UK CELEB WATCH

Katie Price to be Godmother

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:56:00 +0000

Katie Price to be godmother to Michelle Heaton's baby

Katie Price is 'over the moon' after being asked to be godmother to her friend's baby.

The glamour model - who has children Harvey, nine, with ex-boyfriend Dwight Yorke, and six-year-old Junior and four-year-old Princess Tiaamii with former husband Peter Andre - is thrilled that former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton and her husband Hugh Hanley want her to look after the spiritual guidance of their unborn daughter.

Katie tweeted: 'I'm sooooo happy and over the moon that @wonderwomanshel and@hughhanley have asked me to be a god mother to there baby woo forever friends(sic)'

Katie's excitement came after she joined a host of Michelle's friends for a baby shower yesterday (22.12.11) and the former pop star was delighted with her gifts.

She tweeted Katie to say: 'love u and thank u for the littles ones presents. Spoilt already. Luv ya x (sic)'

Hugh added: 'A massive thanks to all my wife's friends that threw her an amazing baby shower she had the time of her life.. @wonderwomanshel loves you all.'

Katie and Michelle have been particularly close in recent months as the pregnant star has been staying with her while awaiting renovations on her new home.

When recently asked if she was scared of being single, Katie replied: 'I'm not frightened, because I've got so many friends around me and family and I'm so busy. But you know at night time, when you watch TV and stuff, you want that bit of companionship, so at the moment I've got Michelle Heaton, my best friend who is pregnant, and her husband Hugh at mine because they're waiting to move into their new house so it's great. They're always cooking for me. So I'm just talking about baby stuff with her at the moment.'

Sky News

Ricky Gervais Wages Twitter Battle With Christian Fundamentalists

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:34:00 +0000

The comedian engages with users upset over his views on evolution and religion.

Comedian Ricky Gervais is engaged in an ongoing war of the words with Christian fundamentalists offended by his views on creationism and God.

A self-proclaimed atheist, The Office creator and 2012 Golden Globes host ruffled feathers for portraying himself as Jesus Christ in his "12 Days of Rickmas" PETA campaign and explaining his religious view in an interview with Britain's New Humanist magazine.

He's also under fire for other offenses such as posing like Jesus on the cross for the magazine cover and believing in evolution.

One particular Twitter user, @GodsWordIsLaw, has been verbally sparring with Gervais since last week. According to @GodsWordIsLaw's Twitter page, his name is Keith and he represents Minnesota's Christians for a Moral World.

A sampling of their Twitter posts are below:

@GodsWordIsLaw: "That picture of @RickyGervais on a fake cross hanging like Jesus with the words "Atheist" on his body...MOST OFFENSIVE THING IVE EVER SEEN"

@GodsWordIsLaw: "I forgive you @RickyGervais but will God? Quit with your bigotry and @CFAMW will leave you alone."

@GodsWordIsLaw: "Just wasted 5 minutes of my life watching the disgusting Atheist PIG @RickyGervais on youtube. He is not even funny!!! #GodWillNotBeMocked."

@RickyGervais: "I am not anti christian. I am anti bigot @GodsWordIsLaw I don't believe in ANY god. I treat all religions equally. And all good people."

@RickyGervais: "@GodsWordIsLaw @MargieJPhelps 'My religion is Kindness' Dalai Lama. You should try it. Not supernatural or random but its fu--ing magical."

@RickyGervais: I think we can save Keith. He's not as hateful as he thinks. He's obviously been hurt and sold a lie. Kindness will cure him. Thoughts?

Gervais said in his New Humanist interview that he became an atheist when he was a boy: "I used to believe in God. The Christian one, that is. Luckily I was also interested in science and nature. And reason and logic. And honesty and truth. And equality and fairness. By the age of eight I was an atheist. (That word shouldn’t even exist. It shouldn’t be needed. But it does. And it is.)"

On another industry note about @GodsWordIsLaw, he's also calling for a boycott of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: "Calling All Christians - We must boycott The Hobbit movie - it is made by an Atheist and promotes witchcraft ideals.

Gervais' Twitter spat was first reported by the Huffington Post.

Hollywood Reporter

Ryan Giggs' sister-in-law Natasha's regret over affair

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:30:00 +0000

RYAN Giggs’ sister-in-law Natasha has revealed her desperate regrets over her eight-year affair with the Manchester United star.

She said she was a “fool” to risk her marriage to Giggs’ brother Rhodri for the thrill of secret sex with the Welsh winger, it was reported.

Natasha, 29, said their sex sessions had become “seedy” and she was increasingly haunted by guilt over her two-timing, it was said.

She said: “At the beginning it was thrilling to know that someone as famous and admired as Ryan wanted to be in bed with me.

“But by the end the whole thing had become so seedy. It stopped being fun.”
She is said to regret leaving Rhodri, 34, for her sex sessions and now has to “sleep alone” because of it.

Natasha claims she decided to go public with the affair after claims Ryan cheated on his wife Stacey, the mum of his two kids, with Big Brother beauty Imogen Thomas.

Earlier this month, Natasha dismissed speculation linking her with appearing on Celebrity Big Brother herself.

Mirror

It's OFFICIAL: Harry Styles & Caroline Flack are an item

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:25:00 +0000

AFTER weeks of speculation fuelled by tantalising Twitter threads, it’s official – Harry “Babyface” Styles and Caroline “Cougar” Flack ARE an item...

The One Direction singer finally confirmed showbiz’s worst kept secret, when he revealed to me that he and 32-year-old Xtra Factor host Caroline are “really happy together”.

