Michael Jackson's daughter Paris had the last word at her late father's memorial service in Los Angeles on Tuesday - as she had the world sobbing for her loss.

The 11 year old took to the stage at the end of the tribute to join her aunts and uncles in remembering the King of Pop, who died on 25 June.

And few were able to hold back tears as she cried, "Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much."

Her father's golden coffin sat yards away from her at the front of the Staples Center stage, where stars like Brooke Shields, Usher, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Motown boss Berry Gordy paid tribute to Jackson.

Prior to her lasting remarks, Jackson's siblings thanked fans for attending the memorial and added their own heartfelt messages to their deceased brother.

Marlon Jackson recalled identifying his brother in a record store - even though he was in disguise, because he always wore the same shoes. He called his late brother "the voice of our angelic trumpets".

The deceased superstar's coffin was then wheeled out of the Staples Center by his brothers as an instrumental version of Jackson's Man In The Mirror was performed and a spotlight shone on a darkened, empty stage.

Jackson family friend Pastor Lucius Smith ended the tribute show, asking fans and friends around the world to join hands "in solidarity and remembrance of truly what Michael Jackson's music has done to us, and what the man means in this place".

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Shields Recalls Magical Moments In Tearful Tribute To Jackson
7 July 2009 2:56 PM, PDT

Michael Jackson's longtime friend Brooke Shields fought back tears at the late star's memorial as she recalled magical moments with the King of Pop when they were just kids.

The actress insisted her pal was "one of a kind" and revealed the pair could never quite understand why the media was so mean about their friendship.

She told the Staples Center audience, "The (photo) caption usually said something like 'an odd couple' or 'an unlikely pair', but, to us, it was the most natural and easiest of friendships. I was 13 when we met and from that day on, our friendship grew.

"Michael always knew he could count on me to support him or be his date, and that we would have fun no matter where we were... We had a bond and maybe it was because we both understood what it was like to be in the spotlight from a young age."

She brought humour to the tribute by adding, "I used to tease him and I'd say, 'I started when I was 11 months old; you're a slacker. You were what, five?'"

Shields then recalled the night Jackson tried to teach her how to moonwalk, adding she and her late friend loved to laugh at her "silly imitations".

She said, "Mj's laugh was the sweetest and purest laugh of anyone's I had ever known, his sense of humour was delightful."

Recalling the night she joined Jackson on the eve of Elizabeth Taylor's wedding, the actress revealed she and Jackson were left giggling hysterically when they sneaked into Taylor's bedroom to catch a glimpse of the gown - only to discover the movie great asleep just feet away from them.

She also remembered the time Jackson "started wearing the glove," adding, "I was like, 'Look, if you're gonna hold my hand, it better be the non-gloved one.'"

Shields then brought the audience to tears by reading a passage from Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince and then introducing Jackson's brother Jermaine, who performed the late star's favourite song, Charlie Chaplin's Smile, sobbing, "Today, although our hearts are aching, we need to look up, where he (Jackson) is undoubtedly perched in a crescent moon - and we need to smile."

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Feldman Emulates Jackson's Style For Memorial Service
7 July 2009 2:56 PM, PDT

Lost Boys actor Corey Feldman paid tribute to Michael Jackson by attending his childhood pal's memorial service in Los Angeles dressed as the King of Pop.

The former child star was one of the pop superstar's closest pals 10 years ago, but the pair had a public falling out in 2001.

Feldman further distanced himself from Jackson during his child molestation trial in 2005, when he suggested his relationship with the singer may have been inappropriate.

But the actor is struggling to come to terms with the Thriller singer's sudden death last month, and recently expressed his regret that Jackson had passed without the pair settling their differences.

He told the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "It (Jackson's death) makes you realise that you really have everything you value in life, and every moment and breath. I really learned it's a bad idea to let unfinished things go unfinished.

"It's nice to have closure. It's unfortunate to me that I will never have that closure."

Instead, Feldman used Jackson's public memorial at the Staples Center on Tuesday to pay homage to the late icon by donning the singer's trademark black fedora, dark sunglasses and gold-trimmed military jacket for the event.

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Jolie Signs Daughters Up For Dance Class
7 July 2009 2:56 PM, PDT

Angelina Jolie is giving her eldest two daughters an early start in showbusiness - she's enrolled Shiloh and Zahara in dance classes.

The Hollywood actress was snapped with the girls, aged three and four respectively, as they entered the Creative Station in Studio City, Los Angeles on Monday.

The youngsters will be spending the next few weeks perfecting their dance steps. Jolie signed each of her kids up for 10 of the Princess Series Ballet/Tap classes, reports Ok! magazine.

