T I N G R I N G

The Lovely Bones Splits Movie Critics

2010-02-17T03:54:00.000-08:00

Peter Jackson has taken a break from big budget blockbusters, but it's proving a trickier sell.

The Lord Of The Rings director has split the critics with his latest film The Lovely Bones - an adaptation of the dark and surreal Alice Sebold novel.

But Jackson told Sky News he knew it would be a hard balancing act to please fans of the book, which is a dark meditation on life and loss.

"On one level you've got a beautiful novel and you have to be faithful to some degree," he said.

"But at the same time we're in the entertainment business, and in this crass way we want to make movies that people enjoy.

"There was a danger with The Lovely Bones that if I went too much in one direction it would be so depressing that no-one would ever want to come and see the movie."

The film tells the difficult story of Susie Salmon who is brutally murdered then spends the story watching over her family from above.

Peter Jackson and actress Saoirse Ronan

Peter Jackson on the red carpet with actress Saoirse Ronan

The job of playing Susie fell to rising Irish star Saoirse Ronan, previously seen in Atonement.

"I think every movie I do, it's a job," Ronan told Sky News. "It doesn't really matter to me whether it's gonna be a Hollywood blockbuster or an indie movie.

"I'm more excited about just working with these great people.

"When you hear that you're going to be working with someone like Peter Jackson, it's an honour and its great that they want to work with you."

Jackson may have split the critics, but his next two projects are likely to be crowd-pleasers again.

He's currently working with Steven Spielberg on the new Tintin film, and overseeing the Lord Of The Rings prequel, The Hobbit.

But he's happy that The Lovely Bones marked a return to the smaller films that made his name.

"It wasn't the reason why we made it but it was certainly part of the attraction," he laughed.

"I guess it was the fact that it was so different.

"After four blockbuster fantasy special effect type films in a row I just thought I wanted to spend the next two years doing something that had a different set of challenges and The Lovely Bones - a terrific book - seemed like the perfect project to do."

Oscar Nominees Do Luncheon In Los Angeles

2010-02-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

Oscar nominees have attended an annual private luncheon event ahead of the Academy Awards.

It was a chance for those up for awards to meet and chat about the upcoming ceremony.

Although the media were not allowed into the party, stars took time out afterwards to dish the dirt on what went on inside.

"The nice thing about the luncheon is that, once you get inside and get away from the media, you realise it's just everyone who works, everyone who works in our business, who is an artist: sound artists, editing artists, actor, film," said Sandra Bullock, who is nominated for best actress for The Blind Side.

Director James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment co-chairman-CEO Jim Gianopulos

Director James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman Jim Gianopulos

"And half the people in there I realised I worked with.

"For some reason I went in there thinking, 'I'm not going to know anybody. This is an Academy thing. This is new to me.'

"And I realised, 'These are people who I worked with, who made my career look good'."

Gabourey Sidibe, nominated for best actress for Precious, revealed she sat with the team from the animated smash Up.

"I feel like I'm always sitting with Team Up. And I'm always, like, 'Team Up,'Yay!' which is really cool," she said.

"As far as I could tell no one was drunk, except for me. But I hide it well."

Jeff Bridges, nominated for best actor for Crazy Heart, sat with wife Susan Geston.

"On my left was a producer of An Education and I'm forgetting her name, but a lovely lady," he said.

"And I got to hang with Woody Harrelson and Quentin Tarantino, two kind of new buddies.

"It was a lot of fun to hang out with those guys. I saw my friend George Clooney. Got to hang out with him."

The 82nd annual Academy Awards is set for March 7 in Hollywood.

Polanski's The Ghost Haunts Film Festival

2010-02-17T03:50:00.001-08:00

Critics haven't been scared off The Ghost - despite the controversy surrounding its director Roman Polanski.

The thriller has received mostly good reviews after it premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, attended by its stars Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan.

Polanski is currently under house arrest in Switzerland where he's facing extradition to the US, relating to underage sex crimes dating back more than 30 years.

The severity of his legal issues has dominated the promotion of the film.

"It's sad that he's not here," McGregor told Sky News.

"It's a film that I feel more than most. Polanski is really inside my performance. I'm sad that he's in the situation because I like him very much and I'm very fond of him. It's unfortunate."

Roman Polanski

The Ghost's director Roman Polanski was unable to attend the premiere

The film is based on the Robert Harris book, and was completed after 76-year-old Polanski was detained in Switzerland last September. The director's lawyers are currently appealing, while his cast are trying to be as diplomatic as possible.

"I wish closure for this man and these children and all the families involved in this case," Brosnan told Sky News.

"You hope for closure, and that's enough now. Let's put this to rest. It's taken so long to get the man, now you've got him take care of the business with a sense of dignity and passion. It's a very delicate situation."

The subject matter is also delicate. Brosnan plays a former British prime minister facing indictment for war crimes which, of course, makes it very timely.

"Am I playing Tony Blair?" Brosnan smiles. "No, no, no. But at the end of the day all roads lead to Blair.

"I don't think we should have gone to war, but [he] wanted to get up and show the world that he could be a big man of the people and go to war and get us all killed."

McGregor agrees: "One thing I've never liked about politics is that people don't seem to be accountable for their actions.

"Blair's had to answer for the decisions he made, and certainly he should be, in a way that Bush should be accountable for his. He walked out of the door and into a helicopter and he's on a golf course somewhere in Texas, and I found that difficult to stomach."

X Factor Star's Plan To Help Haiti Children

2010-02-15T04:23:00.001-08:00

After meeting a seven-year-old miracle survivor of the Haiti earthquake, Alexandra Burke has told Sky News she wants to help set up a school in the country.

The X Factor star, who sang on the Helping Haiti charity single, was so moved by images of the disaster on television that she wanted to witness it for herself.

"To actually see it, to be able to touch it and breathe it, is something completely different that you can only feel if you are here experiencing this," she said.

"I really hope I can raise awareness in the UK to keep giving to Haiti, because they need our help."

The singer said she intended to work with the charity Save the Children, and revealed she was considering opening a school to help the country's impoverished children.

At an emotional meeting with Kiki Joachin and his family in the capital Port-au-Prince, Alexandra held the young boy in her arms, her eyes welling with tears.

Alexandra Burke in Haiti

Hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless by the Haiti earthquake

Kiki became famous worldwide after surviving eight days trapped under rubble with his sister Sabrina.

When rescue workers finally succeeded in digging him out, he emerged with his hands held aloft and triumphant, instantly becoming a symbol of Haiti's resilience.