Well, sort-of... Within seconds of making his declaration of love while beaming like the child-he-is-at-Christmas, Harry backtracked with lightning velocity.

Panicking, stuttering and looking awkward, he twice declared: “I don’t want to talk about my personal life.”

When I ploughed on regardless, asking Harry if he had met Caroline’s family yet, he tried to change the subject – by joking that he was secretly dating bandmate Louis Tomlinson.

Then loyal Zayn Malik chipped in with: “He’s already said he didn’t want to discuss his personal life!”

Which made me feel about 12. Or, indeed, Harry’s age. But the floppy-haired 17-year-old is clearly one happy chappy at the moment.

Seven weeks into his fledging romance with Caroline, there was no keeping the beam off his gorgeous, dimpled face. And he was still smiling as she waved him off on the band’s UK tour – although she appeared to wipe a tear from her eye. Bless.

I caught up with Harry and the rest of One Direction before they took to the stage for their storming gig in Wolverhampton last night.

Chatting to the lads in their backstage dressing room – which came complete with a sauna and jacuzzi – Harry told me: “I don’t really want to talk about my private life but I’m happy. We’re good friends.”

When I complimented him on being a little too media-trained, he turned to his publicist and exclaimed: “Well trained. Woo! You hear that?!”

So there we have it: Harry and Caroline, game on.

Ever since the rumours of a romance started circulating, “Styck” – Styles and Flack, geddit? Oh, never mind – have got some, well, stick, over their 17-year age gap. And One Direction’s mentor, Simon Cowell, isn’t helping matters.

The X Factor guru recently sent the boys some £200 bottles of champagne – well, all of them bar Harry who is still underage. Liam Payne revealed: “When we did the charity single Simon sent us all some amazing bottles of Dom Perignon champagne each.

“He sent Harry some alcohol-free champagne... Simon caters for everyone’s needs! A good guy.”

Keen to get his own back, Harry joked that the lads were sending Simon, 52, some colouring books and crayons for Christmas. Louis added that they planned to send him some condoms, too.

Also going in the multi-millionaire’s Christmas stocking are some signed 1D dolls.

Harry is not the only member of the band who is off the market. Liam is loved-up with his dancer girlfriend Danielle Peazer, and Louis, who turn 20 tomorrow, is happy with his long-term girlfriend Eleanor Calder.

That just leaves Niall Horan and Zayn single – with Niall admitting he’d love a girlfriend in 2012.

Form an orderly queue, ladies.

Mirror

Cheryl Cole’s faulty shoebiz

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:16:00 +0000

PAIRS of sexy heels from Cheryl Cole's new shoe range are faulty and falling apart, The Sun can reveal.

Furious customers have been returning the £79.90 Your Royal Hotness platform stilettos complaining of dodgy stitching on the strap and heel, like in the picture below.

The hitch is a major embarrassment for singer Cheryl, 28.

She launched her range, which she helped to design, amid a huge fanfare only a fortnight ago on website stylistpick.com.

And she called the suede studded Your Royal Hotness heels her "signature shoe".

She said: "It had to represent me. It's girly but glam, all at the same time."

Suppliers have now taken the extraordinary step of telling buyers the shoe, which comes in Midnight Noir and Blush shades, may be faulty.

They have offered a replacement pair or refund if the stitching comes apart.

An email sent out by stylistpick said: "We advise there is a slight possibility your shoes may have a minor fault."

Cheryl's glitzy range is made up of eight styles also including Glam Slam, Freak Le Chic and Funky Munky.

A spokesman for the former X Factor judge would not comment.

The Sun

Brother of Little Mix's Jesy Nelson charged with cocaine dealing

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:09:00 +0000

The brother of Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has today been charged with dealing cocaine.

Johnny Nelson, 22, has also been charged with driving while disqualified after allegedly being filmed selling the drug from his Smart car in Hornchurch, Essex.

Nelson, whose mum is a Police Community Support Officer, has been bailed to appear in court in the New Year.

Jesy, 20, and her X Factor-winning bandmates Perrie Edwards, 18, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, and Jade Thirlwall, 18, are proud of their squeaky-clean image.

However, The Sun newspaper claims to have 'exposed' brother Johnny’s trade after being given a mobile number, described as a 24-hour 'drugs hotline'.

The reporter apparently paid £80 for 'two, inch-long rectangular wraps,' folded using lottery tickets.

There is no suggestion Jesy, of nearby Romford, or any of her family are aware or are in any way involved.

Her businessman dad John Nelson, 46, was jailed after an amateur boxer was stabbed to death outside a club 26 years ago.

He was dubbed the Disco Killer when he was convicted of murder, but was cleared on appeal and served a shorter sentence for affray. Jesy’s mum Janis, 51, split from John years ago.

A Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed: 'Jonathon Nelson, 22, of Hornchurch, will appear on bail at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court on January 5, 2012, charged with supplying a Class A controlled drug and driving whilst disqualified.'

A police source said: 'We received an allegation from a national newspaper of drug dealing on December 16th.

'Arrangements were made to speak with the newspaper and to collect any potential evidence that it held.'

Daily Mail

Little Mix Jesy bullied after win

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:20:00 +0000

Little Mix's Jesy Nelson is still being bullied online despite winning The X Factor.

The 20-year-old had a crisis of confidence during the show after some cruel online jibes about her appearance.

And she told Grazia that her band winning the show hasn't made any difference to what people are saying about her.

She said: "I still get it now... I expected it. Still, seeing it written down is hard."

The singer also gets upset at the number of girls who have contacted her to say they've been bullied too.

"It's amazing because they say they don't feel alone any more. But then it's upsetting because there are so many of them."

