January 2008

BRITNEY SPEARS HAS BEEN SECTIONED.

Britney Spears has been sectioned.

The 'Toxic' singer, who was removed from her home and taken to Los Angeles' UCLA Medical Center by ambulance at 4am this morning (31.01.08), has been placed on a 5150 hold - a piece of US legislation which means she poses a danger to herself and others.

It is claimed the intervention was planned for days and was finally executed when Britney's condition deteriorated after she went without sleep since Saturday (26.01.08). One source told gossip website TMZ.com: "When she was taken away she was non-responsive about the whole thing - out of it. She wasn't resistant, she was saying, 'Is something wrong?'

"She made hot chocolate and waited for paramedics to place her on a gurney."
The 26-year-old star was reportedly committed after her psychiatrist contacted the North Hollywood division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and warned them "something must be done".

The psychiatrist, who visited Britney last night (30.01.08), was said to be concerned by the star's erratic driving in her new Mercedes and "downhill behaviour" and recommended hospitalisation. Britney's mother Lynne Spears, her cousin Alli Sims and manager Sam Lutfi all rushed to the star's home at around 1am last night.

Lynne is said to be furious with Britney's psychiatrist for calling the police, while Lufti fully supports the intervention.

A source revealed: "There was extreme tension inside the house between Sam Lutfi and Britney's family. Lynne blames all this on Lutfi. Britney was screaming at her mom, 'Shut the hell up!' There was so much drama that cops were speaking in code. Britney's code name is 'The Package'."

Reports have surfaced the 'Piece of Me' singer tried to commit suicide last night, but police insiders insist this is not true. Britney, who was also placed on a 5150 hold earlier this month after she refused to hand her sons back to ex-husband Kevin Federline, had reportedly enjoyed a "three-day crystal meth binge" before her police stand-off on January 3.

A source said: "Britney was high on meth and naked all day before the custody stand-off. Her erratic behaviour is the sign of her drug-addled descent into madness."

Heath Ledger cocaine video

A video of Heath Ledger snorting cocaine has emerged. The footage shows the late 'Brokeback Mountain' star snorting the class A drug after the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) Awards on January 29 2006.

US TV shows 'Entertainment Tonight' and 'The Insider' have purchased the tape for a reported $200,000, but bosses have now decided not to show the footage.
In a statement the two programmes said: "Out of respect for Heath Ledger's family, 'Entertainment Tonight' and 'The Insider' have decided not to run the Heath Ledger video which has been circulating in the world's media."

The footage - which was shot at Los Angeles' Chateau Marmont hotel without Heath's knowledge - shows the actor sniffing a "cocaine-like substance" off a table with a rolled-up bank note.

At one point Heath, who died in his New York apartment last week, talks about his former fiancé Michelle Williams and their two-year-old daughter Matilda, adding: "I'm going to get so much s**t from my girlfriend. We have a baby together - Matilda, Matilda Rose."

Referring to his love of cannabis - an illegal drug often smoked in cigarette form - Heath added: "I used to smoke five joints a day." The shows have also released a statement warning that if any media outlet chooses to show the footage, they are likely to be subject to lawsuits and fines.

It was revealed yesterday (30.01.08) that Michelle had attempted to get Heath to enter rehab to seek help for his reported drug problems. The former 'Dawson's Creek' actress, who split from the actor in September 2007 following a two-year engagement, drove Heath to California's Promises Treatment Center in March 2006, but Heath refused to check in and instead promised Michelle he would kick his habit on his own.

Kate Moss is planning to marry her lover, rocker Jamie Hince, at London's Claridge's hotel.

The catwalk beauty - who started dating The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince last August - was seen picking up wedding brochures at the plush venue sparking rumours she plans to hold her nuptials there followed by a lavish reception in one of the many decadent ballrooms.

A source said: "Kate looked radiant when she came by to pick up the wedding brochures. She has the air of a woman who is loved and looked after." Kate regularly visited Claridge's when she was dating Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty.

