8 hours ago

An unsavoury digital short filmed by Ashton Kutcher for his appearance on Saturday Night Live at the weekend has hit the Internet.

Kutcher's hilarious 'ad' for Twitter.com offshoot 'Tooter' failed to make it on the U.S. sketch show, but the actor is so pleased with it he's linking to it via his blog site.

In the bogus ad, Kutcher creates a Twitter-type initiative to give fans the sound and smell of his own flatulence.

The skit also features rockers Them Crooked Vultures and a very disapproving Questlove from The Roots. »

8 hours ago

David Arquette and Courteney Cox are considering adopting a second child because they're "exhausted" trying to conceive.

Cox, 45, underwent in-vitro fertilisation to become a first-time mum at 39, and Arquette admits he's ready to expand the couple's family again.

But the 38-year-old dad confesses he doesn't have the energy to make regular appointments to see fertility specialists and have sex.

He says, "It takes a lot for us to do it (have a baby), so maybe adoption. Listen, I like practising as much as possible! But it's hard... I'm exhausted!" »

8 hours ago

Halle Berry is pressing ahead with her plans to play infamous jewel thief Doris Payne, despite the fact the 79-year-old has been arrested for attempting to steal a coat from a department store.

Payne was arrested as she tried to leave a Saks Fifth Avenue store in Costa Mesa, California last month without paying for a $1,300 (£813) Burberry trenchcoat.

Payne was on parole for past thefts when she was caught.

Berry will portray the career thief, who has robbed gem stores around the world, in new biopic Who Is Doris Payne?

The Oscar winner has been working on the project for over two years with former Malcolm In The Middle star Justin Berfield, who secured the rights to Payne's life story after meeting her in jail in 2006.

Payne, who is known as The Grandmother Thief, has spent much of her adult life pulling off some of the biggest gem heists around the globe.

Producer Berfield tells WENN, "We were stunned and saddened to hear of Ms. Payne's arrest on January 27th in Orange County. It has always been the intention of the producers, writer and rest of the film's creative team to chronicle Doris Payne's journey and career accurately, or as accurately as one can without having lived it ourselves.

"We are currently re-evaluating the script and determining the best filmmaker to work with Halle Berry in bringing Ms. Payne's story to the screen." »

8 hours ago

Former child star Gary Coleman has avoided jail after striking a deal with authorities over a domestic violence charge.

The Diff'rent Strokes star was taken into custody on 24 January after police were called to his Utah home.

No criminal charges were filed at the time, but Coleman was cited for a misdemeanour failure to appear warrant from a separate altercation in April, 2009, involving his wife, Shannon Price.

He spent the first few hours of his 42nd birthday on Monday in court, where he pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence criminal mischief.

As part of the plea deal, Coleman was handed a suspended sentence of 31 and a half days in jail - but he will avoid the punishment if he pays a fine of $595 (£372) and attends a domestic violence course.

A separate charge of domestic violence assault was dismissed, reports TMZ.com. »

8 hours ago

Charlie Sheen has been charged with felony menacing, third degree assault and misdemeanour criminal mischief in court in Aspen, Colorado.

The actor did not enter a plea.

He and his wife Brooke Mueller were called to court to further address a Christmas Day fight, which landed Sheen behind bars after allegedly threatening his spouse with a knife.

Sheen faces two years behind bars if convicted on the charges against him.

There was good news for the actor - the judge overseeing the case agreed to relax a protective order against Sheen, so he and his wife can attempt a reconciliation. The order has been in place since just after Christmas Day.

In court, Sheen was told he could have communication and contact with Mueller but he is not allowed to drink alcohol, harass his wife or possess firearms, according to TMZ.com.

The actor flew up to Aspen from Los Angeles on Monday morning; Mueller flew in from North Carolina, where she has been attending a wellness clinic, over the weekend (06-07Feb10).

The couple has reportedly agreed to fly back to Los Angeles together. »

11 hours ago

British comedian Steve Coogan is to find out in the next month whether his famed creation, Alan Partridge, will be heading to the big screen.

The Night at the Museum star rose to fame in the U.K. series about a failed TV and radio presenter, before moving on to Hollywood films including Tropic Thunder and Around the World in 80 Days.

Coogan is keen to reprise his breakthrough role for a movie - but only if he can work with original writers Armando Iannucci and Peter Baynham.

He says, "This is kind of make or break. In a month it'll be very clear whether we're going to do it or not. You have to get all the right elements. We're not going to do it unless we think we can do something really good." »

11 hours ago

Actor Andrew McCarthy was left fearing for his life during a recent trip to Ethiopia after he was held at gunpoint in an underground church.

The Mannequin star turned reporter for travel magazine Afar and flew to the African country for his assignment earlier this year.