Jesy added that she can't wait to finally meet show supremo Simon Cowell, saying: "I think it will happen in January. He sent us some flowers. I actually love him. I was gutted he wasn't on the show this year."

PA

Cher Lloyd set to break into America

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Cher Lloyd has been signed to Epic Records by US X Factor judge LA Reid.

The chart-topping teen met the 55-year-old music mogul during a recent trip to America and the pair instantly hit it off - thanks to her feisty personality.

'He said that I am very outgoing and I say what I want,' says Cher, 18. 'He just said that I'm really fresh and he's very excited.'

But the Swagger Jagger singer knows that becoming a star Stateside isn't going to be easy.

'I'm not going to run before I can walk,' she reveals on BBC Breakfast. 'It's quite a big thing to try and achieve.'

Cher's debut album Sticks & Stones is out now .

TeenNow

Simon Cowell concedes defeat

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Simon Cowell is already waving the white flag of defeat in the Christmas chart battle that will see X Factor alumni Little Mix go head-to head with the Military Wives.

The TV mogul appeared to concede that Gareth Malone’s Military Wives would snatch the Christmas No.1 spot after X Factor winners Little Mix suffered the lowest sales figures from a debut single in seven years.

Mr Cowell tweeted: ‘Congrats to Little Mix & congrats to Military Wives. It’s a great cause & a worthy Christmas No.1.’

Little Mix limped to the No.1 spot on Sunday night with their cover of Damien Rice’s hit Cannonball.

Although 15million viewers tuned in to watch The X Factor final, the track sold just 210,000 copies in its first week.

Single releases are usually timed to coincide with the week of the Christmas No.1 but this year, programme bosses released the track a week early.

Little Mix can, however, take comfort in the fact their single achieved the biggest first week sales for a single so far this year. It also outsold the rest of the week’s top five combined.

The No.1 will be announced during a special Christmas Day Top of the Pops on BBC One at 2pm.

Metro

Daniel Craig passed out on set

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Actor DANIEL CRAIG truly suffered for his art while pretending to suffocate during a scene for THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO - he actually lost consciousness as the cameras rolled.

The James Bond star portrays journalist Mikael Blomkvist alongside lead character Rooney Mara in the Hollywood adaptation of the thriller, based on the books by late Swedish author Stieg Larsson.

But director David Fincher admits the shoot wasn't without its complications - and Craig had a close call on set when he had to be hoisted in the air with a plastic bag placed over his head.

Fincher explains, "The first night that we got to the hoisting and the stunt co-ordinator came in and said, 'Daniel has to hold this little metal thing in his hand so that if he does lose consciousness...' Because he's gonna be acting like he's suffocating, which is not very different from actually suffocating...

"He was hoisted up and we were rolling and he had this thing in his hand and as I'm watching the monitor I hear, 'Ting, ting, ting' and we rush in (to the room) and he had passed out! On the production report it said, 'Let Daniel go 15 minutes early due to unconsciousness.'

But action star Craig insists the incident is all part of the filmmaking process.

Brushing off the mishap, he says, "It was just another day working with David Fincher!"

OK

Blur to perfom at the 2012 Brit Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Blur have confirmed they will perform at the 2012 Brit awards.

The group will celebrate their outstanding contribution to music trophy by playing their first gig since 2009, bassist Alex James has revealed.

"We're going to play, which is brilliant," he said. "It's like putting the Blues Brothers back together."

It has been two weeks since plans were announced to honour Blur at the Brit awards in February. But the band remained evasive about whether they would perform; although James, Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree have often met up, and even recorded together, they haven't played live since closing 2009's T in the Park.
James has now put speculation to rest. Thanks to the Brits announcement, he said, "we all remembered how much we loved being a band.
"I saw the guys this week, we had a Christmas cuppa … I had always said in interviews I didn't miss being in a band, but that reminded me I did."
James also fanned the flames of a future Blur tour. "Well, let's hope," he said. "Heritage year next year." Albarn has previously hinted at a possible visit to the US, pointing out the reunited Blur never crossed the Atlantic. "Who knows what will happen," James said, "but there is a lot to look forward to."
Previous winners of the outstanding contribution to music prize include Paul McCartney, U2, Queen and the Who.

Amy Childs seeing her Ex again.

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:26:00 +0000

What a roller-coaster year it’s been for Amy Childs.

As the break-out star of ITV2’s The Only Way Is Essex, Amy Childs went on to work her girl-next-door charm in Celebrity Big Brother, then landed her very own reality show, It’s All About Amy.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing – as 21-year-old Amy’s star rose, her relationship with boyfriend Joe Hurlock, 24, hit the skids.

However, as Amy reveals to new!, after a few months apart, the former couple are giving their love another go, but are “taking things slowly”.

When new! arrives at an east London studio for our exclusive Christmas shoot, Amy is already in full make-up, devouring a large chicken sandwich.

Then, with a hitch of her boobs and a good shake of her trademark red mane, she slips into a white sparkly number and the huge angel wings we’ve had custom made.

“I really want some of these,” she says, admiring her feathers and striking a pose.

As you can see, Amy looks absolutely stunning in our pictures.

As well as finding out what goes on in the Childs household at Christmas, we’re dying to know exactly what the score is with her and Joe.

Here, our columnist reveals why she’s realised no one compares to “her Joe” and tells us it was him seeing other girls that made her realise her true feelings…

So, there are rumours you’ve got back with Joe. What’s happening?
We’re back in touch and I’d be lying if I said we didn’t want to get back together. I’ve always said I wouldn’t rule it out. I think I still love him.

