OBE-Wan Kenobi: Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor delighted by New Year honour

OBE-Wan Kenobi: Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor delighted by New Year honour

29 Dec 2012 00:00

McGregor, who played the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in three of the sci-fi blockbusters, has been awarded for services to drama and charity

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The force is strong with Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor â€" after he landed an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

McGregor, who played the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in three of the sci-fi blockbusters, has been awarded for services to drama and charity.

He is among a list of stars set to be given gongs by the Queen including singer Kate Bush, artist Tracey Emin, former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips and Hustle actor Adrian Lester.

Illustrator Quentin Blake is getting a knighthood, fashion designer Stella McCartney an OBE, ex-England cricketer Mark Ramprakash an MBE and violinist Nicola Benedetti an MBE.

Trainspotting star McGregor, who has been involved in charity work for years, said: “I’m delighted and touched to be on the New Year’s Honours List.”

Choreographer Phillips, 69, who received a CBE, found fame when she brought together a group of her students from Covent Garden’s Pineapple Dance Studio into the group Hot Gossip in the 70s.

Her work caught the eye of Hollywood and she worked on films including Annie and Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.

Her profile became even higher when she stepped back in front of the camera as a judge on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

Phillips, who was replaced on the show by former winner Alesha Dixon five years later in an ageism row, said: “I am very pleasantly surprised but mostly absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive such a wonderful honour.”

Bush said it was a “great surprise” to get a CBE for services to music.

The 54-year-old, whose first hit Wuthering Heights topped the charts and instantly made her a star, said: “I feel deeply honoured to be in this list. I’m really delighted. Thanks to everyone.”

Emin, who is being awarded a CBE, said receiving t he honour felt like being “pushed in at the deep end”.

The 49-year-old, who grew up in Margate, Kent, first came to fame in 1999 after being shortlisted for the Turner prize with one of her most famous works My Bed â€" which was littered with condoms, ciggie packets and a pair of knickers.

Emin-ent: Tracey Emin who will be awarded a CBE

PA

 

Her work now sells for huge prices around the world and one piece â€" a neon sign reading More Passion â€" was installed in Downing Street last year.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s been insane trying to keep it a secret but I’m really looking forward to seeing the look on my mum’s face.

"For me this honour is a symbol of how art can change people’s perception of life and view the world in a different way.”

Lester, who is best known for playing conman Mickey Bricks in Hustle, is being awarded an OBE for drama.

The 44-year-old, who was born in Birmingham to parents originally from Jamaica, has carved out a career on stage and screen.

He said: “Coming from my background there was always this ethic that is very strong that people would do their best for the mother country.

“It is a strong part of the culture in Jamaica, for better or worse, and one of the things I thought was that without the contributions of pe ople like my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents this country wouldn’t be what it is.”

Blake is best known for his drawings in Roald Dahl’s books and became a familiar face on TV in the 70s, working on over 150 episodes of Jackanory.

He said yesterday many of his overseas fans thought that he was already a Sir.

He said: “The funny thing is that my books are published a lot in France and Germany and I get a lot of letters from people who think I have got it already, so I suppose this kind of regularises it.

"I haven’t quite got used to it yet, but I’m very pleased about it. I’ve already had an OBE and a CBE so it does prepare you for these things.”

Comedy writer Jeremy Lloyd, who has been behind some of TV’s best-loved sitcoms, was awarded an OBE for his services to British comedy.

The 82-year-old created hits such as ’Allo ’Allo and Are You Being Served? with his writing partner David Croft.< /p>

He said: “I’m aware I’ve made people laugh round the world, but I’m astounded to be honoured for services to British comedy.

"It is, after all, what I love doing and couldn’t have done without the many wonderful actors, directors and others.”

Benedetti, one of Britain’s most gifted musicians and one of the brightest young stars in the classical world, said she was “humbled” to be awarded an MBE.

She has released a series of acclaimed recordings since landing a deal at the age of 17.

The 25-year-old said: “I hope this honour can help me continue to draw attention to the importance of classical music and the arts in British society.”

"I'm too chubby and ginger for Taylor": Ed Sheeran makes our hearts pull sad faces

"I'm too chubby and ginger for Taylor": Ed Sheeran makes our hearts pull sad faces

28 Dec 2012 18:28

The following interview is sort of like watching a boy puppy kick himself repeatedly in the face, all because a girl puppy didn't like his bone

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We're launching a campaign for Ted Sweeran to happen

Twitter

Yeah, yeah, yeah, so Harry Styles and Taylor Swift are never ever going to break up, like ever.