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Cruz Is Insecure About Her Acting
7 July 2009 2:56 PM, PDT

Oscar winner Penelope Cruz is plagued with insecurity and fears she'll be fired from every movie she makes.

The actress admits she makes herself miserable stressing and worrying about every project she takes on - even after she scooped the Best Supporting Actress Oscar earlier this year for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Cruz says, "Every time I make a film, I feel like it's my first time... I always think they could fire me. I've ruined my own happiness and created problems with my friends because of this tendency. It takes discipline for me to stop worrying."

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Potter Premiere Lashed By Storms
7 July 2009 2:56 PM, PDT

The stars of the Harry Potter film franchise were left drenched at their latest movie premiere in London on Tuesday night when a storm threatened to wreck the event.

Daniel Radcliffe and co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Watson stood beneath umbrellas as rain soaked the Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince world premiere red carpet.

Grint and Radcliffe were left soaked as they posed for photos.

A premiere guest tells WENN, "Daniel, in particular, seemed to find the whole thing quite funny, holding his hands up to the heavens, as if to say, 'What's with the rain?'"

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This Is It Cast Wrap Up Jackson Memorial
7 July 2009 2:11 PM, PDT

The cast of Michael Jackson's ill-fated This Is It stageshow gathered at the late star's memorial in Los Angeles to perform his We Are The World charity anthem on Tuesday.

Musical director Kenny Ortega, who called the 1985 USA For Africa song "a living testimony" to Jackson's ability to be "timeless and timely, musical and magical," introduced the the singers who were to join the superstar for comeback dates in London later this month.

They were joined onstage at the Staples Center by members of the King of Pop's family and the tribute's performers and speakers.

The performers were then joined by Jackson's children and a choir of assorted kids for a stirring rendition of the King of Pop's Heal The World.

The touching rendition concluded the performances at the memorial.

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Stars Reach Out During Jackson Memorial
7 July 2009 2:06 PM, PDT

A host of celebrities including Jane Fonda, Yoko Ono and Paris Hilton logged on during Michael Jackson's memorial service to express their sadness at his death.

A flurry of messages were posted on social networking site Twitter.com during the emotional service at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

Fonda wrote, "Watching Usher sing to Michael's casket. Tears rolling down my cheeks."

Hilton added, "In tears watching the Mj Memorial Service on TV, so touching. Everyone loves you Michael!"

Nick Cannon even managed to update his website from the ceremony - where his wife Mariah Carey performed Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There - writing, "A day of mourning. Here in the Staples Center, God is absolutely present."

Ono, whose late husband John Lennon was murdered in 1980, added, "Michael Jackson: Rest Well In Peace. We will always remember you and love you for what you were to us. With love."

The artist/musician also posted a separate message on her personal website, expressing her sorrow at his passing: "With his enormous talent, Michael kept giving us power, inspiration and joy. Yet he knew that the world was not kind to him for many reasons, some of it going right back to racism. That must have been so hard for him. His various attempts to be loved by the world equalled the pain he received from it.

"Michael, now you are free from all that. Rest well in Peace. We will always remember you and love you for what you were to us."

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Gordy Brings Mourners To Their Feet With Jackson Tribute
7 July 2009 12:16 PM, PDT

Motown boss Berry Gordy brought laughter to Michael Jackson's memorial in Los Angeles by recalling his first meeting with the future King of Pop.

The music mogul took the stage at the Staples Center to remember the late star, who lay in a golden coffin yards away from him.

Gordy recalled hearing Jackson sing a Smokey Robinson tune in July 1968, stating it was a better rendition than the Motown stalwart's.

Seeking out a smiling Robinson in the audience, Gordy explained the soul great agreed with him.

But Gordy's comments turned sombre as he referred to Jackson as "the consummate student," adding, "He studied the greats and became greater. He raised the bar and then broke the bar... The Motown family mourns the death of our friend and brother Michael Jackson, who was like a son to me.

"When he did his iconic moonwalk I was shocked, it was magic. Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down."

Gordy brought the crowd to their feet by insisting Jackson was more than the King of Pop, calling him "simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived".

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Actor Khan Turns Producer
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is taking on a new role behind the camera - he's making his debut as a movie producer.

The star is taking creative control over upcoming drama Love Aaj Kal (Love Today and Tomorrow), the first project produced by his company Illuminati Films, which was set up in 2008.

And Khan is revelling in his new career direction. He says: "I have worked in the industry for the last 18 years. Now I want to do something different and therefore I am producing films.

"I want to be creatively satisfied as an actor, therefore I am putting in my money in projects that I believe in."

