American singer Erykah Badu causes controversy with naked video at JFK assassination spot

By Daily Mail Reporter

Starts off tame... Erykah Badu parks her car in Dealey Plaza and begins the video for Window Seat fully clothed


American singer Erykah Badu has caused controversy by stripping off in the street and pretending to be shot near the site of John F Kennedy's assassination.


*** Scroll down to watch Video ****


The Grammy-winner, 39, is fully-clothed at the beginning of the promo for her new single Window Seat and ends up lying completely naked on the pavement at the climax of the video.

The guerilla video was shot in just one take in the famous Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas on March 13 without any filming permits.

As Badu walks through the plaza disrobing, various onlookers are seen gawking at her.

Towards the end of the video a gunshot-like sound is heard, and Badu collapses to the ground.

The beginning of the video features Badu driving a white car with the famous radio commentary of Kennedy's fateful visit to Dallas.

Despite the public outrage, Dallas police confirmed no one had made any official complaints and as no officer witnessed the indecent exposure, the singer wouldn't be charged with any offence.


The disrobing begins: Off come the jacket and the shoes...

A Dallas native herself, Badu's decision to pretend to be shot on the same site as the former U.S. President in 1963 has left many locals offended.

John Crawford, president of the non-profit group Downtown Dallas, said: 'It's in poor taste and poor judgment, in my opinion.'

Explaining the video, Badu said: 'I tied it in a way that compared the assassination to the character assassination one would go through after showing his or her self completely. That's exactly the action I wanted to display.'

When asked what she thought about the young children present in the street who would have seen her naked, she said: 'I tried to telepathically communicate my good intent to them. That's all I could do, and I hoped they wouldn't be traumatised


Fear of arrest: Badu's directors had bail money ready just in case she was arrested for public indecency


Directing duo Chike and Coodie admitted they had bail money ready just in case the singer was arrested for public indecency.

Chike told MTV: 'I just remember hearing a siren, or every minute looking up and seeing some kind of sheriff's car or something. So I was like, "This is gonna be interesting."

'Her contingency plan was get arrested. She was big on doing it. We had bail money and everything. I think she really wanted to get arrested, even make a bigger message.'

Coodie said several people threatened to call the police, but obviously didn't.


Shock factor: Badu stunned onlookers as she removed her bra and knickers in the street

He said: 'It was nothing but two or three people, it was nothing that crazy at all. There was that one lady, though, that was really crazy, she was like, "That was so offensive."'

If Badu had been caught in the act by a police officer, she could have been fined up to $2,000 or be jailed for 180 days.

The single comes from Badu's fifth studio album New Amerykah Part Two (Return Of The Ankh).

Badu leapt to fame in the late Nineties with her debut album Baduizm, which included the worldwide hit song On & On, which clinched the singer a Grammy award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1998.


Controversy: Badu falls to the ground naked amid sounds of a gunshot - near the area where John F Kennedy was shot in 1963


source: dailymail

Jennifer Ellison dresses ickle Bobby Tickle in designer baby gear for a trip to register his birth

By Georgina Littlejohn

Proud parents: Jennifer Ellison and husband Robbie Tickle head into Liverpool to register two-month-old son Bobby's birth

He came into the world almost two months ago and has been the centre of attention ever since.

So it was about time that baby Bobby's arrival was finally made official after proud mum Jennifer Ellison registered his birth yesterday.

The actress and her boxer husband Robbie Tickle were snapped walking round Liverpool yesterday and laughed and joked as they made their way into the city's Cotton Exchange.

The building, established to provide a trading floor to the city's cotton traders in 1906 and a stone's throw from the River Mersey, is where Liverpudlians can register births, deaths and marriages.


Like a baby: Bobby, clad in designer clothes, sleeps his way through the registration


Jennifer, 26, and Robbie,29, were married last October, but we're assuming they've registered their nuptials within the last six months.

And from the beaming grins on their faces, we're also guessing that they weren't there to register a death either.

So the only other reason for the couple to be there would be to make their son's birth official - and he was certainly dressed for the occasion.

Bobby, who was born on February 4, was kitted out head to toe in designer baby clothes.

Sleeping peacefully throughout his big day, Bobby looked snug and content in his Pringle socks and teeny baby shoes from Ralph Lauren.