But if - hypothetically - Taylor needed to end the relationship so that she could find inspiration for a new song and keep her fans playing that whole which-celebrity-boyfriend-are-these-lyrics-about game which we all know and love, and she maybe - hypothetically - called the whole thing off; we're sorry to announce that her next boyfriend probably wouldn't be Ed Sheeran.

Because even though the pair worked together on her latest album, Red, and got along really, really well, Ed doesn't think that he's good looking enough for Taylor.

"We had great fun when we met, but I don't think I'm Taylor's type," Ed said, presumably while googling hair dye and googling Harry Styles' post-Christmas diet plans.

"If you look at all the dudes she's dated, they're all tall, brown hair, brown eyes, very attractive and all the girls scream for the m."

"I'm chubby, ginger with blue eyes."

Forget Harry Styles: we want Ted Sweeran (#tedsweeran)

Xposure

We'd like Ed to know that we don't think he's chubby, and we like blue eyes almost as much as we like ginger boys.

And ginger cats.

Maybe Taylor Swift secretly feels the same way.

 

Helen Flanagan reveals too much boob as she suffers wardrobe malfunction in extremely revealing top

Helen Flanagan reveals too much boob as she suffers wardrobe malfunction in extremely revealing top

28 Dec 2012 10:43

The I'm A Celebrity star showed off a little too much in her sexy ninja outfit on a girly night out in Macnhester

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'Cheers to my fabulous breasts'

EAMONN & JAMES CLARKE

Most people sit about and eat ham while watching animated films in their PJs during the bit between Christmas and New Year, but not Helen Flanagan! No, no, Helen pulls on the tallest, sexiest boots known to man and hits the town with her left nipple on display.

She probably thinks of it as a late, fleshy gift to her fans.

Helen was snapped on a girls' night out in Manchester yesterday, wearing what can only be described as a S&M ninja outfit (as if S&M isn't dangerous enough) and a ridiculous shade of bubble gum pink lipstick.

We hope there's a bra in that little yellow bag of hers

EAMONN & JAMES CLARKE

Could these boots BE any sexier?

EAMONN & JAMES CLARKE

Having picked out the lowest V neck top she could find, Helen strutted into the Australasia Bar with her breasts very much on show for the paps. But just in case the masses of cleavage weren't quite enough to quench our thirst for Helen's bits, the former Corrie star kindly opted out of wearing a bra.

And we all know what happens when black fabric meets camera flashes, don't we boys and girls? That's right, it goes see through!

Presenting, Helen's left nipple.

And there it is, your glorious close up

EAMONN & JAMES CLARKE

Helen's pink lippie was only made worse by pouting

EAMONN & JAMES CLARKE

You're welcome. And with Helen's footballer boyfriend Scott Sinclair being left at home, no one bothered to tell Helen that everyone could see too much breast and she cracked on with her night none the wiser.

But our favourite part of Helen's night? She left the Australasia Bar and headed off to The Alchemist in a cab - a journey of less than 200 yards. That's basically like paying 47p a footstep.

And, if she's mortified to discover that her nip is all over the internet this morning, here's a little photo gallery to make Helen feel better (although you'll probably enjoy it more than she will).

'I always suffered from OCD but my new dog has cured me': Gok Wan on how a pet changed his life

'I always suffered from OCD but my new dog has cured me': Gok Wan on how a pet changed his life

Ear to ear: Gok and his bulldog Dolly

Rex

 

Peeling off a looped grey ­cashmere scarf and tightly fitting blackroll neck, Gok Wan logs the details of his fifth outfit ofthe day on his computer.

He then takes out another ensemble from his colour co-ordinated wardrobe, ready for morning.

Tomorrow’s dark grey sheer-knit sweater and black skinny jeans have been selected to match his black Mercedes convertible â€" he wears mostly dark colours for this reason.

Such was the routine for 38-year-old Gok as he battled with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The condition forced him to select around 20 outfits every Sunday for the week ahead and some days he changed clothes five times.

Until a special lady came into his life â€" his French bulldog, Dolly Albertine Dishcloth.

Dolly is the unlikely saviour of the style guru, who believes she has helped cure his addiction to order by messing up his plush apartment.

“She’s changed my life,” he says, proudly. “I’ve learnt to rela x.

"Dolly has really helped me â€" it’s amazing what she can do.

"Now there’s dog hair everywhere. I could never have done it years ago, it just wouldn’t have been an option.”

Previously, his disorder was not just a fashion fetish which saw him constantly changing outfits, it also prevented him letting friends visit him in his own home.

Leicester-born Gok says: “I suffered quite severely with it when I was younger.

"It was a labour of love, because even though I hated it, I sort of enjoyed being OCD.

“Hygiene was a massive problem. It was difficult to have people round because of causing mess, sitting on the sofa and stuff like that.

