It's Britain's coolest stars!

Posted by Jane Murphy

If there was a poll to find out which celebrity has topped the most polls over the past few weeks, I'm pretty certain Cheryl Cole would beat everyone else hands-down.

Not only is she in possession of the nation's best smile, favourite accent and top body - but our Chezza's now been voted the coolest female celebrity of 2008, in a poll by teenage users of social networking site Bebo.

Cheryl scored four times as many votes as any other female star in the poll - knocking Harry Potter star Emma Watson and TV presenter Alexa Chung into a very distant second and third place respectively.

And the UK's coolest male celebrity? It's England and Arsenal star Theo Walcott - who's clearly overtaken David Beckham in teenagers' affections.

However, the overall coolest male was deemed to be High School Musical's Zac Efron. Yep, you read it here first, folks: dancing on tables, singing soppy songs and occasionally playing basketball is now officially super-cool.

So is Cheryl really the coolest of the cool? Is fabulous Theo set to steal brilliant Beckham's thunder forever? Tell us what you think.

SEE ALSO:
Piers Morgan reveals his celebrity chumps >>
Did Cheryl deserve the top smile award? >>
Top 10 sexiest footballers: who's your No.1? >>

Britney: overexposed!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Surprise, surprise! Comeback queen Britney Spears has topped USA Today's "Celebrity Heat Index" for the second year running.

The painstakingly researched chart ranks stars according to the amount of exposure they've received in US newspapers, magazines and entertainment websites.

In second place? It's actress, super-mom and all-round do-gooder Angelina Jolie - closed followed by Jennifer Aniston in third and Brad Pitt in fourth. Collectively, the trio managed to dominate the celebrity news agenda for a total of 14 weeks.

But there's bad news for Paris Hilton. Everyone's favourite hotel heiress dropped out of the Top 10 for the first time in years - which means she'll have to up her game in 2009 if she wants to stay in the public eye.

Hmmm... how about a star-studded wedding, shock pregnancy or even another stint in prison, Paris?

So who'll be next year's most talked-about star? Tell us your suggestions.

Picture: Rex Features

SEE ALSO:
Lights! Cameras! Britney! >>
Is Paris the new Marilyn? >>
Top 10 star shocks of 2008 >>

That was the year that was!

Posted by Jane Murphy

It's been one hell of a year! What with world financial meltdown, the US presidential campaign and numerous natural disasters, it's no wonder we've all had plenty to say about... erm... celebrities dressing up, messing up and hooking up.

Here's a reminder of some of the mind-bogglingly trivial fascinating stories that got us all talking in 2008...

January: Our attentions turned to Chantelle Houghton's latest makeover >>

You said: "Even her eyebrows don't look right!" - Dianne

February: Heather Mills was nominated for "celebrity mum of the year" >>

You said: "The poor girl deserves a break. Let's face it: she was never going to live up to Linda, was she?" - JC

March: Was Jennifer Aniston planning a tell-all autobiography? >>

You said: "I hope it ruins Brad and Ange coz I can't stick them." - Charlotte

April: Liz Hurley divided public opinion in another low-cut frock >>

You said: "Well, she's got her knockers - but I still like her." - GYHT

May: Brian McFadden slammed his daughters' "skanky northern English accents" >>

You said: "If he spent more time with them, they may have spoken how he wanted them to." - Kim

June: Was Cristiano Ronaldo papped or posing on the beach? >>

You said: "What a poser! I'll never forget that wink when Rooney was sent off. Go away! There will always be a replacement!" - Foxy

July: I challenged you to say something nice about Jodie Marsh >>

You said: "She must have some real hutzpah to go out like that. Words fail me!" - Jo

August: Jamie Oliver rubbished British cuisine to the French! >>

You said: "He totally screwed up school meals and now he's rubbishing the same cuisine he cooked in his uncle's pub!" - Paul

September: Cheryl Cole topped Heat's best-dressed poll >>

You said: "Cheryl doesn't start trends - she follows them." - Loni

October: Who was to blame for Kerry Katona's TV meltdown? >>

You said: "Poor Kerry looked cornered. If I was her, I don't think I could have got through the interview as well as she did." - Shelley

November: Was it time to forgive Russell Brand for Sachsgate? >>

You said: "He's hilarious and we need more laughter. What he did was very stupid but it was blown totally out of proportion." - Angela

December: Who'd win in a fight between Nigella Lawson and a bear? >>

You said: "Nigella and a bear in a fair fight! Now that I would love to see." - Dave

Pictures: PA

SEE ALSO:
Top 10 star shocks of 2008 >>
Worst-dressed celebrities of the year >>
Celebrity lookalikes: can you tell them apart? >>

What a result for Scarlett!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Scarlett Johansson has famously remained tight-lipped about tying the knot with Ryan Reynolds last September.

But - hang on! - she's just given the Los Angeles Times a few precious words about her marriage. Ready?

"It was my mission to have a moment of privacy, to do something for myself," the actress says in a new interview. "I was happy with the results of that."

Hmmm... that does sound rather an emotionless, clinical way to talk about marrying the love of your life - but I suppose Scarlett just wants to keep certain things private. Any thoughts?

Picture: PA

SEE ALSO:
Scarlett sells used tissue on eBay >>
Scarlett goes brunette >>
Who's in love with Scarlett? >>

Piers slams Kerry (and Carol... and Jonathan...)

Posted by Jane Murphy

As 2008 limps and shivers towards its close, Piers Morgan has turned in a thought-provoking piece of journalism for the Daily Mail, which must surely only be rivalled by my own Name That Bottom for its passion, intelligence and insightfulness.

Its title? Piers's Celebrity Champs and Chumps of 2008. The champs include the usual suspects: Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Barack Obama... (Ah, Barack will be pleased.)