But the vacation turned into a nightmare when he found himself being threatened by an armed guard after accidentally leaving his entrance ticket to historic church Lalibela at his hotel.

The 47 year old explains, "His gun (was) pointed at my back. I thought his reaction to my offence was extreme; I tried to say as much. He grunted something in Amharic and prodded me with the tip of his rifle."

Some locals soon came to McCarthy's rescue and he was released, but the terrifying experience had the actor panicked.

He says, "I tried to breathe."

But McCarthy has no regrets about taking on the assignment for Afar, whose editors pick reporters' destinations by spinning a globe, and admits the incident is just part of the risk.

He adds, "(It) was just the kind of thing that happens when you show up alone in a distant country without a plan." »

11 hours ago

Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick have expanded their New York compound with the multi-million dollar purchase of their third oceanfront property - boosting its value to more than $12 million (£7.5 million).

The power couple, who share seven-year-old son James Wilkie and welcomed twin girls born to a surrogate last year, bought another home on Long Island's East End in 2008, according to the New York Post.

The pair purchased its first two homes in Amagansett for $4.6 million (£2.9 million) and $2 million (£1.3 million).

The third property cost a reported $5.8 million (£3.6 million). »

11 hours ago

Heath Ledger's uncle has been sentenced to jail after attempting to blame a charge of receiving stolen goods on the grief he suffered following the actor's tragic death in 2008.

Hayden Charles Ledger pleaded not guilty to receiving $130,000 (£81,250) worth of stolen machinery in 2008.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years jail or a fine of up to $20,880 (£13,050) in Australia's Midland Magistrates Court.

According to Sky News Australia, Ledger's lawyer appealed for a more lenient charge because his client suffers from bipolar disorder.

Ledger reportedly attempted to get out of a jail sentence by arguing he was distraught by the actor's death from a prescription drug overdose, and should not be held responsible for his crime.

But the judge ignored his plea for leniency and sentenced him to 18 months in jail. »

11 hours ago

Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich will be honoured posthumously in her native Berlin when she becomes the first person to land a star on Germany's new Walk of Fame.

The actress became a U.S. citizen after moving across the Atlantic and finding fame in the 1930's, but she will be immortalised in her birthplace on Thursday as part of the Berlin Film Festival celebrations.

Festival director Dieter Kosslick and Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit will unveil the star, which will be placed near the city's film museum on Potsdamer Strasse.

Dietrich, who died in 1992 at the age of 90, will be the first of 40 honorees to be remembered on the Walk of Fame. The remaining stars will be revealed this summer. »

11 hours ago

A representative for Rachel Bilson has brushed off rumours the actress is expecting her first child with fiance Hayden Christensen, insisting there is "absolutely no truth" to the speculation.

The former The O.C. star sparked speculation she was hiding a baby bump after she was photographed heading into a doctor's office at the weekend (06-07Feb10) wearing an oversized rain jacket.

Bilson and Christensen, both 28, announced their engagement in February 2009, but her spokesperson insists the couple is not starting a family just yet.

Her rep tells UsMagazine.com there is "absolutely no truth to (the rumour about) Rachel being pregnant". »

11 hours ago

Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are taking the editors of a British newspaper to court over reports they are set to split.

On 24 January, the News of The World tabloid claimed the unmarried couple had met with Los Angeles divorce lawyer Sorrell Trope to divide its assets and arrange custody of the pair's six children.

Trope has denied being in contact with the couple and now the stars' lawyer Keith Schillings is taking action to put an end to the false reports.

In a statement issued on Monday, Schillings reveals Pitt and Jolie have started legal proceedings against the tabloid after its editors failed to meet a demand for a retraction and apology.

Schillings claims the report involved "false and intrusive allegations".

Rumours Pitt and Jolie had ended their five-year romance were dismissed by the actress' father, Jon Voight, last month.

Voight insisted the couple was still together, branding the allegations "nonsense".

Pitt and Jolie also put on a united front in Miami, Florida on Sunday, when they were spotted enjoying the Super Bowl football championships between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. »

14 hours ago

Allison Janney felt "adrift" when long-running drama The West Wing ended - because the hit show had taken over her life.

The actress, who played press secretary C.J. in the White House-based series, worked 18-hour days and rarely had time to socialise with pals.

And when the show eventually ended its seven-year run in 2006, Janney realised how much of life she had missed out on.

She tells the U.K.'s Sunday Express, "It was relentless. We did 18-hour days - and we were so happy to be where we were. But as the years went by, we started to be less happy. There are so many things I missed out on in my friends' lives. When it ended, I felt kind of adrift because I slept, ate and breathed West Wing. I really didn't have too much else to define who I was." »

14 hours ago

Lost star Daniel Dae Kim has landed a new TV role in an upcoming remake of Hawaii Five-o .

