Monday, March 31, 2008

The Incredible Bulk: 'Muscles' Madonna shows off her even beefier biceps

Madonna has been working out for two hours, six days a week - and boy does it show.

The pop star unveiled biceps of comic-book proportions as she left the gym following her latest vigorous fitness session in London today.

Dressed in adidas tracksuit pants, a tight Nike vest and a hooded jacket hanging over her head, it was her bulging muscles that really had heads turning.
Madonna shows off her even beefier biceps

Bulky: the pop star flexed her muscle after yet another two hour work out in London today

Madonna, who is famous for her punishing exercise regime, was joined by her pint-sized personal trainer and constant gym companion Tracy Anderson, whom she was referred to by best friend Gwyneth Paltrow.

Of the star, Tracy will say only: "It comes down to whether or not you are a hard worker and someone who puts in 100 per cent.

"I prefer to train with the dedicated and these women aren't afraid to work."
Madonna shows off her even beefier biceps

Coach: Madonna was joined by her personal trainer Tracy Anderson

With her 50th birthday less than five months away, Madonna seems more determined than ever to be in great shape, but her increasingly muscular appearance suggests she may be trying too hard.

Last month there was even speculation the image-concious star had undergone plastic surgery after she was seen with a bruised face and eyes.

The mother of three is currently preparing to embark on a promotional tour for of the release of her new album Hard Candy, which sees her duetting with Justin Timberlake.

Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues

Gary Lineker and his new love Danielle Bux have spent yet another day splashing around Barbados during their fifth luxury holiday in almost as many months.

The pair spent hours relaxing on sun loungers, occasionally heading into the water to cool off.

Gary and Danielle were joined by their children – five in total – who are all staying at the former footballer's beachside villa.
Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues

Cheery: Danielle Bux and Gary Lineker get close while holidaying in Barbados yesterday

Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
Squeezy does it: The loved-up couple could barely keep their hands off each other

Lineker has four sons George, 16, Harry, 14, Tobias, 13, and 12-year-old Angus from his 20-year marriage to Michelle Cockayne, which ended in divorce two years ago.

Bux's daughter Ella, six, from a previous relationship with ex-Coventry City player Adam Willis, is also holidaying with the pair.
Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
Fit for romance: Danielle and Gary spent their second day in a row on the beach


Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
Cooling off: Gary band Danielle enjoy a quiet moment together during their holiday

The Match Of The Day host, 47, started seeing the 28-year-old former air stewardess in September after a blind date.

Since then, Lineker has wooed his new love with holidays to Florida and Rome. They have also stayed at his Barbados home twice.
Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
Splashdown: The Match of the Day presenter makes a few waves as he plays in the sea


Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
Happy: Danielle looks completely relaxed with Linekar as the pair chat to two of his sons


Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
All aboard: Danielle climbs on to a speed boat that has been pulled up close to the beach

Of their first encounter, Bux told Hello! magazine last week: "I was surprised at how much younger and more handsome he looked than on TV. I thought he was lovely and really funny.

"Gary and I just got on well straight away. It's like I've known him all my life - I just adore him."
Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues
Hat trick: Danielle enjoys a dip in the beach after topping up her tan


Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues

Got it covered:Danielle ensures Gary is protected from the sun

The couple have moved in together but they are hunting for a bigger house. Bux also revealed she hasn't ruled out having children with the father-of-four.

She said: "It's too early to say whether we will have kids or get married.

"We're just really happy together at the moment. We're best friends. I don't want to rush anything but you never know."
Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues

Surfs up: Danielle and her daughter Ella, dressed in matching stripey swimwear, splash about in the Caribbean surf

Gary Lineker smooches in the sea with Danielle Bux as their 'holiday romance' continues

Beach babe: Former air stewardess Danielle shows off her stunning figure on a Bajan beach over the weekend

US magazine retracts Brad and Angelina wedding report

A report claiming Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie married in an intimate service in New Orleans over the weekend has been retracted.