“I was also OCD with work. I’d find it hard to do a piece to camera and not get it right first time.

"I’d beat myself up if I went on a gameshow and I felt like I didn’t do a good job.

“I’ve got better, I have to say, thanks to Dolly.

"I’ve reduced my working h ours during the day, and now I don’t feel like I’m letting anyone down if I don’t work as many hours as I possibly can.

“I’ve had to focus on the projects I’m doing. I try not to book ahead, whereas 18 months ago I was booked 18 months down the line.”

Walkies: Dolly all dressed up

WENN

As thanks, he treats his pooch to epic levels of pampering.

He says: “She’s literally the most spoilt canine in the world.

"She’s got a doggy passport, a doggy wardrobe and more toys than I ever could imagine.

“Where I live, there is a dog boutique â€" every time I go for a walk I lose a few hundred quid.”

Born to English mother Myra, and Chinese father, chef John Tung Shing, Gok has previously credited an eagerness to provide for his parents as a driving force behind his ambitious nature.

The couple helped him through his struggle with obesity as a teenager, when Gok ballooned to 21 stone.

Dad John even joined him on food series Gok Cooks Chinese earlier this year.

And he often takes his parents to celebrity events, including the National Book Awards the evening prior to our chat.

“Can you hear my dad snoring in the background?” he giggles.

“Dolly’s snoring, too. It’s like a retirement home.”

< p>Workaholic Gok releases an underwear line and a Specsavers range every year while producing four fashion collections for Sainsbury’s.

He also has a beauty range for Boots and continues to write books and host TV shows, with his most recent project adding dating advice to his CV.

At one point, he was doing 101 hours most weeks.

 

Fashionable kid: Gok Wan in sunglasses aged 4

But his career suffered a setback this year after he slipped a disc while exercising in March.

After the first two discectomy operations, Gok suffered an inflamed nerve canal in his spine, leading to a further seven procedures.

The recovery period gave him a chance to reflect on his plans for the future.

He admits: “I had a few realisations. One, I’m not going to be as agile any more and also I have to take things easier.

"My work addiction has to take a bit of a slide. I can’t do as much as I used to, which is hard because I love working.

“That was why I got Dolly â€" to come home to something, or someone, and not be so much about work. I had a tendency to say ‘yes’ to everything.”

He has also decided to focus on his next goal â€" becoming a dad â€" setting a time limit of seven years to find the right man with whom to start a family.

“I desperately want to be a dad,” he says. “I defin itely would like to have children before I’m 45.

"It feels like a good age. For the last four years, I decided I wasn’t going to have children. But over the last 12 months, I’ve had time to think.

“It’s something I want to do, but I’m worried about my fathering skills, being in the right relationship, and could I do it in the world that I’m in? Would it be feasible?”

He adds: “Being gay and having children â€" I know it would make headlines and people would want to discuss it and have an opinion.

"But it’s something I want to do, it’s just how I’m going to go about it.”

Growing boy: Gok in 1985

And he believes it will be easier thanks to Elton John and David Furnish having surrogate two-year-old son Zachary.

He says: “What Elton and David did was incredible. It showed it was possible.

"It’s important same sex couples should absolutely have the same rights having children. An equal marriage bill needs to be passed.”

Coy Gok meanwhile, hints that Dolly is the closest thing he has to a partner: “I’ve got no room for a boy, I’ve got a woman in my life!”

Yet he dishes out dating advice in his new show.

In upcoming Channel 4 series, Gok’s Style Secrets, he becomes “wingman”, matchmaker and agony uncle for women in need of a dating overhaul.

But, he admits, he relies on his own friends to bag him a fella.

He says: “When it comes to me dating and flirting, I need my wingman.

"We all do it for our friends. If your friend likes someone in a bar you put in a good word.”

U nfortunately, Gok’s pals have a tough job of vetting his love interests.

“It’s hard when you’re famous â€" you have a different set of parameters,” he explains.

“Trust is a huge part. It’s a hectic world I live in. If I drag someone into it I want them to come into my world for me.”

Parents: Gok Wan's mum and dad

WENN

And the fashionista is tight lipped about his love life.

He giggles: “It’s been a fun year! The moment I start discussing a person, it stops being so special. It’s just to make sure I keep that spice.

“I can never work it out when I’m in a relationship â€" let alone if I was trying to discuss it.”

However, he’s a lot better at dissecting other people’s love lives.

In the new series, he coaches women on dating etiquette as well as style.

Inevitably, he finds himself dishing out advice to his celeb pals, too.

He says: “It might be something as small as: ‘Shall I do up the button on my jacket?’ Jack Whitehall asked me that.