However, since their split last July, she has favoured London's Dorchester hotel, where she held her 34th birthday party earlier this month. The source added: "It was generally assumed Claridge's was a bolthole for her and Pete and she wouldn't be back again, so you can image the buzz when she showed up."

Kate reportedly proposed to Jamie during a 12-hour lovemaking marathon just a month after they started dating. When the couple emerged from their night of passion, Kate allegedly told friends, "We're engaged."

MADONNA IS THE HIGHEST-EARNING WOMAN IN MUSIC.

Madonna is the highest-earning woman in music.

The 49-year-old singer has topped the first Cash Queens of Music list, compiled by Forbes.com, after raking in $72 million between June 2006 and June 2007. The 'Hung Up' singer's personal fortune was boosted by her successful 'Confessions Tour', which generated a staggering $260 million worldwide. Madonna also benefited financially from working with high street fashion chain H+M, general record sales and her deal with US broadcaster NBC for the rights to air her concert from London's Wembley Arena.

Barbra Streisand, 65 - who was the oldest performer on the list - finished second with $60 million.

Forbes.com's Cash Queens of Music top five:

1. Madonna - $72 million

2. Barbra Streisand - $60 million

3. Celine Dion - $45 million

4. Shakira - $38 million

5. Beyoncé Knowles - $27 million

Britney Spears' family anger

Britney Spears is furious with her family for asking her to seek medical help, her manager Sam Lutfi has claimed. Britney Spears is furious with her family for trying to make her seek psychiatric help.

The 'Gimme More' singer's parents Jamie and Lynne - who believe their daughter's erratic behaviour is down to bipolar disorder - are not welcome in her life, says the singer's manager Sam Lutfi.

Lutfi said in a telephone conversation, with Britney at his side: "They just barged in. They have an agenda. Their agenda is jealousy because they don't fit in. I do. They see her three times a year."

Britney's manager was responding to reports that her family is staging a secret intervention this week, behind his back, in an attempt to save Britney from his influence.

A family source said: "They see him as a counterproductive, disquieting force in her life. Lynne and Jamie are on the same page. They think he is an evil megalomaniac."

Britney's parents arrived at her Beverly Hills home on Monday night (28.01.08) as she sat sobbing on the pavement outside her front gate, following an argument with Lutfi.

Jennifer Lopez names twins

Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony are planning to name their unborn twins Max and Emme, it has been claimed.

The 'Do It Well' singer and her husband Marc Anthony are said to have chosen names for their son and daughter after J.Lo's mother Guadalupe was seen buying engraved gold bracelets in New York.

A source told America's Star magazine: "The day before J.Lo's baby shower, Guadalupe picked up two gold-rope baby ID bracelets engraved with the names Max and Emme from a jewellers in New York."

Meanwhile, the couple have denied J.Lo went into labour yesterday (29.01.08).
Marc's representative said: "It's not true. We have been getting the same phone calls since last week. Everybody figures it is happening around now and they are hoping they will be right."

The 38-year-old 'Play' singer is expected to check into New York's North Shore University Medical Center, in Manhasset, to give birth next month. The hospital has reportedly prepared a luxury suite for the star, complete with soft furnishings, wooden flooring and giant flat screen TVs.

HEATH LEDGER'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS BID FAREWELL TO THE ACTOR IN AN INTIMATE CEREMONY YESTERDAY (27.01.08).

Heath Ledger's family and friends bid farewell to the actor in an intimate ceremony yesterday (27.01.08).

The 'Brokeback Mountain' star's body was flown to the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles on Saturday
(26.01.08) where his family, ex-fiancée Michelle Williams and actress Naomi Watts visited to pay their respects.

Ledger's body arrived at the mortuary on Saturday night, where security personnel guarded the gates and police officers swept the grounds after closing hours. Three black SUV's then arrived, believed to be carrying the late star's father, other relatives, Williams and her and Ledger's two-year-old daughter Matilda.