US celebrity magazine Star magazine claimed yesterday that the couple "tied the knot during an intimate wedding ceremony in the couple's adopted city of New Orleans".

But the publication said today: “After further investigation, the sources are not standing by their story.”

A spokesperson for the pair did not comment on erroneous report.
US magazine retracts Brad and Angelina wedding report

In January, it emerged Angelina and Brad were expecting boy and girl twins

A source had already told rival publication, People: "[There was] no wedding," while Us Weekly concurred: "Bottom line, they aren't even in New Orleans."

Rumours were rife in the last few weeks that the couple had agreed on a £100million pre-nuptial agreement ahead of a wedding set to take place at the city's Saint-Louis Cathedral.

Angelina, 32, has previously talked down the importance of marriage.

She told Vogue in 2006: "We both have been married before, so it's not marriage that's necessarily kept some people together."
US magazine retracts Brad and Angelina wedding report

Drained: Angelina Jolie, pictured with Shiloh, Zahara and Maddox, is 'constantly tired from taking her four kids to Texas where Brad is filming

We are legally bound to our children, not to each other, and I think that's the most important thing."

The actress is pregnant with twins - reported to be a boy and a girl - and is due to give birth later this year.

The pair already have three adopted children, Maddox, Zahara, Pax-Thien, and a biological daughter, Shiloh.

Angelina was previously married to British actor Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton while Brad split from his wife Jennifer Aniston in 2005.

Flakey Joss says hi-de-hi to a lingering lesbian kiss in new film role

Having won an army of fans as the Cadbury Flake girl, singer Joss Stone is set to send male pulses racing again with her latest movie role.

The 20-year-old is puckering up to play a lesbian – including a scene in which she shares a lingering kiss with another woman.

The British film, called Snappers, will be shot in Joss's native West Country and she is already preparing for her role as a Redcoat-style holiday camp entertainer.
Flakey Joss says hi-de-hi to a lingering lesbian kiss in new film role
Ready for her close-up: Joss Stone is preparing for the big screen after staring in the Cadbury's TV ad

"I was thinking of popping down to Butlins in Minehead before we start filming," she said.

She added: "There are things that are going to really push the boundaries - and that excites me."

Joss' co-star is 47-year-old actress Caroline Quentin, star of Men Behaving Badly and Jonathan Creek.

Snappers will be Joss' first major movie role - in 2006 she had a brief part in fantasy film Eragon opposite Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich.

Joss will also write and perform the soundtrack.
Flakey Joss says hi-de-hi to a lingering lesbian kiss in new film role
Style queen: Joss shocked fans last month when she abandoned her hippy-chick style for a high-fashion Herve Leger bandage dress


Meanwhile, Joss admits she would like to find love again after splitting from her first love Beau Dozier in 2005.

She said: "You know what? I'd give up fame tomorrow for a solid relationship.

"Looking back now, I wonder if it really was love between Beau and me.

"I think it must have been deep infatuation based on lust."

Anna Friel takes a break from Pushing Daisies to push daughter Gracie instead on an LA stroll

Actress Anna Friel was out enjoying the LA sunshine yesterday, taking daughter Gracie for a stroll in her buggy – this time without the help of her personal trainer.

The busy actress took a break from filming the black comedy Pushing Daisies to give her daughter a push instead.

She left her fitness coach in charge of pushing the two-year-old as she pounded the streets during a gruelling run in Hollywood recently.
Anna Friel takes a break from Pushing Daisies to push daughter Gracie instead on an LA stroll

Yesterday it was just mum and daughter, however - although Miss Friel couldn't resist a quick chat on her mobile phone.

Despite her flashy LA lifestyle, the Lancashire-born actress is clearly keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

Miss Friel, 31, who made her name in this country in the Channel 4 soap Brookside, lives with actor David Thewlis.

She has a six-year contract on the hit black comedy Pushing Daisies, in which she plays a murdered woman brought back to life by her childhood sweetheart.

Anna plays crime-fighting sidekick Chuck, who she says she based on Gracie.