So you are back together?
We’re taking things slowly. We’re still really close – just texting, talking, and he comes over every now and then. But I’ve been really busy lately and I haven’t been able to give him much time. We’ll see if that changes in the new year.

You seem cautious…
I just don’t want to say too much, as I don’t know what’s happening myself. It may not work out again.

You split up because you didn’t spend enough time together…
Exactly, so before I say, “Yeah, we are back together,” I have to be sure I do have time for him.

Will you see him over Christmas?
No, he’s going away, I think, and I’ll be with my family. But when he gets back, I have two weeks off, so we’ll see each other then.

Will you get each other presents?
I might get him a little something.

There were reports that we’ll see you back together on your show…
Even if we did get back together, he wouldn’t be on the show. He’s never liked the limelight.

Have either of you been out with anyone else since you split?
He’s been out with girls. When I found out, I was distraught. I was calling him, texting him. I turned into a bit of a stalker! I couldn’t handle it.

Was that a bit of a wake-up call about how you felt?
Definitely. Things like that make me feel like we’re meant to be together.

Do you ever think you should just meet someone else?
Do you know what, I go to all these parties where there are good-looking boys and I always refer back to Joe. I compare everyone to him.

You told new! you wanted to date another celebrity. Did you get any offers?
I tweeted Professor Green the other day. I fancy him. I think he’s so fit. He invited me to one of his gigs.

So is it Professor Green you’d like to get under the mistletoe this year?
Absolutely! But he’s going to think I’m a right mug now. My obsession with him is a joke.

New

There’s nothing concrete going on between Caroline Flack and Harry Styles

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000

They worked together hosting the Xtra Factor this year so it’s safe to assume Olly Murs knows a thing or two about his colleague Caroline Flack, other than how many sugars she takes in her tea.

And of course, the one topic everyone’s interested in right now is what’s actually going on between her and Harry Styles from One Direction.

Well, unfortunately Olly’s a bit vague.

“Nothing concrete. It’s all good,” he told the Daily Star. “It’s all good. Everyone tweets what they want but on one knows the inside truth – that’s private. All this taking pictures and stuff is unfair.”

Olly of course is referring to the amount of attention the relationship between Caroline, 32 and Harry, 17, has been attracting since it emerged they’d shared a kiss.

“Harry is a good looking lad and most girls in this country would want to snog him.” Olly said in the most obvious statement of the day so far.

Of course, that’s half the problem and Caroline has even received death threats from some, rather over enthusiastic (read stalker) One Direction fans.

Caroline’s been upfront about the fling though and defended herself on various occasions, saying: “He’s a lot younger than me, which some people say is a bit strange.

“I keep thinking, ‘What have I done wrong?’ But I haven’t done anything wrong.

“What’s hard for me to get my head around is people saying it’s disgusting. It’s a social thing that people aren’t accepting of big age gaps.”

Mirror

Little Mix have lowest-selling winner's single since 2004

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:40:00 +0000

The X Factor winners Little Mix have topped the chart with Cannonball, but the single's first-week sales were the lowest of any of the ITV1 show's top acts since Steve Brookstein in 2004.

Little Mix sold 210,000 copies of Cannonball, making it the fastest-selling single of the year so far and outselling the rest of the Official Singles Chart top five combined.

But the girl band fell far behind the sales heights hit by previous winners of the Simon Cowell talent show including last year's winner, Matt Cardle, who sold 439,007 copies of his single When We Collide in its first week.

The show's 2005 winner Shayne Ward recorded the most first-week sales, shifting 742,180 copies of his debut, That's My Goal.

Little Mix only manage seventh place out of the eight winners to date, ahead of Brookstein's 127,701 for his Phil Collins cover Against All Odds in 2004, but behind Leon Jackson's 275,742 for When You Believe in 2007.

Indeed, Ward sold more copies of That's My Goal in its first day on release than Little Mix did in a week.

But the latest The X Factor winners face tough competition if they are to remain on top and claim the much-cherished Christmas No 1.

Bookmakers have made the Military Wives Choir, a 100-strong choir led by BBC2 star Gareth Malone and featuring the spouses of servicemen in Afghanistan, the odds-on favourite to take the festive top spot.

After several years of uninterrupted growth, the audience for this year's X Factor final was down 25% on 2010. The final Sunday night show pulled in 13 million viewers, down from 17.2 million last year.

Critics blamed the slump on "finals fatigue", with the final stretched over four hours on a Saturday and Sunday night.

It was also the first UK edition of the show not to feature Cowell on the judging panel after he left to focus on the US launch of his show.

It remained, however, a big ratings and revenue driver for ITV1. The broadcaster said it averaged 11 million viewers over the course of its 17-week run, making it the third most successful series in The X Factor's eight-year history.

Little Mix's Cannonball is a cover of a Damien Rice song first released in 2003.

The Irish folk singer benefited from the X Factor publicity, with his original version of the song climbing to number 19 in this week's chart. It previously reached number 32 in 2003 and 19 when it was re-released a year later.

The X Factor winners – the top first-week sellers

1. Shayne Ward – That's My Goal 742,180 (2005)
2. Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah 576,046 (2008)
3. Leona Lewis – A Moment Like This 571,253 (2006)
4. Joe McElderry – The Climb 450,838 (2009)
5. Matt Cardle – When We Collide 439,007 (2010)
6. Leon Jackson – When You Believe 275,742 (2007)
7. Little Mix – Cannonball 210,000 (2011)
8. Steve Brookstein – Against All Odds 127,701 (2004)

Harry Judd on his night with Lindsay Lohan

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:26:00 +0000

AS the clean-cut pop star on Strictly, handsome Harry Judd has danced his way into the nation’s hearts.

