Chapman Finds Love With 'L Word' Actress.

Soul singer Tracy Chapman has apparently found love with actress Guinevere Turner, and they are planning to move in together - according to U.S. tabloid reports.



The Fast Car hitmaker was introduced to 'The L Word' star Turner by a mutual friend earlier this year, and the stars are said to have hit it off immediately.

They went public with their relationship at Los Angeles' Outfest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in early July after appearing together at the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco, California in June, where Turner was promoting her film 'The Owls', the National Enquirer reports.

An insider says:

"Guin introduced Tracy as her girlfriend to her movie 's entire cast and crew."


And the women are so happy, they are looking to take their relationship to the next step and find a home together.

A source tells the publication:

"Everything just clicked. Tracy and Guin are in love and excited to start a new chapter in their lives.

"They're undecided on where to make their permanent base, but they're looking at homes in Los Angeles and San Francisco."


Chapman was last romantically linked to The Color Purple author Alice Walker in the mid-1990s, while Turner was recently said to be dating The L Word's writer/director Rose Troche.


Good luck to them both, I say!

Lumley Urges Fellow Pensioners Not To" Let Themselves Go"!

British actress Joanna Lumley's message to pensioners is loud and clear - "not to let themselves go" when they approach / step over their 60s!


The 64 year old former Bond Girl / Avenger is still hailed as a beauty and challenges herself with adventures - most recently fronting a campaign to help veteran Gurkha soldiers stay in the U.K. and making a travel documentary about the River Nile.


And Lumley insists women in their twilight years no longer have to be the "cardigan-wearing grannies" people expect them to be.

Speaking to Good Housekeeping magazine, she says:

"I love it. It doesn't feel like I'm 60, though. It's so strange. You think, 'Is this it? How odd!'

"But I do think there's something else underlying this. When I was young, grandmothers looked like grey, permed, cardigan-wearing grannies! Whereas our lot still rush to and fro, climbing mountains in whatever we do.

"It's really just about keeping a grip on things: don't let yourself go , don't pack it all in. We have a saying in our profession, 'Just stay in the boat.' You should keep on going for as long as you like."


And younger generations needn't feel left out, as the 'Absolutely Fabulous' star has pearls of wisdom for you:

"Worrying about the future saps your energy and makes you nervous - and quite often the thing you're worrying about doesn't work out as you expect it will!

"In life we always expect things to happen at a certain time - to fall in love when we're 21, be a success in our job in our 30s and retire when we're 60. But you can never tell!"



Amen, Joanna!

NEW SINGLE: 'MOOD ELEVATOR' - Huey And The Hobgoblins.

Today I've discovered this gem of a band, Huey And The Hobgoblins, and it's just as well...because today is also the day their debut single is released on iTunes!

Titled 'Mood Elevator', this track manages to successfully blend folk, blues, jazz and 70s retro pop in a nice package, and will definitely compliment your summer party playlist.


Curious? Check it out on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/mood-elevator/id378314232


And for more info on this superb 10-piece band, check out their website - http://www.myspace.com/hueyandthehobgoblins

Zhang Ziyi To Star In Live-Action 'MULAN'?

According to ChannelNewsAsia.com, Zhang Ziyi is set to star in a brand new live-action adaptation of the legendary ancient Chinese heroine, 'MULAN'.


The actress, who will also produce the movie, has been leading the drive to secure funding and is said to have personally approached bosses at Disney, who agreed to invest $100 million (£67 million) in the project.

Zhang will take on the title role of the brave female warrior, who disguises herself as a man to join an all-male army in her elderly father's place to fight off an invasion of her homeland.


'Speed' director Jan de Bont  will helm the English-language 3D movie, and production is scheduled to begin in China in October 2010.


A great piece of casting!

Chris Dagley - RIP

The British jazz scene is still in shock at the tragic death of drummer Chris Dagley, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on his way home after a gig at the famous Ronnie Scotts club. He died in the early hours of yesterday morning (28th July 2010).


Dagley (aged 38) previously played with the likes of Lionel Richie, The Osmonds, Clare Teal and Take That, and was seen as a rising star on the London jazz circuit. He regularly performed as part of the house band at Ronnies and was described as a musician beaming with energy and enthusiasm.