They left half an hour later. Watts, who dated the 28-year-old star for two years until April 2004, was also seen entering the chapel. Ledger's body will now be shipped to Australia where he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Perth.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed Ledger may have died of natural causes.

He was found lying naked and face down on the bed of his New York apartment last Tuesday (22.10.08) surrounded by six different prescription medications used to treat depression and insomnia.

Though the results of the toxicology reports are not yet complete it has been reported the toxin levels were so low, it is unlikely the drugs caused the heart attack which killed him.

Elle Macpherson is dating a war photographer, it has been claimed.

The 44-year-old model has offered a shoulder for Scott Douglas to cry on since he split from her friend, controversial British artist Tracey Emin.

Macpherson, who has two sons from a previous relationship with millionaire businessman Arpad Busson, has been phoning Douglas while he is in New York and the pair were seen at the Guggenheim Museum.

A source told Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper: "Elle was at her home in New York when Scott rang to say he was in town on his own. Elle then bombarded him with texts. "We have no idea if Tracey knows they met up. Even though she ended their relationship she is still very protective of Scott and loves him very much."

Douglas has admitted his situation is "complex", but insists he is just friends with the Australian beauty. He said: "Tracey and I split up in November. I thought it was over, but we still speak every day.

"Yes, I hooked up with Elle. I turned up in New York and didn't know anyone so I gave Elle a call. There's nothing going on - we are just friends. My life is complex enough as it is.

Amy Winehouse's mother Janis says her troubled daughter is "slowly killing herself" and she is terrified she will be dead within a month.

Janis Winehouse is terrified Amy's drug taking will kill her within in a month and she won't survive long enough to perform at the Grammys. Janis said: "I realise my daughter could be dead within a year. We're watching her kill herself slowly. Part of me thinks she won't alive for the Grammys next month. She always lived on the edge, even as a baby."

The 'Rehab' singer checked into north London's Capio Nightingale Hospital last week after footage of her smoking what appeared to be crack cocaine was released. However, Janis remains unconvinced treatment will help the 24-year-old clean up her life.

She added to Britain's Sunday Mirror newspaper: "I would love to see her drugs-free. I hope this time it will work - but who knows?" Janis also blamed Amy's drug problems on her husband Blake Fielder-Civil and urged her daughter to get a divorce.

She said: "What I hope most of all is that Amy makes another album - about her divorce. She had never taken class A drugs before she met Blake. He is a penniless user, she doesn't see he is using her but everyone else does."

Meanwhile, Blake - who is currently awaiting trial in London's Pentonville prison for grievous bodily harm (GBH) and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice charges - has revealed he has nightmares about Amy's death.

Blake told Britain's News of the World newspaper: "I fear I will come out of prison with no wife. I dread my cell door being opened and the chaplain saying, 'Amy's dead.' I have that nightmare three or four times a week.

"My parents have begged me to get a divorce. They think she is the Black Widow who will be the death of me. But I would rather have a short life with Amy than a long life without her."

JACK NICHOLSON WARNED HEATH LEDGER NOT TO TAKE THE SLEEPING PILL AMBIEN.

Jack Nicholson warned Heath Ledger not to take the sleeping pill Ambien.

The 70-year-old Oscar-winning star - who played The Joker in the original 'Batman' film, the role Ledger plays in new movie 'The Dark Knight' - warned the 28-year-old insomniac of the dangers of the prescription drug.

Nicholson said: "Heath's death is tragic news. I warned him about Ambien. I took it once and somebody called me in the middle of the night and I woke up in my car 50 yards from my house. I almost drove off a cliff. I didn't know where I was.

"Ambien can get you. Not through excessive use, it's just some people react more strongly than others." Ledger - who confessed to suffering from insomnia after playing The Joker - was found dead in his New York apartment on Tuesday morning (22.01.08) with pills scattered around his naked body.

Nicole Kidman kept "some of the placenta" after miscarrying Tom Cruise's child, it has been claimed.

The Australian actress lost her unborn child in the early 90s and reportedly saved part of the ephemeral organ, which is rooted to the womb lining during pregnancy and delivered by expectant mothers as afterbirth, to prove Tom was the father.

