April 25, 2011

Madonna is facing legal action from a number of former staff members who were let go from her Raising Malawi organisation following the collapse of plans to build a girls' school in the African nation.

The $15 million (GBP9.3 million) education project was abandoned earlier this year amid allegations of financial mismanagement, prompting Madonna to dissolve the foundation's board of directors.

The musician - Dutch Tilders, known as Australia's "Godfather of Blues" - passed away on Saturday after losing a battle with cancer.

Dutch Tilders' manager, Lynne Wright, says, "He's encouraged and inspired musicians all across Australia, not just in the blues genre. He had a unique style that will be remembered forever."

Lady GaGa saw the "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" hitmakers in concert in their native New York City during the early stages of her career and admits the camp five-piece was a major influence on her style.

Jake Shears is delighted Gaga has gone on to become an international superstar and he feels honoured to have had a hand in her success.

Donald Trump is seriously contemplating challenging current U.S. leader Barack Obama for the White House next year and his potential presidential run has been a regular topic in the headlines over the last few weeks.

The property mogul has been vocal about his disapproval of the current president and has raised doubts over whether Obama was born in the U.S., and his comments prompted comedian Jerry Seinfeld to pull out of a planned appearance at a charity event linked to Trump.

Malin Akerman took on the title role in "Inferno: A Linda Lovelace Story" after Lindsay Lohan was forced to drop out because of ongoing legal troubles.

Kate Hudson is also set to play the troubled porn legend in another film, but recently confirmed she won't be working on the project until after she becomes a mum this summer - and Akerman hopes the delay will give her own movie an edge.

The moviemaker, Todd Phillips, had originally intended to call the new comedy "The Hangover 2", but he subsequently changed the titled to "The Hangover: Part II".
He has now confirmed the title is a deliberate reference to "The Godfather: Part II" - which famously won more Academy Awards than the 1972 original.

Todd Phillips tells MTV.com, "I think there are very few sequels that have been made that live up to or exceed their first film. The Godfather is the first one. We had always planned on calling it 'The Hangover 2', and when we finished the script, I changed the cover page and wrote 'The Hangover: Part II', because I think the film lives up to or exceeds the first one. It was very much a nod to 'The Godfather'."

The moviemaker, David O. Russell, who won an Academy Award nomination for his work on The Fighter, has revealed he auditioned the pop star for several movie roles in the past, and even though she wasn't right for the parts he would like the chance to direct her in a film.

In an interview with New York Magazine, David O. Russell was asked who he would choose to work with on a future project and he replied, "Britney".

The Hollywood actress, Julia Roberts, met her cameraman partner Danny Moder while they were both working on 2000 movie "The Mexican". They married in 2002 and are now parents to three children.

They teamed up again on Julia Roberts' latest project, "Jesus Henry Christ", which saw the actress step behind the camera as executive producer. Roberts admits she envisaged spending time with her husband during the shoot, but Moder was just too busy.

"The Saved by the Bell" star, Elizabeth Berkley, was just 21 years old when she stripped off to play an exotic dancer in the critically-condemned 1995 film, which featured strong themes of sex and nudity.

Elizabeth Berkley admits she spent years struggling with self-esteem issues after the release of the movie, and she was only able to "shake" the "Showgirls" image and rediscover her own "worth" five years ago, when she started hosting workshops and writing self-help columns for youngsters.

Vanessa Hudgens shot to fame in 2006 with her role in the "High School Musical" franchise, but she has since been hit with a number of scandals after various photos and film footage of her posing naked or wearing saucy lingerie appeared on the internet.

Vanessa Hudgens is now set to shock again, with a confession about her love of swearing.

The hip-hop star, Jadakiss took to the stage for a show in Swaziland in aid of the Prince Lidani Foundation, an organisation named after the country's King Mswati III.

Members of the Swaziland Youth Congress, a banned opposition group, previously called for a boycott of the gig in protest against the king. Jadakiss refused to call off the show, and the event went ahead despite demonstrations from the group, but the turnout at the gig was affected and less than 500 people attended, according to the AFP.