Frock tactics: Model shows off Gok's range for Sainsbury's

“And Jimmy Carr said to me: ‘Do you want to come over for dinner? Or better still, come over and cook?’

"It’s weird, because if you had an accountant friend you wouldn’t meet them for a drink and ask for accountancy advice.”

Not that Gok minds â€" he chuckles, admitting he relishes the opportunity to swoop in and take over.

He says: “I feel really arrogant saying this, but it’s not difficult to take control of someone else’s life.

“The one thing I’ve learnt is before you entertain the idea of dating, you’ve got to understand who you are and what you want.”

For the moment, though, it’s Dolly who seems closer to finding love â€" as Gok’s started taking her on “doggy dates”.

“She gets calls from her friends Buffy and Vera,” he chuckles.

“We all go out on dates so the dogs can let off steam. It’s cute!”

Gok’s Style Secrets starts next Wednesday on Cha nnel 4, at 8pm.

Tabloid tales from LA LA Land: 3am's round-up of this week's US celeb mags

Tabloid tales from LA LA Land: 3am's round-up of this week's US celeb mags

Robert Pattinson is currently lurking around the stationery aisle of Morrisons and stocking up on pencil sharpeners in the shape of cats, according to magazines in the States anyway. They reckon that now Twilight is over, the vampire-a-like is going to be heading to university.  "Rob's seriously looking into UCLA business school so that he can stay in Hollywood and continue to act but he's also looking at other cities," reports the National Enquirer, after claiming that Robert is secretly stroking his stubble and imagining life as the Mr Burns of Hollywood. "He and Kristen both love the idea of focusing on small indie film projects while working toward their long-term goal of building a behind-the-scenes empire."

Which would make him an emperor. Which everybody knows is the second best title you can achieve in life after Viscount. So we'll  support him in his academic endeavours.

That, and try to enroll in the same classes.

He does have a few other things going on aside from choosing the perfect pencil case, though. US magazine reports that he's planning to work with Kristen again in the future. "He recognizes there's a certain screen magic when he and Kristen are together," their curiously-well-informed insider says. "Besides, there's less chance she'll get into trouble again."

And if she does, he'll just send her to detention. Or something.

 

Lindsay wouldn't wear dresses like this any more, which could be a good thing

Rex Features

Meanwhile, Lindsay Lohan may or may not be considering a career in the porn industry, according to the National Enquirer (again). Apparently she's so desperate for money, she might, possibly, at some point, think about starring in a "self pleasuring" porn video. Unfortunately, just typing that sentence means that we're now "thinking about" starring in a self pleasuring porn video too. Which makes Lindsay's thoughts somewhat less than remarkable. But hey - it's a really, really slow news week. So we'll let that slide.

Oh, and apparently Lindsay's friends who she's DEFINITELY met before also had something to say on the subject:  "If she says yes, the footage will be offered to pay-per-view subscribers, and LiLo's friends say her back is against the wall," reports the magazine.

Our backs are against the back of our seats. In case you were wondering.

 

Brad doesn't want to watch Ange's sex tape. He's more into DVDs these days

Continuing in the vein of all things X-rated, Angelina Jolie's alleged sex tape is still being discussed by people like it's something new. According to, um, the National Enquirer, Brad is willing to fork out $ 10 million to protect the rumoured tape from emerging. And this time it could all be because Maddox knows what the internet is.

Of course, Maddox probably also knows who his mum is. But whatever.

"The alleged tape was made around the same time that a friend snapped kinky photos of a strung out looking Angelina," reports the magazine, sensitively. "Angelina was so whacked out on dope that she doesn't recall exactly what she did. But she believes that it may have involved "cutting" as well as racy sex."

Which sounds lovely.    

    

This is what a "frail, bitter" woman looks like, apparently

Splash News

And while you're picturing that, allow us to tell you about Katie Holmes and her reportedly "shocking meltdown". You know all of the pictures of Katie Holmes out and about in New York looking all pretty and perfect and quite happy with herself? Apparently they're lies. You may as well take a sharpie to your computer screen and draw moustaches on them. Or penises. Or just black squares. Because according to the very, very, very knowledgeable National Enquirer, the actress is actually turning into Liz Jones somebody entirely different.  "In a matter of months, sweet, outgoing Katie has turned into a frail, bitter, resentful woman," says the magazine's insider. "Katie expected that her divorce would be a rebirth. But it's beginning to feel more like a death sentence."

Unlike Tom Cruise, who is reportedly getting it on with a restaurant manager called Cynthia. 