Clare Teal expressed her shock and sadness with this statement on her website:

"Muddy and I are still reeling from the tragic and shocking news that Chris Dagley died in a motorcycle accident in the early hours of this morning 28th July 2010. As many of you know Chris was an amazing drummer and a dear friend who worked with us for many years. An incredibly gifted musician, who brought so much to every band he played with. Passionate about sound he was never afraid to voice his opinion if he thought something could be sung or played better - invariably he was right! He will be missed by so many people. Please share your memories of Chris and never forget just what a great man he was. We send all our love and thoughts to Jan, the family and parents David and Molly."


Dagley is survived by his partner and their three children.



I've seen Dagley perform only a couple of times, but it was enough to see that this man lived for his music and loved the drums. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.


Chris Dagley - rest in peace!

Longoria Denies 'Wasp' Casting Rumours.

Eva Longoria Parker has shot down rumours which suggest that she's currently in talks to star as 'The Wasp' in an upcoming Avengers movie - HitFix reports


Speaking from the set of 'Desperate Housewives', she tells HitFix:

"I had taken a meeting about a different movie at Marvel and that's where [it] started."


Longoria Parker didn't elaborate on exactly which Marvel movie she discussed, but insists she "loves comic book stuff. I do! I think it's fun."

She also adds that she actually doesn't know anything about the Wasp and most moviegoers might not either. Better known as wannabe fashion designer Janet Van Dyne, The Wasp was one of the founding members of the superhero group - The Avengers - in the team's original comic book incarnation. Not exactly a pushover, Van Dyne has the ability to shrink, grow insect wings and fire a powerful energy sting. During the history of the super group she had a long tenure as Chairwoman or team leader. Surprisingly, no one was announced to play the character when the studio debuted the cast of the upcoming Joss Whedon film over the weekend.


So, for one who plays a fiesty Gaby in 'Desperate Housewives', could Longoria Parker make a great Van Dyne? 


She adds

"I think it's a fantastic rumour and I'm just going to go with it and maybe it'll get me hired."

Chris Evans Talks About 'CAPTAIN AMERICA' Suit!

This year's Comic-Con event saw the first glimpse of Chris Evans in his Captain America costume (last Saturday evening) but this only gave us a small but vague peek as to what he will be wearing. So, MTV News managed to catch up with him to ask about the details on what the costume will be like...


Be warned, readers! There maybe some spoilers ahead.......






Evans said:

"There's a couple stages [of the suit]. Initially in the script, Steve [Rogers] isn't Captain America right away. He gets the injection and isn't asked to go to war right off the bat, he's used in different areas and different facets. So he has a couple different stages of the suit. I don't think he jumps in the final suit until the third act of the film."


Evans also reveals that the costume will involve some time as a USO performer, a role which inspired the look of the final costume. The different costume variations also involves a few different designs of his shield too.

He adds:

"During the USO tour, there's obviously a different shield. He goes on a couple missions, goes AWOL, and takes the USO shield. Once he's allowed to be this soldier and they outfit him with a new uniform, they decide to outfit him with an updated shield."


He finishes by sharing some details about why the look and feel of the popular red, white, and blue suit was more appropriate for the 1940s setting of the film.

 "I've been working on another project, so there hasn't been enough time as I would've liked to be in London and go through trial-by-error to make it the most comfortable thing in the world. But it's not bad. It's a World War II movie, so a little bit of a cumbersome feel to it and something that's a bit chunkier not only serves the time period, but looks better — it's not this sleek, spandex suit. It looks like something you might wear in the '40s in the middle of a war."

NEW 'Green Lantern' Images Galore!

Fan-made image

The Green Lantern - a name on most Comic-Con visitors' lips, and they also would have been gushing over the latest official images released from Warner Bros.

I've been looking forward to this for a very long while now, and I am eager to see what Ryan Reynolds has to offer as the Green Lantern. But still no official


Still no official teaser trailer yet, so for the meantime..have a look at the latest character posters below:

Wyclef Jean...For President?

Wyclef Jean is apparently reconsidering running for president of his devastated homeland HAITI, according to his charitable organisation.