"It's just amazing to see that this family is still happy and that they're truly blessed," said Alexandra.

"They're survivors of an earthquake that destroyed many lives, and although they've lost some family members they're still happy."

But Kiki also knows the pain common to millions of Haitians. He lost two brothers and a sister in the quake. The family's home and all their possessions were destroyed.

His mother, Odinel, told Sky News they now have no income.

There are hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in makeshift refugee camps. Children are particularly vulnerable, not only to disease and malnourishment, but also to abuse and abduction.

Alexandra Burke in Haiti

Alexandra Burke wants to raise awareness of Haiti's ongoing problems

At the Delmas 33 refugee camp, Alexandra visited a children-only play area set up by Save the Children to help protect the camp's youngest residents.

She handed out pencils and toys to the children, sang songs with them and cheered as a group of young girls performed a Haitian dance.

Driving around Port-au-Prince, the singer was able to take in the scale of destruction.

Before the disaster the Haitian capital was less a city than a series of fragile shantytowns clinging precariously to the hillside. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake reduced 250,000 homes to rubble.

The quake also wiped out government infrastructure, including hospitals. In a refugee camp in the Petionville district, Alexandra visited a tented medical center where dozens of women waited carrying sick children.

Fashion World Mourns Alexander McQueen

2010-02-15T04:22:00.001-08:00

The fashion world is mourning the loss of a "modern-day genius" following the apparent suicide of designer Alexander McQueen.

The celebrated British designer's body was discovered at his £1m flat in London's West End.

The 40-year-old, whose full name was Lee Alexander McQueen, was mourning his mother, Joyce, who died 12 days ago.

Sources said he was found hanged on Thursday - on the eve of his mother's funeral.

Fashion heavyweights and celebrities lined up to pay tribute to McQueen, the son of an East End cab driver who was named British Designer of the Year four times, and was awarded the CBE.

Editor of British Vogue Alexandra Shulman called the designer a "modern-day genius".

She said: "Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs.

McQueen's London store

Tributes are left at McQueen's store on London's Old Bond Street

"At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over.

"His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn't."

Fellow designers expressed their shock at McQueen's sudden death. Dame Vivienne Westwood was "incredibly sorry" to hear the news.

Sir Paul Smith told Drapers magazine: "Obviously, like everyone, I am extremely shocked at this sad news.

"I have known Lee since his time at Central Saint Martins and gave him advice in the early part of his career. He was a very talented and creative designer, especially in respect of his tailored clothing.

"This is a very sad time and my thoughts are with his family."

McQueen's New York store

McQueen's New York store

Kate Moss, who was close friends with McQueen, cancelled publicity engagements in central London on Thursday night in the wake of the news.

Her spokesman said: "Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Victoria Beckham spoke of her sadness at the loss of a "creative genius" and said he would be "desperately missed".

She said: "McQueen was a master of fashion, creative genius and an inspiration.

"Today the fashion industry has lost a true great, an icon of all time. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed."

The fashion designer's body was taken from his flat in Green Street, off Park Lane in Mayfair, shortly before 5pm yesterday.

A police spokesman confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

Disney Angers Cinemas With DVD Release Move

2010-02-14T01:16:00.000-08:00

Britain's biggest cinema chains may choose not to show Disney's latest animation Alice in Wonderland because the company are proposing to sell it on DVD just 13 weeks after it reaches the big screen.

Tim Burton at Alice in Wonderland new conference

Tim Burton is the director of Disney's latest animation Alice in Wonderland

The normal 'release window' between cinema showings and the DVD launch is around 17 weeks, but this is simply an industry norm rather than down to regulation.

By shortening the window, a studio arguably reduces the length of time cinemas can profitably show the film.

A source close to Disney told Sky News Online that the firm was planning to shorten some release windows to boost business, but stressed each film would be considered individually, and in light of the market.

The Disney source added that it was up to cinemas to take the commercial decision over whether to show the film and said the company was open to dialogue over the issue.

Earlier, Bob Chapek, president of distribution for Walt Disney Studios, said in a statement that the company remained "committed to theatrical windows, with the need for exceptions to accommodate a shortened period on a case-by-case basis, such as with Disney's Alice in Wonderland."

"We feel that it's important for us to maintain a healthy business on the exhibition side and a healthy business on the home video side.

"We think this is in the best interest of theater owners, because a healthy movie business is good for them and allows us to invest in high quality, innovative content."

Neither Odeon or Vue is promoting Alice in Wonderland on their websites - although they were not available for comment over whether they still planned to show the film, which is due for release on March 5.

However, film industry insiders say that even if cinema chains decide to take action, it is unlikely to be enough to shake Disney, due to its solid box office results and eagerly-awaited Toy Story 3 film later this year.

"(Disney has) leverage, and there's no reason why they should refuse to use it," said analyst Hal Vogel of Vogel Capital Management.

"It's inevitable anyhow...if they don't do this, somebody else will."

Peter Andre's Fury At Daughter's Makeover

2010-02-13T06:10:00.001-08:00

Peter Andre has said he is "absolutely disgusted" at pictures showing his young daughter dressed in false eyelashes and wearing make-up.

Peter Andre and daughter Princess Tiaamii

Peter Andre on GMTV and the picture of Princess which has caused the stir

The singer said the images of Princess Tiaamii were "far more difficult to deal with" than seeing ex-wife Katie Price's recent wedding splashed across the papers.

The 31-year-old model and mother-of-three tied the knot with cage fighter Alex Reid, 34, in Las Vegas last week.

Andre said: "There's things far more difficult for me to deal with, as in what was in the papers yesterday.

"That was far more difficult for me to deal with.

"If I'm to be honest, I'm absolutely disgusted and to me that's the worst thing to be worried about. It's a two-year-old girl and to me that's disgusting."

He said he felt unable to complain about the images, which were posted on Facebook before appearing in the press, adding: "What would be said would not remain private.

Model Katie Price and cage fighter Alex Reid

Katie Price and Alex Reid married in Las Vegas

"It's a two-year-old girl with false eyelashes, full make-up for the whole world to see.

"To be honest I'm disgusted with it - I don't want to see that."

The star, who appeared on GMTV to announce a Christmas tour, denied he and Price were no longer on speaking terms.

"In regards to the children we speak, that's what it is about really.

"I'm very amicable when it comes to the kids. We talk and I think that's a great way forward."

Andre, who has never met Price's new husband, said he had "no problem" with the cage fighter, adding "probably he's a very nice guy".