According to US magazine, the actor went fo r dinner at the brilliantly named Beauty &  Essex restaurant last week, and spotted Cynthia from across the room. Probably because that's where she works. "Tom seemed to be on the prowl, mentioning there were a lot of beautiful ladies in the restaurant," says an insider, who was hiding behind a vase of flowers on Tom's table.

Conveniently, In Touch magazine had one of their spies hiding underneath the table. So they can corroborate vase-guy's tale. "Tom called Beauty & Essex at least twice trying to track down Cynthia â€" and was "put on hold for a very long time!" said their insider, who adds that when he couldn't get her on the phone, the insistent actor still managed to get a message to her. Less than 24 hours later, the pair reportedly met up at Le Baron night club, where Cynthia "huddled with Tom in a booth" when he wasn't pulling her out on the dance floor. "They did the salsa. He took her in his arms and spun her around the dance floor," says a witness who the magazine describes as flabbergasted. "Tom looked like a pro."

Which is quite flabbergasting, to be honest.

So apparently Johnny doesn't fly with Ryan Air

Getty Images

Tom isn't the only A lister who's allegedly been slumming it with muggles recently - according to Star magazine, Johnny Depp has been engaging in relations with his personal air hostess, Julie.

To get down to the nitty gritty of this, it's important that you gloss over the fact that Johnny Depp has a personal air hostess, and just dwell on what he may or may not be doing with her.

"Julie has been Johnny's private flight attendant for years," Star reports, after a photo emerged of the girl resting her hand on his arm as he boarded a plane. "She says they  have insane sexual chemistry and can't keep their hands off each other."      

Star apparently managed to get hold of Julie's sister, and interview her about her sibling's mile-high behaviour. Unfortunately she wasn't very forthcoming.

"Julie needs to tell the story of her relationship with Johnny herself," she said.

But a "nervous" Julie told Star: "I love my job. Someo ne took a picture that shouldn't have been taken!"

Which raises some awkward questions, really. Specifically, what Star was doing or saying to make their interview subject so openly unsure of herself.

We can't really top that news, but thankfully The Globe has done that for us, with the most appropriately timed and factually accurate article ever to be published within its pages.

 

The Globe has spies hiding in that Christmas tree over there

Entitled "Dying Queen gives William the throne: Camilla devastated as hubby loses Crown to his own son",  the magazine reports that our dear monarch isn't doing so well at the whole aging thing, and that - if you can completely forget her speech on Christmas Day, and every other one of her appearances over the last 60 years of her reign - she's actually apparently at death's door - presumably weakly bashing it down with her sceptre.

"You filled my last days with joy," an insider at The Globe claims the Queen told Kate, before alleging that "now the Queen is praying she can survive until the babies are born."

We're not sure if the Queen has a subscription to the The Globe. But we imagine that if she does, she probably also appreciated the picture of Tom Hanks using a cash machine. Putting an end to the rumours that celebrities actually just keep their millions hidden under their mattress.

Maybe Brit's breaking up with Jason because he has better hair than her

Back over in the States, US magazine reports that Britney is going to be kicked off the X Factor. And apparently it's all because she didn't shave her hair off live on air. "Simon wanted Crazy Britney," notes the source. "But he got boring Britney".

And that's not the only bad thing going on in Britney's life at the moment. Aside from her ex-husband's brother filing court papers accusing her of belittling his manparts, reports are also saying that her relationship with Jason Trawick could be on the rocks. "They are pulling away from each other," reports US magazine, who seem to imagine the popstar's love life is like a Stretch Armstrong. "Unless things change, they will split for good."

And In Touch seems to agree. "Tension between the pair has been brewing for months," claim their reporters. "Weeks ago, it got so bad that Britney left Jason and checked into a Hyatt near her home for a few days with he r boys, after what sources say was a bad fight. Though she returned,  she and Jason have "zero emotional connection""

Which sounds like the error message that comes upon our computer screens whenever we try to set up a new wireless Internet account. But whatever.

Kanye, Kim and Kim's mum, sitting in a tree...

SPLASH

In other news, Kanye West is reportedly giving Kim Kardashian an ultimatum for Christmas. Which, although rhyming with Aquascutum, might be the first non-designer gift she's ever received.

And apparently it's all because of Kim's mum, Kris. "Kris feels a certain sense of ownership over Kim's brand and who can blame her?" an insider tells OK!. "But Kanye can't stand it when she meddles in Kim's life, and especially in their relationship. When he and Kim get in a fight, Kris will actually call Kanye and tell him if she thinks he's being out of line."Poor Kim is stuck between a rock and hard place," alleges In Touch. "She's been begging Kanye not to make her choose between him and her mom but so far he's not backing down. She's so in love with Kanye but at the same time she's fiercely loyal to Kris. And while Kris wants Kim to be happy she's not going to let Kanye just push her out. It's getting pretty nasty."