In controversial new book 'Tom Cruise: An Unauthorised Biography', author Andrew Morton claims: "Tom and Nicole did try to start a family but she sadly had a miscarriage. And because of all the questions over the father, she ordered that some of the placenta be saved in order to prove paternity — the fact that Tom Cruise was the father."

Tom, who is a keen follower of Scientology, has previously revealed he is a fan of placentophagia - the practice of eating the placenta.

Jessica Alba is having nightmares about breastfeeding.

The 'Fantastic Four' actress - who is pregnant with her first child by fiancé Cash Warren - is so terrified about an infant sucking on her nipples she is having trouble sleeping.

She said: "One dream I had was to do with breastfeeding, which is the only thing I'm paranoid about. I'm more paranoid about that than about giving birth!"

The 26-year-old actress also revealed she has been feeling a lot more emotionally unstable since falling pregnant. She said: "I've been feeling a lot more emotions. Anything could make me incredibly angry or break down crying. That's not something I'm used to."

HEATH LEDGER’S SHOCKING DEATH HAS SPARKED A FLOOD OF TRIBUTES.

Heath Ledger’s shocking death has sparked a flood of tributes.

The 28-year-old actor’s naked body, which was surrounded by pills, was discovered by his housekeeper yesterday afternoon (22.01.08). It is believed he died of an accidental drugs overdose, after taking prescription medication.
Heath's devastated father, Kim, has paid tribute to his “dearly loved son”.

Speaking in the actor's hometown of Perth, western Australia, Kim said: "Heath was down to earth, generous, kind hearted, life-loving, unselfish individual.
"He has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life that few had the pleasure of truly knowing him." Many of Heath's fellow Australian stars have also paid tribute to him.

Nicole Kidman, whose best friend Naomi Watts used to date Heath, said: “What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family.” Mel Gibson, who discovered Heath when he was 19 and starred with him in ‘The Patriot’, said: “I feel very sad. He was really taking off as a fine actor.”

Heath leaves behind a two-year-old daughter Matilda, from his relationship with ex-fiancée Michelle Williams. Heath and Michelle split last September and friends claim the 'I'm Not There' star never really got over the break-up.

One pal said: “He really wanted it to work but Michelle ended it and Heath was devastated. He blamed himself for Matilda not having her dad around all the time and he never seemed himself after that. His mind was always somewhere else and his depression wasn't improving at all.”

It has been claimed Heath used recreational drugs, including cocaine and heroin.
Heath is also believed to have been suffering from insomnia caused by his role in the upcoming Batman film ‘The Dark Knight’.

An autopsy is planned for later today (23.01.08).

Amy Winehouse in rehab

Amy Winehouse went back to rehab last night (22.01.08), just hours after footage was revealed of her allegedly smoking crack cocaine.

The troubled singer was taken to London's Capio Nightingale Hospital by her concerned dad Mitch.

As she entered the top clinic, which has reportedly treated troubled rocker Pete Doherty, she clutched a note from jailed husband Blake Fielder-Civil, which read: “We'll get through this because I f***ing believe in us.”

After assessments by specialists, Amy was taken home from the clinic by Mitch but she must return for regular appointments. Her spokesman said: “She is in good spirits.” Amy was dealt another blow yesterday after Blake's mother insisted they should get divorced because of the singer's bad influence on her son.

Georgette Fielder-Civil said: “I know Amy is hooked on drugs. That's her problem. Her pals are a bad influence on her and she's a bad influence on her husband.

“I hope they go their own separate ways for their own good. I believe divorce is the only answer.” Blake is currently in London's Pentonville Prison, awaiting trial on charges of assault and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Britney Spears’ paparazzo ex-boyfriend Adnan Ghalib has revealed the singer is desperate to have another child to satisfy her “maternal instinct”.

Photographer Adnan Ghalib - in his first interview about his relationship with the ‘Gimme More’ singer - denied pictures of the pair buying a pregnancy test were staged.