He said he was still able to see his two children, adding: "I get to see them half the time, they are with me half the time, I enjoy my time with them."

He said he would be spending Valentine's Day with his daughter, adding: "I've got little Princess that night and she's my little Valentine and no one's going near her, ever."

'US Harry Potter' Set To Hit British Cinemas

2010-02-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

A former James Bond has returned for a new mission... and this time he has a licence to wear tights.

Pierce Brosnan appears in Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief, the film that Hollywood hopes will become the next Harry Potter.

But despite playing a Centaur - half man, half horse - it seems the special effects meant Pierce didn't look like a stud on set.

"I studied the horse a little bit," Pierce laughs, when Sky News sits down with him, "but then you come to play the bloody thing and you have to get into blue tights.

"I thought they just put nice hairy legs on me, but no it was blue tights with orange spots."

Percy Jackson is based on the series of hit kids' books, which have been described as the US version of Potter.

It follows a teenager who finds out he is the son of Poseidon, who has returned to the current century along with a host of other Greek Gods.

Bizarrely the movie even stars Steve Coogan as Hades, Lord Of The Underworld.

"I'm sure it's going to appeal to parents because there's an elementary amount of education in the movie," says Coogan, who is only in the film for a matter of minutes.

"I'd forgotten most of it, but it just seems to me like a soap opera really, Greek Mythology. Though the special effects are obviously not as good as Eastenders."

Brosnan will soon be seen playing a former Prime Minister in Roman Polanski's The Ghost.

The prospect of acting with four legs represented another trot away from his former job with Her Majesty's Secret Service.

"I'm doing my best to kind of move all over the stage and figure out what the meaning of it all is," he smiles.

"Hopefully there will be many more Percy Jacksons. There's five books, and my son bought the latest one, and I said 'Am I in it?' And I think I am.

"We'll see where the wind takes us with this.

Hollywood Sign Set To Disappear From View

2010-02-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hollywood's world-famous sign is set to disappear from view after conservationists won their battle to save the hill where it stands from developers.

l-hollywood-sign

The sign was erected in 1923 as a giant advertisement for a housing development

But it will only be missing for a day.

The conservation group behind the deal had planned to surprise Los Angeles residents by draping a sign reading "Save The Peak" over the nine giant letters on Thursday.

But LA police spoiled the surprise after sending out a "community announcement email" to alert members of the public to the stunt.

"On February 11, 2010, the Hollywood sign will be covered up for an international campaign," the e-mail said.

The Hollywood sign is one of America's iconic views and that view would be ruined forever if estates are built behind it.

Sam Hodder, conservationist

"The sign will be covered until further notice. Do not be alarmed, the sign will remain in place and there will be no changes done to the sign."

The owners of the land, known as Cahuenga Park, had hoped to sell it to developers for luxury villas. But the collapse of the US housing market meant no buyer could be found.

Instead, the conservation group Trust For Public Lands secured an option to buy the land, one of the last pieces of open hill top in LA, for around £8m.

The group, backed by a number of Hollywood stars, now needs to raise around £4m by the time the option runs out in April or the land goes back on the market.

They also still need permission for Thursday's stunt.

The land was purchased by industrialist Howard Hughes in 1940 to build a home for movie star Ginger Rogers, his intended bride. When that relationship ended, Hughes kept the land, and, in 2002, his estate sold it to the investors.

Oscars nominees

Residents of Hollywood - home of the Oscars - want the sign saved

TPL director Sam Hodder said: "The Hollywood Sign is one of America's iconic views and that view would be ruined forever if estates are built behind it."

The Peak sits 150ft up the hill from where the Hollywood sign stands, offering stunning views of the city to Catalina Island and across the San Fernando Valley.

LA city councillor Tom LaBonge said: "Every day, I see tourists posing for snapshots just below the sign.

"We want to acquire this land, not only to maintain the view of the Hollywood Sign, but also to preserve open space, hiking trails and wildlife corridors for the future health of our great city."

Got To Dance Judge Lets Slip Her Fave To Win

2010-02-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

Got To Dance judge Kimberly Wyatt has explained why she is being compared to Simon Cowell - and let slip who she wants to win the final of the talent show.

The Kansas-born singer and dancer has been taking a break from the Pussycat Dolls to be one of three panellists on the Sky 1 dancing contest.

She told Sky News' Afternoon Live that the band members are all currently working on their solo careers.

Asked if she still wants to be a Pussycat Doll, Wyatt told Kay Burley: "I think I'll always be a Pussycat Doll at heart.

"It's been such a huge part of my life for the past seven years singing and dancing on a stage together and we have so many fans out there.

"I'll be a Pussycat Doll for life, but right now it's time for Kimberly."

And right now she's earning comparisons to the king of talent TV Simon Cowell for her no-nonsense judging of the Got To Dance contestants.

"I'm direct and I'm honest. That was the way that I learned, I was a competition kid growing up," she said.

"I've been on that stage time and time again and there's been many times when the judges have been pretty harsh on me.

"But I'm so thankful for it because it really moulded me into the dancer I have become.

"I try and do the same for the kids that are involved in this competition."

Davina McCall and Kimberly Wyatt

Got To Dance presenter Davina McCall and judge Kimberly Wyatt

On Sunday, the final six acts will perform for a £100,000 prize in the grand final, presented by Davina McCall.

The 90-minute show will see three of the six knocked out mid-way through before the remaining three dance for the crown, voted for by the public.

When asked who was going to win, Wyatt replied: "Gosh, it's a tough decision to make.

"I think Akai has a huge chance, I think the viewers love to watch him. He's such a little kid with the biggest moves ever.

"But there's also Matthew who's absolutely brilliant at what he does and I think he's truly deserving of the viewers vote.

"There's also The Box which are brilliant at what they do as well.

"I mean the show is just full of neck-to-neck competition. Everyone is bringing their best."

But, dropping her diplomatic stance, she said: "I hate to be biased but Matthew, Matthew's amazing. He's 15 years old and brilliant."

Bollywood Film Sparks Extremist Attack Fear

2010-02-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

Security is to be stepped up at cinemas for the Indian release of the latest Bollywood blockbuster after fears of attacks by religious hardliners.

Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan in Mumbai

Hindu group Shiv Sena has threatened to protest outside cinemas showing My Name Is Khan and disrupt screenings across the city.

They are furious with the film's star and producer Shah Rukh Khan for saying that Pakistani cricketers should be playing in the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20.