We've always thought One Direction needed a mascot

SPLASH

And while you get your heads around that, Harry Styles is having to get his head around the fact that 23-year-old Taylor Swift apparently really, really wants kids soon.

"Taylor loves babies," an insider told OK! magazine while brushing their pet unicorn's mane with a comb, and adding that the pop singer is "really fascinated with the current baby boom hitting Hollywood".

"Taylor would like to have a child of her own while she's still in her 20s," elaborates the insider - pausing her conversation with the tooth fairy for the sake of journalism.

But apparently Harry doesn't feel quite the same way. "He's terrified, but trying to laugh it off," the insider adds, reaching up to pluck a piglet out of the sky and set him back down in his sty."Every time she goes ga-ga over a baby, he struggles not to flip out. There's no way he's even remotely interested in having a baby. He's a good 10 years away from something like that."

Awww: Jessica Simpson celebrates her pregnancy with a holiday to Hawaii with Ashlee and their mum

Awww: Jessica Simpson celebrates her pregnancy with a holiday to Hawaii with Ashlee and their mum

27 Dec 2012 14:21

Rumour has it, the family ate sandwiches for Christmas dinner. Get it? Sand-wiches? Because they're wearing bikinis on the beach? Sorry. We'll stop now

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Jessica, Eric, Maxwell and foetus take a walk

Splash

After Jessica Simpson announced that she was expecting her second child on Christmas Day (note: she announced the news on Christmas Day. She is not expecting the child to be born on Christmas Day. That's a gestation period we wouldn't wish on anybody) we did a happy whoop in her direction and put our Newlyweds DVD back in the player.

Meanwhile, Jess continued having the time of her life in Hawaii with her fiance Eric Johnson and daughter Maxwell. 

And the family weren't alone there - Jess' sister Ashlee, her son Bronx, and the sisters' mum Tina were there too.

It's hard to tell which of these two is the four year old boy

Speaking from experience, that hoodie is going to have sand in the seams for AGES

We're getting the impression that Ashlee's the only one who wants to play

Splash

This year is all about new beginnings for me," Jessica said in her latest advert for Weight Watchers. "I lost over 50 pounds on Weight Watchers and did not have to be perfect to do it. Being healthy has become a part of who I am...which is great timing, because I'm having another baby."

And even though her pregnancy was a surprise, Jessica seems pretty excited about spreading her legs and popping out another human being: "I feel like I'm on top of the world," she said, rather enthusiastically.

Which is nice.

Meanwhile, Kevin Federline's brother might be the "true father" of Britney's eldest son, Sean Preston.

Maybe she should go to Hawaii too.

Is Janet Jackson engaged to Wissam Al Manna?

Is Janet Jackson engaged to Wissam Al Manna?

26 Dec 2012 19:03

We're going to cross our fingers that he hid the ring in a mince pie. Or a Christmas cracker. Or a bag of Twiglets

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Imagine Janet in white, and Wissam wearing a tie, and you get the point

Getty

Stop what you're doing. Because whatever you got for Christmas won't be as good as what Janet Jackson got for Christmas. So you should probably just put it in the bin and have a read of this.

It turns out that Janet's boyfriend of two years, brand mogul Wissam Al Manna has reportedly popped the question to the love of his life, and put a "huge, expensive ring" on her finger.

And apparently it's so precious, she can't even bring herself to wear it.

Which just suggests that she should invest in insurance.

Janet already owns a lot of wedding dresses

Reuters

And with the wedding reportedly set for Spring, the couple don't have long to prepare.

"It will cost millions," reports US magazine. "He is flying in all of Janet's friends and family on private jets."

"He wants to get a top chef to create a custom menu."

And it looks like one of the reasons why the couple have decided to get engaged now, is because Janet's desperate to have children as soon as possible.

"She wants kids," reports the magazine. "If she can't have them, she will adopt."

Maybe Jessica Simpson can give her some nappy changing tips.

Kate Winslet marries Ned RocknRoll in intimate New York ceremony

Kate Winslet marries Ned RocknRoll in intimate New York ceremony

27 Dec 2012 00:56

The film star was given away by Titanic co-star Leonardo DiCaprio as she tied the knot with 34-year-old Ned RocknRoll

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Kate Winslet has married for the third time in a ceremony so secret even their parents did not know about it.

The film star, 37, was given away by Titanic co-star Leonardo DiCaprio as she tied the knot with 34-year-old Ned RocknRoll â€" nephew of Virgin boss Richard Branson.

Only a handful of close friends and family were invited to the intimate New York ceremony.