The lovable boy-next-door drummer from McFly was finally crowned Strictly champion on Saturday night after a string of spectacular ballroom routines.

However, he wasn’t so graceful on his feet the morning he stumbled from Hollywood wild child Lindsay Lohan’s hotel room.

Lohan, who has had lengthy battles with drink and drugs, made a beeline for former public schoolboy Harry on the set of the movie Just My Luck back in 2005.

The film featured a cameo by the boys from McFly – who were playing themselves – and lead actress Lohan took a real shine to the band’s pretty-boy drummer.

Harry, who is now head-over-heels in love with his long-term partner Izzy Johnston, recalled: “At the time I thought, ‘This is awesome.’ But I was really nervous. Lindsay invited me back to her hotel. I left at eight o’clock next morning.”

Lohan has denied any encounter but Harry is happy to set the record straight.
“I didn’t s**g her but we spent the night and had a fumble,” he said. “We did things teenagers do. We went far enough but not the full home run.”

It was certainly an eye-opening experience for Harry, who just two years before was boarding at Uppingham, the £20,000-a-year school which boasts Stephen Fry among its former pupils.

Harry, who grew up in Chelmsford, Essex, was in the sixth-form at the posh Rutland school when he saw an advert offering auditions for the pop band McFly.

“My parents weren’t keen on me joining McFly,” he said. “I was 17 and I was about to do my AS levels. My dad really wanted me to finish school and do a degree, but I argued that doing this was the experience I needed.

“It was weird, because once I’d met the other guys I never had a second of doubt that we were going to make it.

“My parents were incredible – after a few sessions they just said they’d support me.”
The band – Harry, I’m A Celebrity winner Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones – has since clocked up 18 Top 20 singles, seven of which hit No1 in the UK, and scooped a Brit Award.

Harry spent a lot of the early years in a drunken pop star haze – but he’s since kicked the booze. The 25-year-old said: “I stopped drinking last year and that has been a good thing for me on Strictly as I’ve had no hangovers and I’ve been really able to focus. The tough thing is there is an amazing crew on Strictly and they’ve all been saying, ‘We’ll have a drink tonight Harry,’ and I feel like, ‘How am I going to explain this?’ I don’t enjoy drinking any more. I only ever used to drink to get drunk. I could drink if I wanted, but I don’t. I’d rather get to bed, as I’m so exhausted.”

At the beginning of the series, Harry moved in with his girlfriend Izzy Johnston, 27, a member of all-girl electro-string quartet Escala, who got to the finals of 2008’s Britain’s Got Talent. And he revealed that one day they’ll marry. He gushed: “She’s the only girl in the world for me, I absolutely know 100% that in her I have found The One, and yes I do want marriage, kids, the whole deal. I’m lucky to have her.”

The pair began dating three years ago, but split after 18 months due to work pressures. Then Izzy, after six months apart, turned up unexpectedly one day on his doorstep. “She was standing there in tears with make-up running down her face,” said Harry. “I knew then that I couldn’t ever be without her.”

Her support paid off on Saturday night, when Harry lifted the Strictly trophy at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom after beating Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan.
Harry’s seemingly effortless routines dazzled 13.3million viewers on BBC1 – but a series of disasters in practice earlier in the day with his pro partner Aliona threatened to scupper his bid.

“I forgot some moves,” he said. “The dress run was pretty disastrous. I almost dropped Aliona. And then in the Argentine tango I tripped her up and we had to miss a whole section. Everyone was reassuring us, ‘Don’t worry, bad dress run, good show.’ It has been very emotional and I was on the verge of crying all day.

“The night before the final I was with Izzy in a hotel room and I started to work myself up a bit. I was feeling pretty anxious. Thankfully I passed out and next thing I knew the alarm was going off.”

There was more drama on the day when contestant Nancy Dell’Olio refused to travel to Blackpool on the chartered BBC coach. Thankfully, Holly Valance stepped in and offered her boyfriend’s Rolls-Royce, before they flew up to the seaside town in a private jet.
And there was almost another disaster as Harry was pronounced champ – when his McFly bandmates invaded the stage and frightened the life out of Sir Bruce Forsyth. Tom Fletcher, who was shooed off by the host, said: “I think Brucie thought we were streakers.

We wanted to streak but I don’t think the BBC would be too happy about that. It was a laugh and we just wanted to congratulate Harry.”

The boys will all be back in the studio soon – although Brucie reckons Harry could make a living out of dancing.

He said: “I’m not sure if that is entirely true but it is kind of Bruce to say. It has been an absolute honour to be on the same show as Bruce.

“The McFly boys have been recording new material and demos while I have been doing this. Obviously Dougie has been in the jungle. We will be happy to get back into the studio and touring in March and April. And we can’t wait to get back on the road. I’m happy to be back on drums.

“Dancing on Strictly is 10 times more nerve-racking than being on stage with McFly. When we’ve had high pressured gigs I’ve always thought I’m so glad I’m a drummer. But Strictly has given me more confidence.

“You’d be surprised how much self-doubt people have. I never thought I’d do Strictly. I forever doubted myself and every Saturday I was thinking, ‘This is too much, I can’t do it,’ but Aliona has helped me. One of the things I was most pleased of is that I held my nerve.”

Mirror

REVELAED: The new man in Scarlett Johansson's life

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:29:00 +0000

Scarlett Johansson appears to have lured another lucky man into her web – and this time
he’s a British rocker.

So step forward Tribes guitarist Dan “Skywizard” White who has been stepping out with the actress for the past few weeks.

And from what I hear the pair are quite smitten and both see the relationship going the distance.