No Pakistani player was bought by the eight IPL clubs during an auction last month for this year's tournament, despite the Pakistan team being the reigning world champions in the format.

Police officers will be sent out to the 63 theatres in Mumbai showing the film, while checks will be made on cinema-goers.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Himanshu Roy said: "We will provide the security as long as it is required.

"There will be a high level of frisking and personal checking before they are allowed to enter into theatres."

Despite the Shiv Sena's threats, Khan has refused to apologise for his statement.

The film's director, Karan Johar, said: "The movie will be released on the scheduled date and advance bookings are open nationwide."

Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi said: "The wrestling match has begun and you're asking me what will happen? Let's see what the police will do now."

The Shiv Sena organisation sees itself as a defender of traditional Hindu moral values.

Previous targets for the group have included Mumbai-born cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for saying he was proud of his roots but was Indian first.

Another target was Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, after his wife said she preferred to speak Hindi.

Barrymore Behaves Bizarrely On Irish TV

2010-02-12T06:28:00.000-08:00

Michael Barrymore has stunned fans after making a bizarre TV appearance in which he pretended to be a sheep - then claimed to be Jedward's dad.

The presenter was being interviewed on Ireland's Saturday Night Show when he left viewers cringing after announcing he was the leader of the sheep society, bursting into song: "Sheep, may be the face I can't regret.

"Baaaa. May be the mirror of regret. Baaaaa."

With the live audience looking uncomfortable and the show's host Brendan O'Connor laughing nervously, Barrymore proceeded to make chicken noises, run around the studio audience and insist that he was X Factor twins John and Edward's real father.

Michael Barrymore

Michael Barrymore on Ireland's Saturday Night Show

"I happen to know their mother very well. I send maintenance money," he said.

Jedward's parents were in the audience as their sons were due to perform later in the programme.

Barrymore then went over and passionately kissed the twins' mother.

The ex-Strike It Lucky host's career hit the rocks after the body of Stuart Lubbock, 31, was found in his swimming pool nine years ago.

No-one was ever charged over the death.

Soap Star Phone Calls Put Labour In Hot Water

2010-02-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

A Labour phone campaign which sent a recorded message from soap star Liz Dawn to almost half a million people breached privacy rules.

The Information Commissioner's Office ruled the automated calls, featuring the voice of the Coronation Street actress, were sent without the public's consent.

The campaign targeted around 495,000 people in Labour strongholds ahead of last June's local and European elections.

Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said calls of this type could cause "annoyance and disruption" to those receiving them.

He ordered Labour to ensure that no more such calls were made without consent and warned failure to comply would be a criminal offence which could lead to prosecution.

The fact that the calls were targeted at what were believed to be Labour supporting areas confirmed our view that they were designed to promote the Labour Party's electoral cause by encouraging Labour supporters to vote.

Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith

The party have a right to appeal within 28 days.

Labour had previously said it would stop automated calls of this kind after the commissioner received a complaint about the use of the Liz Dawn recording in
2007.

"The ICO has consistently made clear that the promotion of a political party counts as marketing," Deputy Commissioner Smith added.

"The fact that the calls were targeted at what were believed to be Labour supporting areas confirmed our view that they were designed to promote the Labour Party's electoral cause by encouraging Labour supporters to vote."

In 2005 the ICO issued the main political parties with "updated guidance" about their obligations under the Data Protection Act and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

Since then the Conservative Party, the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats have all been issued with "enforcement notices" after breaching the rules.

Jordan On Her Marriage: 'We're So Happy'

2010-02-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

Newlywed Katie Price has given her first TV interview since getting hitched - and described reports of troubles in her relationship with Alex Reid as a "joke".

Katie Price

Katie Price talks about her recent marriage on GMTV

The 31-year-old mother of three married cage fighter Reid, 34, in Las Vegas last week.

Price, also known as Jordan, told GMTV the couple were "so happy" and already trying for a baby.

"Me and Alex so want kids. We are trying, so let's hope, let's hope."

Price added later: "I can't wait to get pregnant."

l-alex-reid

Alex Reid wins Celebrity Big Brother

She went on to question the recent newspaper articles about her and Reid, who recently won Celebrity Big Brother, asking why people "picked on" them.

"People are treating me like a serial killer, I'm a villain," she said.

"What have I actually done wrong?"

The pair have confirmed plans to celebrate their marriage with a blessing later this year for their families and so that Price's daughter, Princess Tiaamii, can be a bridesmaid.

Asked if she would like to be known by her married name, she replied: "Absolutely Mrs Reid, yep."

Peter Andre

Peter Andre on Sky News

She praised Reid's relationship with her children, while also singling out her former husband Peter Andre's skills as a father.

Referring to the Sky News interview in which Andre broke down over questions about his children, she said: "Pete is a fantastic dad, he is absolutely brilliant with Harvey.

"You can't compare Dwight and Pete at all, there is no comparison. Pete is there, he has been like his dad and he's fantastic with him

Actor Sheen Charged Over Wife 'Assault'

2010-02-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

Actor Charlie Sheen has been charged following an alleged assault on his wife Brooke Mueller during a Christmas Day argument.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen married Brooke Mueller in 2008 and the pair have twin sons

Sheen, 44, star of the comedy series Two and a Half Men, was charged with felony menacing, third-degree assault and criminal mischief.

But the couple left the court in the Colorado ski resort of Aspen hugging each other, hoping the charges will be dropped, and apparently planning to reconcile.

"Brooke would like the case dismissed and the charges against Charlie to go away," lawyer Yale Galanter told the court, adding that Mueller and Sheen were "mortified" by the public attention surrounding the incident.

Sheen was arrested in Aspen on Christmas Day after Mueller called police and told them he pulled a knife on her during an argument, and threatened to have her killed. Sheen spent the day in jail before being released.

Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller

Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller

Sheen and Mueller, the actor's third wife, married in 2008 and have twin sons.

Details of the case against the actor were not read in Aspen's Pitkin County District Court, but the judge did lift a "no contact" ruling.

The restraining order imposed in December had barred Sheen from talking to or having contact with his wife. Lawyers for Sheen and Mueller asked to have the order lifted, and prosecutors did not object.

Mueller told police the couple had argued furiously and that Sheen pulled out a knife and held it to her throat when she threatened to divorce him and take their children.

At the time, Sheen denied brandishing the knife, but admitted crumpling his wife's eyeglasses and said both of them had slapped each other's arms.