Kate’s spokeswoman last night confirmed that the Oscar-winning actress had tied the knot.

The wedding was held in a converted barn and attended by just six friends from each side.

Kate’s kids Joe and Mia from her previous marriages to film directors Sam Mendes and Jim Threapleton were also there.

Ned’s brother Jack â€" who was with him and Kate at Branson’s paradise retreat on Necker Island when it burnt down last year â€" was best man.

The besotted pair began dating last year and secretly got engaged in the summer.

Ned, born Abel Smith, is the son of Branson's sister Lindy.

He works for his uncle on the Virgin Galactic commercial space flights project.

Other celebrity births, marriages and break-ups of 2012

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Celebrity births, marriages, break ups and hook ups 2012

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John Mayer turns into an old man and Katy Perry still wants to sit on his lap

John Mayer turns into an old man and Katy Perry still wants to sit on his lap

26 Dec 2012 17:15

After spending Christmas day together, John and Katy apparently decided to act out one of their fantasies and post about it on Twitter

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John Mayer wants to slide down Katy's chimney. Or something

Twitter

We're not sure if this is the most bored Father Christmas has ever looked. Or the most dishevelled. Or the most attractive.

Eitherway, all we can do when we look at this picture is imagine a very excitable Katy Perry dragging a somewhat-less-enthusiastic John Mayer back to her parents' house for Christmas; taking him by the hand and running with him up the stairs to the dressing up box, and pulling out this Santa costume while widening her already unnaturally wide eyes and holding it out towards him like a kitten brandishing half a dead mouse.

Which may or may not be that far from what actually took place in the Perry household yesterday, when John and Katy spent their Christmas with her family in Santa Barbara.

They're both very good at seasonal dressing. Which is important in a relationship

Getty

The couple also took the opportunity to visit a local hospital on the 22nd of December, and hang out with a few of the patients.

Which suggests that unlike Chris Brown, they both got presents rather than coal in their stockings.

If you'd like to see what some other celebrities got up to at Christmas this year, why not have press down on your mouse button right about NOW .

It's official! Jessica Simpson announces she's pregnant with adorable Christmas tweet

It's official! Jessica Simpson announces she's pregnant with adorable Christmas tweet

26 Dec 2012 10:45

After weeks of rumours, the actress posted a playful picture on Twitter to confirm the amazing baby news

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CUTEST PICTURE EVER!

Twitter

It's official! Jessica Simpson has confirmed she is pregnant for the second time - and the whole world coo's and aww's.

She revealed the exciting news with a tweet on Christmas morning, posting a picture of her daughter Maxwell with the words 'BIG SIS' written in the sand pit.

The 32-year-old added the caption alongside the adorable snap that read: 'Merry Christmas from my family to yours!'

Her pregnancy was predicted by US Weekly, who printed the news on their front cover, while Jessica's publicist refused to comment on the "speculation."            

Jessica is engaged to NFL player Eric aka ONE LUCKY MAN

jessicasimpson.com

She is engaged to Eric Johnson and the couple used a similar way to break the news with seven-month-old Maxwell.

Jessica dressed as an ancient mummy for Halloween  2011 and wrote: 'It's true. I'm going to be a mummy!'

Oh har har! We get it now

The actress has had weeks of pregnancy rumours and recently agreed a commercial deal with Weight Watchers worth a massive $ 4million.

Eric was out shopping with baby Maxwell this week

Splash News

The first advert was released yesterday - a few hours after her amazing baby news - after she lost around 70 pounds by drinking smoothies and eating a healthy Weight Watchers point-counted diet.

Were you paying attention in 2012? Try our Great British Quiz Off

Were you paying attention in 2012? Try our Great British Quiz Off

26 Dec 2012 00:00

Eaten too much? Watched too much telly? Why not gather round with the family and partake in our annual 3am celebrity quiz

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That was the Great British Bake Off: this is the Great British Quiz Off

BBC

1 They were one of showbiz’s golden couples at the beginning of 2012 but then broke off their engagement while he conquered America with his band. Just as he’d always Wanted. Who are we talking about?

2 We revealed that this TV judge was going out with a Premier League footballer, in the same year she was involved in a sex-tape scandal. But we forgive her for what she’s done, as she’s still Young. Who is she?

3 Pop star Rihanna had men fighting over her this year, literally. Which two exes had a scrap when they came face-to-face in a club?

4 Which X Factor contestant was banned from performing in the final because he was apparently rude in rehearsals?

5 Which troubled American singer died this year drowning in her bath? We’ll always love her.

6 This singer gave birth to her first child this year but is keeping mum about her baby boy’s name. Who?

7 Simon Cowell was very revealing in his tell-all autobiography but which former X Factor judge did he confess to having a fling with?