And the chumps? See if you can guess which under-fire celebrity Piers is referring to here: "A ludicrous, selfish, obnoxious creature who should now, surely, be confined to the dustbins of unsightly Z-list debris." Himself maybe? Nope, it's Kerry Katona.

Nasty Piers also lays into old adversary Carol Vorderman.

"She lost her Countdown gig to a foxy maths genius Essex girl half her age, and twice as good looking," sniggers the 43-year-old Sussex boy, who's no stranger to losing jobs himself.

Oh, and while most of us have pretty much moved on from Sachsgate now, Piers is apparently still fuming with his "old chum" Jonathan Ross.

His verdict on Jonathan? "A man who used to be a great laugh. But who, along the road to fame and obscene fortune, morphed into an unpleasant, hypocritical old sleazeball who thought it was amusing to ring up a 78-year-old man and tell him Russell Brand had defiled his granddaughter."

Defiled? I don't think that's quite the word Wossy used - but never mind...

So do you agree with Mr Morgan's appraisals of Kerry, Carol and Jonathan - or has he just made himself look a chump instead? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: PA

SEE ALSO:
Kerry slams Jordan's marriage >>
Celebrity catfights: whose side are you on? >>
Top 10 celebrity losers of 2008 >>

Name that bottom!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Guess who wore these rather cheeky micro-shorts on a flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles earlier this week. Go on - guess!

Cheryl's our No.1 smile

Posted by Jane Murphy

Ubiquitous poll-topper Cheryl Cole has just beaten off beaming competition from Louise Redknapp, Rachel Stevens and... erm... Barack Obama to be named the celebrity with the world's best smile.

But is the accolade richly deserved – or should another smiley star have taken the No.1 slot? Tell us what you think.

SEE ALSO:
Top 10 star shocks of 2008 >>
Will Alexandra Burke stay single? >>
In pics: The X Factor's fashion hits and misses >>

Christina set for Topshop

Posted by Jane Murphy

Budge up, Kate Moss! Topshop owner Sir Philip Green looks set to up the in-store glamour quota – by tempting Christina Aguilera with a megabucks proposal to design new ranges for his fashion empire.

“Sir Philip has started talks with Christina and hopes to sign a deal soon,” a source told the Sunday Mirror.

“She has visited his offices in London and they're thrashing out the details. Philip loves her style and believes she would add something new to Topshop.”

The singer's collection would be sold alongside Ms Moss's super-successful range. “Christina is the blonde bombshell, whereas Kate is the rock chick and model,” explains the insider.

So whose style do you prefer – Christina's or Kate's? Tell us here.

SEE ALSO:
Sir Philip sports terrifying T-shirt >>
Leona in talks with Sir Philip >>
In pics: best-dressed celebrities of 2008 >>

Nicola's jubblies under attack

Posted by Jane Murphy

And now on to one of the most pressing issues of the day... Are Nicola McLean's 32G breasts a tad OTT?

I only ask because, according to a new survey by the Harley Medical Group, four out of five women who have had boob jobs think surgically enhanced breasts like Nicola's are overblown.

Apparently, the general consensus among those with recently boosted boobs is that an increase of one or two cup sizes is more than adequate: anything else just looks silly.

So do you agree – or are you prepared to defend Nicola's cleavage to the hilt? Tell us what you think.

SEE ALSO:
Nicola and the Big Brother star >>
Invasion of the Page 3 girls >>
Jodie's latest pap-pleasing outfit >>

Weekly blog round-up

Posted by Jane Murphy

Have your say on the stories that got us all talking this week:

Why's Paris Hilton feeling a little poorer this Christmas? >>

What do you think of Jodie Marsh's latest pap-pleasing outfit? >>

Will Alexandra Burke really stay single for the next 10 years? >>

What's Simon Cowell doing on Sir Philip Green's T-shirt? >>

Is Russell Brand really just a big softie at heart? >>

SEE ALSO:
Top 10 star shocks of 2008 >>
Celebrity golden gobs: who said what this year? >>
Who's our No.1 celebrity loser of 2008? >>

Cheers Jodie!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Now, because I'm honour-bound to spend the whole of Christmas moulded to the sofa while pretending to toy with the idea of "going for a nice walk in a minute", I won't be writing this blog for a few days.

So I wanted to make sure I left you with something really special to look at and think about until Monday.

And - what d'you know? - good old Jodie Marsh has come up trumps by wearing this delightful... erm... "outfit" to her 30th birthday party in Brentwood, Essex, last night.

Happy birthday, Jodie! And Happy Christmas everyone!

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
In pics: how desperate is Jodie Marsh? >>
Seeing is believing: Jodie's eye-popping dress >>
Jodie wants your sperm! >>

The X Factor: was it all worth it?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Apparently, Simon Cowell's company is raking in around £250,000 a day from downloads of 'Hallelujah'.

As well as Alexandra Burke's No.1 hit, Syco Music also owns the rights to Jeff Buckley's version and Leonard Cohen's original.

And that, dear readers, is partly why Simon can afford to spend Christmas in a luxury Barbados resort.

Ah, seeing these heart-warming holiday snaps makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it?

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Who's next for Simon? >>
Simon features on the world's worst T-shirt >>
Alexandra: "I'm off men for 10 years" >>

Russell shows his caring side

Posted by Jane Murphy

Russell Brand's been on the receiving end of a lot of bad press this year - not all of it undeserved, I hasten to add. But underneath the cheeky, outspoken persona, there's probably a very nice man.

The evidence? Yesterday, while out doing some last-minute Christmas shopping at Harrods (where else?), Russ was approached by a man selling The Big Issue.

And when the comb-shy comedian asked the man what he was doing for Christmas, he replied that he'd love to be able to visit his elderly parents in the North East - but he couldn't afford the fare.

Russ then dug deep into his pockets and gave the grateful fella nearly £500 so he could spend the holidays with his family.