The "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker" hitmaker, Sandi Thom played a show at The Green Hotel in Kinross, Scotland on Saturday, but soaring temperatures in Britain over the weekend left the singer struggling during her set.

Sandi Thom called the show "hottest gig I've ever played" and has now spoken of her anger after discovering air vents were allegedly covered with plastic wrap.

Noel Gallagher is a big fan of L.S. Lowry, famed for painting industrial Britain, and even paid tribute to the painter in Oasis' animated music video for The Masterplan in 2006.

Noel Gallagher is now backing actor Sir Ian McKellen's campaign to convince officials at London's famous Tate Britain museum to exhibit 23 Lowry pieces that are currently kept in private.

The 36-year-old star, Ryan Phillippe began acting as a teenager and found fame in 1992 playing a gay youth in American daytime drama "One Life to Live". He went on to enjoy a stellar Hollywood career with films including "Cruel Intentions", "Gosford Park" and Oscar-winning drama "Crash".

Ryan Phillippe is adamant he has grown tired of life in front of the camera and now intends to pursue roles behind the scenes. He also wants to move out of Los Angeles and spend more time in New York.

Robert Kazinsky had signed up to play Fili, a member of the Company of Dwarves, in "The Lord of the Rings" prequel and recently flew to New Zealand to start filming his scenes.

Peter Jackson has now confirmed Robert Kazinsky's departure from the movie and assured fans he is working hard to find a replacement.

Charlie Sheen scheduled a stop in Fort Lauderdale on his ongoing "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Death Is Not an Option" tour and he took to the social networking site just hours before the show to offer seats to his most dedicated fans.

He wrote, "Ft Lauderdale!! Who wants tix (tickets) for tonight's epic event..?! Give me your full name! I'm giving away at least a dozen... Cause I can!! My show!"

Adele returned to the top of the British album charts on Sunday, April 24, after the Foo Fighters ended her record-breaking reign last week. The soul singer's album "21" is back at the top of the countdown, pushing Dave Grohl's band into second place with "Wasting Light". Adele previously made history after spending 11 weeks at number one.

Adele's debut "19" was a non-mover at three, while British pop star Jessie J came fourth with "Who You Are" and Rihanna's "Loud" was in fifth place.

Lady GaGa can be seen breaking down in tears as she admits to feeling like a "loser kid" in an emotional clip from an upcoming concert documentary. The singer weeps openly as she talks about her insecurities while gazing into a mirror in her dressing room at New York's Madison Square Garden.

"I was in the worst mood on the way here," she says. "I just get so revved up when I do these benchmark shows you know, 'cause I start to think about all the people that have tried to stop me... I think about how I don't really give a s**t if people don't understand what I do as long as my fans understand."

Actor Michael Sheen dragged a giant wooden cross through his hometown before acting out a "crucifixion" scene in the grand finale of a 72-hour retelling of the passion play. The star returned to his native Port Talbot, Wales to lead a marathon production which reinterpreted the Passion of Jesus Christ to mark Easter weekend, April 22-24.

Sheen remained in character as he was "baptized" in icy waves at the local beach and slept rough on a mountain on Friday, April 22. The following day, April 23, he dined on a "last supper" of beer and sandwiches at a local club, where rock band Manic Street Preachers played, before Sheen was "arrested" and hauled to a police cell.

One more episode before the season finale, and perhaps, series finale, "Brothers & Sisters" will throw back the time. Nora recalls the time she fell in love with Brody but lost him at some point, causing a dilemma for Sarah who is about to get married to Luc.

In "For Better or for Worse", after Sarah confronts Brody about him being her father, she decides she no longer wants him to be a part of her life or Nora's, but Nora just can't seem to let him go. Christine Garver and Chris Sheffield play the younger versions of Nora and Brody. Also in the episode, Olivia struggles with the new addition of baby Daniel to the family.