Sheen's film credits include Platoon and Wall Street, but he is currently starring as a womanising bachelor in the successful US TV show Two and a Half Men.

He did not enter a response to the charges against him.

Rock & Roll On Song At London Film Awards

2010-02-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Anne-Marie Duff and Andy Serkis have scooped the top honours at the Evening Standard British Film Awards in London.

Anne-Marie Duff and Andy Serkis

Anne-Marie Duff and Andy Serkis took home awards

The awards, judged by film critics, saw the world of rock and roll come out on top.

Bafta-nominated Serkis picked up best actor for his portrayal of Ian Dury in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.

Duff got the best actress gong for playing John Lennon's mother in Nowhere Boy.

The star, who is expecting her first child with actor husband James McAvoy, beat Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan to the prize.

A documentary about Canadian band Anvil was also victorious.

Sacha Baron Cohen was once again the recipient of the Peter Sellers award for comedy - beating Ricky Gervais’ turn in The Invention Of Lying.

One of the comedian's alter egos, Bruno, clinched him the prize which he also won for Borat in 2006.

Sacha Baron Cohen arrives for premiere of Bruno film

Sacha Baron Cohen as Bruno

Low-budget film Fish Tank followed up its success in Cannes by scooping best film.

But its lead actress, Katie Jarvis, lost out in best newcomer category to Peter Strickland for his debut film Katalin Varga.

Strickland wrote the screenplay and moved from Reading to Romania to direct the revenge saga.

Best screenplay went to the writers behind Oscar-nominated film In The Loop.

The political satire is based on the BBC series The Thick Of It.

One of the leading film contenders at this year's Oscars, The Hurt Locker, won a gong for Briton Barry Ackroyd's cinematography

The Iraq war drama is shot predominantly on hand-held cameras in a documentary style.

Veteran director and cinematographer Nicolas Roeg was presented with the Alexander Walker special award for his contribution to film.

His work includes Walkabout, Far From The Madding Crowd, The Man Who Fell To Earth and Don't Look Now.

Competition at the awards was tough - marking the end of a very good year for the industry.

"It has been the best year for film in at least a decade," said Evening Standard film critic Andrew O'Hagan.

"It has been the year when British film began to rediscover its sense of native quality."

"It is all a world away from the anxious-for-dollars, look-a-like nonsense that was polluting the cinemas as recently as two years ago."

Alexandra Burke 'Scared' About Haiti Visit

2010-02-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Burke has told Sky News she is 'nervous' and 'scared' about her visit to earthquake-hit Haiti.

Not content with simply taking part in Simon Cowell's charity single, the X Factor winner is travelling to Haiti to personally help victims.

"I am very nervous, I am scared," she told Sky News' Eamonn Holmes, "but I have wanted to go for so long."

"While I was on the tour I was begging the label to let me go and finally they let me."

Not everyone can pick up a ticket and go out there, because I am in a position where I can, I feel like I really, really should."

Alexandra Burke

The singer said that although "giving money is more than enough" she wanted to do more.

"For me personally I wanted to go out there and, particularly, help the kids," she said.

"People need food and comfort, they need clothing. I am going to pack up all my stuff and take it out there."

Burke, who won the X Factor in 2008, acknowledged she was in a fortunate position to be able to go and help.

Haiti charity single

The cover of the Haiti charity single

"Not everyone can pick up a ticket and go out there, because I am in a position where I can, I feel like I really, really should," she added.

She said her family were "slightly worried" about her travelling over to the Caribbean island nation but they "supported" her decision.

Meanwhile Cowell's charity single, which features Burke's vocals, has gone straight to the top of the download chart just a day after its release.

The cover of REM's Everybody Hurts features 21 artists including Cheryl Cole, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue and Gary Barlow.

Burke said she did not get to meet any of the other singers but admitted it "was a great thing to be part of".

She said: "It has such a great meaning and hopefully it will raise a lot of money."

Proceeds from the single will be split between the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and The Sun's Helping Haiti campaign.

ITV Fined Over Rat's I'm A Celebrity Death

2010-02-09T05:37:00.001-08:00

ITV has been fined after pleading guilty to animal cruelty during the making of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Of Here.

Two contestants, including last year's winner Gino D'Acampo, killed and ate a rat on camera while the programme was being filmed in Australia.

A court in Sydney heard that although the rat was initially stabbed with a knife, it took a minute and a half for the animal to die.

Magistrate Mark Buscombe said that unnecessary pain had been inflicted, and the company should have taken greater care.

In documents presented to the court, RSPCA Australia said that initially D'Acampo stabbed the rat, then Manning picked up a second knife and attempted to kill it with three separate cutting motions, while D'Acampo used his knife to restrain it.

Mr Buscombe asked ITV's solicitor Chris Lawson whether the men had any experience in using knives, and was told that D'Acampo was a celebrity chef.

He and fellow contestant Stuart Manning had originally been charged with animal cruelty.

An animal was inflicted with unnecessary pain and distress. Had the circumstances been different and the rat killed outright we wouldn't be talking about it here today.

RSPCA chief inspector David O'Shannessy

Those charges have now been dropped because ITV admitted that production staff had given the go-ahead to their request to kill the rat.

Producers had only taken into consideration whether the rat would make the contestants ill, rather than whether they were breaking any laws.

In mitigation Mr Lawson submitted a Wikipedia article on brown rats, which showed that the brown rat was not indigenous to Australia, and there were probably more rats than humans on the planet.

He said the death of the rat was an "oversight" rather than a deliberate act.

Stuart Manning

Stuart Manning

The company was fined $3,000 (around £1,600) and ordered to pay $2,500 (about £1,390) in costs.

An ITV spokesman said: "ITV has apologised for the mistake which led to the incident.

"The production was unaware that killing a rat could be an offence, criminal or otherwise, in New South Wales, and accepts that further enquiries should have been made."

The spokesman added: "This was an oversight, and we have since thoroughly reviewed our procedures, and are putting in place a comprehensive training programme to ensure that this does not happen in future series."

RSPCA chief inspector David O'Shannessy told Sky News: "In New South Wales, regardless of the animal, they're all protected under the Cruelty To Animals Act.

"An animal was inflicted with unnecessary pain and distress.

"Had the circumstances been different and the rat killed outright we wouldn't be talking about it here today."

Jazz Saxophone Star Sir John Dankworth Dies

2010-02-09T05:35:00.001-08:00

Jazz star Sir John Dankworth has died aged 82, his wife has confirmed.