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Abdul Will Judge Idol 'Indefinitely'
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has continued to hit back at rumours her TV bosses have ousted her from the hit U.S. singing competition - insisting she's been invited to remain on the show indefinitely.

The singer-turner-tv personality has yet to renew her contract since it expired last season, fuelling reports network executives want new judge Kara DioGuardi to replace her alongside judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.

However Abdul insists executives are keen to keep her on the series as long as they can.

She says, "I've been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts."

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DiCaprio's Thriller Gets Sanders As Director
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

Leonardo DiCaprio's thriller The Low Dweller is finally ready to begin production after landing director Rupert Sanders to take charge of the project.

The movie has been in limbo for months as film studio bosses searched for the ideal filmmaker to breathe life into the story.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sanders, known for his work on film promos for TV, has been handed the task and will begin casting in the coming weeks.

DiCaprio, who is not listed to star in The Low Dweller, will serve as executive producer alongside Ridley Scott.

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Willis To Rebuild Ski Lodge
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

Bruce Willis is to rebuild his Idaho ski lodge, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year.

The Soldier Mountain Ski Resort lodge was burned to the ground after an accidental blaze broke out at the end of March.

As well as rebuilding the lodge, the actor also hopes to create a private airfield.

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Jolie New Face Of Armani Perfume?
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

Angelina Jolie has reportedly signed with top fashion house Emporio Armani to become the face of their new perfume.

The Hollywood beauty is said to be fronting the advertising campaign for the as-yet-unknown fragrance and insiders claim she is proving to be a hands-on spokesmodel.

A source tells U.S. news show The Insider, "For this fragrance push, they needed a true A-lister, and Angelina is the biggest, most dynamic female star in the world.

"She's giving a lot of input on that stuff (ad campaign) already, picking the photographers and directors. The campaign is going to be bold."

And rumours have already begun spreading about Jolie possibly teaming up with Armani's other famous spokesmodel, soccer star David Beckham, for a steamy shoot.

Another insider tells website iol.ie, "When you have David Beckham and Angelina Jolie signed up to your fashion house, it's a no-brainer to link them up.

"They appeal to a diverse audience and a collaboration would create so much publicity it would push Armani head and shoulders above their rivals. There are a few contract issues to be addressed but marketing experts are being tasked with coming up with clever ideas for a print campaign."

Beckham can currently be seen modelling Armani underwear in sizzling new ads with his wife Victoria Beckham, who fronts the designer's lingerie line.

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Latifah Reads Angelou Tribute At Memorial
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

Queen Latifah delivered a poem penned by Maya Angelou in tribute to Michael Jackson at the King of Pop's memorial in Los Angeles.

Paying her own tribute to the late pop star at the Staples Center on Tuesday, Latifah told the gathered 18,000 friends, family members, fans and celebrities, "Michael was the biggest star on earth."

She added, "He let me know that, as an African-American, you could travel the world."

The singer/actress then read out Angelou's touching tribute, We Had Him, in which the poet called Jackson "a bright and shining star".

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Jackson Takes Centre Stage At Memorial
7 July 2009 12:06 PM, PDT

Michael Jackson staged one of his most amazing 'appearances' as his remains took centre stage at his memorial service in Los Angeles minutes ago.

As The Andrae Crouch Choir started singing gospel tune We Are Going To See The King, the King of Pop's coffin, covered with red roses, was carried through the Staples Center, where 18,000 people had gathered to pay tribute to the late star.

Pallbearers included members of Jackson's family and friends of the Thriller star, who died last month.

The choir performed before a simple church setting at the sports arena, with a sunset image of stained glass windows hanging behind the singers.

Following a moment's silence, Pastor Lucius Smith took to the stage to begin the live tributes to the King of Pop. He recalled that the late star had been performing at Staples Center in the days leading up to his death.

He stated, "As long as we remember him, he will be there forever to comfort us. In his very beautiful and human heart, Michael Jackson wanted nothing more than to give love to the world... and perhaps be loved back in return."

After the pastor's solemn words, Mariah Carey hit the stage to begin the celebrity performance tributes with her rendition of Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There, as images of Jackson appeared on a big screen behind her.

She was joined onstage by Trey Lorenz, who recorded a 1992 duet of the song, which became Carey's first worldwide number one.

Carey finished her tribute by stating, "We miss you."

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Robinson Reads Ross Letter To Start Jackson Memorial
7 July 2009 11:27 AM, PDT

Smokey Robinson began proceedings at the King of Pop's memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles by reading out a letter from Diana Ross.

The soul man, dressed in a grey three-piece suit and black tie, held the official note from Ross, who refused to attend Tuesday's tribute, and read it to the 18,000 fans, celebrities and family members present.