The former Fugees star has been instrumental in ensuring the Haitians left homeless by the massive earthquake in January this year have aid, and has built temporary shelters through his Yele Haiti foundation.

His dedication and service prompted many to call for him to step into politics, but he initially shrugged off the idea, saying:

"If I take a job being a president, I can't do as much as I'm doing for my country."


However, according to CNN, the star has filled out the relevant paperwork in case he wants to put himself forward as a presidential candidate in the 2010 elections. But a statement from his foundation adds that Jean is yet to come to a final decision:


"Wyclef's commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless, and he will remain its greatest supporter regardless of whether he is part of the government moving forward.

"At this time, Wyclef Jean has not announced his intent to run for Haitian president. If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately."

Captain Jack Sparrow Introduces 'Pirates 4'!

For those of you who couldn't get to this year's San Diego Comic-Con, you may not have seen Captain Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp) tell the audience what they can expect in the 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' movie.

According to the infamous Captain...you'll see "Zombies, cut throats, mermaids and the vicious vivacious Penelope Cruz". But don't just take my word for it, have a look yourself..



http://youtu.be/G9BJmgz3OdM

Rihanna Boards The 'Battleship'!

Rihanna will make her movie acting debut in Universal's 'Battleship', and will be starring alongside Alexander Skarsgård and Taylor Kitsch, with Peter Berg in the director's chair - Variety reports.


The deal was announced late yesterday, and filming on the live-action version of the popular Hasbro board game is expected to begin very soon.

A release date for 'Battleship' has been penned for the 25th May 2012 has been penned, and the story will take place across the seas, over the skies and land in a battle for planet survival against a superior force. Kitsch stars as a naval officer who leads the fight, while Skarsgård will play his brother.

Berg is producing along with Sarah Aubrey of Film 44; Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro and Scott Stuber of Stuber Pictures.

Scribes Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber worked on the screenplay, with revisions by Brian Koppelman and David Levien.

Want A Celeb-Fit Body? Grab A Kettlebell!

Gents...ever wanted an 'underwear model' body your girlfriend (or boyfriend) could be proud of? And ladies, have you wondered how on earth the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna stay so slim? Fad diets tend not to work, but incorporating a Kettlebell in your regular workout could see you shedding pounds in no time and get that body you've always wanted in the process! But if you said to me that I would be lifting one, let alone swinging one, then I would have said you were one cherry short of a fruitcake!

So in comes celebrity fitness trainer Stuart Amory (pictured left) to show me the ropes, and when adhering to the technique...it is actually a lot easier than you might think.




Stuart has trained the likes of actress Emily Blunt and presenter Zoe Salmon and can regularly be found offering fitness advice on TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines. So when he offered to introduce me to Kettlebell exercises I jumped at the chance to see what all the fuss was about, and I'm glad I did!


THE TRAINING

It was safe to say that when watching Stuart demonstrate the moves, it was like he was lifting those kettlebells as if they were no heavier than a 2kg dumbbell - which of course meant that I could do it too?

In order to not to injure yourself and make sure you're working the right muscles (in the right places), you need to master the basics - including knowing how to pick one up! Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many would walk up to a heavy piece of equipment and pick it up by bending over and arching their back - a huge NO NO!

I was always taught to bend my knees, keep my back straight and grip the object securely and straightening my legs as I come up. With a Kettlebell, no matter what the weight, you always bend your knees to pick one up and making sure you've got a secure grip.

Ultimately the area that should be doing the most work when swinging a Kettlebell should be your hips, and your thrust would help power the weight into the air - your hands should be merely holding it (with arms straight) as it swings into the air, and not just using your arms to lift it per se.

 

 

THE OUTCOME

You mean apart from the sore thighs I'll have afterwards? Well, there's no gain without a little pain and if you're using the correct technique you'll find that it will ache...but at least you'll know that you have pushed yourself to the limit and had a great workout! Will I be trying this again? Hell YES!

ON STUART AS A PERSONAL TRAINER?

When doing any exercise you need to ensure you've grasped the technique to avoid injury, and a kettlebell must be treated with the same respect. Stuart makes sure that you know and follow each stage of a workout, and what muscles you should be working (in a language that even workout-phobes can understand). I've met a lot of personal trainers in my time and some can look totally disinterested, especially the ones that check their phones whilst counting the reps you do. A good personal trainer listens to you, asks you how you're progressing, provides lots of motivation and makes sure you have a effective workout - and THAT's what Stuart offers.


