stone Cold Sober.

Some choose motivational quotes, and others opt for “Minge” – on their foot. Amanda Seyfried hadn’t quite grasped the meaning of the word liberally used by Colin Firth on the set of Mamma Mia and, upon explanation, decided that was exactly what she required be tattooed on her person. Inspirational.

Kesha elects for a stick and poke style, with the majority of her 15 tattoos’ art direction coming from her friends – it is fair to say she maintains a unique approach. June 2012 saw the introduction of her delightful inner lip addition, “Suck it”. When asked what had encouraged her in this particular endeavor: “I was kind of fed up with all the nasty little bloggers and I was like ‘you know what, suck it.’” No no, Kesh – it’s your mouth, you suck it.

Denoting “Love Thy Neighbour,” the interlinking Vs under Helen Mirren’s left thumb are her daily reminder of the importance to be tolerant. “It was a very, very long time ago, when only sailors and Hell’s Angels were tattooed, honestly, and prisoners.” In an act of tasteful rebellion in her youth, the actress oscillates between love and shame for her etching – could have been a lot worse Queenie.

Hanah Draper