It is not a final decision that Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole will join Simon Cowell and Antonio "L.A." Reid on "The X Factor (US)". In contrary to report which said the show's creator has picked the two beauties to accompany him as judges, Cowell's rep tells The Hollywood Reporter, "It's still playing out."

"Nothing is set, and Paula is one of many people Simon is talking to," the rep adds. It is further affirmed that the status of the judges line-up has not changed from what Cowell said a week earlier, "He's said the same thing many times, including on the radio last week. There's nothing new."

The Weinstein Company has dropped the first teaser trailer for "Our Idiot Brother". The video for the film follows Paul Rudd's Ned who keeps making stupid mistakes when he actually wants to do something right, including unintentionally selling cannabis to a police officer.

Ned has just been released from prison after he did one of his stupid failings. When he turns to family, he is passed from sister to sister while he gets back on his feet. Ned's best intentions produce hilariously disastrous results, bringing the family to the cusp of chaos and ultimately the brink of clarity.

When "Game of Thrones" returns next week, things will be uneasy for Daenerys. Viserys Targaryen grabs her by her neck and points his sword to her as he cannot take it that someone gives him a command.

The King, Ned and the rest of their party will arrive at King's Landing. After getting their bearings, Ned will be exposed to the extravagance and excess of the Crown and will be shocked by what he's told by the King's advisers.

Lady GaGa is due to perform "Judas" on national television for the first time on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Thursday, April 28. She would then follow it up with an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, discussing her egg act at this year's Grammy and what fans can expect from her next.

At the same time, Interscope Records also announced via Twitter that the music video for "Judas" would premiere on "American Idol" on May 2. This has become an annual tradition for GaGa to appear on the singing show every May. Back in 2009, she performed "Poker Face" before live audience and returned to the stage for a performance of "Alejandro" the next year, all in the fifth month.

Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift dominate a leaked list of 2011 CMT Music Awards nominations. The two female artists face off against each other in Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year.

Honoring the year's top country videos, 2011 CMT is set to be held on June 8 in Nashville. Nominees for the fan-voted show reportedly were not supposed to be announced until Wednesday, April 27, but some photo pages up on the CMT site revealed them days earlier.

Khloe Kardashian is spreading the joy of Easter with a childhood photo. On Sunday, April 24, the 26-year-old reality star made use of her official blog to unravel her favorite photo from the holiday. "Happy Easter my loves! In honor of the holiday, I of course had to share my favorite Easter pic of all time," so she wrote.

The image captures a young Khloe posing together with her late father as well as her sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Kim Kardashian. In it, each of three girls holds on a basket filled with eggs. They are all dressed in their pajamas.

Rumor has it, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have done a re-shoot for their film, "The Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn". MrPattinson.com has gotten its hand on pictures of the two actors filming at a beach in St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, on April 22.

During the re-shoot for the drama movie, Kristen was seen showing off her bikini body in a lime green two-piece. Kristen, Robert, and the rest of the staff allegedly spent three hours to do the re-shoot and finished at almost 5 A.M.

"The Daily Show" correspondent Olivia Munn seems to be in favor of one-night stands. The 30-year-old beauty, who played Chess Roberts in "Iron Man 2", was partying at Pure in Las Vegas last Tuesday night, April 19 when she allegedly encouraged the crowd to have random hook-ups.

New York Post claimed that Olivia yelled to fellow club-goers, "Who is going to have a random hookup tonight?" It was said that the TV personality, who also made an appearance in "Date Night", has a Skyy Infusions Dragon Fruit vodka on her hand while asking the question that prompted the crowd to cheer.

The buzz around Sofia Coppola's new project "Secret Door" has escalated since it was announced earlier that Kirsten Dunst is to take one of the lead roles. In answer to fans' curiosity of her secret project, the director has released the opening scenes as written on the script.

Available for download, the opening scene reveals that the story is set in the year 1940 in Paris, France when German invasion of Western Europe was taking place. There's a character named Luna Claire who has green eyes, presumably the role for Dunst. It is understood that Luna works as a stage actress. And then, there's another young woman by the name of Calanthe and a gentleman by the name of Jolette.

"Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" may have inspired an upcoming episode of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent". While no one has confirmed that it is a rip-off of the troubled Broadway production, the story that focuses on "a high-flying, fast-crashing show" called "Icarus" clearly indicates it.

In the episode, the detectives will begin investigating a botched stunt that leads to one of the actor's death, TVLine reports. The suspects include a "high-strung and larger-than-life" director, who is possibly modeled after the stage musical's one-time director Julie Taymor.

Selena Gomez gets more daring in showing off PDAs with boyfriend Justin Bieber when they are away from the spotlight in Hollywood. The "Wizards of Waverly Place" beauty joined the "Never Say Never" singer during the Asian leg of his My World tour, and she has been snapped sitting comfortably on his lap while in Indonesia.

The 18-year-old was wearing white tank top under a light purple jacket when caught on camera, while her 17-year-old boyfriend sported a black shirt with a pair of dark shades. In the pictures taken, the two seemingly didn't mind flaunting their affection toward each other and were all smiles though there were a lot of people standing by.

Chris Brown might show up as a special guest in at least one of Justin Bieber's concerts in Australia later this week. The rumor arose after the boyfriend of Selena Gomez promised on Twitter he will give "some surprises" for the Beliebers who're coming to his gigs Down Under.

Fresh from rocking Indonesia on Saturday night, April 23, Bieber tweeted over the weekend, "AUSTRALIA...we are coming...and there might be some surprises. LEGGO!!" He attached a link to a YouTube audio stream of "Next 2 You", his duet track with Breezy in "F.A.M.E." album.

"The Hobbit" has lost one of its dwarfs. Director Peter Jackson has confirmed through his Facebook page that actor Robert Kazinsky, who was supposed to portray Fili in the fantasy film, has left the role vacant to return home in U.K.

"I am sad to report that Rob Kazinsky, who was cast in the role of Fili, is having to leave The Hobbit and return home, for personal reasons," Jackson wrote on the post. "Rob has been terrific to work with and his enthusiasm and infectious sense of humor will be missed by all of us."

Felicia has seemingly made a move to bring down Paul Young. In an upcoming episode of "Desperate Housewives", Paul has been poisoned with antifreeze and Felicia might be the person behind that. Susan will discover that Felicia has been released from prison and is back on Wisteria Lane while she continues to help nurse Paul back to health.

Meanwhile, with Gaby and the girls temporarily staying at Bree's house, Bree must lay down the law and demand discipline before Juanita and Celia destroy her home. Tom hires Lynette and Renee to redecorate his office, but Lynette has her own ideas of what she thinks Tom needs as opposed to wants.

Hollywood Undead are one of the rare bands who combine rap and rock. That's one way to get recognizable and another is to hide their identity behind masks. The band had broken through Billboard Hot 200 chart since their first album "Swan Songs" but their sophomore effort, "American Tragedy", did even better by landing at number 4 and selling 70,000 copies.

"I gotta be honest with everyone: I was really looking forward to the opportunity to be on top of Britney this week, but being right behind her and Adele is a memory we'll relish forever," member Charlie Scene said about the second album's achievement.

Big screen leading lady Keira Knightley has taken on a supporting role. The "Never Let Me Go" star's big brother Caleb married his fashion designer girlfriend Kerry Nixon at Pollockshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday, April 24, and she took a part in the ceremony by serving as a bridesmaid.

Looking lovely for the family event, the former "Pirates of the Caribbean" beauty wore an above-the-knee, V-neck burgundy dress. She completed her bridesmaid look with a pair of simple black heels and a simple hairdo. With a bouquet in hand, the actress was snapped all smiles. She was also seen sharing joke with the bride as they walked together.

Chris Evans has done a last-minute shooting for superhero film "Captain America: The First Avenger". The actor, who portrays Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America, was seen filming the Marvel comics-adapted movie at Times Square, Manhattan, on Saturday, April 23, just two months before the film is released. Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Nick Fury, also appeared on set in his black costume.