For more information on Stuart's personal training services, check out his website - http://www.inkilterfitness.co.uk/

COMIC-CON: The AVENGERS - Together At Last!

From left to right; Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Clark Gregg (Agent Phil Coulson), Scarlett Johansson (The Black Widow), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Mark Ruffalo (the new HULK), director JOSS WHEDON and Marvel Studios Pres. Kevin Feige.

If you're a superhero fan like me...you would have probably wet yourself over the weekend after seeing the picture shown above.


Although not the best, this year's Comic-Con (held in San Diego) managed to pull out a few surprise treats from its sleeve, and none moreso than when Marvel revealed its star line-up for 2012's super team movie - 'Marvel Studios' The Avengers!'.

Everyone from Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Clark Gregg (Agent Phil Coulson), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johansson (The Black Widow), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America) as well as newcomers Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) joined as one close-knit family on stage, and was met with a rapturous applause from the audience.

Joss Whedon will be making sure that this new team blows cinema audiences away, and looking at his previous work..I have every faith in him.

In addition to 'Marvel Studios' The Avengers!' coming in May, 2012, Marvel Studios is also scheduled to release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including 'Thor' on 2nd May, 2011 and 'Captain America: The First Avenger' on 22nd July, 2011.


But for those who are looking for more info on The Avengers movie, click here to register for updates!

Al Jarreau On Observation After Collapse.

Jazz star Al Jarreau is reported to be recovering well after being rushed to a hospital while in France (shortly before he was due to perform at a music festival). That said...he will be under the watchful eye of medics for another week at least.


The 70-year-old musician collapsed before he was due to perform at a music festival in Barcelonnette, in the southern French Alps, on Thursday (22nd July 2010). He was taken to a nearby hospital but was airlifted by helicopter to an other in nearby Marseille over the weekend (24th July 2010) after the altitude caused problems with his breathing.

The singer has stabilised since being transferred and his rep insists his health continues to get better. The spokesperson tells the Associated Press:

"The state of his health is improving. The problem is that he wants to get out but doctors plan to keep him here for another few days."


Get well soon, Al!

'Winnie' Could Be Hudson's Next Oscar Nod!

Jennifer Hudson looks set to bag herself another Oscar nom, as she begins filming for her most challenging role yet.


 The songstress-turned-actress will star as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in the forthcoming biopic 'Winnie', and will be seen along side Terrence Howard who stars as the famous Nelson Mandela (both pictured above).

This project has been penned to film throughout this summer in Johannesburg, in the Transkei and Robben Island, where Mandela spent 18 of the 27 years in prison for fighting the apartheid. With Darrell Roodt helming from this adapted screenplay from Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob's book "Winnie Mandela: A Life", this story recounts the love story between Winnie and Nelson Mandela and will also include her early life and her dramas of recent years.


Roodt explains his vision:

“It’s not a rose-tinted picture by any stretch of the imagination. However, we contextualise that so you understand where that comes from.

“This is a woman who is just extraordinary beyond all measure and it’s high time that a great film is made about a great South African and a great human being who’s done so much for not only South Africa but the world. I shouldn’t say this, but I think Winnie’s going to love the movie."


Hudson said she didn’t know much about Madikizela-Mandela before accepting the role, but added she made sure that she read up on the person, on South Africa and on the Mandelas.

She said:

“It’s not small shoes to fill, it’s a big deal. And it’s something that I’m extremely excited about.”



Producers hope to have 'Winnie' completed in time for the Berlin Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival in 2011.

The A-TEAM (2010) - Review.

Joe Carnahan has been given the chance to flex his remake muscles to bring the classic 80s TV series to the big screen and, with a loyal fanbase of the cult hit, this is might be one of his biggest risks yet. So has the 'Smokin' Aces' director given the fans what they wanted, or has he totally revamped the genre and focussed on laying down the track for future sequels?