And yes, I know he could get a lot further than Newcastle for £500. But let's just embrace the festive spirit and assume he's getting the teas in on the National Express right now...

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Look out, Britney! Russell's on the prowl >>
Russell charms America >>
Georgina Baillie does a U-turn >>

The world's worst T-shirt?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water... Topshop boss Sir Philip Green has been spotted strolling along the beach in Barbados, sporting a frankly terrifying T-shirt.

At first glance, it looks like Sir Pip's merely sporting a retro Sex Pistols shirt - perhaps harking back to those heady evenings he spent pogo-ing and stage-diving at hardcore punk gigs in the '70s.

But, no - look closer! This is actually a specially designed top featuring Sir Pip and three of his famous mates. From left to right, we have high-trousered music mogul Simon Cowell, Sir Pip himself, film director and international irritant Michael Winner ("Calm down, dear - it's only a T-shirt!") and pudgy-faced film star Sylvester Stallone.

Is that the sound of Sid Vicious turning in his grave? Oh no, I tell a lie: it's just fellow Pistol John Lydon getting ready for his next hilarious butter commercial...

Picture: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Leona in talks with Sir Philip >>
Heavens to Betsy! Celebrity fashion flops >>
In pics: best-dressed celebrities of 2008 >>

Alexandra: 'I'm off men for 10 years'

Posted by Jane Murphy

Bad luck boys! X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has sworn off love and romance for the next 10 years so she can concentrate on her career.

"Men are a waste of time, a waste of space!" she tells Grazia magazine. "They're only going to be good for me when I'm about 30 and thinking about kids. Music is my husband until then."

Music is my husband? Come on, Alex - don't be a berk...

Mind you, there is one man who's impressed Alex big-time since she shot to superstardom. His name? Harrods boss Mohamed al Fayed.

"He said, 'Come into the store. Anything you want.' They're opening the shop for me on the 26th! Me alone. Ridiculous! He is just amazing. Bloody amazing." Indeed.

So will Alex manage to steer clear of men for the next decade? And is she showing signs of becoming a diva? Tell us what you think.

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Alexandra wins The X Factor >>
X Factor's most memorable moments of 2008 >>
In pics: The X Factor fashion hits and misses >>

Kate's so boring

Posted by Jane Murphy

Apparently, Kate Beckinsale was voted sixth most boring person on campus during her days at Oxford University. The reason? She refused to drink vodka out of a shoe.

And where are those fellow students who deemed her boring now, eh? Drinking vodka out of a shoe, probably...

Anyway, Kate's been gushing about her husband Len Wiseman in a new interview with Self magazine.

"I've never come across anybody as steady and calm as Len is," she says. "I'm the one who's a bit more volatile, spontaneous, mercurial. And Len is the glue. For everybody. And he's incredibly handsome, which really helps! And he adores me."

Hmmm... what was that about Kate being boring again?

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Kate talks about being Posh's mate >>
Kate has a cat-astrophe >>
Kate: "I'm better at sex than cooking" >>

Paris robbed!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Everyone's favourite hotel heiress Paris Hilton has been out partying with gossip guru and almost-namesake Perez Hilton, plus Perez's new best friend Katy Perry.

But while the tremendous trio were hanging out at Hollywood's Bar Delux on Friday night, disaster struck! Thieves broke into Paris's mansion and made off with around $2m (roughly £1.3m) worth of jewellery and other belongings.

Poor old Paris. Maybe we should all have a whip-round to replace some of the stolen goods. Any takers?

Pictures: BAC/Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Is Paris the new Marilyn? >>
Dress wars: Paris v Vanessa >>
Celebrity crimes and misdemeanours >>

Aisleyne's not-so-happy birthday

Posted by Jane Murphy

It's one of the unwritten rules of London nightlife that every weekend a former Big Brother housemate must celebrate his/her birthday at one of the capital's most media-friendly clubs.

And this weekend it was the turn of Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, who headed to the Embassy club to mark the fact she turns 30 this week.

All seemed to be going well until 5am when she finally got back to her hotel with a new man in tow. First, the frisky fella was apparently told he couldn't come inside the building.

And then Aisleyne realised she'd lost her mobile. There then followed a frantic search in the back of the taxi in case it had dropped down the side of the seat...

Mind you, I reckon those two men weren't helping her to look as much as they could have done: they seem too mesmerised by the view...

In the end, Aisleyne gave up and stormed into her hotel. Sometimes life's just not fair, is it?

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Oi! Aisleyne! No! >>
Aisleyne: "Leave Amy alone!" >>
Spot the reality star >>

Posh and Becks take Milan

Posted by Jane Murphy

So what did you do at the weekend? While most of us were half-heartedly wrapping up presents and ransacking half-empty branches of Woolworths, Victoria and David Beckham had a much more sedate time of it in Milan.

The reason for the trip? Well, Becks completed his loan signing at AC Milan. And Posh showed off a series of figure-hugging frocks from her new dVb collection.

According to the Daily Mail, Victoria "stunned Milan by wearing three different dresses in just 15 hours". However, I can't help thinking three outfits isn't that excessive. Perhaps the people of Milan are just easily stunned.

Anyway, besides accompanying Becks to his AC Milan signing and going for dinner at swanky restaurant Giannino, Posh also found time to meet up with Dolce & Gabbana for a spot of shopping...

Nice jackets, fellas!

Of course, Victoria will get to hang out with her fashion-tastic pals more than ever over the next couple of months - because David's loan spell is set to run until March. How absolutely fabulous!

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
In pics: Victoria's fashion hits and misses >>
The Beckhams arrive home in London >>
David Beckham's tempting tackle >>

Weekly blog round-up

Posted by Jane Murphy

Have your say on the hot celebrity topics that got us all talking this week:

Can the Cheeky Girls put you in a festive mood? >>

Who's Alexandra Burke's new celebrity best friend? >>

Why has Jordan got it in for Dita Von Teese? >>

The truth is out there! Is Tom Cruise really an alien?