The hit U.S. TV series that has turned her into a major star - is about to be screened on ITV1.

Anna Friel takes a break from Pushing Daisies to push daughter Gracie instead on an LA stroll

Leading lady: Anna Friel leaves buggy-pushing to her fitness instructor while exercising in LA

Bea the hippy princess raves at the full moon

Princess Beatrice has been enjoying a backpacker-style break in Thailand - drinking the local whisky and dancing on the beach into the early hours.

The 19-year-old flew into Phuket two weeks ago and headed for the picturesque island of Phi Phi with a group of 15 girlfriends and two armed guards.

Her party hired a block of 12 rooms at the £48-a-night Phi Phi Villa Resort, close to beautiful Tonsai Beach.
Bea the hippy princess raves at the full moon

Dancing Queen: Princess Beatrice partied on the beach

Each day she swam with her chums in the local bay and partied on the sands.

Last Saturday night, Beatrice's group headed to Koh Phagnan to enjoy one of the island's notorious "Full Moon" raves.

A tourist was stabbed to death at that party, although it is not known if Beatrice was aware of this.
Bea the hippy princess raves at the full moon

Party Island: Backpackers drink and dance on the beach

The parties attract thousands of young travellers each full moon and have been the subject of Foreign Office warnings following a series of rapes and deaths.

Back on Phi Phi, the Princess's favourite spots included the British-owned Tiger Bar and a Thai-run beach bar called Hippies, where backpackers dance under candlelight on the beach.

Philip Osman, 26, of the Tiger Bar said: "Beatrice certainly knew how to party. She was up there dancing and encouraging others to join in.

"She was drinking by the bucketful. She bought a bucket which she filled with Thai whisky, Red Bull, ice and coke. But I did not see her drunk."

A spokesman for Beatrice said she would not comment on a private trip.
Bea the hippy princess raves at the full moon

Buckets of booze: Drinks for sale on the beach in Phi Phi

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Lineker and Bux make a splash with a family holiday in the Caribbean

Another month, another holiday for serial vacationers Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux.

However this time, the couple brought their five children along for their fifth holiday together at the former footballer's beachside villa in Barbados.

The Match Of The Day host, 47, started dating the former air stewardess, 28, in September after they were set up on a blind date.
Lineker and Bux make a splash with a family holiday in the Caribbean

Tan-tastic: Bronzed Danielle Bux relaxs on a boat with Gary Lineker and her daughter Ella

The Welsh-born brunette and her six-year-old daughter Ella recently moved in with her older lover and they are currently looking for a bigger house together.

As their burgeoning relationship continues to grow ever more serious, the couple have brought their kids from previous relationships on a beach holiday so they can get to each other.

Lineker has four sons George, 16; Harry, 14; Tobias, 13; and Angus, 12; from his 20-year marriage to Michelle Cockayne, which ended in divorce in 2006.
Lineker and Bux make a splash with a family holiday in the Caribbean

Extended family: Danielle Bux and daughter Ella enjoy a boat ride with Gary Lineker and three of his four sons

The father of Bux's daughter Ella is ex-Coventry City player Adam Willis.

Just a month after Lineker brought Bux to his Bajan holiday abode, the couple returned for some more sunshine with their children.

Since they started dating last year, Lineker has wooed his new love with holidays to Florida, Rome, and have already stayed at his Barbados home twice.

In a travel article earlier this year, Lineker spoke of his love for the island and admitted he loved relaxing on a boat while his sons water-skied.

Earlier this week, Bux told Hello! magazine Lineker was her "best friend" and revealed she would consider having children with the father-of-four.

Despite moving in with the sports presenter, Bux declared it was still early days in their relationship amidst rumours of an engagement.
Lineker and Bux make a splash with a family holiday in the Caribbean

Surfs up: Devoted mother Danielle Bux and her daughter Ella, dressed in matching stripey swimwear, splash about in the Caribbean surf

Lineker and Bux make a splash with a family holiday in the Caribbean

Beach babe: Former air stewardess Danielle Bux shows off her stunning figure on a Bajan beach

Mischa Barton's sports attire exposes her dimpled thighs

Young starlet Mischa Barton stepped out in a sporty combination of shorts and sweatshirt.