There is growing speculation that the filming was intended for the movie's post-credits scene where Evan's character travels from the 1940s to present day. Additionally, Worst Previews reported that the scene will feature Steve Rogers overwhelmed by the chaos of modern New York.

Beyonce Knowles has shot down rumor suggesting she has been booked to perform at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding on April 29. A representative for the R&B diva debunked the report to ET, insisting that "the ceremony is not on her schedule and she has a shoot in New York on Saturday (April 30)."

The rumor was first run by the Daily Star. A source told the publication, "Both William and Kate are massive fans of Beyonce and Jay-Z. They really wanted to make their big day even more special and what better way than by getting pop royalty to perform at the party?"

"Entourage" star Jeremy Piven will never forget his first experience behind the wheel - he almost crashed the car into a couple's living room at Christmas. The actor, 45, confesses his older brother Shira would take him out for a drive when he was a young teenager to help Piven obtain his license.

But his first stint as a driver was a near disaster - because he had no idea where the brake pedal was. Piven tells WENN, "I remember actually driving with Shira when I was very young and learning how to drive and I was not old enough to drive."

Socialite Paris Hilton is set to share the secrets of her beauty regime by launching her own skin care collection. The hotel heiress, who has already established herself as a successful perfumier, is working on a range of creams and lotions that she hopes to release in the coming months.

She tells WENN, "We're developing a skin care line. It's a new product that we're working on but it's the top-of-the-line technology. I have been taking really good care of my skin so I will have products that are amazing for your skin."

Veteran actor Gary Busey has thrown his full support behind Donald Trump's plans to run for U.S. president in 2012, insisting the property mogul is the right person for the job. Billionaire Trump is seriously contemplating challenging current leader Barack Obama for the White House next year and he can count on one vote from his "Celebrity Apprentice" star Busey.

The businessman has yet to officially declare his political intentions, but the "Lethal Weapon" actor is already spreading the word. Busey tells WENN, "I'm campaigning for him now. Donald Trump has the wherewithal, the knowledge and the awareness of this country. He wants to turn it back to where the founders had it."

Actor Thomas Dekker drew heavily on his personal trauma for inspiration as he shot new drama "Angels Crest" - his father was dying as he portrayed a heartbroken dad on film. The former "Heroes" star plays Ethan, a young father whose son dies after a tragic turn of events, in the movie, which also features Jeremy Piven and Mira Sorvino.

Dekker, 23, admits he didn't have to look far to convey the deep emotion he was already experiencing as his own parent was losing his life. But the actor forced himself to separate his personal and professional lives so his own grieving process wasn't played out completely on-screen.

Lifetime's "William & Kate" is not getting some love from the British too. The TV movie which was rushed to meet the Royal Wedding event later this month, was panned by critics upon its Sunday, April 24 premiere on the U.K.'s Channel 5 and was attacked by viewers on Twitter.

Critics called it "toe-curlingly, teeth-furringly, pillow-bitingly ghastly". The viewers are not so kind either, writing such things as "Have just seen 1 second of Will and Kate the movie & can confirm it is the most excruciating & awful thing that mankind has ever created" and "Why am I watching William and Kate - The Movie? It's the funniest doggiest sh*ttiest thing ever."

La Toya Jackson has got the boot simply because her team mates did not like her. The women team gave an impression they could not move forward and win over the men if she was still involved after they lost in the April 24 episode.

The two teams were tasked to create a four-page ad for the Trump Hotel Collection and would be judged on creativity, originality, brand messaging and the overall pitch. Star Jones was the women team's project manager, while John Rich led the men.

Jessie J rocked "Party in the U.S.A.", which she co-wrote with Claude Kelly, in a recent intimate concert. The British pop sensation tackled the Miley Cyrus single when performing for iHeartradio live on Thursday, April 21.

Beside singing the Dr. Luke-produced track, Jessie also treated her devotees with her own songs which are taken from her debut album "Who You Are". She slowed it down in "Casualty of Love", and turned up the tempo again in "Nobody's Perfect".