He said: “Britney has a very maternal instinct. She was feeling a lot of things she said she felt when she was pregnant. I think she was hoping she was pregnant with my child.”

Adnan also quashed rumours Britney has a restraining order against him, adding their relationship is “far from over”. He added to US TV show ‘Entertainment Tonight’ last night (22.01.08): “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to marry Britney.”

On the same evening as the interview was broadcast, Britney and Adnan went out together for the first time in a week, but their evening came to an abrupt halt when Adnan crashed Britney's car into a motorcyclist. While the motorcyclist was unhurt, Britney's white Mercedes SL had a severe dent on the left hand side.

The 35-year-old British photographer also recalled the first time he met Britney – on December 28 2007, when he was chasing her car in Hollywood to get a photo.

He said: “To be honest with you, sometimes in life we prepare ourselves for things that may happen, but I was definitely, definitely not prepared in any way shape or form for that.

“There was an aggressive chase and at a stoplight in Hollywood she got out of her car and got into mine, and I think that's what made the difference.” Despite insisting he was not paid for the exclusive chat, a TV producer disagreed, adding: “Adnan wasn't giving up that interview for free.”

Meanwhile, Adnan’s wife of four years, Azlynn, has had enough of her husband’s intimate relationship with Britney, and has filed for divorce from the snapper, citing “irreconcilable differences”.

BRITNEY SPEARS’ COUSIN ALLI SIMS BELIEVES HER ALLEGED PHOTOGRAPHER LOVER “HAS BAD INTENTIONS”.

Britney Spears’ cousin Alli Sims believes her alleged photographer lover “has bad intentions”.

The ‘Gimme More’ singer and British paparazzo Adnan Ghalib have become inseparable in recent weeks, and he has reportedly taken on Alli’s former role as Britney’s personal assistant, but Alli is worried he is a negative influence.

She said: "I do not think Adnan is a good person. I think he only has bad intentions. He has given me a weird feeling and creeped me out. I wish he would just go away."

Alli, 26, is worried about Britney – who has been denied all contact with her sons Sean Preston, two, and 16-year-old Jayden James after her recent meltdown – but insists the 26-year-old singer is a good mother.

The next hearing in her custody battle with ex-husband Kevin custody battle has been set for February 19.

Eddie Murphy and his new 'wife' Tracey Edmonds have split.

The comic actor and film producer - who exchanged vows on a French Polynesian private island off the coast of Bora Bora on New Year's Day (01.01.08) - have decided not to go ahead with a US ceremony to make their marriage legally binding.

Eddie, 46, and Tracey, 40, said in a statement: "After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further.

“While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends."

The couple’s union reportedly got off to a rocky start following their romantic beach ceremony, which was conducted at sunset in front of 25 friends and family. A wedding guest said: "Eddie started yelling at Tracey in front of people. He did it on a few occasions and it was very embarrassing."

Gwyneth Paltrow's hospital dash on Monday (14.01.08) was due to pregnancy complications, it has been claimed.

Gwyneth Paltrow's hospital dash was due to pregnancy complications, it has been claimed.

The Oscar-winning actress - who had knee surgery last year - was wheeled into New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center on Monday (14.01.08) by husband Chris Martin and sources claim she was taken to the hospital's maternity wing Klingenstein Pavilion.

A source told the New York Daily News newspaper: "They looked very serious. She looked upset. They went right past everyone and into the elevator. It seemed like they were expected."

Gwyneth, 35 - who has a three-year-old daughter Apple and a one-year-old son Moses with Coldplay singer Chris - has previously revealed she wants a bigger family.

She said last year: "I have a dream version where I think maybe in four years I'll have two in a row really quickly.

Gwyneth's representative Stephen Huvane refused to discuss the reason behind the actress' hospital visit, insisting: "She's fine. Talk of pregnancy is guesswork at best. This is a private matter not for public consumption."

KYLIE MINOGUE HAS A NEW MYSTERY MAN IN HER LIFE.