But unfortunately it revealed the actress' rather dimpled thighs as she arrived for brunch at a Hollywood restaurant.

Wearing a pair of unflattering blue seventies style shorts, and a t-shirt that read 'Let's go bite some butts', the 22-year-old actress looked more suited for a workout than lunch at restaurant La Scala, in Beverly Hills.
Mischa Barton's sports attire exposes her dimpled thighs

Dimples: Mischa Barton looked sporty in Beverly Hills yesterday, but her 70s style shorts revealed her heavily dimpled thighs

But despite her sporty attire, the slender 22-year-old's extremely pale thighs already appear to have some issues with cellulite.

Former O.C. star Mischa appears to have gained some weight since leaving the show which made her famous.

The packet of cigarettes may provide a clue as to why the young actress should be blighted by the stubborn fat, which affects many women, despite her youthful age.

Smoking is one of the toxic habits that contribute to the emergence of cellulite.
Mischa Barton's sports attire exposes her dimpled thighs

Bringing up the rear: Smoker Mischa is only 22, but is already suffering from the dreaded cellulite on her thighs

Mischa was meeting up with pals including regular Lindsay Lohan sparring partner, DJ Samantha Ronson, at the popular dining spot.

However, her dimply thighs haven't stopped her from baring all on screen in a new film.

Apparently, the London-born actress Mischa Barton had bared all in an upcoming Richard Attenborough directed movie Closing The Ring.

Mischa told The News of the World: "You do see me topless in the film and I did let Richard Attenborough get a brief behind shot as well."

Last month the actress learned she will face four charges as a result of her arrest for driving under the influence of drink and drugs.
Mischa Barton's sports attire exposes her dimpled thighs

Toxic: Mischa's smoking habit won't help her cellulite as it promotes the toxins which contribute to the stubborn orange peel effect

Barton - who played television beauty Marissa Cooper in The O.C. - has been charged with possession of marijuana, driving under the influence, driving without a licence and driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

The charges made following the actress' December 27 arrest.

According to the police report at the time, Barton was pulled over in West Hollywood, California, when police saw her driving in the middle of two lanes and failing to signal when making a turn.

The star spent about seven hours in jail on the night of her arrest and was later released on $10,000 bail.

Barton accepted her responsibility for the arrest on American Idol host Ryan Seacrest's radio show after her release.

She said: "I don't know what to say about it except I'm not perfect."

Natalie Cassidy goes from sleek to sloppy after a night of hard partying

Former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy set aside her new healthy lifestyle for night of party-hopping in London, and she certainly let loose.

The night started quietly enough with an evening at the Novello Theatre in Aldwych to watch a performance of Into The Hoods, a hip-hop take on the fairytale musical Into the Woods.
Natalie Cassidy goes from sleek to sloppy after a night of hard partying
Night out: Natalie Cassidy arrived at the Novello Theatre last night looking sleek in a strapless frock; she headed home at 4.30am looking worse for wear

She arrived looking sleek in a black and white striped strapless dress that hugged her newly slimmed down frame, which is two and a half stone lighter than it once was.

But by night's end, after hitting show's afterparty at Covent Garden's Tamarai nightclub followed by a 4:30am snack stop at Balans restaurant, she was a little bleary-eyed and worse for wear as she piled into the back of a cab.

The 24-year-old was clearly revelling in her night off after the months of discipline it took to drop four dress sizes.
Natalie Cassidy goes from sleek to sloppy after a night of hard partying
Bleary eyed: Natalie made her way home around 4.30am in a right state

Natalie, who is 5ft 4in, told Now magazine: "I was always bubbly and confident before, but it does make you feel better about yourself.

"I was 10st 8lb when I started this diet, but it was my body mass index that scared me. I wasn't just obese – I was off the scale."

Natalie says since aquiring a slimmer figure she's "become a bit of a fox."