The actor has played Jin Kwon in the mystery drama for six seasons, relocating to Hawaii for the duration of the show.

And it looks as if Kim will be staying in the island paradise after scoring a role in CBS' new version of classic cop show Hawaii Five-o.

The original drama series, about the Hawaiian police department, ran from 1968 to 1980 and starred Jack Lord and James MacArthur.

Kim is said to have been handed the role of Detective Chin Ho Kelly, originally played by Kam Fong, according to the Hollywood Reporter. »

14 hours ago

Bill Murray never feels offended when he is labelled "difficult" to work with - because he sees it as a "badge of honour."

The Hollywood actor famously fell out with director McG while they were making 2000 action film Charlie's Angels, but denied the moviemaker's claims he headbutted him when a disagreement turned violent.

He was also rumoured to have clashed with actress Lucy Liu - one of his Charlie's Angels co-stars.

Murray admits he's "nothing but trouble" on film sets, especially when he doesn't agree with the decisions being made - but he doesn't see his refusal to compromise as a failing.

He says, "People say I'm difficult and sometimes that's a badge of honour. At work I'm just nothing but trouble with anything I don't want to do. And I fired my agents. I said I didn't ever want to speak to them ever again, and I never did. It saved me money but mostly it stopped the irritation of the endless phone calls." »

14 hours ago

Matthew Fox was never intended to be a Lost regular - producers of the hit TV show planned to kill off his character in the second episode.

The actor has become a familiar face on TV screens over the last few years, playing Dr. Jack Shephard in six seasons of the mystery drama.

But Fox admits the show's creators originally had very different plans for his character.

He says, "Damon Lindelof and J.J. Abrams thought it would be cool to set Jack up as the hero, and then kill him off in the second episode. But various people told them they thought this would be a bad idea." »

14 hours ago

Robert Pattinson is urging Hollywood bosses to schedule a start date for the last Twilight movie - because he can't "organise" his life until he knows when he will be shooting the final film.

The British hunk shot to international stardom in the vampire franchise, playing bloodsucker Edward Cullen in two big screen releases so far.

He's already finished filming the third installment, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, which is due to hit cinemas in July - and he wants movie chiefs to organise production on the final film, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, so he can arrange his diary.

Pattinson says, "It will be great just to be able to know what I'm doing. Not knowing when Breaking Dawn is going to shoot - because it changes all the time - is kind of a burden, to have this thing where you don't know when it's going to happen. So you have got to organise everything in your life around that and that can be difficult." »

14 hours ago

Bill Murray only agreed to star in the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel if producers killed off his character in the first scene - so he could come back as a spook.

The Lost In Translation star will join original line-up Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson to film a third movie in the franchise - 21 years after Ghostbusters II hit cinemas in 1989.

And Murray has revealed he only agreed to reprise his role of Dr. Peter Venkman if movie bosses let him play a ghost.

He says, "I’ll come back in Ghostbusters 3 only if I get to be a ghost. I said to them, 'I'll do it if you kill me off in the first reel.' So now they are going to have me as a ghost in the film.”

Ghostbusters III is scheduled for a 2012 release. »

14 hours ago

Frances Buss, the first female television director in the U.S., has died aged 92.

Buss passed away on 19 January after suffering a stroke.

She appeared on screen as a scorekeeper for The CBS Television Quiz and in December 1941 co-ordinated broadcasting of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In 1945, she was promoted to director and producer - and became the first woman to become a full-time director at any network.

Her credits include TV drama Sorry, Wrong Number, game show What’s It Worth?, cooking show To the Queen’s Taste, talk show Mike and Buff, children’s series The Whistling Wizard, and several sporting events.

In 1951, she co-directed Premiere, the first regular network colour television program in the U.S.

Buss retired from television in 1954. »

14 hours ago

Lars Von Trier's controversial movie Antichrist was the big winner at Denmark's most prestigious prize-giving - picking up seven coveted Robert Awards.

The film, starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg, received mixed reviews because of its scenes of graphic violence, but the shocking content didn't stop the film from winning big at The Roberts in Denmark on Sunday.

The movie was named Best Picture, while Von Trier landed the Best Director prize. Antichrist also triumphed in categories for script, cinematography, editing, sound design and special effects.

Lars Mikkelsen was honoured for his role in thriller Headhunter and his co-star Henning Moritzen was named Best Supporting Actor.

Animated sensation Up was named best U.S. film, while Slumdog Millionaire won for Best non-u.S. foreign film, according to Variety.com. »

19 hours ago

Hollywood bosses are already working on a sequel to star-studded new movie Valentine's Day - the follow up will be based on another special holiday, New Year's Eve.