Robinson read, "I am trying to find closure. I want you to know that even though I am not there at the Staples Center, I am there in my heart. I have decided to pause and be silent. This feels right for me.

"Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way I can't seem to find words to express.

"Michael wanted me to be there for his children and I will be there if they ever need me. I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him."

Robinson went on to read a written tribute from Nelson Mandela.

Ross was named as an alternative guardian for his three children in his 2002 will if his first choice, his mother Katherine Jackson, was unable to care for his kids.

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La Toya Offers Heartfelt Memorial Thoughts About Brother Michael
7 July 2009 11:01 AM, PDT

Michael Jackson's sister La Toya has paid a heartfelt final tribute to her late brother in the programme for today's memorial service in Los Angeles.

In among the letters and notes recalling the King of Pop's life and career, La Toya remembered a conversation she had with the pop star after he won his first Grammy Award in 1980.

She writes, "He said, 'I want to be the the biggest and greatest entertainer of all time.'"

The grieving sister then states, "You began to write that dream all throughout your bedroom; on walls, on the mirrors, in your books and everywhere else you could find space.

"You started working harder creating sounds and songs the world had never heard before. You started dancing until you literally collapsed. When most artists were trying to learn how to sing... you were singing and moonwalking."

La Toya concludes her moving note by adding, "God has called you to come home, collect your wings and fulfil your demands in heaven, and continue your magic amongst the angels.

"I love you deeply... Keep the magic going."

The tribute pamphlet also featured a small note honouring Jackson's mother Katherine.

Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson are slated to perform at the Staples Center memorial.

In a post on his Twitter.com blog, Mayer writes, "I'm honored to have been asked to play at Mj's memorial service."

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Jackson Fans Respectful At Staples Center Memorial
7 July 2009 10:36 AM, PDT

Thousands of Michael Jackson fans have turned the King of Pop's farewell into a sombre, respectful event after quietly filing into tribute venues in Los Angeles.

Doors to the memorial at Staples Center opened just after 8am local time. The tribute was scheduled to begin 30 minutes late at 10.30am local time.

Prior to the event, the King of Pop's family staged a brief private service at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, where Ed McMahon and David Carradine were recently laid to rest. Police escorted almost 20 black SUVs, Range Rovers and cars to the cemetery two hours before the start of the memorial.

The Jacksons reportedly staged a private viewing of Jackson's remains on Monday night. The body was transported to Staples Center as part of a 30-vehicle motorcade.

More than 17,000 fans claimed free tickets for the event in an online lottery over the weekend. Over 11,000 actually landed passes for the Staples Center event and the remaining lottery winners were able to watch the live broadcast on a big screen across the road at the Nokia Theatre.

Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his rented home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles on 25 June. He had been rehearsing for upcoming comeback shows in London at the site of the memorial in the days leading up to his death.

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Garrett Developing Cartoon Series
7 July 2009 9:16 AM, PDT

Funnyman Brad Garrett is set to get animated for a new TV comedy.

The Everybody Loves Raymond actor is developing the cartoon series Dumb Bunny and Jackass for Sony Pictures TV, about the struggle faced by a world famous cartoon duo which suffers a fall from fame.

Garrett will voice one of the lead characters and serve as executive producer on the project, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

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Smith's Daughter To Make Small Screen Debut
7 July 2009 9:16 AM, PDT

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's daughter Willow is building an acting career to rival her famous parents' - she's set make her TV debut later this month.

Eight-year-old Willow - who has already appeared in her father's 2007 action film I Am Legend and voiced a character alongside her mother in hit animated film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - is set to guest star in a one-hour episode of Nickelodeon's True Jackson, VP.

The child star will play a younger version of actress KeKe Palmer's title character True Jackson, an executive of a popular fashion house.

And her action star dad Will insists the role was perfect for his little girl: "I get my style ideas from True Jackson, VP. If I had my own fashion company, I would call it Willow's Reign."

Willow will make her TV debut when the episode airs on 25 July.

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Kournikova Coy About Engagement Rumours
7 July 2009 9:16 AM, PDT

Anna Kournikova is playing coy about her rumoured engagement to singer Enrique Iglesias - after the tennis star was photographed wearing a diamond ring on her wedding finger at a recent match.

Rumours the couple is planning to exchange vows have swelled since the 28-year-old blonde beauty was snapped wearing a sparkler on her left hand while boating with her beau along the coast of Miami, Florida earlier this year.

But Kournikova refused to confirm or deny whether Iglesias had asked her to be his wife after she was again spotted with the ring at Monday night's World Team Tennis match in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Remaining coy with reporters, she said: "I thought you were the good press."

The couple, together for seven years, has shared a home in Miami for the last 14 months.

