Adding new spice to the unfolding tale, one magazine, Gala, said Mr Sarkozy had offered the same kind of pink, heart-shaped, diamond ring to new girlfriend Ms Carla Bruni as his ex-wife Ms Cecilia had been seen wearing only a few months ago.

And Ms Cecilia tried to block on Thursday the publication of one of three new books into her life that quoted her making a string of disparaging remarks about Mr Sarkozy.

Mr Sarkozy and Ms Cecilia divorced abruptly in October and the president met Ms Bruni, an Italian supermodel-turned-pop star, in November. The president hinted this week that the pair might soon wed and the speed of their romance has stunned France.

Pictures of a holidaying Mr Sarkozy, 52, in gold necklace and sunglasses as he embraced Ms Bruni, 40, have dominated glossy magazines, while newspapers devote their front pages to 'President Bling-Bling; and his glamorous Italian lover.

Rumours abounded on Thursday that a secret marriage was imminent, but the former first lady Cecilia, 50, is not expected to vanish from the scene quietly. -- REUTERS