"I get wolf whistled at in the street and I don't turn round because I'm not used to it.

She's landed herself a new boyfriend, although she's remaining tight-lipped about his identity.

She revealed: "I've just started seeing someone. He's lovely. We met on my last job, so it's quite new – and that's all I'm telling."

Paris Hilton reveals an icky bunion on her terrifying size 11s

Paris Hilton was less Cinderella, more ugly stepsister last night after squeezing her enormous feet into an all too tight slipper.

The heiress revealed a rather unsightly throbbing bunion as she kicked off her vertiginous heels after attending the Miss Turkey 2008 beauty contest in Istanbul.
Paris Hilton reveals an icky bunion on her terrifying size 11s

Ick factor: Paris Hilton revealed a huge bunion on foot as she left the Miss Turkey 2008 beauty contest in Istanbul last night

While she clearly values style over comfort, Paris certainly looked relieved to be free of her fashionable heels as she headed back to her hotel.

Paris has previously bemoaned her huge US size 11 feet, saying: "Yeah, it sucks, because I see all these super cute shoes in the stores: Guccis, YSLs, Manolos. And when they bring them out in my size, they look like clown shoes."
Paris Hilton reveals an icky bunion on her terrifying size 11s

Shake your body: Paris Hilton perfects her booty shaking during a television appearance in Turkey

Perhaps all that trotting around the globe is starting wear on her – in recent weeks she has stopped in London, Cape Town and Berlin.

During her latest trip to Turkey, she also found time to enjoy a spot of belly dancing as a guest on television channel Kanal 1.

She had all eyes on her for the performance and upstaged the real belly dancer Asena with her stunning, leg-baring outfit.
Paris Hilton reveals an icky bunion on her terrifying size 11s

Paris? Shy? Ms Hilton goes all demure

Flustered Sienna hitches a ride from strangers to escape the paparazzi

Sienna Miller was so keen to avoid the prying eye of the camera lens as she left a restaurant after a lunch date in Los Angeles yesterday, that she hitched a ride from a car load of strangers.

Flustered Sienna, 26, seemed in a hurry to escape the attentions of Hollywood's ever-present paparazzi pack after lunching with former love, Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, 33, star of US drama Brothers and Sisters at a Hollywood restaurant.
Flustered Sienna hitches a ride from strangers to escape the paparazzi
Getaway girl: Sienna Miller, seen here with Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, appeared keen to avoid the paparazzi's lens in Los Angeles, yesterday

The pair met on the set of the Dylan Thomas biopic The Edge Of Love and were reported to have enjoyed a number of dates last year during filming before she moved on to current love, Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, 39.

After leaving the restaurant with Rhys, a summery looking Sienna dressed casually in a yellow dress, a pretty look spoilt only by her battered grungy boots, soon found herself being trailed by photographers.
Flustered Sienna hitches a ride from strangers to escape the paparazzi
Harassed: A summery looking Sienna dressed in a cute yellow dress, and battered boots, was seen hurrying away from the unwelcome attention of the paparazzi

But the young starlet is fast discovering that life in Hollywood requires a certain amount of resourcefulness.

When some guys in a passing people carrier, seeing her distress, slowed down to offer her a ride, she was so reassured by their claim of "we aren't murderers or anything, you'll be safe", that she hopped in.

The car then made a high speed departure complete with a tyre screech as Sienna said: "Go, go, go!"
Flustered Sienna hitches a ride from strangers to escape the paparazzi
Flustered: Sienna appeared to be flustered and in some distress after she was followed by the paparazzi, and a people carrier full of guys slowed down to offer her some assistance

Flustered Sienna hitches a ride from strangers to escape the paparazzi
Hop in: The driver reassured her they were not 'murderers' and another passenger gave her a helping hand to get in the vehicle

Sienna's boyfriend Rhys Ifans, 39, travelled back to London while she films blockbuster GI Joe with Dennis Quaid and Channing Tatum in Los Angeles.