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Designer Alexander Denied Retrial On Rape Conviction
7 July 2009 9:16 AM, PDT

Celebrity fashion designer and convicted rapist Anand Jon Alexander will face sentencing next month after his bid for a retrial was denied by a Los Angeles judge.

Alexander, who has reportedly designed outfits for Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige, was found guilty of 16 charges of sexually assaulting seven girls and young women.

During his two-month trial, a California court heard how the Indian-born couturier lured wannabe models as young as 14 to his apartment in Beverly Hills and abused them in a string of attacks between 2001 and 2007.

The 35 year old's attorneys claimed his accusers were attempting to ruin his career, but he was convicted of 16 of the 23 charges against him. He was acquitted of four charges and a further three resulted in a hung jury.

Alexander sought a retrial on the basis of juror misconduct, alleging a juror had improperly contacted his sister.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Wesley has ruled "a new trial will not be granted where there is a misconduct of such a trifling nature".

Alexander told reporters, "This is a total travesty of justice."

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Lohan Sued Over Tanning Spray
7 July 2009 9:16 AM, PDT

Lindsay Lohan has been targetted in a new lawsuit accusing the actress of stealing the formula for her new tanning spray.

The 23-year-old Mean Girls star launched her tanning potion Sevin Nyne in April - touting it as the secret to her glowing complexion.

The actress claims she has spent three years developing the product with Lorit Simon, a Las Vegas entrepreneur who tans Hollywood A-listers.

St. Petersburg, Florida-based chemist Jennifer Sunday claims she showed Simon her tanning mist samples in January and she alleges the pair stole the formula.

According to federal court documents filed in Tampa, Florida, Sunday is suing the pair pair for breach of contract, theft of trade secrets, civil conspiracy, intentional interference with contractual relations and deceptive and unfair trade practices.

Cohen's attorney tells the St. Petersburg Times, "The next thing we know, Lorit Simon and Lindsay Lohan are partnering and Ms. Lohan is taking credit for developing this formula, which she indeed had no role in...

"We are certainly looking for the profits that are being generated right now from that product. If Ms. Lohan and Ms. Simon and their companies and their shareholders are profiting from the theft of my client's formula and are profiting from that product, my client is entitled to those proceeds."

A publicist for Lohan could not be reached as WENN went to press.

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Jackson Memorial To Hit Cinema Screens Across U.S.
7 July 2009 9:16 AM, PDT

Michael Jackson's memorial service will be beamed into movie theatres in 20 U.S. states.

Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. bosses will broadcast the event live to an estimated 17,000 people in theatres equipped with digital projection systems and satellite dishes. In total, 37 cities will air the footage of the memorial ceremony on the big screen.

The company will be using the same feed sent out from Staples Center in Los Angeles to TV networks and displaying it in high definition on big screens.

One cinema which will not be showing the footage is the Mann Chinese Six Theatre in Los Angeles. The planned showing there has been cancelled due to security concerns.

The cinema is yards away from the site of Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The memorial ceremony will also be broadcast live on big screens in New York's Times Square and at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where Jackson performed in his early years as part of the Jackson 5.

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Tennant For St. Trinians
7 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT

Scottish actor David Tennant is heading back to school - he has signed on to play a villain in the sequel to St. Trinians.

The star has landed his first major role since quitting as the beloved Time Lord in iconic sci-fi show Dr Who last year.

He will play evil baddie Pomfrey in the latest installment of the franchise, set in a chaotic all-girls school in Britain.

He will be joined by Colin Firth and Rupert Everett, who both starred in the 2007 movie - alongside Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding.

The 2007 remake, which kickstarted Bond girl Gemma Arterton's career, was a surprise hit, raking in $22 million (£15 million) at the British box office.

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Piven Is Yoga Fan
7 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT

Jeremy Piven is building up his fitness after a bout of mercury poisoning last year - by taking up yoga.

The Entourage star was ordered by doctors to pull out of Broadway play Speed-The-Plow in December after he fell ill from eating too much raw fish.

He has since made a full recovery, aided by his new-found love for body-bending meditation.

Piven, who plays Ari Gold in the hit TV drama, tells Men's Fitness magazine, "I loved the way it made me feel. It opens you out and you get great twang. It's incredible. Ari's got some quick-twitch anger, and to do that repeatedly you have to come from a place of stillness. It's so funny because I'm naturally kind of calm. To be healthy you have to have those dualities in your life."

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Baywatch Set For Big-screen Comedy Remake
7 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT

Legendary sexy TV show Baywatch is set to be reworked for the big screen - as a tongue-in-cheek comedy movie.