He didn't wake once, even when dad Robbie lifted him out of his car seat carrier, no doubt to show him off to the registrar as his proud parents made his arrival into the world official.

And they couldn't contain their happiness as they left the Cotton Exchange clutching a handful of certificates.

He's certainly becoming the UK's most snapped baby, having seen more than his fair share of cameras in the eight weeks since he was born.

He was photographed soon after he was born as Jennifer and Robbie introduced him to the world as they took him on a Valentine's Day day out in Cheshire.

He also accompanied his parents when they went to Staffordshire theme park resort Alton Towers two weeks ago at the launch of new ride Th13teen and has been snapped with his mum on a couple of shopping trips.


Official: Certificates in hand, Jennifer and Robbie leave the registrar


Jennifer will no doubt be spending as much time with her first born as possible over the next few months as she prepares herself for a return to work this autumn.

The former Brookside star has signed up for the Liverpool jaunt of the West End show Calendar Girls.

Ellison, who stripped off for the publicity posters just four weeks after giving birth, will follow in the footsteps of Kelly Brook, Gemma Atkinson and Hannah Waterman when she joins the show at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre in September.

And she admitted it will be hard to leave her baby boy at home and return to work.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, she said: 'He only time I’ve been away from him was when I went to the hairdressers. And I was sitting there thinking, "I’m missing him so much".'


All sorted: Robbie shows off his son as the couple head back home


source: dailymail

American Idol – Top Ten Performance Show Season 9 Episode 26 Airdate

Full Episode Courtesy of: cli.gs American Idol – Top Ten Performance Show Season 9 Episode 26 Airdate: March 30, 2010 Theme:R&B/Soul Full Episode Courtesy of: cli.gs Mentor: Usher. We get a video package on the five-time Grammy winner. He promises to be a tough and serious mentor. Live in the studio with Ryan he’s says they’re all incredible and hard workers and wanted to boost their confidence. Siobhan Magnus “Through the Fire” (Chaka Khan) Casey James “Hold On, I’m Comin’” (Sam and Dave) Michael Lynche “Ready for Love” (India.Arie) Didi Benami “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” (Jimmy Ruffin) Tim Urban “Sweet Love” (Anita Baker) Andrew Garcia “Forever” (Chris Brown) Katie Stevens “Chain of Fools” (Aretha Franklin) Lee dewyze “Treat Her Like a Lady” (Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose) Crystal Bowersox “Midnight Train to Georgia” (Gladys Knight & the Pips) Aaron Kelly “Ain’t No Sunshine” (Bill Withers) Full Episode Courtesy of: cli.gs American idol R&B/Soul “top 10″ top 10 grammy winner “Season 9″ “episode 26″ “top 11″ top judge Ellen degeneres Simon Cowell Randy Jackson Kara dioguardi fox ryan seacrest results show final semi-final “part 1″ “part 2″ “part 3″ “part 4″ “part 5″ “part 6″ part 01 HD HQ top Andrew Garcia Katie Stevens Siobhan Magnus Lacey Brown Katelyn Epperly Didi Benami Paige Miles Crystal Bowersox Lilly Scott theme rolling stones night week hits March 30 2010 usher “Make a Wave”
From:newstrendstoday.com

Before she was famous: Rihanna the fresh-faced teenager dreaming of stardom

By Chris Johnson

In the fame game: Barbadian singer Rihanna pens some lyrics to a song after moving to the States aged 16 to pursue a music career


These pictures show just how far U.S. star Rihanna has come over the years.

In newly released images, the singer is seen as a fresh-faced teen penning song lyrics and walking down the hall of fame at her record company headquarters.


The Barbadian star moved to the States at the age of 16 to pursue a career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers, who scouted her while on holiday in Barbados.

Rogers then brought her to the attention of Jay-Z's record label Def Jam Recordings and she was signed within hours of her audition.

These new pictures of the 22-year-old star were released by Rogers's record label SRP via its Twitter account.

The photos are not dated, but they would have been taken around the time the Umbrella singer moved to the States back in 2005.


Transformed: Here she is seen wandering through the hallway of her record company marvelling at record plaques on the walls and, right, looking her edgy self at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday in Los Angeles


In one, Rihanna is seen working on new song while in another, she walks through the SRP hallway looking at record plaques on the walls.

With her long dark hair and dressed down look, she looks a far cry from her edgy image of today.