The romantic comedy, which boasts a stellar line-up including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Anne Hathaway, Patrick Dempsey and Jennifer Garner, is set to hit cinemas on 12 February - just in time for the romantic occasion on 14 February.

And producers are so sure of success, they are already plotting their next movie - which will feature some of the same characters in New York City on 31 December, according to Variety.com.

Director Garry Marshall is expected to return to helm New Year's Eve, which is slated for release in late 2011. »

19 hours ago

Never-before-seen photos of Marilyn Monroe, shot nine months before her death, are set to go under the hammer.

The Some Like It Hot star was snapped by photographer Len Steckler as she visited poet Carl Sandburg in a New York apartment in December 1961.

The blonde bombshell is depicted wearing pointed glasses and a short-sleeved dress, while sipping whiskey and holding hands with the 83 year old.

Steckler tells Reuters, "It was serendipitous with these two icons in their moment and me here with my camera.

"I went to open the door and there I was face-to-face with Marilyn Monroe, and she looked more ravishing than on the screen. She said 'I am sorry I am late. I was at the hairdresser's, matching my hair to Carl's.'

"As we know, Marilyn loved older men, she loved the intellectuals and Carl was very parental with her. It was a lovely thing to see."

Monroe died in August 1962, while Sandburg passed away in 1967.

Steckler decided to sell the collection, entitled Marilyn Monroe: The Visit, after his son discovered the negatives. »

19 hours ago

A rusting ship featured in Peter Jackson's King Kong movie is set to be sunk off the coast of New Zealand - after the company which owned the vessel went into liquidation.

The director used the Venture II in his 2005 remake and later sold it to a property development firm in Wellington, which kept it moored at a wharf in the city.

Ownership of the vessel has now passed to Wellington Regional Council after the company went bust, and local authorities plan to scuttle the ship in the Cook Strait on Tuesday, reports Radio New Zealand.

The plans have proved unpopular with residents after it was revealed the sinking will cost tax payers $23,800 (£14,875), but council officials insist the ship is becoming a safety hazard and can no longer be moored at the wharf. »

19 hours ago

Filmmaker Lee Daniels was convinced his movie had been left out of the Oscar nominations, because he was so tired he forgot the film titles would be announced alphabetically.

The director, who helmed Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire, got out of bed to watch Anne Hathaway reveal this year's Academy Award nominees with Academy President Tom Sherak at an early morning TV news conference last Tuesday.

Daniels thought the nominations for Best Picture would be read out in order of the directors' names and he was convinced Precious had been left off the list when he heard Quentin Tarantino's nod for Inglourious Basterds.

And the moviemaker had already gone back to bed when his name was called out after Tarantino's.

He says, "When Tarantino was mentioned prior to Daniels, I went, ‘Oh, well, nuts.' And literally as I got back to the pillow I heard ‘Daniels,’ and I bounced back up.”

Daniels is also up for the Best Director award at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. »

19 hours ago

Robert Pattinson is dreading his sex scenes with Uma Thurman in upcoming movie Bel Ami - insisting the shoot will be "kind of disturbing."

The Twilight hunk plays journalist Georges Duroy, who climbs the social ladder by sleeping with a series of prominent women.

The shoot will involve stripping off with numerous beautiful actresses including Christina Ricci and Kristin Scott-Thomas - and Pattinson admits he's nervous about getting naked with Thurman.

He says, "The sex scenes with Uma are kind of disturbing. Her character kind of uses sex as a weapon and my character thinks like an animal. There's quite a lot of sex scenes in this film, so I'm asking quite a lot of myself, and with lots of different people as well." »

19 hours ago

Mickey Rourke has hailed Megan Fox Hollywood's "best young actress" after she impressed him on the set of their movie Passion Play.

The Wrestler star appears opposite Fox, who plays a "circus freak" with wings who is under the control of a ruthless gangster and is eventually rescued by Rourke's character.

And Rourke was left in awe of Fox's talent and professionalism - insisting she's one of the most promising movie stars in Hollywood.

He says, "(She) is the best young actress I've ever worked with. I don’t know if a lot of her films have showcased her acting ability more than, say, being action-oriented, but she really stepped up (to) the plate with this one and was very consistent and professional, beyond her years. At 23, I couldn’t do half of what she’s doing." »

19 hours ago

Jessica Alba had a "hard time agreeing" to exchanging vows with husband Cash Warren - because she has never believed in marriage.

The couple tied the knot in a low-key ceremony at the Beverly Hills Courthouse in Los Angeles in 2008, just weeks before Alba gave birth to their first child, daughter Honor Marie, now 20 months.

But the Hollywood actress was reluctant to make their union official, because she has never wanted to wed.