The beachside show, which focused on the lives of Los Angeles' lifeguards, rejuvenated the flagging career of David Hasselhoff, as well as making Pamela Anderson a pin-up icon.

It became a global smash hit, and was noted as the most watched TV show in the world, attracting more than 1.1 billion viewers.

There have since been constant rumours the show was to be transformed into a feature film - and Paramount bosses have now confirmed Hollywood writer Jeremy Garelick is tweaking the screenplay and plans to direct the project himself, according to Daily Variety.

And Garelick believes the plot is perfect to be made into a mainstream comedy.

He says, "It felt like the template to do a movie that was similar to 'Stripes' and 'Police Academy,' the comedies I loved growing up.

"Rather than trying to pitch the tone, I figured it would be easier to write the first act to convey who these characters were."

None of the original cast will star in the movie, although it is rumoured Hasselhoff and Anderson will make cameo appearances.

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Radcliffe Insists He Is No Hunk
7 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT

Daniel Radcliffe is baffled by claims he is lusted after by young girls - insisting his hunk credentials have "not been proven yet".

The actor shot to fame aged 11 starring as Harry Potter in the phenomenally successful wizard franchise.

Despite being linked to a string of young beauties, as well as stripping off on stage for play Equus, Radcliffe doesn't understand why everyone thinks he's a hit with the ladies.

And the star insists if people knew how he behaved in his private life, they would definitely not consider him an eligible bachelor.

He says, "If girls like me, it has not been proven yet. Ok, I go to the red carpet in Tokyo and thousands of girls scream at me... but the me that sits in a darkened room watching cricket for eight hours with a bowl of pasta in his underwear and socks is not quite so attractive to girls."

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Fox 'Cleaned Bay's Car In Audition'
7 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT

Megan Fox was forced to lather up and clean a Ferrari to land her breakthrough role in Transformers, according to a British film critic.

The sexy actress shot to superstardom after appearing in 2007's Transformers and this year's sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

But the star's start in Hollywood was anything but glamorous, after director Michael Bay made her clean his expensive car as part of her audition for the role, according to U.K. broadcaster Jason Solomons.

He writes in his film column for the Observer newspaper, "He made her wash his Ferrari while he filmed her."

And Soloman insists Fox was concerned as to where the footage may have ended up - quizzing an embarrassed Bay over the bizarre audition.

He adds, "She said she didn't know what had happened to that footage. When I put it to Bay himself, he looked suitably abashed - 'Er, I don't know where it is either'. "

Fox and Bay have had a famously rocky professional relationship - last month Fox took a swipe at the auteur's filmmaking stating that the Transformers sequel was "not a movie about acting". Bay hit back, branding the beauty "ridiculous" while telling her she "had growing up to do".

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Lutz Blasts McCord Romance Rumours
7 July 2009 5:16 AM, PDT

Twilight actor Kellan Lutz is adamant he is not dating 90210 beauty Annalynne McCord - insisting he is still broken-hearted from his last relationship.

The pair has been romantically linked for several months after they met on the set of the Beverly Hills 90210 spin-off earlier this year.

Lutz was reported to be so enamoured with the blonde that he rallied for her to get a part in new Twilight movie New Moon.

But despite several gossip columns claiming to have spotted the pair getting intimate at a slew of celebrity events, they have kept tight-lipped about the alleged romance.

Now Lutz has insisted the rumours are not true, telling the New York Daily News: "I am quite single. I am happy being single. I'm very busy. I'm a relationship guy, but I recently broke up with someone who I was really in love with. And if that didn't work, how could anything else right now?"

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Deyn Moves On To Next Rock Star Boyfriend
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

British model Agyness Deyn has added yet another musician to her growing list of rock star lovers - she's reportedly dating The Rascals frontman Miles Kane.

Deyn - real name Laura Hollins - went public with her new romance at London's Hampstead Heath park at the weekend (04-05Jun09), kissing and cuddling Kane as they relaxed in the sun.

The catwalk queen is said to have met Kane, who is also a member of The Last Shadow Puppets with Alex Turner, at London's Punk nightclub last month.

Deyn most recently dated Phantom Planet singer Alex Greenwald and was reportedly engaged to The Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. in 2008.

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Watson To Balance College And Career
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

Harry Potter star Emma Watson has brushed off reports she plans to give up acting to attend university, insisting she's capable of balancing a Hollywood career with college classes.

The British actress, who plays studious wizard Hermione Granger in the hit franchise, is preparing to move from London to begin her first term at an American university later this year.

But Watson insists the start of her higher education in no way signals the end of her acting career.

She explains, "There's been a lot of confusion in the media that university is mutually exclusive, that I can't act as well as study at the same time, and I seem to have managed it okay up to this point, so that's what I hope to continue to do.