John Dankworth in 1966

The jazz star with his saxophone in 1966

The saxophonist, who wrote the theme tune for TV shows The Avengers and Tomorrow's World and films including Modesty Blaise, died on Saturday after being unwell for several months.

Sir John, better known as Johnny Dankworth before he was knighted in 2006, had worked with some of the biggest names in jazz including Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.

His wife, jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine, announced her husband's death during a 40th anniversary concert at The Stables, a music venue the couple founded at their home in Wavendon, Buckinghamshire.

A statement from the venue said: "The Stables is greatly saddened by the news that one of its Founders & Life Presidents, Sir John Dankworth CBE has passed away on the day that The Stables celebrated its 40th birthday."

Cleo Laine and John Dankworth in 1974

Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth were known as "the jazz couple"

Jazzwise magazine hailed Sir John as "one of the totemic figures of British jazz", while modern-day jazz star Jamie Cullum paid tribute on his Twitter page.

He wrote: "Sir John Dankworth - a great man and one of our finest musicians and composers has died. Rest in peace sir."

Sir John performed as recently as November last year, playing his saxophone from his wheelchair at the London Jazz Festival.

His career spanned more than 50 years, and included touring with his own big band, music recording, film score composition and artist production.

Man In Court Accused Of Harassing Knightley

2010-02-09T05:33:00.001-08:00

A Polish man has appeared in court charged with harassing actress Keira Knightley.

Keira Knightley

The actress called the police to the Comedy Theatre

Marek Daniluk, 41, of Godolphin Close, Enfield, north London, was arrested on Thursday outside the Comedy Theatre in the capital's West End.

The 24-year-old star is currently performing at the venue alongside Damian Lewis in Moliere's The Misanthrope.

The arrest came after a woman phoned police with concerns about the behaviour of a man outside the theatre.

Officers arrested Daniluk on suspicion of harassment and charged him the following day.

He appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court when a trial date was set for June 4.

It is not the first time that the Pirates of the Caribbean star has had concerns over alleged harassment.

Two years ago she complained of having five stalkers.

It reportedly contributed to her decision to move from the UK to America.

Veteran Brit Actor Ian Carmichael Dies At 89

2010-02-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

Veteran British actor Ian Carmichael has died at the age of 89, his wife Kate has said.

The star of large and small screen from the 1950s to the 1970s had fallen ill over Christmas and New Year.

Carmichael, who received an OBE in 2003, died peacefully on Friday at his home in the Esk Valley on the North York Moors.

The Hull-born actor made his name in a series of films for the Boulting Brothers including Private's Progress (1956), Brothers in Law (1957) and I'm All Right Jack (1959).

During the 1960s and 1970s, he was successful in television, particularly as Bertie Wooster in The World of Wooster.

He also played Lord Peter Wimsey in several drama series based on the mystery novels by Dorothy L Sayers.

Carmichael appeared in the BBC serial Wives and Daughters in 1999 and was in The Royal on ITV as recently as last year.

He had a twinkle in his eye, a wonderful sense of humour, he was marvellously foppish in a theatrical way.

Former broadcaster Neil Durden-Smith pays tribute to Ian Carmichael

In 1979, Carmichael wrote an autobiography, Will The Real Ian Carmichael....

Former broadcaster Neil Durden-Smith, 76, knew Carmichael well through their work for the Lord's Taverners cricket-based charity.

"When I became a trustee in 1976 he had been chairman for two years," said Mr Durden-Smith.

"He was a marvellous chairman, very caring, hard working, very responsible.

"It's quite unusual for a full-time working actor to be chairman of a pretty big charity."

Asked what made Carmichael so popular on screen, Mr Durden-Smith said: "He had a twinkle in his eye, a wonderful sense of humour, he was marvellously foppish in a theatrical way.

"You used to wonder what he would say next!

"He had that love of life and love of people, he gathered people around him like other people gather butterflies or postage stamps."

Novelist Kate, 55, was his second wife. He also leaves two daughters, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Katie Price And New Hubby Alex Return Home

2010-02-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Model Katie Price and her new husband Alex Reid have flown back to the UK after their wedding in Las Vegas.

Model Katie Price and cage fighter Alex Reid

Price and Reid reportedly secured a £1m deal for exclusive pictures of their wedding

The couple tied the knot last Tuesday in what they described as a "private, simple" ceremony.

Mother-of-three Price, 31, who split from ex-husband Peter Andre in May last year, has been dating cage fighter Reid for around seven months.

Much of their relationship has been played out in public thanks to a string of TV appearances and extensive newspaper coverage.

The pair briefly split last year after Price - also known as Jordan - dumped Reid on live TV during her exit interview on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

But she then had a change of heart and the couple were reunited.

They are reported to have secured a £1m deal for exclusive pictures of their wedding.

Peter Andre

Peter Andre was overcome with emotion when discussing the nuptials on Sky News

Price and Reid said in a statement: "We are very much in love and look forward to the future together.

"We can't wait to get back and celebrate our marriage with our friends and family who we know fully support our wishes."

A statement from the couple's publicist said: "Their decision to marry has not been made with any pre-conceived commercial plan or media deal in place.

"Their reason for getting married is purely down to their love for each other."

Price's ex Andre stopped a live interview on Sky News after breaking down while talking about the model and their children.

"I'm sorry, I don't want to talk about this. I'm sorry can we end this now?" he asked presenter Kay Burley before leaving the set.

Doherty Tops Poll Of Nightmare Neighbours

2010-02-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Troubled rocker Pete Doherty has been voted the least desirable celebrity neighbour.

Pete Doherty

Many people would not like to live next to Doherty, according to the survey

The Babyshambles frontman just pipped singer Amy Winehouse and glamour girl Katie Price to the top spot in the Zoopla.co.uk survey.

In the past, Doherty has made the news after throwing parties and leaving his homes dirty, blood-spattered and filled with litter.

Last he was fined for taking 13 wraps of heroin into court in his coat pocket.

But things were better for actor Stephen Fry, who was voted the person people most want to share a fence with.

Singer Cheryl Cole

X-Factor judge Cheryl Cole was runner-up in tne desirable list

Girl-next-door pop star Cheryl Cole was the second most favoured neighbour.

Celebrity chef and school dinners campaigner Jamie Oliver along with comedian Ricky Gervais and Prince William were also high on the list.

X-Factor duo Jedward, hell-raiser Ozzy Osbourne, and foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay emerged as not-so-enticing neighbours.

As for politicians, Tory leader David Cameron was voted the most desirable, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown considered among the least desirable.