She tells Cosmopolitan magazine, "I had a hard time agreeing with marriage at all because I feel like its been warped. Originally, it was two families coming together to make a stronger family. It was about survival - not love or soul mates. And now the way they market marriage - even as a kid through Disney movies - is that it’s all about Prince Charming sweeping you off your feet.

“There’s this mentality that you need the big dress and the big day - the day every girl gets to be a princess. I didn’t agree with any of that. This tradition of obeying your husband like he’s your king? It’s a load of c**p. Love and honor, yes. But you should love and honor yourself too, and all your friends.

“I chose to get married because, essentially, you’re given a deck of cards in life. The hand you were dealt with is your family and you can’t choose them." »

19 hours ago

Robert Pattinson fears he will never make any new friends - because he's worried his acquaintances will sell their story to the press.

The Twilight actor has remained close to longtime pals in his native Britain, but he finds it difficult to admit anyone new into his social circle since he shot to fame.

And Pattinson fears his paranoia will have a negative affect on all his future friendships.

He says, "Actual real relationships with people you have known for ages never change. Like all of my friends, everyone I've known, it's all exactly the same. It's just new people. If you meet a crowd of people, a lot of times you think someone is going to say something, someone could be going to sell a story about you. The majority of times, nothing bad ever happens, but having that paranoia there is very annoying." »

19 hours ago

Pregnant internet pin-up Tila Tequila is preparing for motherhood by relaunching herself as a businesswoman - she's set up a record label and artist management company.

The reality TV star has launched Tila Tequila Records and Little Miss Trendsetter Management LLC, and the first artist on the books is former B2K member Raz B.

Tequila reveals the upcoming birth of her first child inspired her to start her new business ventures.

She tells the GlobalGrind blog, "The reason why I am doing all this is to prepare for when my baby comes I did this all for my children and not for myself. I wanted to make sure, that when I have a baby, that it would be a time where I wouldn't have to work so much or worry about income and raise my children. Yes it will be hard to be a single mother raising all of these kids by myself, but it's so worth it.” »

19 hours ago

Robert Pattinson has laughed off rumours he's set to replace Tobey Maguire as Spider-man - but insists he'd love to take over the lead role in the superhero series.

Maguire and director Sam Raimi recently quit the blockbuster franchise, and movie bosses subsequently announced plans to reboot the upcoming fourth film as a prequel.

The Twilight heart-throb was rumoured to be in the running to play the comic book hero, along with other actors including High School Musical star Zac Efron.

Pattinson insists Hollywood bosses have yet to approach him about the role, but he'd be tempted to take it if an offer appeared.

He says, "I don't think I am going to be playing Spider-Man, although I would quite like to do it." »

19 hours ago

Jessica Alba has spoken out in defence of Lindsay Lohan just months after the troubled actress was accused of kissing her husband in a nightclub - calling the rumours "ridiculous lies."

Lohan hit the headlines in November when a U.S. magazine claimed she was spotted getting close to Alba's partner, Cash Warren, at a Hollywood hotspot.

The Mean Girls star called the stories "absurd," and now Alba has spoken out in favour of her friend - insisting she doesn't pay attention to tabloid gossip.

She tells Cosmopolitan magazine, "Lindsay’s had to deal with this for so long. When people wrote lies about me before I had (my daughter) Honor, I’d get upset or I’d get nauseous or I’d get angry or I’d want revenge. Now, it’s like, it’s just so ridiculous and it’s not even close to being the truth."

And Alba admits her husband may have a future with Lohan - he's considering teaming up with the actress for a new TV project.

She adds, "My husband may do a TV show with Lindsay - ironically, about the ridiculousness of tabloids." »

23 hours ago

Gerard Butler is auctioning off a night of his company to raise money for a children's cancer charity.

The 300 star is offering up the date to benefit non-profit organisation Kids Kicking Cancer, which teaches martial arts to empower young patients.

Fans who make a $20 (£12.50) donation to the program will be entered into the raffle draw for a date with Butler.

He's also handing over invitations to an upcoming film premiere and a visit to one of his films' sets.

Stars including Josh Hartnett, Jessica Biel, Hugh Jackman and the Jonas Brothers have also donated to Kids Kicking Cancer. »

23 hours ago

Jeff Bridges' 32-year marriage was almost over before it began - his honeymoon was a disaster.

The Oscar-nominated star jetted his new bride Susan off to Maui after they wed in 1977 but admits the early days of married life were far from perfect for him.

He tells Rolling Stone magazine, "We had this terrible honeymoon... all I could do was smell the rotten tomatoes, and I was a pouting motherf**ker, just terrible.

"She (Susan) said, 'Let's annul this.' I said, 'No, no.' I pouted like that for a year or more. Thank God she didn't cut me loose, 'cause I was miserable to be around, but I finally got with the programme."