Following her tamer look in the earlier days of her career, Rihanna has now made a name for herself with her stylish and often risque fashion sense and her funky hair dos.


Crowd pleaser: The star performed at the event in a military themed dress with pink trimmings


Just this weekend she showcased a new two-tone cut at Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards.

The singer performed a medley of hits on stage during the show - dancing with a massive robot.

For her on-stage appearance she changed into a military-themed dress, complete with pink trimmings.


source: dailymail

Has Gary Lineker's son scored? Teenage George gets very friendly with Big Brother winner Sophie Reade

By Daily Mail Reporter

Bagging a babe? Gary Lineker's son George and Big Brother 10 winner Sophie Reade put their arms around each other as they leave Orchid nightclub last night

Gary Lineker's oldest son George has only been on the London social scene a few months since turning 18 in October.

But it looks like the teenager may have already found a celebrity girlfriend in Big Brother 10 winner Sophie Reade, 20.

The young couple were looking very close in London last night as they enjoyed a spot of club-hopping together.

Arriving at the Walkers Flavour Cup party separately at the Orchid nightclub in Piccadilly Circus, the night started off as a family affair for George alongside his father Gary and stepmother Danielle.

But after the parents went home, George was free to let his hair down in the company of the blonde glamour model.

After a few hours in Orchid, the couple and their friends decided to move on to Mahiki a few blocks away - where George celebrated his 18th birthday party five months ago.


The look of love? Gary and Sophie share a lingering look as they leave the club

Appearing a tad worse for wear, a wobbly Sophie clung onto to George for support as they left the club.

Clearly comfortable in each other's company, the pair were spotted looking each other's eyes and sharing private jokes.

In the early hours of this morning, the pair finally emerged from Mahiki, where a high-spirited Sophie was seen darting into a nearby red phonebox with two other friends.

After being helped out of the phonebox by George, the teenagers then hailed a black taxi together.


Antics: George comes to find Sophie after realising she is bizarrely hanging out in a red phone box outside Mahiki


While Sophie is yet to disclose the nature of her friendship with George, the pair have been out together several times.

On her Twitter page two weeks ago, Sophie wrote: 'Excited about partying in London town tonight with Miss Stephanie Louise and Mr George Lineker!! Woohoo.'

Sophie has been single since ending her romance with Big Brother housemate Kris Donnelly last summer.

Since winning the show, Sophie has returned to her glamour modelling career and recently appeared on 'makeunder' TV show Snog, Marry, Avoid.

She is currently training for the London Marathon next month on behalf of the Children's Trust and in memory of her sister Rachel, who tragically died of meningitis when she was five.

Do you have a story about a celebrity? Call the Daily Mail showbusiness desk on 0207 938 6364 or 0207 938 6683.


High spirits: Sophie looked like she was having a good time as she giggled in the back of the taxi


Family affair: George attended the Walkers party with his father Gary and glamorous stepmother Danielle


source: dailymail

Ricky Martin ends speculation over sexuality as he admits: 'I'm a proud, homosexual man'

By Daily Mail Reporter

Ricky Martin has come out as a 'proud, homosexual man'


Pop heartthrob Ricky Martin has announced he is gay to end years of speculation about his sexuality.

The Livin' La Vida Loca singer posted on his official website: 'I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.'

Martin, who had always dodged questions about his sexuality, told fans the birth of his twin sons in August 2008 and writing his memoirs made him decide to come out.

The twins were born via a surrogate and at the time no details were given about the birth or the mother.

The Puerto Rican star admitted 'fear and insecurity' made him keep quiet about his sexuality but told of his 'happiness' at finally revealing who he is.

Martin, 38, posted: 'To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where [sic] born with.'

In 2000, TV journalist Barbara Walters grilled him about whether he was gay, but he refused to disclose it.

The singer began his career with boy band Menudo and broke out as a solo artist and teen idol in the 1990s in Spanish-speaking countries.

He released his first, English-language album in 1999, the self-titled Ricky Martin, which saw two major hits, Livin' la Vida Loca and She's All I Ever Had.

Since then, Martin has been a star in both North America and South America.

Jarrett Barrios, the president of the U.S.-based Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), welcomed what he called Martin's 'openness and honesty'.

His full message read: 'A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life.

'From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time.

'Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth celebrating.