The couple, who have been dating for nine months are rumoured to be engaged and planning a summer wedding.

And one person who isn't surprised that stunning Sienna has found love with the somewhat scruffy Rhys is his proud mother Beti-Wyn Evans.

Beti-Wyn, 62 said: "Yes, I know what they say - that Rhys is this lanky, gawky guy from North Wales and he's hooked up with one of the world's most beautiful women, but my son is gorgeous too, you know.

"He's a wonderful person and he's got charm - and what woman doesn't love charm?"

Beti-Wyn, lives with retired husband Irwyn near Ruthin in North Wales, where Rhys and Sienna are reported to be house-hunting.

She added: "They adore each other and I'm so pleased for them…They make a fantastic couple."

By George! More saucy snaps of Clooney's girl surface

George Clooney's new girlfriend Sarah Larson may look demure and sophisticated on the red carpet, but these latest photos of the brunette beauty are anything but.

The 28-year-old former model worked as a waitress and bar hostess in Las Vegas prior to meeting the Hollywood star and these newly-discovered pictures of Larson show she was quite the party girl before getting together with Clooney.

America's Star magazine has published a saucy photograph of the former model with her legs wrapped around a male companion pressed up against a wall in the middle of a crowded Vegas nightclub last July - a month after she first met the actor.
By George! More saucy snaps of Clooney's girl surface

Got it licked: A bikini-clad Sarah Larson plays in the sand at a Vegas party last July

Another image taken the following day shows a bikini-clad Larson on all fours licking a magazine cover at a pool party at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

With her curvaceous behind stuck in the air, fun-loving Larson poses provocatively for the cameras.

The pictures are a stark contrast to the reserved, classy brunette smiling sweetly by Clooney's side at film premières and award ceremonies.
By George! More saucy snaps of Clooney's girl surface

In a clinch: A leggy Sarah Larson gets to grips with a male companion in a Vegas nightclub last July

These latest images follow sexy photos of Larson published last year of the brunette in a series of sexy bikini shots as she worked as a promotional model.

Clooney and Larson officially became an item last September at the Venice Film Festival after she quit her bar job at the Palms Hotel & Casino resort in Vegas to travel the world with the Oscar winner.

The pair met at the Moon nightclub on the top floor of the Palms resort last June as the 46-year-old star attended a party for his movie Ocean's Thirteen.

Clooney was so smitten with his pretty waitress, he asked her boss to give her the rest of the night off so they could get to know each other better.

Over the next few months, Clooney invited Larson to fly out from Vegas and visit him whenever he in the U.S., before they finally decided to go steady in late August.

Clooney debuted Larson as his new girlfriend with a public kiss at the Venice Film Festival party for his film Michael Clayton at the Cipriani restaurant.

Only a few weeks after their official debut as a couple, Larson broke her foot after the pair were in a motorcycle accident.

Clooney was driving the bike with Larson as his passenger when they collided with a car in New Jersey. The actor was left with a rib fracture, while Larson spent the next few weeks on crutches.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Leona Lewis becomes the first British woman to top US charts for more than 20 years

X Factor winner Leona Lewis has become the first British woman to top the US pop chart for more than 20 years.

Leona's first US single Bleeding Love hit the number one spot over 20 years after British pop star Kim Wilde last topped the charts with her 1987 version of The Supremes hit You Keep Me Hangin' On.

Industry sources say her appearances on chat-shows Oprah and Jay Leno prompted a surge in download sales, while the Hot 100 chart also counts radio airplay.
Leona Lewis becomes the first British woman to top US charts for more than 20 years
Chart topper: Leona Lewis, seen here on chatshow Jay Leno on Monday, is poised to become the first British female to top the US charts for 20 years


Leona Lewis becomes the first British woman to top US charts for more than 20 years
Endorsement: Leona, seen here with mentor Simon Cowell and Oprah Winfrey, received a ringing endorsement from the billionaire chatshow host last week, who described her as 'the real deal'

Despite stiff competition from well-established artists such as Madonna, and R&B superstar Usher, newcomer Leona, 22, is set to eclipse the success of musical contemporary, Amy Winehouse, whose album Back to Black debuted at No.7 in the US charts.