The couple now have one of the most envied marriages in Hollywood.

The actor adds, "Something I didn't count on with marriage is that it's gotten better on all fronts - the farther it goes on, it gets deeper and richer." »

23 hours ago

Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson has earned the respect of former 007 Pierce Brosnan - for the way he's handling fame.

The two stars recently teamed up as father and son in new movie Remember Me, and Brosnan admits the younger actor impressed him.

He tells Parade.com, "We filmed in New York and there always seemed to be hundreds of screaming teenage girls around and I knew they weren't screaming for me.

"I know it's tough for Robert to cope with that kind of attention. I've been there and I sympathise with him, but I think he's handling it quite well. I think that, so far, he's got it under control." »

23 hours ago

Sir Ian McKellen has spoken out against Britain's new anti-paedophile database, insisting the new scheme will dissuade amateur theatres from casting children.

The Lord of the Rings star fears the Vetting and Barring Scheme, which requires any adult working with children to register and submit a background check, will result in limited roles for young performers.

Adults who don't comply face a fine of up to $8,000 (£5,000) and a criminal record, which McKellen maintains is unnecessary in the world of amateur theatre.

He says, "People are all there for the love of it - that's what amateur means. It's a very family atmosphere and there has never in the last 50 years been any hint of wrongdoing, and so it's trying to put right a problem that doesn't really exist. If children are no longer allowed, as it were, to perform with amateur groups the loss is everybody's."

McKellen claims small companies are struggling to cope with the costs and extensive paperwork, adding, "There are so many people who seem to have an input into this new legislation that have been consulted, and people who haven't yet been consulted are the people whom it's going to directly affect."

McKellen was speaking as a patron on behalf of The Little Theatre Guild, which represents more than 100 independent theatres in Britain. »

23 hours ago

Keira Knightley's heavily criticised stint in a London production of The Misanthrope has earned her a nomination for one of Britain's Laurence Olivier Awards.

The actress has been hit with a slew of bad reviews for her part in an adaptation of the Moliere classic, which marked her debut on the West End stage and is currently playing at the Comedy Theatre.

But the poor reviews haven't stopped Knightley from being named in the Best Supporting Actress category by jurors of the prestigious Olivier Awards, the highest honours in British theatre.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star will compete against Hayley Atwell (A View From The Bridge), Michelle Dockery (Burnt By The Sun), Alexandra Gilbreath (Twelfth Night), Rachael Stirling (The Priory) and Ruth Wilson (A Streetcar Named Desire).

Meanwhile Hollywood actress Rachel Weisz was shortlisted for a Best Actress prize for her performance as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, and will go up against Gillian Anderson (A Doll's House), Imelda Staunton (Entertaining Mr Sloane), Lorraine Burroughs (The Mountaintop) and Juliet Stevenson (Duet For One).

Jude Law's turn in Hamlet faces competition from James Earl Jones in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, James McAvoy for Three Days Of Rain, Mark Rylance (Jerusalem), Ken Stott (A View From The Bridge) and Samuel West (Enron).

In the musical categories, former Spice Girls star Melanie Chisholm is up for a Best Actress statue for her role in Blood Brothers, while Rowan Atkinson's stint as Fagin in Oliver! has scored him a Best Actor nod.

The winners will be named in a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on 21 March. »

23 hours ago

A rep for Sacha Baron Cohen has dismissed reports the Borat funnyman will wed fiancee Isla Fisher later this month.

British tabloid reports over the weekend (06-07Feb10) claimed the Hollywood couple plans to exchange vows on 26 February and has already sent out invitations to close friends and family.

The Confessions of a Shopaholic star recently admitted she and Cohen didn't have time to plan their nuptials since becoming parents to daughter Olive in 2007.

But a spokesperson for Cohen insists the planned bash isn't a wedding - it's a celebration of a Jewish holiday.

The rep tells GossipCop.com, "They're having a Purim party. That is all." »

23 hours ago

Sports-ace-turned-reality TV star Warren Sapp was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanour domestic battery following an alleged fight with his girlfriend on Saturday.

American football star Sapp, a runner-up on Dancing With The Stars in 2008, is accused of attacking his lover in the early hours of Saturday at the Shore Club Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida.

An arrest report filed by the Miami Beach Police Department indicated the victim had "a swollen right knee and bruises on the back of her neck".

Sapp's partner told authorities he had pulled her out of bed and choked her, before throwing her out of the room, reports TMZ.com.

Sapp, a TV sports commentator, was released from jail on Sunday, but NFL Network executives refused to allow him to appear on air during the Super Bowl pending an investigation into the altercation. »

23 hours ago

Bill Cosby is laughing off reports of his death, after becoming the latest in a handful of celebrities 'killed off' by internet hoaxers.