Father and sons: Ricky poses with his twin sons Matteo, left, and Valentino in Miami last August. They were born to a surrogate mother

'For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly and that's the stage. 'Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It's my vice.

'The music, the lights and the roar of the audience are elements that make me feel capable of anything. This rush of adrenaline is incredibly addictive.

'I don't ever want to stop feeling these emotions.

'But it is serenity that brings me to where I'm at right now. An amazing emotional place of comprehension, reflection and enlightenment.

'At this moment I'm feeling the same freedom I usually feel only on stage, without a doubt, I need to share.

'Many people told me: "Ricky it's not important, it's not worth it, all the years you've worked and everything you've built will collapse, many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature".

'Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth.

'Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.


Breaking the news: Martin came out after posting a message on his blog


'If someone asked me today, "Ricky, what are you afraid of?" I would answer "the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war...child slavery, terrorism...the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith." '

But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage.

'This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day.

'To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with.

'Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.

'These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed.

'What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment.

'The word 'happiness' takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. '

Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

'I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.'

source: dailymail

I kissed a boy...and I liked it: Katy Perry cosies up to teen sensation Justin Bieber

By Daily Mail Reporter

Gotcha! Katy Perry lands a kiss on Justin Bieber's cheek backstage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards last night


He's the new teen pop sensation who has sent the hearts of millions of young girls across the world all aflutter.

But 16-year-old Justin Bieber has also landed himself an admirer in the shape of one Miss Katy Perry, who made a beeline for the star this weekend.

But before concerns arise over the 25-year-old I Kissed A Girl's singer's intentions towards this young man, it turns out that all she wanted was a kiss on the cheek.

And a kiss she got, as she tracked him down backstage at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards last night.

The singer, who was gunged with green slime as she presented an award, announced on her Twitter page that she was to be sharing a green room with the young pop star, who performed at the event.

She wrote: 'Heard Justin Bieber's gonna b here 2night, can't wait to tap that.'


Doing it for the kids: Katy and Justin arrive at the Nickelodeon Kids's Choice awards

And 'tap' that she did, as she approached the young Canadian after the event, and got him to pose for a picture.

As she posted the snap of her kissing him on her Twitter page, she wrote: "Told you I would tap that. Yummy.'

And there was no escape for Bieber when, just a few hours later, their paths crossed again at Perez Hilton's birthday party.

No doubt to the envy of all his friends - and possibly Katy's fiance Russell Brand - Justin grabbed the chance to pose once more with the singer.


'Tapped': Katy tracks Justin down again, this time at Perez Hilton's birthday party last night

In chunky purple trainers, the young lad leaned in close to Katy who was wearing a revealing red ringmaster's leotard, and couldn't contain the big grin on his face.

Justin burst onto the music scene last summer with his debut single One Time, which made the top thirty in over ten countries.

His debut album, My World 2.0, reached number 1 in his home country, went platinum in the US and silver in the UK.


source: dailymail

Dancing On Ice: Hayley Tamaddon proves the bookies right as she is crowned queen of the ice

By Emily Sheridan

We are the champions: Hayley Tamaddon and her partner Daniel Whiston proudly hold their Dancing On Ice 2010 trophy


Hayley Tamaddon and her partner Daniel Whiston have been crowned the winners of Dancing On Ice 2010.

Favourites from the beginning of the show and top of the leader board every week but one, it was no surprise when host Phillip Schofield announced the former Emmerdale actress, 33, was queen of the ice.


*** Scroll down to watch video ****


The couple beat actor Gary Lucy and Maria Filippov to become king and queen of the ice after a skate-off inspired by mentors Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's famous Bolero routine from 26 years ago.


Ecstatic: Hayley and Daniel react after they're told they have won this year's series, as Gary Lucy and Maria Filippov prove gracious losers


The winners were crowned after a two hour live finale, which saw Hayley and Gary perform two earlier dances along with third place contestant, Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson.

Since the new series started in January, Tamaddon has consistently topped the leader board, apart from week 10, when she was beaten by Danniella Westbrook.

Sunday's show started off with all three finalists showing off their flying skills with the help of harnesses.


Stunning sequence: Hayley and Daniel wowed the judges one last time with their own take on Bolero


Kieron and Brianne received 24 for their performance to One Day Like This by Elbow.

Despite his previous caustic comments to Kieron, Jason Gardiner said: 'I thought there were moments, particularly off the ice that were great. Ultimately your presentation has improved.'