Jackson Doctor 'To Be Charged On Monday'

2010-02-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson's personal doctor will be charged in connection with the star's death on Monday, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has announced.

Lawyers for Doctor Conrad Murray had said they were planning to hold a news conference - although showbiz website TMZ.com said they had "pulled the plug" on it after the latest announcement.

The DAO office released a statement saying charges against Dr Murray will be filed in court on Monday, followed by an arraignment hearing.

The statement did not say what the charges would be.

The move follows days of speculation about Dr Murray being arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

According to earlier reports, he was going to hand himself over to police on Friday before a court hearing.

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson red chevron
See more stories, video and picture galleries on our special Michael Jackson page.

But the process has been delayed amid reports of a disagreement between prosecutors and the LA police department over his arrest.

The District Attorney's Office apparently wanted the doctor to appear in court without handcuffs or shackles.

But that idea was opposed by police who were keen for him to be arrested and handcuffed in public.

Dr Murray was with Jackson when he died on June 25 last year aged 50 and has admitted giving the legendary singer a dose of powerful anaesthetic to help him sleep.

The LA coroner's office ruled that Jackson's death was a homicide, but Dr Murray has always insisted he did nothing wrong.

Singer Pixie Lott Goes Back To School

2010-02-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

Pixie Lott has been giving a music class at her local school.

Students in Brentwood in Essex learned about the music industry from the Brit Award nominated singer as part of a Government scheme.

The 19-year-old star told Sky News it's important for kids to enjoy music.

She said: "Music has been such a big part of my life, I wanted to talk about it and help inspire people hopefully."

Lott moved to Brentwood with her family after joining the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts from the age of 11.

She was signed to a record label at 15 but moved to Mercury Records after a bidding war ensued for the young talent.

Lott released her debut single Mama Do last year, which went straight to the top of the charts.

However her message to the children was a grounded one.

"It was important to juggle school and music. It was hard but definitely worth doing," she told Sky.

"I'm glad I went to school and I did all my exams as well as doing the music but they both helped each other."

Colin Firth Looking The Part Ahead Of Oscars

2010-02-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

Colin Firth will not have to worry about his outfit choice for this year's Oscars - he can just ask the director of his new film.

The British star has been nominated for best actor at next month's Academy Awards for his stunning performance in A Single Man, directed by US fashion designer Tom Ford.

"We didn't get paid in cash, you know," laughed Firth, pointing to the Ford suit he had on when Sky News sat down with him.

"Actually nobody made money out of it, or got paid to do it, and it doesn't have a huge studio behind it.

Tom didn't run around fussing over composition and clothes.

Colin Firth on Tom Ford's directing style

"What it has is word of mouth, festival buzz, and nominations. That's the only reason it has a life at all."

Firth is immensely proud of A Single Man, which was written and directed by first-timer Ford, who was the creative director of Gucci for 10 years.

It is an adaptation of the Christopher Isherwood novel, set in the early 1960s, about a repressed man who struggles after the love of his life - played by fellow Brit Matthew Goode - is killed in a car crash.

It is a moving and immensely beautiful film, which is no surprise given Ford's day job.

Firth agreed: "It is beautiful. You can't ignore it. But from where I stood, when he was on the set, Tom didn't run around fussing over composition and clothes.

Colin Firth and Tom Ford

Firth and his director at the Screen Actors Guild awards

"In fact, I wouldn't have been at all surprised if the film had come out and looked completely ordinary."

Firth turns 50 this year and seems to be an actor enjoying doing what he wants to do.

From Mamma Mia, to the St Trinian's sequel, and now this, variety it seems, is the spice of his life.

"Not every film I've done has been a masterpiece" he smiled. "I'm quite aware of that.

"But I don't want every outing I make to be revealing something about human nature or making everyone cry.

"I think, sometimes, there's a case for just entertaining people. I need to vary it, and so I'm very lucky."

Gordon Goes Head-To-Head With Piers Morgan

2010-02-04T21:20:00.001-08:00

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has agreed to an hour-long TV interview with presenter Piers Morgan.

Gordon Brown and Piers Morgan

Morgan previously interviewed the Prime Minister for GQ magazine

The TV host described the Labour leader as an "absolutely perfect subject" for the show.

"He's one of the most famous people in the country, yet remains a man of mystery to many," Morgan said.

Sky News political editor Adam Boulton said the announcement was "unsurprising in the build-up to the election".

"Mr Morgan is a known friend of Mr Brown," he added. "It will be interesting to see if the other leaders follow suit with ITV1-style interviews."

Morgan, the former editor of the Labour-supporting Mirror, has previously interviewed the Prime Minister for GQ magazine.

"I have known Gordon Brown for over 15 years," he added.

"He is a man who has enjoyed great triumph, suffered terrible tragedy, and will soon face the biggest challenge of his career."

Mr Brown's appearance, to be broadcast on February 14, will precede a new six-part series of Morgan's Life Stories programmes.

Doctor 'Facing Charge Over Jacko's Death'

2010-02-04T06:41:00.001-08:00

Michael Jackson's doctor could soon be charged with manslaughter over the superstar's death, according to reports.

Prosecutors are to file a criminal complaint against Conrad Murray, a law enforcement official told reporters.

A judge will then decide if there are grounds for trying Murray on an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Michael Jackson performs at the Super Bowl XXVII in 1993

Jackson died in June

Jackson died on June 25 from an anaesthetic overdose, but the doctor maintains nothing he gave Jackson should have killed him.

Murray returned to Los Angeles at the weekend in case he was charged, his spokeswoman Miranda Sevcik said.

"Dr Murray is in Los Angeles for a dual purpose - on family business and to be available for law enforcement. We're trying to be as cooperative as we can," she said.

The district attorney's office has been working closely with police to build a case against Murray.

We continue to maintain that Dr Murray neither prescribed nor administered anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.

Murray's spokeswoman Miranda Sevcik

Jackson, 50, hired Murray to be his personal physician as he prepared for a strenuous series of comeback performances in London.

But he died in LA after Murray administered the general anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get help the singer, a chronic insomniac, to sleep.

Murray strongly denies any criminal wrongdoing.

"We continue to maintain that Dr Murray neither prescribed nor administered anything that should have killed Michael Jackson," Ms Sevcik said.

Jedward Exert Pressure To Reach Number One

2010-02-04T06:31:00.001-08:00

Jedward are at number two in the UK download charts with their debut single Under Pressure, featuring Vanilla Ice, and are pressing hard for the top spot.