How did Nicole Kidman spark an outcry in Australia? >>

Pictures: Wenn, Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Celebrity lookalikes: can you tell them apart? >>
Star catfights: who's arguing with who? >>
In pics: the hottest celebrity calendars for 2009 >>

What Lily wore next

Posted by Jane Murphy

I'm not obsessed with Lily Allen - honestly!

But after Wednesday evening's homemade designer T-shirt, I just had to show you the shock frock she wore to PR guru Matthew Freud's Christmas party last night.

It looks pretty demure from the front - but just look at it from the back...

Also on the guest list were a host of heavyweights including Bono, Mick Jagger, Bob Geldof, Guy Ritchie, Ken Livingstone and Piers Morgan.

But none of them wore an outfit to rival Lily's so they don't get their picture on this blog. Sorry fellas!

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Lily does cheap chic >>
Lily pans her own show >>
Madonna and Guy's divorce figures "misleading" >>

Is Paris the new Marilyn?

Posted by Jane 'Bumface' Murphy

There's yet more heart-warming modesty from Paris Hilton, who says it was always her destiny to become a blonde icon.

"Everyone was so excited that I was born, they would always take pictures of me," she reveals. "My grandma would call me Marilyn Monroe or Grace Kelly."

Incidentally, my granny used to call me "Bumface" or "Droopy Knickers". Ah, it could all have been so different if she'd chosen the name of a screen siren instead.

Anyway, I digress... "Ever since I was little, it's what I knew I wanted to be - a blonde icon," adds Paris. And by the sounds of it, she thinks she's achieved her aim.

But is "blonde icon" really the best description of Paris? What two words would you use to describe her? Tell us here.

Pictures: PA, Wenn

SEE ALSO:
How did she do that? Paris's amazing leg trick >>
Paris waves Fairy Dust at Letterman >>
Which star would you bring back from the dead? >>

The Beckhams are back!

Posted by Jane Murphy

They're home! They're home!

David and Victoria Beckham jetted in from Los Angeles yesterday, together with their three sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. And don't they all look chuffed to bits to be back in Blighty for Christmas?

Mrs B took the rare decision to wear the same "Inspector Clouseau" outfit she was photographed in at the airport last month. Heavens to Betsy - whatever next?

Mind you, I think she could probably have left the huge shades behind in Los Angeles, don't you?

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
In pics: Victoria's fashion hits and misses >>
Should Posh lose the shades? >>
David Beckham's tempting tackle >>

Lily does cheap chic

Posted by Jane Murphy

Always keen to reflect the zeitgeist, I've decided to add a new section to this blog, in which celebrities offer top advice on how to beat the credit crunch.

This week, it's the turn of Lily Allen who demonstrates how making your own designer top can be just as eye-catching as splashing out for the real thing.

Like it?

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Lily pans her own show >>
Why's Lily cross with Katy Perry? >>
Is this Lily's best ever hairstyle? >>

Jordan grins and bears it

Posted by Jane Murphy

Ever wanted to go to bed dressed as Jordan? Well - what d'you know? - now you can, thanks to the launch of her new nightwear range for Asda. Oh happy day!

True to form, Jordan struck some rather provocative poses while modelling a pair of otherwise fairly ordinary looking pyjamas yesterday. At least, that's when she wasn't wrestling with a giant teddy bear...

Some celebrity-watchers - otherwise known as "those lovely people at the Daily Mail" - have suggested Jordan's eagerness to show off her midriff was partly a bid to upstage glamour girl rival Nicola McLean.

You see, when Nicola modelled a new undies range for Ultimo earlier this week, certain sections of the press (yep, you know who) were keen to draw attention to the mum-of-one's - barely visible - stretchmarks.

Jordan, on the other hand, has given birth to three children and yet doesn't seem to have a mark on her. Gosh - could it be magic?

Still, surely even Jordan wouldn't be so petty as to indulge in a "Battle of the Stretchmarks" when she's supposed to be selling supermarket jim-jams? Er... would she? What do you think?

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Nicola McLean slams Jordan >>
Jordan on Dita: "The woman is rank!" >>
Have a cheeky Christmas! >>

Jennifer reveals even more

Posted by Jane Murphy

Jennifer Aniston's publicity drive for new movie Marley & Me continued apace with an appearance on yesterday's Tonight Show With David Letterman.

And ever the charmer, Jen presented the talk show host with the tie she wore on the front cover of this month's GQ. (As you probably recall, the tie was the only thing she wore.)

Jen's also found time to answer questions put to her by the readers of People magazine.

Hot topics posed by our friends in the US include: Jen's favourite yoga pose (it's a cross between the "child" and the "tree", apparently); her mum's recipe for chilli (it's "great"); and whether or not her dog Norman was jealous of her starring with another pooch in Marley & Me (there was no jealousy because Norman is "very secure - he's just a person in a dog suit").

All scintillating stuff, I'm sure you'll agree, but the question that most stood out for me was posed by reader Amy Greene of Tennessee: "What have you learned from dating in the public eye?"

Jen's reply? "That if you start to date somebody, by the third date, you can guarantee I'll be pregnant with twins!"

Ah, that reminds me. We haven't heard any "Is Jen pregnant?" stories for a few days - which means one should be due any moment now...

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Jennifer: "I'm on the verge of motherhood" >>
In pics: John joins Jen at Marley & Me premiere >>
Is Jennifer pregnant? (No, she's not) >>

Have a cheeky Christmas!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Ah yes, that reminds me... have you put your Christmas decorations up yet?

I was planning to nip out and buy a tree later today - but having seen these pictures of the Cheeky Girls, I've come over all twitchy and nervous, and just feel like staying indoors with the curtains closed all day.