Emma Bunton agreed: 'You was (sic) graceful. Your posture is better flying than on the ice.'


Tender hooks: Three were whittled down to two after Kieron Richardson and his partner Brianne Delcourt (left) were told they were in third place


As expected, Hayley and Daniel's first dance of the night met expectations and the pair even invented their own move - the flying skydive.

They scored 29 for their sequence of Eva Cassidy's Songbird, which Emma described as 'magical'.

Gary's first dance of the night was David Bowie's Starman, which saw him to plenty of Superman-style soaring through the air.

Gary and Maria received 24.5, with the judges admitting the former Bill star's transitions from the air to ice weren't quite smooth enough.


Soaring: Kieron and Brianne during their flying routine


Dangerously hovering over the ice: Hayley gives her partner Daniel a lift


Robin Cousins said: 'I'll give you some credit. I wasn't expecting you to do as well as you did, you proved you have a bit of grace there and you pulled it out.'

The second dance of the night - and the final for Kieron - was each celebrity's favourite of the series.

Kieron and Brianne chose their punk routine to the Buzzcocks' Ever Fallen In Love from week seven.


All white on the night: Gary flies to the strains of David Bowie's Starman
The first time round scored 19.5, but Kieron's experience in recent weeks ended up with the pair receiving a 24.5 - their highest score ever.

Nicky said: 'I always love the way you commit yourself and attack the pieces you're given. You really sold it for me.'

Described as one of the best ever dances from all five series of Dancing On Ice, Hayley and Daniel's favourite dance was their Slumdog Millionaire routine to Jai Ho!


Third and second place: Kieron and Brianne performed their Buzzcocks routine (left) and Gary and Maria's more gentler dance to What About Now


They scored all sixes again from the five judges, gaining the same 30 they received for the same routine from week nine.

Head judge Robin said: 'It was better than a week ago. Maybe cos its the final you were more focused. Flawless.

Karen Barber agreed: 'The speed was better. The clarity of your movements were amazing.'


Bollywood dreams: Hayley and Daniel repeated their popular Slumdog Millionaire routine to Jai Ho!


Before the Bolero skate-off, the rest of this series' contestants returned to perform a short dance with their professional partners.

Sinitta nearly stumbled twice, while a wobbly Bobby Davro pulled faces as he hung on to his partner for dear life.

Also returning were Jeremy Sheffield, Tana Ramsay, Heather Mills, Dr Hilary Jones, Sharron Davies, Emily Atack, Mikey Graham, Danny Young and Danniella Westbrook


Celebrate: Holly Willoughby, Christopher Dean, Jayne Torvill and Phillip Schofield join the winners after the show


The judges: (L-R) Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner, Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins



source: dailymail

On your bike, Miley! Miss Cyrus leads the way as she and her boyfriend enjoy a leisurely cycle

By Georgina Littlejohn

I want to ride my bicycle: Miley Cyrus speeds ahead of boyfriend Liam Hemsworth as they took a two-wheeled ride to the shops in Los Angeles yesterday


After looking very grown-up at her film premiere this week, it's nice to see that Miley Cyrus also enjoys acting her age.

Looking every inch the teenage girl, the Hannah Montana star enjoyed a bike ride with her actor boyfriend Liam Hemsworth in Los Angeles yesterday.

And while most 17-year-old girls are itching to get their driver's licence and get behind the wheel, it seems that two are more than enough for her.

The singer smiled broadly as she and Liam leisurely cycled to a 7-Eleven store in Los Angeles for refreshments.

Sporting some tiny denim hotpants and a turquoise bikini top under a white vest, she pulled up outside the convenience store where the paparazzi were waiting.

But instead of hiding her face and dashing away from the flashbulbs, she flashed them a smile and even stopped to chat to one of the photographers.


Did you get my best side? Miley stops to chat to a photographer


The leisurely day out was a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet the night before when Miley and Liam attended the premiere of their new film The Last Song.

She looked older than her 17 years as she arrived on Liam's arm in a black leather asymmetrical dress.

The couple, who has been dating since they met while filming the movie last summer, were accompanied by her family, including country singer father Billy Ray Cyrus.


Steady as she goes: Miley holds her bike still as she prepares to leave the grocery store


Let's go: A determined Miley sticks her tongue out at the camera as she cycles away

And she said she was nervous about seeing herself in the film in front of the premiere audience.