Owl City's Fireflies currently occupies the pole position, but the Irish twins shifted 24,000 copies in just a few days after their track was made available.

John and Edward Grimes, worked their way through the rounds of X Factor and rapped Ice Ice Baby during one of the live shows, mashing it together with Queen hit Under Pressure.

Its bassline was used in Ice's 1990 UK number one.

Vanilla Ice was so impressed he contacted the twins about a duet.

"I can't believe we had the opportunity to record our first single with such a great artist," John told Sky News' Eamonn Holmes.

The brothers are known for their energy, confidence and the pure entertainment value their performances dish up.

The worry, however, is these boys may be getting better at what they are doing.

"We're never going to be super-polished, we are always going to have fun with what we are doing," John reassures.

Under Pressure will be available in the shops on February 15

Katie Price Marries Cage Fighter In Vegas

2010-02-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

Model Katie Price and her cage fighter boyfriend Alex Reid have married in Las Vegas, the couple's spokesman has revealed.

Model Katie Price and cage fighter Alex Reid

Model Price and her cage fighter husband Alex Reid

They tied the knot in a "private, simple" ceremony in the US resort at 4pm local time on Monday (midnight GMT).

The newlyweds said in a statement: "We are very much in love and look forward to the future together.

"We can't wait to get back and celebrate our marriage with our friends and family who we know fully support our wishes."

Price, 31, who split from her pop star ex-husband Peter Andre in May last year, has been dating cage fighter Reid, 34, for about seven months.

Peter Andre and Katie Price

Andre and Price in April

Much of their relationship has been played out in public thanks to a string of TV appearances and extensive newspaper coverage.

The couple's publicist said: "Their decision to marry has not been made with any pre-conceived commercial plan or media deal in place, and their reason for getting married is purely down to their love for each other."

They are due back in the UK later this week.

On Monday, mother-of-three Price - also known as Jordan - used a magazine interview to reveal she planned to marry Reid, who last week won Celebrity Big Brother.

We’re told it’s not a publicity stunt, though there was the ubiquitous film crew with the happy couple as they tied the knot.

Sky presenter Kay Burley's blog

The pair briefly split last year, after Price dumped Reid on live TV during her exit interview on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

But the model had a change of heart and the couple were reunited.

They are reported to have secured a £1m deal for exclusive pictures of their wedding.

Price is a millionaire thanks to a line of merchandising products, from lingerie, jewellery and perfume to equestrian gear, and a string of hit novels, children's books and autobiographies.

Jackson's Kids Vow To 'Spread His Message'

2010-02-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson's two eldest children have paid tribute to their father as they collected his lifetime achievement award at the Grammys.

Wearing black suits and red armbands, Prince Michael and Paris took to the stage along with three of their cousins.

"We are proud to accept this award on behalf of our father Michael Jackson," Prince, 12, said in a voice sounding more mature than his age.

"First of all we would like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months and our Grandma and Grandpa for their love and support."

Paris and Prince Michael Jackson II accept their father's award at the Grammys

Paris looks on as Prince accepts his father's lifetime achievement award

Holding back his emotion he continued: "We would also like to thank the fans - our father loved you so much because you were always there for him.

"Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity through all his hard work and dedication he has helped donate to many charities.

"Through all his songs his message was simple - love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world."

Paris, 11, then came to the microphone, simply saying: "Daddy was supposed to be here, Daddy was going to perform this year. He couldn't perform last year.

"Thank you. We love you Daddy."

Toe Become One: Posh's Bunion On Show

2010-02-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

Victoria Beckham is known for being well-heeled - but money cannot buy her perfect feet, it seems.

Victoria Beckham's bunion on her left foot could be clearly seen on a recent outing

The pop star-turned-fashion designer's tender-looking bunion was clearly on show as she wore flip-flops for a day at the beach with her sons Romeo, seven, and Cruz, four.

Some celebrity-watchers have blamed Posh Spice's foot problems on the high heels she often wears - but professionals say many other factors can lie behind a bunion.

A bunion is a bony lump on the side of the foot, which develops when the big toe starts to angle towards the second toe.

Fashion follower Victoria Beckham

The condition affects women more than men, which may be because the ligaments connecting the foot bones are more lax in women than in men.

The tendency towards bunions can also run in families, evidence has shown.

Trevor Prior, a consultant podiatric surgeon from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, said: "There is not one cause of bunion deformity. It doesn’t actually have to be associated with shoes."

But he warned: "Footwear is an aggravating factor. If you have got a predisposition to a problem with your feet then inappropriate footwear can exacerbate the problem."

Narrow or high-heeled shoes can squeeze the toes together and keep the foot from a natural, healthy shape.

The only way to get rid of a bunion completely is to operate, although good footwear and non-surgical treatments can slow its development.

Helping Haiti: Charity Song Gets First Play

2010-02-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

Music fans have had their first chance to hear Simon Cowell's charity song for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

:: Click the window above to hear the Haiti charity song

Websites and radio stations around the country played the cover version of the REM classic Everybody Hurts.

The new track sees Robbie Williams reunited with his former group Take That and also includes vocals from stars including Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue and Westlife.

The order of those singing on the record is Lewis, Rod Stewart, Carey, Cheryl Cole, Mika, Michael Buble, X Factor winner Joe McElderry, Miley Cyrus, James Blunt, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Jon Bon Jovi.

James Morrison, Alexandra Burke, Susan Boyle, Aston Merrygold and Marvin Humes from JLS, Westlife's Shane Filan and Mark Feehily, Minogue and Williams complete the line-up.

The single will split all proceeds 50/50 between the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) and The Sun newspaper's Helping Haiti appeal.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged to waive VAT on the song.

The track will be available to download on February 7 and can be bought in shops on February 8.

Cowell, who organised the recording for Haiti, said: "We have a short time to do this but already we are getting some fantastic support.

"Right now this is an absolute priority for us all, the people of Haiti need as much help as we can give them as soon as possible, every day the situation becomes more desperate."

Williams said: "I'm very honoured to be asked to contribute to the single. We can all do something to help the people of Haiti - and I urge everyone to do what they can."

Cole added: "It's heartbreaking to see what is happening in Haiti. Hopefully the money from Everybody Hurts will help the people of Haiti rebuild their lives."

And Boyle said: "The Haiti earthquake has caused devastation and suffering that most of us will never experience nor could imagine. I feel privileged to be a part of such a wonderful project that will raise money to help the country."