Starring:

Liam Neeson ... Col. John 'Hannibal' Smith

Bradley Cooper ... Lt. Templeton 'Faceman' Peck

Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson ... Cpl. Bosco 'B.A' Baracus 

Sharlto Copley ... Murdock

Jessica Biel ... Capt. Charisa Sosa

Patrick Wilson ... Lynch


Directed by:

Joe Carnahan


Written By:

Joe Carnahan, Brian Bloom, Skip Wood, Frank Lupo (original series creator) and Stephen J. Cannell (original series creator).


This reboot / prequel sets the scene with all of the much-loved characters of the 80s TV series, but with a modern twist. If you were worried that these actors would be creating a parody of what their predecessors did then you are in for a surprise. The original TV series didn't strike a chord with everyone, and to make a movie based on what it captured in the 80s would have been a very futile excersise.

The A-Team legend in this movie kick-starts in Mexico, with Hannibal (Neeson) trying to escape from his captors, and in his mission to find his fellow counterpart, Faceman (Cooper), he bumps into an anger-filled Baracas (Jackson). After comparing military tattoos, the trio then head off to find the best pilot in the army, the eccentric Murdoch (Copley) to help them escape Mexico altogether.

Their adventures don't end there, as they embark on a covert op to uncover and foil a money scam. With Sosa (Biel) there to stop them messing up the mission, the guys find that they have been set up. But by who? Having admitted that they didn't approach the mission 'by-the-book', they then fight to clear their names of any wrong-doing. But even this won't be an easy task, as the A-Team discover. 

You couldn't have an action movie like this without the huge explosions and tough action scenes, and Carnahan doesn't disappoint. The fact that the 80s original wasn't exactly a riviting watch makes this an easy movie for people to follow, but it begs the question...is this too long at just over 2 hours? I think not.

This project needed to lay down the ground work for those who didn't know or weren't exposed to the original characters, and to be honest I loved 'getting to know' them again.

I must admit, I was a tad concerned with the casting of Brit thesp Neeson in the role of Hannibal, but he managed to pull it off and even added slightly more depth to the character. Maybe this was helped by bringing the A-Team up-to-date by making them part of the military that fought in Iraq? Possibly.

While I loved Jackson in the role of Baracas....I did miss the ole Mr T! But maybe it's time for a new generation of viewers, and they will be more than comfortable with Jackson's portrayal.

Did I hate anything about the movie? No! The trick is this.... If you didn't take the original series too seriously, then do exactly with this reboot. It's a mindless action thrill ride, so don't expect any Oscar acting accolades next year for this attempt. But as long as you know this, you will then find that can enjoy it more!


I didn't expect to enjoy this movie as much as I did, so I will give this 4 out of 5. If anything, it's for the comedy value!

DESPICABLE ME ** London Charity Preview - 12th September 2010 **

Hello all!

A friend of mine is organising a charity preview for the hugely anticipated movie 'DESPICABLE ME', on 12th September 2010 @ 10:30am. The screening is being held a whopping 5 weeks before its release date, so this is a great opportunity to catch a brand new and hillarious animated flick....and you'll be helping out a good cause at the same time!





Interested? See below for info on how to book.


ABOUT THE MOVIE

Criminal mastermind Gru is planning the biggest heist in the history of the world: he’s going to steal the moon! Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays and battle-ready vehicles, he vanquishes all who stand in his way, until he encounters three little orphaned girls who see something in him that no-one has ever seen: a potential Dad.

On voice duties are some of our favourite funny people: Steve Carell ('40-Year-Old Virgin'), Jemaine Clement ('Flight of the Conchords'), Russell Brand ('Sachsgate'), Will Arnett ('Arrested Development'), Kristen Wiig ('Whip It') and Danny McBride ('Pineapple Express').


WHAT'S THE CHARITY?

All proceeds will go directly to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Red Balloon Appeal, which needs to raise £2million this year for some tip-top cardiac facilities to help babies and children with poorly hearts.


HOW TO BOOK

We kindly ask that charitable donations be made here by Fri 10 September:


http://www.justgiving.com/oursufyan


Adults: £7 / Children (14yrs and under): £5.


IMPORTANT: Please enter the code DM3D into the message box, along with your name (and those of any guests) and we'll add you to the guest list.


VERY IMPORTANT!: If you tick the Gift Aid option, please leave the box that says you’re not receiving anything in exchange for your donation TICKED! This exclusive screening is our thanks to you for helping us raise money for a great cause.