According to the picture agency's blurb, these terrifying snaps depict Monica and Gabriela Irimia "getting into the festive season as they decorate their home".

A word to the wise, girls: if you put a couple more layers on, you could probably turn the central heating down and save a fortune on your fuel bill.

So have the Cheekys made you feel more Christmassy? Tell us here.

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Fight! Cheeky Girls v Rebecca Loos >>
Hurrah! It's the Cheeky Girls >>
Snapped! More of the latest celebrity pics >>

Who's Alexandra's new best friend?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here are wonder-warblers Alexandra Burke and Ruth Lorenzo heading back to their London hotel after last night's X Factor party at Movida.

The pair refused to get out of their car until the paparazzi serenaded them with a rousing rendition of Jeff Buckley's Alex's 'Hallelujah'. What a delightful little scene that must have been.

But Ruth had better be on her guard. Apparently, she has a rival for the title of "Alex's BFF". Her name? Kate Moss.

According to The Sun, the pair's friendship blossomed when Kate became a "regular" in the X Factor audience. (I'm sure I only saw her there once, but never mind...)

"I'm going to her party on Friday," Alex told the tabloid. "She promised me I could have anything I wanted from her wardrobe. She said I could stay the night then we would go for a pub lunch on Saturday. I can't wait."

Alex can't wait? Just imagine how the paps must be feeling after that top tip-off...

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Who's Austin's new celebrity best friend? >>
Diana 4 Eoghan 4 ever? >>
Alexandra dedicates her victory to her mum >>

Tom Cruise is an alien!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Er... Tom Cruise isn't really an alien. At least, I don't think he is. I was trying to wriggle my way on to David Letterman's next "Top 10 Things People Say About Tom Cruise On The Internet".

Tom - who recently wrapped his entire house in tin foil in a bid to fend off mischievous elves and pixies* - made a guest appearance on Letterman's US chat show last night, and was asked to read out the aforementioned Top 10.

"You see, there's this thing called the Internet where people have blogs and can say whatever they want," the host explained to Tom, who's in New York to record a cover version of David Van Day's 'Biff Baff Boff' song.*

Watch Tom read out the Top 10 here:

*OK, so I was lying - but there's no harm in trying, is there?

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Tom Cruise does Elvis >>
Celebrities' heights revealed! >>
Nicole's didgeridoo faux pas >>

The X Factor: where are they now?

Posted by Jane Murphy

While Britain's latest national treasure Alexandra Burke was busy giving gushing TV and radio interviews yesterday, some of her former X Factor colleagues were out and about, too.

Diana Vickers, for example, made a much-touted personal appearance at Carphone Warehouse in Preston. Yep, it was the gig everyone wanted - but Diana nailed it.

Meanwhile, Ruth Lorenzo looked positively blooming at the Help For Heroes ball in London...

Oh, and Austin Drage was there, too - although his outfit wasn't quite so... erm... eye-popping...

And in other X Factor news, Eggnog Earwig Eoghan Quigg has admitted meeting Diana was "the best experience" of his life.

"She's a really lovely girl and we have a strong bond together," he told Heat. "We'll just have to wait and see what happens." But then he had to go because his mummy called him in to do his homework and have his tea...

Pictures: Wenn, Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
In pics: Cheryl Cole, Alexandra Burke and more >>
Alexandra dedicates her victory to her mum >>
Who's Austin's new celebrity best friend? >>

Jordan on Dita: 'The woman is rank'

Posted by Jane Murphy

Roll up! Roll up! Come and get your daily Jordan feud news...

Ready? Well, today's totally manufactured spat is between everyone's favourite glamour girl and purring burlesque queen Dita Von Teese.

As you may already know if you've found yourself inadvertently glancing up towards the top shelf when you nip to the newsagent's for a copy of New Scientist, Ms Von Teese recently posed for Playboy magazine.

But Jordan, for one, wasn't impressed. "I just saw Dita Von Teese's cover and it's crap," she tells - who else? - OK! magazine. "The woman is rank. It's not my cup of tea that she's so pale. I think the pictures look a bit Readers' Wives."

And funnily enough, Jordan - who could never be accused of being too pale - reckons she could do much, much better. "I'd love to do Playboy again," she admits in a blatant come-and-get-me plea to Hugh Hefner's crack team of cheeky snappers.

So who would you rather see in the buff? Jordan, Dita - or would you prefer to pay money for them both to keep their clothes on? Tell us here.

Pictures: Wenn, PA

SEE ALSO:
More of the same: Nicola slams Jordan >>
Blah, blah, blah: Kerry slams Jordan's marriage >>
Will Morrissey get naked with Eva Mendes? >>

On didgeridoo... it's Nicole Kidman!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Oh dear! Nicole Kidman has found herself in a spot of bother by attempting to play the didgeridoo during an appearance on a German chat show.

The problem? Aboriginal custom dictates that women are forbidden to play the instrument, which some indigenous groups believe could lead to infertility.

Earlier this year, complaints by Aboriginal academics led publisher HarperCollins to apologise for including a section on didgeridoo-playing in The Daring Book For Girls, and to remove it from later editions.

But to be fair to Nicole, she didn't look too keen on the idea of showcasing her didgeri-skills - but her host wouldn't take no for an answer. Oh, and meanwhile, Nic's Australia co-star Hugh Jackman half-heartedly mimicked one of the film's Aboriginal actors by standing on one leg.

Watch the slightly cringe-inducing saga unfold here:

Picture: Rex Features

SEE ALSO:
Tom Cruise does Elvis >>
Why the fuss over Nicole's grey hair? >>
In pics: Nicole and more on the red carpet >>

United for Christmas

Posted by Jane Murphy

Look who didn't stay home to watch The X Factor on Saturday night!