Friends in London town can barely believe that Dan’s managed to pull the gorgeous Hollywood A-Lister – and he’s been the talk of their Facebook walls.

My impeccable source tells me: “They met in London recently. Scarlett was shooting the film Under The Skin in the UK and they were introduced at a club night in town.

“They got on like a house on fire and Scarlett was into his band’s music. There was an instant connection. They’ve been seeing each other for a good few weeks. Dan’s proper happy about it – and what guy wouldn’t be? He already thinks the world of Scarlett.”

But let’s hope the fling lasts longer than some of Scarlett’s previous recent ones.

Since splitting from her husband Ryan Reynolds in July, the actress, 27, has been linked to a string of men.

Following her marriage breakdown she was said to be enjoying time with veteran actor Sean Penn. In September it was Bradley Cooper. Then there was a story about her and Justin Timberlake.

At the end of September it emerged actor Kieran Culkin might be Scarlett’s new beau.
Scarlett and Kieran (brother of Home Alone star Macaulay) were spotted in Paris enjoying a romantic stroll along the Champs-Élysées.

Then in October she was linked to 50/50 actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and recently she was “dating” Kate Moss’ ex-boytoy Jefferson Hack.

I’m exhausted typing all the names!

Anyway, my source says Dan – part of the four-piece band from Camden – is definitely the man right now and they’re preparing to give things a go.

“Dan thinks she’s an amazing girl,” says my source. “They both have incredibly busy lives but are going to see where things go. Dan’s band Tribes is only just taking off and Scarlett has a lot of work on. So who knows?”

Ahhhh, young love.

Mirror

Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix is "the new Cheryl Cole"

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:22:00 +0000

It's just seven days since Little Mix were crowned this year’s X Factor winners... and already their lives have changed for ever.

But for pretty Jade Thirlwall, 19 – who is now being compared to one of her biggest pop idols – it has still not sunk in.

“People keep telling me I’m the new Cheryl Cole,” she says nervously slurping orange juice with a “touch of vodka”.

“That’s fine by me. Cheryl’s an inspiration for all of us. She’s beautiful and so talented. I met her when I auditioned for the show in 2010 and she was amazing. She’s my idol.

“Well, Cheryl and Beyoncé are my idols. I was front row at a Beyoncé gig and she touched my hand once. That was the best moment of my life.”

I join the UK’s newest girl band with their mentor Tulisa Contostavlos for dinner in affluent Kensington, West London.

All four girls are exhausted but seem to have a great bond. They sit happily together at one end of the table and joke with each other throughout the meal.

We have a very special surprise for Little Mix... Spice Girl Emma Bunton is joining us because she is desperate to meet them.

As Emma walks in they freeze then nervously look at each other. Baby Spice comes over for a hug and starts rattling off advice.

“Make sure you take photos because you’re going to forget everything,” says Emma, in towering Louboutin heels. “Don’t bitch about each other. Speak to each other face-to-face.”

Since the band beat Marcus Collins in last Sunday’s live final they have been compared to the Spice Girls – and meeting Emma has a big impact.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, tells me later: “Emma told me to ignore the judges when they were talking about us needing a lead singer. She said the Spice Girls never had a lead singer and it can work well, and to stick to our guns with what we want to do.

“She told me to keep a book by my bed and start writing. If I have an idea for a lyric, get up, write it down and go back to sleep.”

Emma, 35, clearly cares about their future.

She says: “I had to learn for myself as I went along and there was nobody giving me advice along the way so I hope what I told them made sense and was helpful.”

Fellow Spice Girl Geri Halliwell also sends the girls flowers and records a pep talk video message.

Little Mix have spent the week travelling the country promoting their debut single Cannonball – destined for the No 1 spot.

On Thursday they visited South Shields where Jade and Perrie Edwards, 18, could stay with their families. Jesy Nelson, 20, hit the shops, forgetting that swinging by Topshop isn’t so easy now she’s a household name.

“I decided to go shopping with my mum in the Metro Centre in Gateshead,” she says.

“I literally forgot people would recognise me. We were mobbed. I actually had a security guard to help me shop. That’s the sort of thing that happens to proper stars.”

Little Mix plan to get straight into the studio in the New Year to record a summer album.

Leigh-Anne explains at our dinner, thrown by Glamour editor Jo Elvin to toast Tulisa’s latest cover shoot for the mag: “We know what we want to achieve. We want to get straight into the studio and make an urban and R & B pop album.

“It’s fine for people to be saying we can achieve what the Spice Girls achieved. But if we achieved a tenth of that we are going to be happy. We want to bring the girl power vibe back. We’re all different girls. We dress differently, like different styles but come together to form a band. There’s something for everyone.”

All four have split with boyfriends to focus on their careers but are not ruling out romance.

Perrie, who was linked to One Direction’s Zayn Malik and Andy Merry from The Risk, says: “If a guy does come along then that’s fine. But for now we’ve got a lot to do. There’s an album to record, an X Factor tour and loads to achieve. We don’t have time for men.
For now, it’s all about girl power.”

Mirror

Adele to quit London

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:20:00 +0000

CHART-topper Adele is leaving her beloved London because the pollution could ruin her golden vocals.

The Grammy award-winning star shot to fame proudly singing about her Hometown Glory but is set to quit the capital on doctors’ orders.

She is now house-hunting in the countryside after she was warned the city’s air could hinder her recovery from a throat condition.

Ironically, she sang of her love of London in her first hit in 2007, including the words: “I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque.”

The singer/songwriter, 23, whose other chart successes include Chasing Pavements and Someone Like You, had throat surgery for a haemorrhaged vocal cord last month.