CAN'T MAKE IT?

We'll miss you - but you can still donate! That's what it's all about after all. Just leave off the booking code in your message.


Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, either by commenting on this post or by clicking on the Contact Me button on the right-hand side of this blog.

Crow Denies She Adopted To Boost Her Career!

Sheryl Crow has hit back at hateful comments which suggest she adopted her sons in a bid to promote her music career, insisting she only cared about becoming a mother.

The All I Wanna Do hitmaker adopted son Wyatt in 2007 and brought home his brother, Levi, last month. But not everyone is applauding her for becoming a mum in her 40s, as some online critics have suggested the singer/songwriter has used the adoptions to gain publicity and promote her new records.


Crow is now blasting the suggestions, insisting her latest adoption process was a lengthy and testing one, and she tells YOU magazine:

"I don't usually read what people blog about me but I've read some beautiful things about me and adoption and some hateful things. I think people don't understand: it's not like you can go to some outlet and pick up a baby because you've got a record to promote.

"An adoptive mother goes through more hoops than those people who thoughtlessly become pregnant.

"I had about 10 adoptions fall through last year, so there was a real sense of relief when he (Levi) was mine. It's a long process and it's fraught with uncertainty. Another person is carrying a baby and when that baby finally arrives their feelings may have changed."


Well done, Sheryl!

DirecTV Saves 'DAMAGES' From Cancellation!

Legal drama series 'Damages' has been granted a reprieve after a lucrative deal was sealed with DirecTV - Variety reports.


The Sony Pictures TV series that ran for three seasons on FX will be moving to DirecTV's 101 Network. The satalite channel, which has gradually been increasing the volume of the original programming on the 101 Network, has ordered two 10-episode seasons. The fourth season of 'Damages' will air next summer on 101, with the fifth season launching in summer 2012.

Series stars Glenn Close and Rose Byrne have been confirmed to return, with other thesps set to sign on very soon. Each had originally signed six-year deals before the show first went on the air.


The series has been struggling to maintain its small but loyal fan base, and it came of a surprise to the FX Network when news of the show being canned was met with a considerable wave of disappointment. Ratings for the legal thriller had been very disappointing since the show's launch on FX in 2007. But given the show's status as a kudos magnet (Close has won the lead drama actress two years in a row) Sony made it a priority to work out a deal with DirecTV to keep the show alive.


Patty Ishimoto, VP and General Manager of Original Entertainment, told Daily Variety:
 
"What was important to us was that this is such a critically acclaimed series that we really felt it was the right show.

"What was most interesting to us is that we're the exclusive broadcaster, and that makes it much less confusing for viewers. This is the only place where you can see new episodes. It was worth our while to make it work."


Ishimoto also said a two-season deal was preferable as DirecTV didn't want to get caught in a situation where it signed on with Sony for only one season and then had to renegotiate with both the studio and hope the actors were available.

She adds:

"We said if we're going to do it, then let's do it right. We didn't want to do one season, have it work and then not be in a position to do another."



Todd A. Kessler, 'Damages' co-creator and exec producer, said the creative team is excited by the chance to produce longer episodes for the commercial-free environment of DirecTV.

"They're encouraging us to push the envelope with language, violence and sex, and all of those things we couldn't do on FX. It's very exciting. There are no creative handcuffs."


Kessler added that he hopes to reach new viewers who were not aware of the show during its run on FX:

"We were led to believe that audience awareness was historically low when the show was on FX. We completely understand why it's not returning to FX and are appreciative for the three years there. DirecTV believes so strongly in the show. We think there is an audience who hasn't watched it."

Rowland Delays New Album Release!

Fans of former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland will have to wait longer to hear her next solo album, because it has been pushed back until later this year.


Rowland's self-titled debut with Universal/Motown Records was originally due for release on 21 September 2010, but the Work chart-topper needs more time to complete the project. And she predicts the record will be ready for a mid-autumn release.

Rowland confirmed the delay to U.S. radio program the Big Tigger Morning Show, saying:

"I'm just making sure everything is going to be absolutely perfect... I'm still recording."


This will be Rowland's third solo album since Destiny's Child announced its split in 2005.