Instead, Cristiano Ronaldo joined the rest of his Manchester United teammates for their Christmas party at London's Movida. But maybe the late night was a bit too much for the Portuguese winker (yes, winker) because he was looking distinctly bleary-eyed when he left the club at 4am.

Rio Ferdinand, on the other hand, looked wide awake - albeit a tad preoccupied with his nether regions...

(Insert your own all-too-predictable "ball control" gag here.)

And Wayne Rooney appeared positively demure...

Don't you wish you could look this "together" on the way home from your Christmas party?

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Top 10 sexy footballers: vote for your favourite >>
Ronaldo: papped or posing? >>
Who's the world's ugliest footballer? >>

Will Morrissey get naked with Eva?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Eva Mendes has made Morrissey an offer most men couldn't refuse.

The actress wants to team up with everyone's favourite misery guts to promote animal rights activists Peta. "I really want to do a Peta ad with Morrissey," says Eva. "I'd be happy to do it naked if need be." Gulp!

"Whether Morrissey would want to get naked with me is another question," Eva continues. "Maybe he could come up with something more creative than out-and-out nudity." Hmmm... how about a strategically placed gladioli?

Apparently, Eva's been a big fan of Morrissey and his former band The Smiths for years. "When he sings, it's poetry in motion to me," she gushes, before clarifying: "I love Morrissey, but I don't think I'd want to marry him."

Got that, Morrissey? Over to you...

Pictures: PA

SEE ALSO:
Eva gets naked for Peta >>
Eva's ad banned for being too sexy >>
Does Nigella Lawson have blood on her hands? >>

Tom Cruise does Elvis!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Poor Tom Cruise. He's obviously been trying his hardest not to make a tit of himself on chat shows since that infamous Oprah appearance - but people will keep encouraging him.

The latest? The pint-sized superstar was cajoled into doing an Elvis Presley impersonation on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Watch what happened here:

Any thoughts?

SEE ALSO:
Tom admits buying engagement ring after first date >>
Tom Cruise in "funny" shock >>
More video: Tom meets Oprah again! >>

Weekly blog round-up

Posted by Jane Murphy

Have your say on the hottest stories that got us all talking this week:

How did Nigella Lawson upset animal rights activists? >>

What next for Joe Swash and his mates from the jungle? >>

Why did Alan Carr give a big shout-out to Karen Matthews? >>

Jordan v Kerry Katona, round 97: whose side are you on? >>

What happened at Russell Brand's UK comeback? >>

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Celebrity golden gobs: who said what this week? >>
2008's best-dressed list: who made the grade? >>
Celebrity catfights: what are they fighting about now? >>

Britney goes carol-singing

Posted by Jane Murphy

Having Britney Spears withdrawal symptoms after all last week's excitement?

Apparently, she's just headed off to Japan on the next stage of her publicity drive, so there'll doubtless be more news very soon.

But before she left, Brit-Brit went carol-singing with US national treasure Ellen DeGeneres. And here's a taster of what happened...

Ah, it's nice to see Britney not miming for once, isn't it?

Picture: PA

SEE ALSO:
Lights! Cameras! Britney! See the 'Circus' video >>
Take That slam Britney - but why? >>
Kevin: "I still love Britney" >>

It's Jen's friends!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Heavens to Betsy! Jennifer Aniston has been making headlines for posing in nothing but a strategically draped necktie on the front cover of GQ magazine.

But last night she turned up fully dressed to the world premiere of her new movie, Marley & Me, in Los Angeles.

And guess who else was there. Go on - guess! No, not an assortment of Big Brother rejects and someone who used to be in Blue Peter - this is Hollywood we're talking about after all!

In fact, Jen was followed down the red carpet by her current squeeze John Mayer - although he stopped to chat (and pose) with various reporters along the way...

Jen's BFF Courteney Cox-Arquette was also there, of course - as was her co-star Owen Wilson and the film's real star, Marley the Labrador.

In the movie, Jen and Owen play a married couple who adopt a dog to give them a taste of what parenthood may be like - and, according to the press blurb, "comedy gold ensues".

Hmmm... I think we'll be the judges of that!

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Brad Pitt's shock confession >>
Jen: "I'm on the verge of motherhood" >>
Jennifer slams Angelina for being "uncool" >>

Diana's big night out

Posted by Jane Murphy

Russell Brand wasn't the only one to cause a stir at last night's Bedtime Stories premiere. X Factor warbler Diana Vickers was also more than happy to pose for the cameras.

And in true diva style, Diana apparently made a real night of it after she left the cinema.

According to the paparazzi who took it upon themselves to follow her round all evening, Diana headed for dinner at the Kensington Roof Gardens - then on to a private party at The Bluebird, where she asked her minders to stop photographers taking snaps of her. Oooh - get her!

From there it was on to Kitts nightclub, where she reportedly "went wild" on the dancefloor. However, she was later turned away from royal hangout Boujis for being underage - so headed back to her hotel at 2.30am, clutching a copy of a Sex Pistols album (you know the one)!

Incidentally, Simon Cowell appears to have confirmed our suspicions about Diana's relationship with fellow X Factor star Eoghan Quigg by telling a packed press conference: "They're just two young kids in love."

Tsk - he's like a really embarrassing uncle, isn't he?

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Tears before bedtime: Diana voted off X Factor >>
Peter Andre and the X Factor star >>
Which X Factor star was at the OK! Christmas party? >>

Look who's back!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Who's this rather sheepish-looking man scurrying past the press pack and refusing to answer questions at last night's Bedtime Stories premiere in London? Why, I do believe it's Russell Brand!

Russ was making his first UK public appearance since you-know-what - but although he was happy to pose for pictures with his two young guests, he declined to provide reporters with any juicy soundbites.

Still, that hasn't stopped today's Daily Mail from running with the tut-tut headline: "Who would want their children to be pictured with Russell Brand?"