She told People.com that Liam was calmer than she was because he's seen [the movie] more than I have'.

She added: 'I'm actually more nervous to see it than he is, because he's seen it with all the reactions of the audience, and I haven't.'


Young love: Miley and Liam at their film premiere on Thursday night


source: dailymail

Friends no more after Jennifer Aniston's clanger over David Schwimmer's fiancee

Fall out: David Schwimmer, pictured above with his fiancé Zoe Buckman, has stopped talking to his Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston


For years they were on-off lovers in TV’s Friends - but now Jennifer Aniston has fallen out with her former co-star David Schwimmer.

The pair are not talking after Jennifer said on US TV she had ‘no idea’ who David was marrying.

Earlier this month, I revealed that Schwimmer, 43, planned to wed his long-term girlfriend, photographer Zoe Buckman, 23, prompting the star to announce the happy news.


Tension: Schwimmer is upset by Aniston's comments on US TV that she had 'no idea' who he was marrying


But when Jennifer, 41, was quizzed on the popular David Letterman chat show she confessed she ‘didn’t know’ who he was going to marry.

‘David was not impressed that one of his supposed friends didn’t know who he was marrying,’ says a source.

‘He has been with Zoe for a couple of years and was offended Jen couldn’t remember her.
'He hasn’t been taking her calls.’

Simon Cowell feeling the toll of his jet-set lifestyle

Is Simon Cowell's gruelling schedule taking its toll?

Fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden says: ‘Simon is run-down and has jet lag. I don’t think you can keep pushing your body like that. I don’t know how he does it.’

Fortunately, the TV mogul, 50, has a full-time PA and two helpers on other shows and projects.

Society girl Tamara Beckwith is no fan of the gym, but the gallery owner is having to get fit for her latest challenge – the London-to-Brighton cycle ride.

Tamara, 39, daughter of business tycoon Peter Beckwith, has decided to cycle the 54-mile route in aid of the Evelina Children’s Hospital in South London.

‘I do cycle, but it tends to be in the Italian countryside with my husband Georgio on a bone-rattling bike with no brakes,’ Tamara told me at a Mothers4Children lunch at Jenny Packham.

After the success of her Budgie The Little Helicopter books, the Duchess of York is working on another children’s story – about a forgetful elephant.

She has been writing the book for a year, but has already missed one deadline.

‘I’ve been meaning to get it finished, but I’ve been so busy,’ Sarah told me at the launch party for the London Elephant Parade. And she revealed: ‘Babar is my favourite fictional elephant.’

Princess Beatrice’s ‘caterpillar’ team has been given the all-clear to run in next month’s London Marathon.

Organisers were said to be concerned that the 32-strong team, who will run joined together, could be a hazard and asked them to do a half-marathon at Silverstone race track last weekend.

The team, which also includes Holly and Sam Branson, were given a time to complete the race, which they managed. A source said: ‘They are all relieved that they can take part in the London race.’


source: dailymail

Pregnant Dannii Minogue faces the axe from the X factor with the baby due during auditions

By Daily Mail Reporter

Pregnancy chic: Dannii Minogue arrives at Sydney airport last week

Dannii Minogue may be radiant with joy at expecting her first child. But she is also facing the chop from the X factor given that her baby is due in July - bang in the middle of X factor auditions.

Simon Cowell has already voiced concerns about Dannii having a baby in the middle of the show. Now he is allegedly unsure whether to offer her a reduced role on the show or hire a replacement judge.

A senior show source said last night: 'He knows Dannii was a big part of the show's success last year but he's been thinking about tinkering with the formula for some time. The only spanner in the works is that Dannii is now pregnant.'

Wary of the furore that broke out over Denise Van Outen's sacking from Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Over the Rainbow' , the source added 'Simon is acutely aware how this could play out in public.

'He doesn't want to be seen as gettting rid of Dannii because she's pregnant'.

'It's a real dilemma but one option being considered is the possibility of giving Dannii a mentoring role on the show but not on the panel'.

Back in February, Dannii admitted the birth will clash with auditions for the show as they start in June.

'When the live auditions will be happening I will be in Australia giving birth, so I'm not being able to do that, unfortunately,’ she said.

'There is no way I could give birth and tour around the UK looking for acts for the show.