Reports surfaced online earlier this month alleging the Cosby Show star had passed away - but the funnyman has been quick to assure fans he's alive and well.

In a post on his website, Cosby writes, "About 10 hours ago, an internet hoax started that said Bill Cosby is dead. The announcement of me being dead may be a Virus. And now ladies and gentlemen for my rebuttal.

"As you well know, a dead person cannot rebuttal. Therefore, I am rebuttaling to tell you that when I heard the news I immediately began rebuttaling and went into denial. My wife has just informed me that there is no such word as rebuttaling, she says the word is rebutting. But I don't care, because I'm alive!

"Thank you. Ps. That's another thing dead people don't say."

Zach Braff, Johnny Depp and Kanye West have all been recently targeted in similar death claims by online pranksters. »

23 hours ago

Up was the toast of the 37th Annual Annie Awards on Saturday as the Pixar hit was named the Best Animated Film.

The Oscar-nominated film saw off competition from Coraline, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Secret of Kells as it landed the top prize at the Los Angeles ceremony, which recognises the best animated movies.

Up director Pete Docter also scooped the Best Directing in a Feature honour.

Disney's hand-drawn family film The Princess and the Frog was also a big winner, landing three awards for Best Animated Effects, Best Character Animation in a Feature and Best Voiceacting in a Feature for Jennifer Cody, who plays Charlotte.

Directors Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach also went home with a trophy for their Fantastic Mr. Fox script. »

23 hours ago

A man arrested on suspicion of harassing Keira Knightley has pleaded not guilty to the charge in court.

Marek Daniluk was taken into custody on Thursday after the Pirates of the Caribbean star told police she felt threatened by his regular presence outside London's Comedy Theatre, where she is performing in The Misanthrope.

He appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday, where he pleaded not guilty to harassment.

The Polish-born 41 year old is alleged to have grabbed Knightley's arm, before demanding she answer questions in a note he sent her.

His lawyer, Jazz Omari, maintains a physical altercation never occurred: "Although there is an allegation that he grabbed Miss Knightley's arm, this is not reflected in her witness statement. In her account, she was approached by the defendant and she was asked quite fairly, 'Did you receive my gift?' to which she replied, 'Yes, thank you.'"

Knightley's statement to police revealed she had become "worried and distressed" by Daniluk's behaviour outside the venue's stage door. »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Mad Men star Bryan Batt has teamed up with Playboy boss Hugh Hefner to create a new love seat.

Batt, who plays Salvatore Romano on the hit TV drama, co-owns New Orleans, Louisiana home design and gift store Hazelnut and is a renowned interior designer.

He has crafted the new Hef love seat, inspired by Hefner, and the publisher has agreed to sign a limited run.

Batt says, "It's a love seat in that you can have a glass of wine there with your date and then move on to someplace else." »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Napoleon Dynamite star Jon Heder fears his identical twin brother is wrecking his image as a nice guy - because he refuses to pretend he's his famous sibling.

Dan Heder is a spitting image of the actor and he's always mistaken for his brother.

The more famous Heder says, "If you meet me on the street and I say, 'No, it's not him,' it's probably him... People ask, 'Can I get your autograph?' And they'll ask him and he'll say no and it makes me look like a jerk.

"They'll say, 'Whatever, you don't have a twin.' They think it's the worst excuse." »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Actress Valerie Bertinelli's latest weightloss ad for U.S. diet firm Jenny Craig has been axed following complaints from a rival firm.

In the commercial, the star claims Jenny Craig dieters lost twice as much weight as those using WeightWatchers, according to a "major clinical trial", but the officials for the rival firm insisted the ad was pulled off the air - because the tests never took place.

WeightWatchers bosses made their case in federal court last month, prompting a New York judge to temporarily ban Jenny Craig's marketing men from airing, broadcasting or publishing the ad. »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

John Travolta turned his new action movie From Paris With Love into a family affair - his wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella agreed to be extras in an Eiffel Tower scene.

Eagle-eyed film fans will spot the Jerry Maguire star and her daughter in one all-action moment.

Travolta reveals, "That was my wife and my daughter. We were shooting at the Eiffel Tower and my daughter hadn't yet seen the Eiffel Tower.

"We were shooting in the middle of the day and I asked the director if they could be extras in the scene." »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Moviemaker Chris Columbus has given teenager Logan Lerman a huge boost in his battle to become the next Spider-man, insisting the newcomer would be the perfect replacement for Tobey Maguire.

Lerman is the star of the Harry Potter filmmaker's new movie Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and Columbus is full of praise for the 18 year old, who last week (ends05Feb10) announced he was in talks to become the next Spider-Man.