Now, what's the problem with him posing with kids, for heaven's sake? I thought it was granddads who had to be wary of him.

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Russell's parting shot: watch the video >>
Russell Brand's most controversial moments >>
Is Alan Carr the new Russell Brand? >>

Peter Andre's new best friend?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Puh! Who needs Simon Cowell and his stinky old £1m recording contract, eh?

X Factor loser Austin Drage has clearly well and truly hit the big time - because he was spotted leaving London's Movida with international superstar Peter Andre in the early hours of this morning. I never knew they were friends - did you?

What's more, Pete and Austin weren't the only stars out clubbing at Movida last night. Pete's wife Jordan was there, too...

Gosh - how nice to see her out and about. I'd almost forgotten she existed.

Also painting the town red - or should that be blue? - was 8ft 6in (or thereabouts) Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch...

Let's hope he had a better time than his glum expression would suggest.

Oh, and Alesha Dixon was there...

I wonder what she was looking so shocked about. Maybe she was surprised to see Pete and Austin together, too...

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Which X Factor star went to the OK! Christmas party? >>
Kerry slams Jordan's marriage >>
Wags v players: who's ahead in the fame game? >>

Nigella Lawson: bear-botherer!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Pouting posho and self-styled domestic goddess Nigella Lawson has run into a spot of trouble with animal-lovers - by saying she would kill a bear for its skin.

During an appearance on The One Show, Nigella said buying a fur coat would be a "moment of weakness" - but killing the animal herself would be an entirely different matter.

"If I could go out into the woods and kill a bear myself, I would then wear it proudly as a trophy," she told startled presenters Adrian Chiles and Christine 'Twinkletoes' Bleakley.

"You're a nice lady who makes chocolate puddings," spluttered Adrian. "Why would you want to go out killing bears for something to wear?"

Nigella's reply? "If you're in nature and it's either you or the bear goes..." Hmmm... I wonder if she'd been at the cooking sherry before she came on air.

The TV cook's comments have inevitably sparked an outraged response from animal rights activists Peta. "Nigella's comments were callous and lacked any human decency," a spokesman told the Daily Mail.

"If she could see the way bears and other animals are killed in the wild she wouldn't have been so flippant.

"Bears are routinely hunted down by dogs, chased into trees and shot, often inaccurately, while they try to scramble to safety. The animals suffer in agony for some time before they are killed.

"Nigella is serving to endorse this kind of practice. In my view Nigella has blood on her hands." Alright - steady on, mate!

All the same, perhaps Nigella should stick to chocolate puddings in future. What do you think?

Picture: Rex Features

SEE ALSO:
Clarkson upsets lorry drivers >>
Alan Carr's "foot in mouth" moment >>
How did Katy Perry upset Lily Allen? >>

Everyone adores Kate!

Posted by Jane Murphy

The Strictly Come Dancing judging panel may not have adored her. And GMTV colleague Fiona Phillips isn't her biggest fan (allegedly). But presenter Kate Garraway has still managed to top Nuts magazine's third annual Wisa of the Year poll.

Not familiar with Wisa? It stands for Women I Secretly Adore. And apparently, smiley Kate managed to scoop more than a fifth of the votes in the poll of 2,000 men.

In so doing, Ms Garraway beat last year's winner Fern Britton, who slipped down the rankings to fourth place...

Hmmm... you know what Fern's problem is? She's too skinny nowadays!

Loose Women's Jackie Brambles took second place, closely followed by BBC News presenter Sian Williams in third.

And there were a few surprises further down the list: Location, Location, Location's Kirstie Allsopp only managed ninth place - another victim of the property slump, perhaps? And Supernanny's Jo Frost came in tenth...

So lots of men fancy Supernanny? Is it just me or is that a bit... well... weird?

Any thoughts on the list? Want to confess a secret crush of your own? Tell us here.

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Jeremy Clarkson's our No.1 weird crush! >>
Have tabloid rumours boosted Gordon's sex appeal >>
Top 10 sexy footballers: vote for your favourite! >>

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Mildly irritating Hollywood superstar Jim Carrey was in London for the premiere of his new film, The Yes Man, last night.

And Jim was given a traditional British welcome, as a mishmash of UK celebrities joined him on the red carpet. I wonder if he had a clue who any of them were.

Some examples? Well, former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon was there, providing today's Daily Mail with plenty to flap about, by - and I quote - "showing off her slender legs in a daringly short black dress".

Oooh, Zoe - you devil!

Also in attendance was John Sergeant's erstwhile dance partner, Kristina Rihanoff...

I wonder if Kristina ever has a day when she doesn't look super-glamorous?

Meanwhile, Leon Jackson was there with his girlfriend Emily Biggs...

You remember Emily? She was in girlband Hope - and the pair were rumoured to be dating during last year's X Factor.

However, they've only just gone public with their romance - possibly because they've realised we won't be put off buying Leon's music just because he's "taken" (insert your own joke here).

Other stars at last night's premiere included jungle-fresh Dani Behr, X Factor dance guru Brian Friedman and ubiquitous posho Lady Victoria Hervey.

Ah, I bet Mr Carrey was dead chuffed with the turnout...

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Who turned up for the OK! Christmas party? >>
In pics: the star-studded Ann Summers party >>
Night of 1,000 reality stars >>

Kerry slams Jordan's marriage

Posted by Jane Murphy

Now, stop me if you've heard this one before, but Kerry Katona and Jordan have been laying into one another via the hallowed pages of OK! magazine.

Talking about Jordan's marriage to Peter Andre, Kerry says: "I think it's more of a business arrangement than anything else. Me and Mark are stronger. We'll be together always."

Blimey - what will Jordan say to that? Well, we only have to flick through a few more pages to find out.