Beyonce Knowles presents two opposite styles while in Paris, France recently. Spending some downtime with her music mogul husband Jay-Z in the fashion city of the world, the "Run the World (Girls)" singer has gone from a sexy siren to a stylish lady in a couple of days and just in time for Easter.

On Saturday, April 23, Beyonce rocked a plunging black jumpsuit and let loose her hair when stepping out for a lunch with Jay-Z. With the Roland Mouret attire, the songstress gave quite a view of her side cleavage, especially since the sticky tape used to keep the cloth in place failed to do so when she was making her exit from the Coste.

The Sunday, April 24 episode of "The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business" started off in Austria where six remaining teams caught a train to Liechtenstein. Once arriving there, they faced a Road Block which told them to measure the entire length of the country on a motorized bike (a Solex), using an odometer and a map.

Gary and Mallory, who arrived in last place in previous leg, faced Speed Bump in this Road Block. They had to make fuel for their Solex with gas and oil as the extra task. Justin was the first who guessed the distant correctly, followed by Jen who heard his guess. Once Justin collected Zev and Jen was back with Kisha, the two teams were on board a train to Zermatt, Switzerland where they faced a detour.

Kid Cudi has started his own record label, and announced it at his concert which took place at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, April 21. The rapper, who formed the label with producer Dot Da Genius, named it Wicked Awesome Records.

In the same occasion, Cudi also informed his fans that he has changed his band's name from Wizard to 2 Be Continuum. Explaining the name change, he said he wanted something "original" and made the decision after finding many groups with the same name on iTunes.

Willow Smith is expected to make merry the 2011 White House Easter Egg Roll. Before she takes the outdoor stage on Monday, April 25, the 10-year-old singing sensation first made a visit to the White House to complete a soundcheck for her performance, and was snapped leaving the U.S. president's residence grounds.

The "Whip My Hair" hitmaker, who wore a sleeveless leopard-printed shirt with a rolled-up tan pants for the soundcheck, was accompanied by her famous family. Her 12-year-old actor brother Jaden Smith was spotted making his exit followed by their star father Will Smith. Also being caught on camera about to hop into an awaiting car was their mother Jada Pinkett Smith.

"Rio" has attracted moviegoers with its tropical-bird theme over Easter weekend. The 20th Century Fox movie keeps perching on the top of North American box office with $26.3 million, collecting total gross $80.8 million in two weeks.

Trailing behind "Rio" on the second place is newly-released "Madea's Big Happy Family". The comedy film, which revolves around a wise-cracking grandmother named Madea, opens with $25 million from 2,288 theaters.

Simon Cowell has made up his mind on who will judge "The X Factor (US)" in addition to him and Antonio "L.A." Reid. Deadline claims the music mogul reveals that Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole will complete the line up although "Abdul's deal hasn't even started" and "Cole's deal isn't quite done yet."

"I've always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that," Cowell says about working with his former fellow judge on "American Idol". "I missed her the second she left the show ["American Idol"]. Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. And I've been consistent about this. I don't know what it is about her, but I've always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she's right. I've never found anyone better than her."

David Beckham might have embrace the spirit of Easter holiday with a role play. On Sunday afternoon, April 24, the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder's wife Victoria Adams has posted a photo of someone wearing an Easter Bunny costume while standing on a skateboard and holding a soccer ball.

In a tweet posted shortly before the link to the photo was shared, the former member of Spice Girls coyly wrote, "Guess who! X vb." A day earlier on Friday, April 24, she expressed her excitement about celebrating Easter with her husband and three sons. "We are planning a big Easter egg hunt!!!Don't know who enjoys it the most,me,David or the boys!!!!!x vb," so she wrote.

Justin Bieber recently treated thousands of his screaming fans with a brief rendition of his girlfriend Selena Gomez's new single "Who Says". The Canadian pop idol sang the cover song when performing in a live sold-out concert at Sentul City International Convention Center in Bogor, Indonesia on April 23.

During one of the Saturday night sets, Bieber was asked by concertgoers to sing his smash hit "Baby", but he insisted on performing another song "One Time". When the audience were persistent, he distracted them by briefly singing Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time" and Selena's "Who Says". He later asked them, "So which one do you want to hear?"