Sony studio executives dismissed his claims but Columbus insists the movie bosses would be foolish to ignore him.

The director says, "It's Logan that is a terrific actor. He is just a stunning actor and a deep soul that it's remarkable to me he hasn't done more work, even though he's 17. He's got the chops to be the next Leo DiCaprio.

"When he did the screen test he had the ability and technique of someone twice his age, so he would be a fantastic Spider-Man. He would be a fantastic anything because he's that good of an actor." »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Jurassic Park and ER creator Michael Crichton's art collection is to be put up for auction.

The prolific writer, who died in 2008, was a private collector of 20th century masters including Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

His stash of masterpieces is valued at $32 million (£20 million) and will go under the hammer at Christie's auction house in New York in May.

The highlight is expected to be a pop art piece, titled Flag, painted by Jasper Johns. »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Bruce Willis is offering up tips on how to kill a wolf with your bare hands in a new survival article.

The action man tells the new issue of Men's Journal magazine how to impress women, what not to drink on a heavy night out and the vital information every father should pass onto his children - but it's his precise wolf-killing skills that will impress most.

He suggests the first thing to do when attacked in the wild is to "give the wolf your arm".

He explains, "You've got to lean into it, stick your arm all the way down his throat. He can't swallow it because he's gagging on your arm.

"You reach in, you grab a handful of something - guts, the back of its throat, whatever you can hold - and pull it out.

"And try to avoid those claws while you're doing it."

Willis insists he's a wealth of manly information like that.

He adds, "If I ever get out of this acting racket, I'm going to be (TV self-help guru) Dr. Phil's competition. Except I would be the alpha-dog side and tell you how to kill a wolf with your bare hands." »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds have emerged as favourites to play Marshall Matt Dillon in a movie remake of hit TV western Gunsmoke.

Both stars are in talks for the role made famous by James Arness on the small screen, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The character, who kept the law in Dodge City, became a radio staple in America before Arness gave Dillon a face on TV in the 1960s. He played the role for 20 years. »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Leonardo DiCaprio became a mental illness expert while researching his new thriller Shutter Island - by spending hours watching dark documentaries.

The actor plays a detective trying to solve a missing persons mystery in an asylum in the new Martin Scorsese movie, and decided to study the mentally ill to perfect his role.

But admits he maybe took his homework a little too far: "There was a tremendous amount of research done involving the entrapments of mental illness and the suffering that people go through, so it led me to watch a lot of different documentaries on mental illness.

"For a few weeks there, it was some of the most hardcore film experiences I've ever had. It was like reliving trauma in a way. It was pretty intense."

And the intensity didn't stop when filming began.

DiCaprio tells WENN, "We were surrounded by it (mental illness) every day. We were surrounded by dilapidated walls of an old mental institution. We had somebody there who was guiding us through the history of mental illness, the pathways of treating it and the different forms of treatment." »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Mystery surrounds actor Christopher Meloni's shock announcement he's leaving hit cop drama Law & Order: Svu after show producer Neal Baer dismissed the story.

His denial comes as Australia’s Courier-Mail newspaper pulls the article, featuring Meloni's statement, from its website.

Meloni reportedly told the publication he'd be stepping down as Det. Eliot Stabler in 2011, stating, "12 years is enough".

But, asked if the story was for real, Baer says, "No".

Meloni has been a part of the drama since it launched in 1999. »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner appear to have cemented a Best Screenplay Oscar for Up In The Air after picking up the 2010 Scripter Award in Los Angeles.

The Oscar-nominated screenwriters and book author Walter Kirn claimed the the 22nd Annual USC Libraries Scripter Award for the hit film.

The Scripters recognise the author and writers of a produced literary work-to-film adaptation.

Reitman and Turner have already won a string of awards and are favourites to land gold at the Oscars next month.

Also honoured at the Scripters was Eric Roth, the writer behind adaptations like Forrest Gump.

He was presented with a Scripter Literary Achievement Award.

The honours were handed out at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday. »

7 February 2010 5:36 PM, PST

Hollywood couple Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore are planning to make St. Valentine's Day extra special for 270 human trafficking victims - by sending each one of them roses.

Kutcher admits neither he nor his wife are big fans of the most romantic day of the year, and so, to make it special, they're sharing the love on 14 February.

The actor explains, "I struck up an agreement with the wife this year that we're not going to try to do something big for each other and instead the best way we can celebrate the day is to share our love with other people.

"There's an organisation in New York called Gems that helps human trafficking victims. There are a bunch of these girls that have come off the streets and are now being housed by this organisation, so we're going to make all those girls our Valentines this year.

"I think there are 270 girls, so we're going to send them all flowers so they can know they can be loved by someone without them having to ask for anything in return." »

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