‘I've not quit X Factor and I'd still love to be a part of the live shows further down the line. But that's down to Simon Cowell and the producers really.’

Miss Minogue also wrote on her Twitter page ba: ‘I have not quit The X Factor. If possible I would love to be a part of the live shows and continue to fly the Team Minogue flag.’


The future's in his hands: Simon Cowell, pictured with pregnant Dannii Minogue at the end of the last X Factor series


Long-term judges Cheryl Cole, 26 and Louis Walsh, 57 are set to sign their contracts confirming their return next month.

Top on the list of rumoured replacment judges is former American Idol judge Paula Abdul.

Simon Cowell's spokesperson said: 'Nothing is definite at this stage. Lots of things are being discussed.'


Panel: Miss Minogue, second from right, with fellow X Factor judges (from left) Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell. She gives birth in Australia in July


source: dailymail

Time finally called on 24: Producers announce the end of cult U.S. counter-terrorist drama

By Sarah Bull

Kiefer Sutherland's role as anti-terrorist agent Jack Bauer in 24 has made him a heartthrob worldwide


When Kiefer Sutherland took on the role of Jack Bauer in 24, he became an instant heartthrob.

So millions of women worldwide will no doubt be in mourning today as U.S. TV network Fox have announced the gripping crime drama has come to an end.

The show, which follows counter-terrorist agent Bauer over a period of 24 hours, will officially finish at the end of the eighth season on May 24th.

Sutherland, who has enjoyed a renewed popularity since first appearing as Bauer in the show in 2001, admitted he would be sad to see the end of the series, but is 'eternally grateful' for the opportunity of starring in such a cult show.

He said in a statement: 'This has been the role of a lifetime, and I will never be able to fully express my appreciation to everyone who made it possible.

'But when all is said and done, it is the loyal worldwide fan base that made it possible for me to have the experience of playing the role of Jack Bauer, and for that I am eternally grateful.'

He added: 'I always wanted 24 to finish on a high note, so the decision to make the eighth season our last was one we all agreed upon.'


The show is famous for its action-packed sequences and impressive special effects


However, violent scenes and those featuring suspects being tortured have been criticised by human rights groups


The show's executive producter Jon Cassar wrote on his Twitter page: 'News from the 24 set, the crew has been told that 24 has come to an end. There will b no season 9.

Its been a great run, thanx all 4 watching!'


But 24 fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Sutherland has promised a film of the series, which is currently in production.

Premiering in November 2001, 24 was the first television show of its kind, using an innovative real-time, split-screen format to present fast-paced, exciting storylines.

Starring Sutherland as main character Bauer, the show has also seen guest appearances from stars including Dennis Hopper, Robert Carlyle, Anil Kapoor and Elisa Cuthbert, who plays Bauer's daughter Kim.

Sutherland is the only actor, however, to have starred in all 168 episodes of the show so far.

With each episode ending on a cliffhanger, 24 quickly became a cult show among its many fans, all keen to see what the next hour would hold for Bauer.

However, while its action sequences added to its popularity, the torture scenes in 24 were criticised by human rights groups.

As anti-terrorist agents, Bauer and his team were frequently seen torturing suspects for information using various methods including using a fictional pain-inducing drug called hyoscine-pentothal.

David Danzig, a deputy director of U.S. nonprofit group Human Rights First, wrote in an email: 'On some level 24 is just a big ole’ ad for torture.

'Those of us who watch the show a lot - and there are tens of millions of us who do - know exactly what is going to happen as soon as Bauer starts to beat a suspect up. He is going to talk.'

Some military officials even blamed the show for giving interrogators at Guantánamo Bay 'ideas' for how to best extract information from their suspects.

Sutherland has earned rave reviews and a host of awards including two Emmy's and a Golden Globe for his performance as Bauer.

However, while his professional life has gone from strength to strength, Sutherland's personal life has been plagued with problems.


Sutherland has promised fans in mourning for the loss of the series that a script for a film of 24 has been written


In 2007, the 43-year-old was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. As the incident was his second after being arrested for the same offence in 2004, Sutherland was sentenced to 48 days in jail.

In 2009, Sutherland surrendered himself to New York police after head-butting Proenza Schouler designer Jack McCollough at a fundraiser.

The charges were later dropped after Sutherland apologised and released a joint statements with McCollough.


source: dailymail