Kylie Minogue has a new mystery man in her life.

The ‘2 Hearts’ singer, who split from long-term lover Olivier Martinez last February, has revealed she is “not totally alone” and is enjoying the dating game.

The 39-year-old beauty said: “I enjoy dating, so I am not totally alone – don’t worry about it. “It’s not so long ago that I came out of my last relationship.”
Kylie – who was given the all-clear from breast cancer in 2006 – is confident she will find her ‘Mr. Right’ but insists she’s not actively looking for him at the moment.

Britney Spears’ visitation rights to her sons remain suspended “indefinitely” after she fled a custody hearing yesterday (14.01.08).

The ‘Gimme More’ singer arrived at Los Angeles’ Superior Court four hours late, and left almost immediately to escape the throng of paparazzi outside the court.

She screamed: “Move back. I’m scared. I want to get back in the car. Let me get back in the car, please.”

Commissioner Scott M. Gordon – who heard testimonies from Britney’s ex-husband Kevin Federline as well as the police and emergency service personnel who witnessed her meltdown earlier this month – was reportedly “deeply concerned that her instability posed a danger to her children.”

He ruled that Kevin maintain sole custody of two-year-old Sean Preston and 16-month-old Jayden James and set a date for a trial in the custody case in April.

Nicole Kidman’s parents will deliver her baby, it has been claimed.

The Oscar-winning actress is expecting her first child with husband Keith Urban and her father, clinical psychologist Dr. Anthony David Kidman, and her nursing instructor mother Janelle are set to be midwives during the birth, according to Australian newspaper reports.

Anthony and Janelle did the same thing for Nicole’s younger sister, 37-year-old journalist Antonia Kidman, when she gave birth to her fourth child in March last year.

Nicole, 40, is considering giving birth in Sydney’s Prince of Wales private hospital, which is described as a “state-of-the-art luxury” facility.

BRITNEY SPEARS HAS ALLEGEDLY THREATENED TO COMMIT SUICIDE IF SHE IS FORCED INTO PSYCHIATRIC CARE.

Britney Spears has allegedly threatened to commit suicide if she is forced into psychiatric care.

The troubled singer - who lost all visitation rights to her two young sons last week after she was hospitalised following a stand-off with police when she refused to hand them back to ex-husband Kevin Federline -insists she would rather than die than be put into hospital by her parents, Jamie and Lynne.

During a car ride round Los Angeles, where she was pursued by the paparazzi, she reportedly shrieked down the phone to a friend: "They're not sending me to the nut house! No one can make me go - and I'm not going.

"I'll kill myself before I let them lock me up again. So tell Mama and Daddy I said so. Oh my God, it's over for me." A friend of Britney also spoke of her fears the singer may kill herself if she is barred from seeing her boys, Sean Preston, two, and 16-month-old Jayden James.

Sir Paul McCartney spent £8,000 on estranged wife Heather Mills' birthday presents.

The Beatles legend, who is currently embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with the former model, splashed out £2,000 on a Cartier watch and £5,000 on a gift voucher for exclusive London store Harvey Nichols.

He also treated her to a selection of luxury hair and beauty products and a framed picture of the pair drawn by their four-year-old daughter Beatrice.
Paul sent the gifts with a handwritten note that read: "Have an amazing day, despite what has happened. Hope we can be friends. P x"

Although Paul is seemingly trying to repair relations with Heather, who planned to celebrate turning 40 alone on Saturday (12.01.08), she has reportedly hired a firm to spy on him.

Pete Doherty's new girlfriend is a "clean-living" teenage model.

The troubled Babyshambles rocker - whose turbulent relationship with model Kate Moss ended last year - has reportedly been dating 19-year-old beauty Portia Freeman since last December after she watched him perform in London and went back to his Wiltshire home.

Pete's friend said: "Portia is probably the best thing to happen to Pete. She is a very clean-living girl and not at all into drugs." The couple's budding romance began when they were introduced by Pete's ex-love Lisa Moorish - who has a four-year-old son Astile with the rocker.