"I love learning and I don't ever want to stop. It was always my dream before doing the films and I don't see why it should change."

And Watson, 19, is hoping she'll be able to enjoy the last of her teens away from the glare of the media spotlight: "I think I'm just looking forward to being a teenager for a bit, meeting people my own age and just kind of being normal for a bit."

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Knepper Thanks Sutherland For Punch To The Face
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

Prison Break star Robert Knepper has credited Kiefer Sutherland with saving his acting career - by punching him.

Knepper, who played villain T-Bag in the hit TV drama, contemplated quitting acting after struggling to land any roles.

But 24 star Sutherland was determined not to let Knepper give up, and literally knocked him back to his senses with a heavy blow.

Knepper recalls, "Ten or 15 years ago, Kiefer used to go to the same gym as me. I remember telling him that I wanted to quit (acting). It was before Prison Break and I couldn't find any work and I wanted to quit.

"He f**king punched me! He punched me so hard. He told me, 'Don't you ever give up!' and I thank Kiefer every day for that advice."

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Grint: 'Swine Flu Wasn't That Bad'
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint was terrified when doctors told him he had swine flu, but relieved to find his only symptom was a sore throat.

The actor was recently forced to take time off from filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is currently shooting in Britain, after contracting the virus.

The 20 year old was initially alarmed when he first heard the diagnosis - but he insists the bout was no worse than a common cold.

He explains, "I did have swine flu, but it was just like any other flu I've had before. It was just a sore throat and I was in bed for a while, but it was quite scary when I was first told I had swine flu because of what's been in the press."

He joked: "I was like, 'Am I going to die?' But it was fine - just a sore throat."

Grint has now recovered and is currently promoting the sixth movie in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

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Radcliffe And Cast Pay Tribute To Slain Co-star
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

Daniel Radcliffe and his Harry Potter co-stars will wear white wristbands at the London premiere of their new movie in tribute to murdered actor Robert Knox.

Eighteen year old Knox had just finished filming his small part in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when he was stabbed to death while defending his brother outside a nightclub in Kent, England last May.

The cast and crew have decided to wear the commemorative bracelets on the red carpet at the film's world premiere on Tuesday in honour of Knox and all victims of knife crime.

The film's star Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the title role in the wizard franchise, admits he was moved by Knox's murder, which he has described as a "tragedy".

He says, "I won't pretend I knew him incredibly well, or was his best friend on-set, but I knew him and liked him, and what happened to him was obviously tragic and awful."

Knox's killer, 22 year old Karl Bishop, was sentenced to life in prison in March for the crime.

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Shields Shared 'Asexual Relationship' With Jackson
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

Brooke Shields formed an instant bond with Michael Jackson after they met - but insists their relationship was purely platonic.

The actress was introduced to the singer when she was just 13 and the pair made headlines as they stepped out as a couple.

In a new candid interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Shields recalls that in the 1980s she was "the most celebrated virgin ever" while Jackson was trying to adjust to the scores of women who "wanted to throw themselves at (him) and feel like they were going to teach him".

But she insists she was able to befriend the superstar straight away because he didn't put any pressure on her to advance their relationship.

And the 44 year old maintains that as the years passed, "the more asexual he became to me."

She adds, "Nothing was jaded about him."

But The Blue Lagoon star admits Jackson did express a certain curiosity about her early romances.

She explains, "He was like a little kid who talked about the bases - what first base was, what second base was. It sounded very odd to the outside, I can imagine, but to the inside, to someone who's never really left his bubble, you can understand how he would be curious."

Shields, who will pay tribute to Jackson at Tuesday's Los Angeles memorial, has fond memories about her last meeting with Jackson, which was at Elizabeth Taylor's 1991 wedding to Larry Fortensky.

She says, "We snuck in and took pictures of ourselves next to her dress. We always seemed to revert to being little kids."

Jackson died on 25 June after suffering a cardiac arrest in his California home.

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Jackson Family 'Holds Private Memorial'
7 July 2009 1:11 AM, PDT

Michael Jackson's family and friends gathered to mourn the superstar at a private memorial on Monday night, according to reports.

About 1,200 guests, including members of the Jackson clan and close friends, gathered in the evening to remember the King Of Pop at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, reports RadarOnline.com.

The service, entitled A Celebration Of Life, reportedly took place in a large auditorium and featured Jackson's closed casket.

Jackson's siblings La Toya and Randy were seen entering Forest Lawn, while a hearse was spotted pulling up to the complex, according to TMZ.com.

Earlier reports suggested that the Jackson family would pay their final respects at a private function for the singer on Tuesday morning at Forest Lawn, before laying him to rest in the park's cemetery.