"I saw that Kerry and Mark have been slating me again - they just need to get over it," she snaps. "When her Iceland deal goes, I'll wave at them in their tent because that's the way they're heading. I'm sure Brian will get custody of those kids."

But if you're sick and tired of Jordan and Kerry's seemingly never-ending feud, you may be interested to hear there's another totally manufactured rivalry brewing between Jordan and erstwhile jungle babe Nicola McLean.

The juicy details? Well, Nicola has denied that she idolises Jordan, insisting her true role model is Pamela Anderson. What's more, she's admitted she used to fancy Peter Andre.

Over to Jordan... "Nicola says she used to fancy Pete, but it doesn't bother me at all," she says - possibly through gritted teeth. "Loads of girls fancied Pete and still do. But I'm the one that's got him." Well, she does have a point.

So whose side are you on in these various feuds? Or do you wish they'd all just shut up and move on? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: Rex Features, PA

SEE ALSO:
Kerry's husband has secret love child >>
Celebrity catfights: whose side are you on? >>
Invasion of the Page 3 girls >>

Posh's new video

Posted by Jane Murphy

Fashion queen Victoria Beckham has produced a quirky little ad to promote her new frock collection for her label dVb.

It features lots of incredibly skinny, incredibly beautiful women playing a rubbish game of hide-and-seek in a super-posh mansion. Oh, and Mrs B herself even totters across the screen in one blink-and-you've-missed-it scene.

Intrigued? Watch the full video here:

Any thoughts?

Picture: Rex Features

SEE ALSO:
Should Posh lose the shades? >>
Victoria's fashion hits and misses >>
Posh's changing hairstyles: vote for your favourites >>

Lily v Katy

Posted by Jane Murphy

Yesterday she only had nice things to say about erstwhile rival Amy Winehouse. But Lily Allen's niceness attack clearly doesn't extend to US singer Katy Perry - although I can kind of understand why...

"I happen to know for a fact Katy was supposed to be an American version of me," Lily told Capital FM. "She was signed by my label in the US as 'We need to find something controversial and kooky like Lily Allen'. And then they found her...

"I think the lyrics and stuff are a bit crass," Lily continued. "When I met her I was a bit frosty with her because someone once asked her to describe herself. She's like, 'Aha, I'm like a fatter version of Amy Winehouse and a skinnier version of Lily Allen!' It's like, you're not English and you don't write your own songs: shut up!"

What's more, I think I've spotted another subtle difference between Lily and Katy. To my knowledge, Lily has never emerged from a giant banana costume dressed as one of Santa's little helpers...

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
When Lily met Katy >>
Lily defends Amy >>
Lily's latest hairstyle: have your say >>

Joe's back from the jungle!

Posted by Jane Murphy

The King of the Jungle's back in the UK, folks - and he's brought many of his loyal courtiers with him.

Yep, a whole plane-load of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! stars landed in Heathrow yesterday evening. So it doubtless won't be long before they're all out and about at various clubs, bars and envelope-openings around the country. Yippee!

Joe Swash cuddled up to doting mum Kiffy - while David Van Day cuddled up to his doll-like daughters, both of whom seem to be getting very adept at posing for the cameras...

I wonder what odds you can get on the Van Day family landing their own reality show before too long. Or maybe they could star in a remake of '70s sitcom Father Dear Father (ask your parents).

Meanwhile, professional irritant Timmy Mallett has obviously struck up a close friendship with the camp's self-styled fire safety officer Esther Rantzen...

See? Even Timmy's jacket is irritating! Now, that takes some doing...

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Joe's jungle japes continue >>
In pics: this year's jungle highs and lows >>
Invasion of the Page 3 girls >>

They're OK! We're OK!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Monday night is party night! Well, it's party night at OK! magazine, at any rate.

Yesterday saw a motley crew of Z-list celebrities join the gossip mag's editorial stuff for a paparazzi-friendly festive knees-up at The Living Room in London's West End.

Half the cast of Big Brother 9 were there, of course. I'll spare you the picture of Rebecca "Bex" Shiner getting out of the car (not a pretty sight).

But I'm afraid I couldn't resist showing you the above snap of love's not-so-young dream Mario Marconi and Lisa Appleton. Yep, Lisa's top is completely see-through and Mario seemed desperate for the paps to get a snap of his fiancée's bottom. Classy!

Stars of earlier Big Brother series were out in their droves, too. Among them, Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace was all glammed up...

...while Nikki Grahame came along and did her best Diana Vickers impression...

And talking of X Factor contestants, Ruth Lorenzo was there...

But surely the Spanish siren shouldn't be hanging out with the also-rans just yet. Where's Simon Cowell when you need him?

Other guests included Vanessa Feltz, Javine Hylton and Abi Titmuss, who always gets invited to these festive shindigs on account of the fact her name sounds a bit like "Happy Christmas"!

Abi Titmuss everyone!

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
In pics: Aisleyne at naughty knickers party >>
Night of 1,000 reality stars >>
Who's partying where? Spot the reality star >>

Lily defends Amy

Posted by Jane Murphy

They may not always have seen eye to eye - but Lily Allen has still spoken out in defence of erstwhile rival Amy Winehouse.

"I know Amy very well, and she is very different to what people portray her as being," Lily says in an interview with Scotland on Sunday. "Yes, she does get out of her mind on drugs sometimes - but she is also a very clever, intelligent, witty, funny person who can hold it together. You just don't see that side. She gets a really hard time."

In fact, Lily thinks she and Amy both get a raw deal from the media. "I mean, there aren't that many people with whom the press concentrate on their personality so much," she continues. "I think in the UK, as far as females go, it's mainly me and her that get that treatment."

So is Lily right? Should the tabloids cut her and Amy some slack? Tell us what you think.

SEE ALSO:
Who's Lily's mystery man? >>
Lily's latest hairstyle: have your say >>
Who's been having nightmares about Amy? >>