Gibson's Rep Dismisses Australia Move!

Mel Gibson's rep has quashed reports that suggest the actor is planning to move back to Australia following his recent spats with his ex-girlfriend.


The What Women Want star's reputation has been badly damaged following the leak of several tape recordings which purportedly feature Gibson hurling abuse and vile threats at Oksana Grigorieva (pictured on the left) during phone calls.

The Mail On Sunday newspaper reported Gibson, who grew up in Australia after moving there with his family at the age of 12, has been planning to leave the U.S. and relocate back Down Under with his estranged wife, Robyn, who has defended the star since the release of the recordings.


But his spokesperson, Alan Nierob, has slammed the suggestion, telling NBC:

"There's no truth to the Mail story."

Rourke To Star As Gay Rugby Player?

Mickey Rourke is apparently in talks to portray Brit rugby star Gareth Thomas in a big screen true story about his life, and coming out as a gay man.
 
The Wrestler actor met up with Thomas last week to discuss a proposal to bring the sportsman's tale to the big screen.

The rugby star hit headlines last year when he became the first rugby union player to openly 'come out' and when Rourke read about the star's story on a recent trip to Britain, he immediately arranged a meeting to talk about the possibility of playing him in a film.


A spokesman for Thomas' management company tells Wales on Sunday:

"Mickey Rourke is a big rugby fan and was flying to New York from London recently when he read an article about Gareth and thought he would be the perfect model for a film.

"Mickey contacted Gareth directly via a mutual friend in rugby league to express his interest and invited Gareth... to meet him for dinner.

"The fact that Mickey is so passionate about doing a moving picture has been really flattering and, although we haven't come to an agreement yet, we're really hoping it does happen.

"Now it's for the two managers to sort it."

P!NK Recovering After Concert Accident.

Pop star P!NK was hospitalised last night (15th July 2010) after she was injured in a high-flying routine during a concert in Germany.

The singer was performing in Nuremberg when a harness which pulls her into the air for her stage stunts malfunctioned and dragged the pop star into a metal barrier. The I'm Not Dead singer was then forced to cut short the concert and was taken in an ambulance to a nearby hospital.

In a series of Twitter.com posts last night, she writes:

"To all my nurnberg fans- I am so so so sorry to end the show that way. I am embarassed and very sorry. I'm in ambulance now but I will b fine. didn't get clipped in2 harness correctly,drug me off stage, fell in2 barricade. Getting xrays.I hope it at least looked cool!!!"


Then, after receiving the all-clear and leaving the hospital, Pink tweeted:

"Ok all my lovers out there- nothings broken, no fluid in the lungs, just seriously sore. I made that barricade my b*tch!!!! Thanx nurnberg."

Judge Allows GIBSON To Keep Visitation Rights.

A Judge has allowed Mel Gibson to keep visitation rights to see his baby daughter, following a custody hearing yesterday - according to U.S. reports.


The What Women Want star is currently fighting his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva's bid to strip him of custody rights to their daughter Lucia, and the pair appeared at a Los Angeles court yesterday morning (Thursday 15th July) to argue their case.

The Russian singer has recently accused the actor/director of knocking her teeth out during a fight in January this year, and the scandal was intensified by leaked recordings which allegedly capture Gibson hurling abuse at his former lover.


However, the presiding judge overseeing the custody hearing decided to allow Gibson to keep his current agreement, which allows him to have daytime visits and one overnight stay a week, according to TMZ.com.

The website further reports Gibson's legal team is fighting back with claims that Grigorieva tried to extort more than $10 million (£6.6 million) from the actor in exchange for the recorded tapes. Lawyers are all reportedly preparing to meet Los Angeles police officials to present their evidence.

Gibson's case was further strengthened on Thursday when his estranged wife, Robyn, wrote to the judge insisting he was never violent towards her and was "a wonderful father" to their seven children. She filed for divorce in 2009 after a three-year separation.


Time to get the popcorn out, because this looks like it could get messy!

The TOWN *TRAILER Online!*

Ben Affleck is fresh from the director's chair once again (having made his debut with 'Gone Baby Gone') with a movie based on Chuck Hogan's book, The Prince of Thieves.