Winehouse has sold 1.5 million copies of her Back To Black album in the US, but has not topped the singles chart despite her Grammy awards.

Leona earned a ringing endorsement by Oprah Winfrey on nationwide television last week, when she appeared on the show with mentor Simon Cowell.

After earning a standing ovation with her performance, Oprah told the Hackney born singer, and former receptionist: "You're the real-deal girl. Talk about a star is born."

During the show, Simon paid off a family's £80,000 mortgage after being touched by the plight of their three-year-old daughter, who has a rare form of cancer.

After Leona won the X Factor, in a bold move, Cowell took her to the US and negotiated a £5 million album contract with Clive Davis, the music mogul who signed Whitney Houston.

She was sent to record with top US producers and a slick video, designed for MTV, was filmed for Bleeding Love. It later became the biggest-selling British single last year.
Leona Lewis becomes the first British woman to top US charts for more than 20 years
Stunning: Leona's single Bleeding Love was the UK's biggest selling single last year. She has auctioned the Roberto Cavalli dress she wore at The Brits last month, it raised £3,200 for charity

Despite her runaway success, last month Leona was snubbed at the Brits, and failed to win any of the four awards she was nominated for.

But the big-hearted star shrugged off her disappointment, and has auctioned off her Brit Awards dress raising £3,200 at auction for Sport Relief.

The stunning purple gown was specially designed for her by Roberto Cavalli.

Cavalli said: "It has been a great pleasure for me to work with Leona right from the start. She has beautiful eyes, an incredible voice and a fresh and positive attitude.

"Her stellar, instant success is the proof that real talent still counts. Leona is becoming a role model - her fame is all about strong will and hard work."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson has denied reports that Leona is considering undergoing throat surgery to end recurring bouts of tonsillitis.

He said: "She has got a pretty bad throat. She just can't shake it off at the moment but I don't think she needs to have an op."

Myleene gets her love handles erased for bikini promo

Classical musician and television presenter Myleene Klass has one of the most envied celebrity figures.

But the curvy star's love handles were considered surplus to requirements by M&S, who erased them in the newly released photos for their summer swimwear advertising campaign.

Just five months after she gave birth, Myleene was back at work on a South African beach posing in a sunny yellow bikini.
Myleene gets her love handles erased for bikini promo

Sleek: Myleene Klass' new promotional shot for M&S summer swimwear campaign reveals an enviably sleek physique - after her love handles were trimmed

And although she looked in pretty amazing shape for a new mother, as these pictures show, the 29-year-old television presenter was given the Photoshop treatment to trim her curvy love handles.

The results can clearly be seen in the newly released promotional shot of the stunning classical artist, which shows a very sleek-figured Myleene, with very trim hips.

However, in the un-retouched photo, her curvy love handles can be seen slightly overhanging her bikini bottoms.
Myleene gets her love handles erased for bikini promo

New mum: Myleene completed the photoshoot in January, just five months after giving birth to daughter Ava, and the star looked slim and curvy post-baby

Myleene, who gave birth to baby Ava last August, showed off her trim figure as she modelled on the beach on South Africa, for Marks & Spencer's summer swimwear campaign.

But the former I'm A Celebrity contestant, who turns 30 in April, has insisted she would never succumb to the fashion industry's size zero obsession.

She said recently: "Here I am surrounded by these models who are six foot two and they've got perfect bodies, but then I'm thinking, well, my role here is to be me.

"When M&S signed me up, they knew that I'm only five foot five and a half and not a size zero.

"I'm certainly not a supermodel, like Twiggy or Erin O'Connor."

But since then, she appears to have lost even more weight, as she showed off a very slim figure at the Mayfair Personality of the Year Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel earlier this month.

Myleene's ultra-slim appearance prompted onlookers to wonder where her famous curves had disappeared to.

The star has put her rapid weight loss down to her hectic schedule and the demands of motherhood.

