Blanchett's Husband 'Enjoys' Paparazzi

CATE BLANCHETT's playwright husband ANDREW UPTON enjoys encounters with photographers - because he is pleased with the attention his wife receives as a Hollywood star.

Upton, Blanchett's co-artistic director at Australia's Sydney Theatre Company, gladly accepts paparazzi shadowing his partner, and insists their presence is recognition of her talent.

He says, "I quite enjoy it, actually. I'm never followed but Cate is. Her public identity is very associated with her work, which I think is good, right and proper because she's bloody good at it.

"When her work is coming into focus, people want to see a photo of her carrying shopping bags. I can understand it - people are interested and I'm glad they're interested otherwise they wouldn't come to see it (her movies)."