'THE TOWN' stars Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper. The official blurb of what the movie is about can be found below:


Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) is an unrepentant criminal, the de facto leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers who pride themselves in stealing what they want and getting out clean. With no real attachments, Doug never has to fear losing anyone close to him. But that all changed on the gang's latest job, when they briefly took a hostage--bank manager, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall). Though they let her go unharmed, Claire is nervously aware that the robbers know her name...and where she lives. But she lets her guard down when she meets an unassuming and rather charming man named Doug...not realizing that he is the same man who only days earlier had terrorized her. The instant attraction between them gradually turns into a passionate romance that threatens to take them both down a dangerous, and potentially deadly, path.


Interested? Check out the trailer below:





While I thought 'Gone Baby Gone' was good, it wasn't great. Here's hoping that this movie manages to keep my interest through-out the whole movie this time!

Could DiCaprio Don A Superhero Suit Anytime Soon?

Despite turning down roles such as SPIDER-MAN and snubbing an offer to play ROBIN alongside BATMAN, Leonardo DiCaprio refuses to rule out playing a superhero....at some point.


The actor was the favourite to star as Robin in 1995's 'BATMAN FOREVER' and as the web-slinging 'SPIDER-MAN' in the hit blockbuster movies - but turned down lucrative offers as he didn't want to commit to longterm franchises.

Speaking to Shortlist magazine, he says:

"I never screen- tested (to play Robin in Batman Forever). I had a meeting with Joel Schumacher. It was just one meeting and, no, I didn't end up doing it... As I recall I took the meeting, but didn't want to play the role. Joel Schumacher is a very talented director but I don't think I was ready for anything like that.

"(Spider-Man) was another one of those situations, similar to Robin, where I didn't feel ready to put on that suit yet. They got in touch with me."


But the 'INCEPTION' star admits he's open to suiting up for a hero role in the future:

"You never know. You never know. They're getting better and better as far as complex characters in these movies. I haven't yet. But no, I don't rule out anything."

Jolie vs. Zeta Jones - Who Will Play Liz Taylor?

The fight is on! According to various industry reports, Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta-Jones are battling for the chance to play ELIZABETH TAYLOR in a planned biopic of the of the silver screen legend.


The two Oscar winners are reportedly in talks to play the movie icon in an upcoming film based on Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger's book Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century.

Russell Crowe, Clive Owen and Colin Farrell are among the big names being touted as possible Burtons, and Mike Nichols is rumoured to be interested in directing the film.

Sade And JAY-Z Join Alicia Keys For Benefit Gig.

Alicia Keys, JAY-Z and SADE will be teaming up to perform at a kids charity gala - the KEEP A CHILD ALIVE BLACK BALL, in New York this September.


Approaching its 7th year, the Black Ball has generated over $10 million (£6.6 million) since its inception in 2004.


Keys, a Keep A Child Alive co-founder, says:

"Sade? Jay-Z? Both icons and both major influences of mine. I am overwhelmed by their generosity in helping us continue the tradition of making the Black Ball the best fundraiser in NYC. There are more surprises coming up! Stay tuned!"


The Empire State Of Mind singer has previously shared the Black Ball stage with Bono, Annie Lennox, David Bowie, Chris Martin, Gwen Stefani and Justin Timberlake, to name a few.

Ellis-Bextor Penned Song For 'Stalker'!

Sophie Ellis-Bextor has turned a wierd situation into a creative one, by writing a song for the mystery stalker who bombards her with text messages.

The Bittersweet singer regularly receives texts from the unknown person and decided to pay tribute to him with a track on her upcoming album, Straight To The Heart. And she admits she doesn't feel threatened by the messages - because she's not convinced the sender knows he's contacting a singer.


Speaking on the U.K.'s 5 O'Clock Show, she says:

"The song's about my text stalker. It's quite harmless, I think. It's normally fairly innocuous things and jokes and stuff like that. I got one on my way to work one day and so when I arrived we decided to write a song about it.

"It's called Dial My Number and it's actually the song I've been openin g my set with at the moment. I never respond so they don't know that I'm receiving it. People say, 'But surely now you've written a song, they will know!' But they could be texting someone else. It hasn't been confirmed that it's me they're texting. They don't seem to know where I live."