The career-saving operation was performed in Massachusetts by the same US doctor who treated Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.

A source said: “The operation went well but she still needs to take good care of herself.

[Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall Review]

“Adele is a London girl through and through, but she’s never been particularly into the showbiz circuit so when it was suggested she move out of the city, she agreed immediately.

“The idea is for her to live in the countryside, away from the capital’s smog and pollution.”

As the Tottenham-born Brit award winner fights to get well again in time for February’s Grammys, she is looking at properties priced between £2million and £3million in West Sussex.

The source added: “She’s desperate to be fit for the Grammys and be back singing as soon as possible.”

Writing on her website recently after the surgery, Adele said: “The operation was a success and I’m just chilling out now until I get the all-clear from my doctors.”

Mirror

Ashley Cole makes shocking proposal to Cheryl Cole

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:24:00 +0000

If Ashley Cole can't talk Cheryl Cole into giving their marriage another go over Christmas, has a plan to win her back - eventually.

Sources close to Ashley, 30, say he's also made a shocking proposal that he and Cheryl, 28, make a pact to get back together in five or 10 years when both their careers have settled down and they're ready.

‘He was honest with her, saying they should wait until life calms down for both of them,' reveals a friend.

‘That could even mean when his football career approaches an end.

'They're planning to discuss this when they meet.'

Ashley's proposal shocked Cheryl, but it's just the latest twist in the couple's ongoing love story.

She called time on their three-and-a-half-year marriage in February 2010 after Ashley faced a string of cheating allegations.

Yet she's maintained since that the love rat footy star will always be part of her ‘present', rather than ‘my past'.

In a recent interview, Cheryl also said she's now concentrating less on ‘work, work, work and more about making time to chill and be with friends and family'.

It was a hint that her priorities might be changing.

‘People have given up trying to tell Cheryl what to do in her love life,' says a friend.

‘Cheryl now thinks she should forget what Ashley's supposed to have done in the past.

'From her point of view, he's just a really sweet guy, who's made mistakes, but who's never acted in anything but a loving way towards her.

'He sends messages that make her feel good about herself and she's very happy he's still in her life.'

Now

Doctor Who: goodbye, Amy Pond?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:24:00 +0000

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Executive producer Steven Moffat warns of 'heartbreaking' exit for companions Amy and Rory in forthcoming season.

They have never had the most straightforward relationship. But now Amy Pond – childhood friend, mother-in-law and long-serving companion – is to wave goodbye to the Doctor as she bows out of Doctor Who.

Pond, played by Karen Gillan, will leave the Saturday teatime family show during the next series – but not until she's been reunited with the Doctor.

"Amy and [husband] Rory will be rejoining us next series and joining the Doctor back on the Tardis," Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat confirmed after a screening of this year's Doctor Who Christmas Day special.

"But the final days of the Ponds are coming – and during the next series. I'm not telling you when and certainly not telling you how. But that story is going to come to a heartbreaking end."

This year's festive Doctor Who is itself stuffed with heartbreaking moments, as we spend Christmas with an evacuated family in the second world war. But the departure of strong-willed Amy will be mourned by many fans.

"There are only so many more adventures with the lovely Amy and the lovely Rory. So that story, next series, during the series will be over," Moffat said. "And then the Doctor is going to meet a new friend – and I'm not going to tell you anything about he, she or it!"
Karen Gillan's character first arrived on screen dressed as a kissogram during Matt Smith's first episode as the Doctor. "We've had the most incredible journey," said Smith of Gillan.

"We took over the show and we really had to hold hands and help each other through it in many ways. So it's very disappointing, but one has to remember that this show is about change and regeneration and that's what galvanises it and moves it forward. It's about looking forward, always."

A new companion for the Doctor has not yet been cast – with Moffat even teasing that it could be an alien. "Who knows? It is Doctor Who. There's a universe of people to choose from," he said.

This year's Christmas special contains a not too subtle nod to The Chronicles of Narnia in its title – and it won't take long for fans to spot the debt The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe owes to CS Lewis .

Outnumbered's Claire Skinner is zipped back in time to play a mum in second-world-war England looking after her two evacuated children with the help – supposedly – of a rather overexcited Doctor.

Bill Bailey and Arabella Weir make charming – and hilarious – appearances later in the episode.

As is traditional, the show, which airs at 7pm on Christmas Day, is filled with tear-jerking moments – even if it takes the Doctor a while to get his head round what exactly all the weeping is for.

"I think Doctor Who always [wears its] hearts on its sleeves – but yes, Christmas Day is a big, sentimental, loving day and the Doctor on Christmas Day [is] just a little bit more Willy Wonka somehow," said Moffat.

"It's the kind of day that's made for him: nobody minds being silly, no one worries about good taste. People just like glittery things and chocolate for breakfast."

An excited audience of fans included a surprising number of politicians with their children, including the chancellor, shadow chancellor, Charles Kennedy and Labour MP Tom Watson among others.

For the first time in more than 40 years, clips from two lost Doctor Who episodes unearthed earlier this week at a village fete were shown – with children catching perhaps their first glance of William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton as the Doctor.

Smith revealed that Patrick Troughton was his favourite Doctor, which is one possible explanation as to why the second and 11th Doctor share a love of bow ties.

Gillan is to play Jean Shrimpton next year in a BBC4 drama about the 1960s model's love affair with photographer David Bailey.

Guardian

Banksy wades into Catholic church sex abuse scandal

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Banksy has waded into the child sex abuse scandal of the Catholic church with a sculpture of a priest with his face obscured called Cardinal Sin.