Thousands of fans and a host of celebrities will attend a special ceremony at the Los Angeles Staples Center on Tuesday to pay tribute to the icon, who died on 25 June after suffering a cardiac arrest.

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Fischer To Wed
6 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

The Office star Jenna Fischer is set to wed again after accepting writer Lee Kirk's marriage proposal.

The actress, who plays Pam Beesly in the hit comedy show, divorced her first husband, director James Gunn in 2007.

People.com reports Fischer and Kirk became engaged during a European vacation on 30 June.

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Stallone Turns To Hindu Herbs For Knee Problems
6 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Sylvester Stallone has turned to Indian mysticism in an effort to end persisting knee pain.

The action man has embraced ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine of India, after befriending alternative medicine experts as he prepares for Bollywood movie Kambakkht Ishq (Unfortunate Love) in Los Angeles.

The film's lead, Akshay Kumar, bonded with Stallone during a chat about on-set injuries and the Singh is Kinng star suggested ayurveda when his new pal started talking about his persisting knee problem.

Kumar even provided the name of his favourite ayurvedic practitioner.

An insider says, "Stallone appeared to be really interested in ayurvedic treatment and asked for more details. He said he intends to spread the word about ayurveda to his Hollywood comrades."

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed tells WENN the herbal-based ayurveda is regarded as one of the Upvedas in Hinduism. Its thesis is that disease is due to imbalance of three bodily humours - pitta (bile), kapha (phlegm) and vata (wind) - and balance can be recreated by changing person's diet, thoughts and habits.

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Stone's Air Rage Story Not True
6 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Sharon Stone's high-powered publicist has blasted reports his client was involved in an air rage controversy in Utah at the weekend (03-05Jul09), insisting the police who met her at Salt Lake City Airport were hired by her.

Stone was returning to Los Angeles from an Independence Day trip to see her father in Montana and press reports suggest she found herself in trouble during a row with a flight attendant over her luggage.

The actress allegedly took offence when she learned she had to have a bag checked against her will.

One fellow passenger on the flight from Kalispell, Montana to Salt Lake City states, "She made a scene during the entire flight."

Stone was reportedly detained by authorities in Utah before boarding her flight to Los Angeles.

But the actress' publicist Paul Bloch insists the whole story is a misunderstanding - and it was his client who was the victim of an air rage attack.

Block states the attendant took exception to Stone's baggage requirements and shouted at her.

He says, "She was not detained by police."

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Pegg Is A Dad
6 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

British funnyman Simon Pegg is a new dad.

The Star Trek actor's wife, Maureen McCann, gave birth to a baby girl at the weekend.

It's the first child for the couple, who wed four years ago this month.

Pegg, who is godfather to pals Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's daughter Apple, recently confessed he couldn't wait to be a dad: "It's the most important thing to me. I'm very excited."

He admitted he was delighted his kid will be born in Los Angeles, as it will entitle the baby to dual citizenship.

He added, "It struck me that, technically, he or she could eventually become President of the United States. The potential is there!"

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Del Toro Visits Puerto Rican Prison
6 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Movie star Benicio Del Toro stunned convicts at a Puerto Rican prison on Monday when he turned drama teacher for a day.

The Che star offered tips and encouragement to jailed theatre lovers at the Bayamon Regional Prison outside San Juan.

The Puerto Rico-born actor was on holiday in the Caribbean when he decided to pay a visit to prisoners.

He told inmates, "I believe everyone needs a second chance. I am here to help reaffirm that as long as there is life, you can still help society in some way, you can improve yourself."

He encouraged the inmates to read as part of their rehabilitation.

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Taylor Pulls Out Of Jackson Memorial 'Whoopla'
6 July 2009 6:31 PM, PDT

Dame Elizabeth Taylor has declined an invite to speak at pal Michael Jackson's memorial on Tuesday because she doesn't want to be a part of the "whoopla" surrounding the event.

The 77-year-old movie star was rumoured to be attending the tribute with Barry Manilow, but she reveals she won't be going to the Staples Center event in Los Angeles.

In a message to fans via Twitter.com, the actress writes, "I've been asked to speak at the Staples Center. I cannot be part of the public whoopla. And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word.

"I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. How I feel is between us. Not a public event. I said I wouldn't go to the Staples Center and I certainly don't want to become a part of it. I love him too much."

Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Lionel Richie and Jackson's former 'girlfriend' Brooke Shields have been confirmed as participants in Tuesday's memorial.

The Staples Center tribute will also feature performances and speeches from basketball stars Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, Motown founder Berry Gordy, Martin Luther King III, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson.

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