She has said: "I think breast-feeding helped, and running up and down stairs all day."

But her shrinking frame is likely to disappoint admirers - including fiancé Graham 'Gray' Quinn - who have celebrated her shapely physique.

Myleene said recently: "Gray hates it when I get too thin, he calls me Boney M."

Spilling cleavage and micro mini skirts galore as Big Brother has-beens grasp for attention

Their 15 seconds has long ticked over, but Big Brother contestants Imogen Thomas, Chanelle Hayes and Chantelle Houghton proved last night they are more desperate than ever to get attention.

The former Miss Wales Imogen Thomas, who made a rather unmemorable appearance on the reality show in 2006, resorted to a low-cut neckline that plunged past her belly button in an desperate effort to turn heads.
Spilling cleavage and micro mini skirts galore as Big Brother has-beens grasp for attention
Busting out: Imogen Thomas bares almost all after partying at Movida last night

The 23-year-old was spotted leaving Movida nightclub in London's Soho with Nery Castillo, the Mexican footballer who has just joined Manchester City.

Her efforts were matched by Chanelle and Chantelle, who both opted for micro mini skirts as they arrived Collection across town.

The both turned out for the Miss Great Britain reunion party - despite the fact neither have ever entered the competition.
Spilling cleavage and micro mini skirts galore as Big Brother has-beens grasp for attention
Clinging to fame: Imogen leads the charge in Soho, while across town Chanelle and Chantelle attending the Miss Britain reunion party last night

No doubt the siren call of free champagne - and inevitable presence of photographers - was enough to get them slipping on their teeny frocks.

Posh look alike and apparent optimist Chanelle is still holding out hope of using her appearance on the show last year to launch a successful pop career.

Talking about her upcoming debut single, she has said: "The song actually sounds a bit like recent Britney.

"To be able to go on iTunes and download my own song is a massive achievement for me. But I'm taking it slowly."
Spilling cleavage and micro mini skirts galore as Big Brother has-beens grasp for attention
Desperate for attention: Chanelle and Chantelle skipped the Mensa convention for free champagne and photographers

She continued: "I've been putting everything into my music. I've been working 15-hour days and then going home and playing with my gorgeous Pomeranian pup Crumpet and going to bed.

"I've even had to put my plans for a boob job on hold because I can't afford to take three weeks off."

Chantelle, who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, had no such trouble clearing her schedule.

She had her bust boosted to Jordan-esque proportions after splitting from her husband, Ordinary Boys frontman Preston, last year.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Victoria Beckham squeezes into her tightest trousers ever

But for the wrinkles at the knee and ankle, you would swear they had been painted on.

Victoria Beckham stepped out yesterday in one of the tightest pairs of trousers ever seen on the streets of London.
Victoria Beckham squeezes into her tightest trousers ever

Woman in black: Victoria revealed her extremely skinny legs in a pair of PVC leggings in London's Mayfair today

She has jetted in to London from Los Angeles to support husband David as he wins his 100th England cap in the friendly match against France.

Dressed all in black, with her customary outsize sunglasses and Christian Louboutin shoes, the 33-year-old indulged in a little retail therapy at designer store Balenciaga before popping into trendy Mayfair fish restaurant Scott's for a bite to eat.

Her leather leggings, however, can surely not have left room for much food. And judging by her slender thighs, any weight she gained during the Spice Girls' recent world tour has been rapidly shed.
Victoria Beckham squeezes into her tightest trousers ever

The Spice girl burns more calories as she indulges in some retail therapy

It was reported that Posh, who hates taking exercise, was forced to raise her calorie intake to perform the choreographed dance routines on stage.

Before that her favoured food was said to be steamed fish and edamame beans.

Her latest weight-loss diet, however, is claimed to consist of prawns and strawberries.

Posh could be feeling the pressure to remain a size zero after launching her new range of denim, dVb Style, in the U.S. last month.

Her LA chums Eva Longoria and Kate Beckinsale are similarly proportioned.