The graffiti artist's piece is a replica of an 18th-century stone bust, which has had its face sawn off and replaced with a mosaic of bathroom tiles to replicate the pixellation effect used on TV to prevent identification of victims of sex crimes.

Announcing his indefinite loan of the piece to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Banksy strongly implied that Cardinal Sin is a comment on the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests.

Describing the statue as a Christmas present, the artist said in a statement: "At this time of year it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity – the lies, the corruption, the abuse."
The bust went on public display for the first time on Thursday in the Walker's 17th Century Old Masters gallery, alongside works by old masters including Van Dyck and Poussin.

Reyahn King, director of art galleries at National Museums Liverpool, said the Walker was "thrilled" to display the work of a "major contemporary artist".

"It's a huge coup and we are sure his work will spark a reaction with visitors.

"Banksy specified that it be shown alongside our period collection and we were very happy to oblige."

Guardian

X Factor: Simon Cowell Mocks Nicole Scherzinger

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:19:00 +0000

Nicole Scherzinger, often booed and recently blamed for sending Rachel Crow home, performed her new single, “Pretty,” from her forthcoming album.

Despite the recent turn of events, Nicole received lots of applause after her performance from the audience.

Simon, in playful fashion, mocked Nicole and remarked that she “transcends the universe” — and some other jibberish about waterfalls and rainbows. She took it in stride and responded that his comments were beautiful.

Nicole Scherzinger often gets criticized for her lack of singing talent and that her success relies on her good looks, enthusiasm as an entertainer, and catchy songs. Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez also often receive similar criticisms.

I think Nicole Scherzinger is a decent singer and she definitely can engage an audience. However, in terms of pure singing talent, I would say that some of the contestants, notably Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik, are much better. Then again, I don’t think Nicole is attempting to become the next Mariah!

Twirlit

Is Scarlett Johansson Happy To Not Play Sexy For Once?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:08:00 +0000

Anyone who has followed Scarlett Johansson's career will agree that she carved out a niche for herself early with several roles as "the fantasy girl."

Those looking for that side of Johansson might be disappointed to learn that there is nothing "forced sexy" about her character in her latest film, "We Bought a Zoo."

When MTV News caught up with Johansson recently, we asked if it was refreshing to play "normal" and not have to appear scantily clad at any point in "Zoo."

"Yes, that's always refreshing. It means you can eat more," Johansson joked about remaining fully clothed. "For me, one of the big draws of the film was exactly that. It was the fact that I was not playing the girl who is always bridesmaid never a bride, or looking for a husband, or the other woman — none of those things.

She's a very practical, salt-of-the-earth, rounded, motivated, independent woman. I find as I get older, it's nice to move away from the ingénue category.

"It's fun, and I've done very well by it, but it's nice to be able to transition into women that come with a history, that are established," she added.

We brought up the fact that the female characters in Cameron Crowe movies ("Almost Famous," "Say Anything" "Jerry Maguire") tend to be attracted to the emotionally broken and confused leading men. When we asked Johansson if she is attracted to that type of guy, she found the question hilarious.

"Oh God, a midlife-crisis guy — that sounds horrible!" she said, laughing. " 'Are you in between jobs? Are you broken from a previous relationship? Do you need dental work?' No, no, [I'm] not at all [attracted to that type]. I look for confidence and wit and charm."
There you have it, guys. Mr. Johansson need only possess those three key traits.

MTV

Military Wives Choir To Beat Little Mix To Christmas No. 1?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:37:00 +0000

"Little Mix will be unstoppable in the race for Christmas Number One", "there's no point trying to compete with X Factor contestant" - these are the sort of comments that have reared their heads in recent days, as they tend to every year.

Indeed this week one of the kings of the hit Christmas single, Sir Cliff Richard, was complaining that the show had made it extremely hard for anyone else to get a look in when it came to topping the UK singles charts come Christmas.

Though statistical evidence would suggest this is the case, with five of the last six festive top spots going to 'X Factor UK' winners, it's not stopped many fan groups being set up on Facebook in an attempt to hi-jack the seemingly inevitable success of the reality stars - it was, after all, a fan-led campaign which meant Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' hit top spot in 2009.

This year however we might not even need that, as reports from various retailers suggest that an unlikely candidate may stop the girls' run to the top.

Yahoo! reports that whilst Little Mix have sold an impressive 68,800 copies of their winners' single 'Cannonball' so far this week, statistics coming out from online store Amazon have suggested that one track is selling four times more on pre-orders than 'Cannonball' is downloads and CD pre-orders combined.

The track? The Military Wives Choir with GARETH MALONE and their song 'Wherever You Are' (MP3/CD); indeed, the bookies now have it at 4/6 favourite to top the charts - so it's not a foregone conclusion yet, girls!

Contact Music

Little Mix on drugs and booze

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Little Mix may be tipped to be the next big girlband, but The X Factor winners have ruled out lots of boozy nights.

The girls have vowed to never end up in rehab like Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding.

In an interview with British newspaper the Daily Mirror, Little Mix star Leigh-Anne said: 'It's sad when you see celebrities getting drunk and ending up in rehab. We're not like that and won't ever be.'

She added: 'We really like Girls Aloud so the Sarah Harding situation is very sad. The group aren't really together now, so maybe Sarah doesn't have the support of the girls. We're different. We have each other to fall back on.'

Jesy Nelson continued: 'I've never been drunk. The idea of being out of control really scares me.'

She added: 'You see lots of stars ending up in rehab and that's not for us. We'll go to showbiz parties and dance but there's no need to get drunk. We want to be good role models.'

Monsters and Critics