Remains ... Branson's home smoulders
TITANIC star Kate Winslet fled Sir Richard Branson's Caribbean home yesterday as it was engulfed by flames.
Kate, 35, helped carry the tycoon's 90-year-old mum to safety after lightning hit the mansion on his £90million island Necker.The actress scooped up frail Eve after lightning set the mansion ablaze.
Branson, who was staying in a villa nearby, yesterday likened Kate's dramatic rescue to a scene from one of her Hollywood blockbusters.
He said: "Many thanks to Kate Winslet. It was she who carried my mother out of the house. She swept her up into her arms and got them out of the house as fast as possible.
"My mum is 90 and can walk but it was more to speed the process up than anything else. But Kate was great."
Safe ... tycoon Sir Richard Branson and his mother Eve, 90
He added: "She said it was like being in a film set where you're waiting for the words 'Cut' but they just don't come. It was quite surreal for her to be in a real-life situation like that."
Kate was in the sumptuous 14-bedroom Great House with her children Mia, ten, and Joe, seven, when the storm struck.
Branson's daughter Holly, 29, was among others in the house. His son Sam, 26, and nephew Jack helped about 20 guests to safety.
Video: Branson house burns in blaze
KATE WINSLET escapes inferno at Sir Richard Branson's home.
But they could only stand on the beach and watch as the beautiful house was reduced to ash.
Ablaze ... Holly Branson's picture of dad Sir Richard's island home on fire
"Around 20 people were in the house and they all managed to get out and they are all fine.
"Kate Winslet, her boyfriend and her family were there and Holly and some of her friends were also staying.
Smoking ruin ... charred timbers of the Great House
"The main house is destroyed and the fire is not yet completely out.
"My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my note books which is very sad.
"But all family and friends are well, which in the end is all that really matters."
Caribbean island ... Necker
Branson said he would begin rebuilding the Great House as soon as possible. He added: "It's very much the Dunkirk spirit here.
"We will rebuild the house as soon as we can. We have wonderful staff here and want them to stay in work.
"We'll all stay here for the time being. There's a lot of damage and we won't be able to stick it back together again right away.
"It was a beautiful house. But we'll create something even more special out of the ruins. I'm currently just huddled up with family and friends in the continuing tropical storm realising what really matters in life."
Branson was staying 100 yards from the Great House with wife Joan.
Oscar winner Kate is holidaying on Necker with her boyfriend.
Branson bought Necker Island, part of the British Virgin Islands, for just £120,000 in the late 70s.
Firefight ... officers douse the smoke at home
It is now said to be worth £90million. He built the Great House in 1982, followed by the surrounding Balinese-style villas.
Paradise lost ... Sir Richard Branson's home burns in the distance
Branson regularly lends them to famous friends, with past guests including Mel Gibson, Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Robert de Niro.
Escaped ... Kate Winslet was staying in Sir Richard Branson's holiday home
The 74-acre island has been a luxury retreat for the super-rich since 1984. The isle can be privately hired for £33,000 a night. Sixty staff run the island, which is home to more than 200 flamingos.
It also has its own three-man submarine called the Necker Nymph.
Each of the 14 bedrooms in Great House has its own balcony, four-poster bed and en-suite bathroom.
Holiday luxury ... Bali-style decor and furnishings
A spokesman for Virgin said today: "In the early hours of this morning, a fire took place on Necker Island, causing substantial damage to the Great House.
"While the cause at this stage is unknown, it is thought most likely due to a lightning strike.
"While substantial damage was caused, no guests or members of the Necker Island staff were hurt. Sir Richard Branson, members of his family and guests were on the island at the time. They are all safe and being accommodated elsewhere on the island."
Courageous ... Sam and Holly Branson
Branson originally bought Necker Island to woo Joan — his wife of 35 years.
He has said: "I was about 26-years-old. I was chasing this beautiful lady, trying to persuade her to come and live with me and we discovered this beautiful island.
Brave ... Kate Winslet and boyfriend Louis Dowler
"I somehow managed to get the island, the lady and the mother of my children.
"I appreciate every moment of my life. I was born under a lucky star."
Holly, who took some of our exclusive pictures of the fire, is due to marry ship broker Freddie Andrews on the island later this year.
Great getaway... the incredible resort before the fire
Eroteme
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