The "Dreams" hitmaker, The Game real name Jayceon Taylor, was due to perform a string of concerts across Canada last week, but had to cancel the tour when he was refused entry and detained by border authorities upon landing on a flight from California.

According to show promoters at Substance Entertainment Group, The Game was banned from entering Canada due to his alleged affiliation with notorious L.A. gang The Bloods.

Organisers of the upcoming 2012 games are currently working out plans for the opening ceremony, which will be directed by Oscar winner Danny Boyle.

Gold medal-winning rower Sir Steve Redgrave has now revealed he is hoping to see Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr team up with with Sir Mick Jagger and John Lydon to put on a powerful display of British music talent to open the festivities.

Madonna has directed a big screen epic "W.E.", about the romance between American socialite Wallis Simpson and British royal Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry the divorcee.

The movie is due to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in France next month and reports now suggest Madonna is hard at work writing the soundtrack for "W.E." with producer William Orbit ahead of the picture's big debut.

Ronnie Wood opened up about his own dental make-over in an interview with Britain's The Guardian newspaper, revealing his porcelain caps frequently come loose and his girlfriend Ana Araujo often has to help him fix them back in place with special dental glue.

And he also revealed that Keith Richards once tried the same trick - but used an extra-strength adhesive to mend his smile.

The rap band, Odd Future also known as Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, previously announced plans to play a two-gig double-header in the U.K. capital, with a daytime show at the Village Underground in Shoreditch, East London, followed by an evening performance at the Relentless Garage.

The collective has now axed the second gig at the Garage, with venue bosses insisting no explanation has been given for the cancellation.

Marie-France Pisier's lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of Sunday by her husband, Thierry Funk Brentano.

Officials in Toulon, near the couple's villa in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of death, but foul play is not suspected.

The 64-year-old writer John Sullivan passed away at a private hospital in Surrey, England, six weeks after he was admitted to treat a bout of viral pneumonia. He is survived by his wife, Sharron, as well as two sons and a daughter.

"Only Fools and Horses" star Sir David Jason, who played Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, admitted he was "totally devastated to hear of dear John's death", adding in a statement, "We have lost the country's greatest comedy writer, but he leaves us a great legacy, the gift of laughter. My thoughts at this time are with his lovely family."

The troubled actor Charlie Sheen has been boasting about his love life with his two "goddesses", adult star Rachel Oberlin, aka Bree Olson, and nanny Natalie Kenly, since hitting the headlines with his drink and drug-fuelled TV rants earlier this year.

Charlie Sheen's girlfriends have even joined him on the road as he tours North America with his one-man show, but it appears Oberlin has had enough - she recently dumped the actor via text message.

The Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor who died last month, met the building site labourer Larry Fortensky while they were both in rehab at the Betty Ford Clinic in California. They married in 1991 and spent five years as husband and wife before divorcing in 1996.

Larry Fortensky kept up his job during the early days of their romance and he now reveals Dame Elizabeth Taylor insisted on sending him a chef-prepared lunch in a limo, much to the amusement of his co-workers.

The "Four Weddings and a Funeral" star, Hugh Grant has been single since splitting from his last long term partner, Jemima Khan, four years ago but he is now said to be enjoying a blossoming new relationship with Chinese beauty Tinglan Hong.

Hugh Grant, who previously romanced Elizabeth Hurley, is said to have been dating the 31 year old - known as Ting - for several months and they have now been pictured out and about together in London.

"Sarah Shahi, the "Fairly Legal" star took to the microblogging site on Friday to vent her rage following the alleged incident in the city, branding the hotel heiress "irresponsible" and the "worst driver ever".

She writes, "Paris Hilton - worst driver ever. Almost hit me, then ran a stop sign. What if there was a kid around that corner, you dumb b**ch... Paris Hilton - horrible excuse for a human being... What an irresponsible person... What a lame existence... I wouldn't be as p**sed if I wasn't a mom."