At the time Portia - who grew up in the affluent Surrey area of Weybridge - was dating musician Stuart Le Page, but she ended that relationship to begin one with the 28-year-old recovering drug addict.

BRITNEY SPEARS' DESPERATION TO BE WITH HER CHILDREN WAS THE TRIGGER FOR HER MELTDOWN LAST WEEK, IT HAS BEEN CLAIMED.

Britney Spears' desperation to be with her children was the trigger for her meltdown last week, it has been claimed.

The 'Gimme More' singer was upset she had to attend a court-ordered two-hour deposition with her ex-husband Kevin Federline's lawyer last Thursday (03.01.08) and demanded "make-up" time with her sons, two-year-old Sean Preston and 15-month-old Jayden James.

When Kevin and his lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan refused, she became incredibly emotional.

A source revealed: "Britney was mad she had to attend the deposition when it was her day with the kids. She was supposed to give them back at 7pm but wanted to keep them for two extra hours. When they said no she pitched a fit and locked herself in the house."

Eminem was rushed to hospital over the Christmas period after suffering from heart pains.

The rapper, real name Marshall Mathers, was taken to a Detroit hospital but was soon released and is now recovering at home. His publicist has revealed the pains were due to complications resulting from his recent bout of pneumonia.

He said: "Over the holidays, Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was under doctor's care at a Detroit-area hospital for complications due to pneumonia. He is now recovering at home."

Robbie Williams claims touring "nearly killed" him.

The 'Angels' singer is considering quitting live performances and has disappointed fans by revealing he has no plans to release a new album this year.

He said: "There might not be a proper album out this year and there definitely won't be a tour any time soon. F**k that, the last one nearly killed me.

"There will be some kind of something this year. I might just put B-sides to the next album out first online. Then put an album out in 2009. Which means you won't be seeing me on stage for a while. Sorry folks."

Robbie - whose last album 'Rudebox' was panned by critics - says part of him wants to carry on being a pop star while the other part is content to turn his back on public life.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO AND EX-GIRLFRIEND BAR RAFAELI ANNOUNCED THEY ARE BACK TOGETHER BY SHARING A "LONG PASSIONATE KISS" AT A NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY (31.12.07).

Leonardo DiCaprio and ex-girlfriend Bar Rafaeli announced they are back together by sharing a "long passionate kiss" at a New Year's Eve party (31.12.07).

'The Departed' star and the Israeli supermodel saw in 2008 at new Las Vegas nightclub The Bank in the Bellagio Hotel, along with actor Lukas Haas and 15 other friends.

A fellow partygoer told Us Weekly magazine: "They all spent the night taking loads of pictures of each other. Leo even stuck out his arm to take a picture of himself and Bar cuddled up together.

"At midnight they shared a long, passionate kiss. It was a real make-out session."

Johnny Depp has revealed director Tim Burton once tormented him by dragging him through mud and horse manure.

The 44-year-old actor says his worst ever movie experience came when the pair were working on 1999's 'Sleepy Hollow' and Tim made him hold on to a carriage while "curry"-fuelled horses pulled him through stinking waste.

Johnny recalled: "One morning when we were filming 'Sleepy Hollow', Tim called me to the set, pointed to two large horses strapped to a carriage and said, 'This is what we are going to be doing today.' I was to hold on to the carriage behind the horses, being dragged along through the muck.

"The horses must have fed on curry. I've never smelt anything like that."

Britney Spears' lawyers have quit because she is "impossible" to work with.

Trope and Trope asked a court yesterday (02.01.08) to be relieved as the singer's legal representatives in her custody battle against ex-husband Kevin Federline for their sons Sean Preston, two, and 15-month-old Jayden James.

Court documents stated: "There has been a breakdown in communications between Spears and Trope and Trope law firm making further representation of her interests impossible."

A court hearing to decide whether Trope and Trope will be relieved of their duties has been set for February 4.

The next hearing in the custody battle for Britney's sons is set for February 19.