8 This funnyman tied the knot this year and invited well over one man, two guv’nors to the wedding. Who could this be?

9 Cheryl Cole’s loved up with one of her backing dancers (how original). What’s his name?

10 One Direction heart-throb Harry Styles dated a harem of beautiful women before stepping out with Taylor Swift in recent months. But which fling, 15 years his senior, did he get the most flack for?

11 This Hollywood starlet angered vampire fans by cheating on R-Patz. (How dare she?)

12 Which US singer has been showing off her new curves this year? Clue: She is beautiful, no matter what they say.

13 1D’s Zayne Malik goes out with which Little Mix starlet?

14 Which unlucky-in-love actress is getting hitched in 2013? She can invite all her Friends.

15 Which 1D teenybopper went on a date with songstress Leona Lewis?

16 Who was crowned queen of the jungle on this year’s I’m A Celeb...?

17 The Saturdays are all pretty girls but which one did Prince Harry take on a date after she caught his eye?

18 Arguably one of 2012’s most gruesome couples, which reality star made her romance official with which hip-hop star?

19 Nicole Scherzinger was a schmazeballs mentor for her boys on X Factor but who is her real-life boyfriend?

20 Girl power made a comeback when the Spice Girls musical Viva Forever! opened in the West End. But which band member once had a fling with Eddie Murphy?

21 Which ageing rockers finally buried the hatchet this year, meaning that their lucrative reunion tour could get Rolling?

22 Girls Aloud had a great year with their 10-year comeback album but which member got off to a bumpy start after having a public bust-up with her ex while on a skiing trip in Austria?

23 They seemed like one of Hollywood’s most solid couples but even having three kids and seven years of marria ge under their belt couldn’t Seal the deal. Who are we referring to?

24 American Idol has seen quite an overhaul since the departure of judge J-Lo but which two replacement divas on the new panel did we reveal aren’t getting on?

25 We only let the hottest of stars come in and guest edit 3am but which four-legged celeb got his paws on our column this year?

26 He usually blends into the background but which California girl did Florence + the Machine guitarist Rob Ackroyd briefly date this summer?

27 It was the show everybody was talking about but which female rapper stole the limelight by sticking her middle finger up on live TV during Madonna’s Superbowl performance?

28 Which critically acclaimed male star came out earlier in 2012, shortly before his record was named Album of the Year?

29 Fashion’s no laughing matter but which supermodel waivered her pout-only clause to join Eddie and Patsy for an Ab Fab Sports Relief special?

30 Man-eater Katie Price got through another boyfriend this year (Leandro) but which X Factor contestant was she caught texting?

Answers

Scroll down for answers.

1. Max George and Michelle Keegan

2. Tulisa

3. Chris Brown and Drake

4. Christopher Maloney

5. Whitney Houston

6. Adele

7. Dannii Minogue

8. James Corden

9. Tre Holloway

10. Caroline Flack

11. Kristen Stewart

12. Christina Aguilera

13. Perrie Edwards

14. Jennifer Anniston

15. Liam Payne

16. Charlie Brooks

17. Molly King

18. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

19. Lewis Hamilton

20. Mel B

21. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger

22. Sarah Harding

23. Heidi Klum and Seal

24. Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj

25. Pudsey

26. Katy Perry

27. M.I.A

28. Frank Ocean

29. Kate Moss

30. District 3’s Dan Ferrari

How did you do?

0- 6 correct: VICTORIA SPONGE’S SOGGY BOTTOM

One mistake too many and you’re out of time. Mary reckons it’s best for everyone if you give up the baking for good and stick to the ready-sliced supermarket loafs and Mr Kipling’s offerings.

7-12 correct: SUE PERKIN’S WOODEN SPOON

You got a rise, but must try harder. Lack of baking skills means it’s back to the kitchen for you to work on your whisking. Don’t give up.

13-18 correct: MEL’S CHEF’S HAT

Not a bad crust and wonderful smell, Paul says take away the positives from this experience and give yourself a good pack on the back.

19-24 correct: MARY’S BERRY’S ICING ON THE CAKE

You’ve risen to the occasion and proven that your mixing skills are second to none. Mary’s chuffed to bits and says you can have the TV remote control power for a whole hour tonight.

25-30 correct: (PAUL) HOLLYWOOD BOOK DEAL

Good things come to those who bake - you’re our star baker and have landed a plum cookery book deal.

Paul Hollywood’s “very impressed”, so crack open the champers and help yourself to first dibs of the turkey leftovers.

Tre risque! Cheryl Cole unveils very raunchy new video for Ghetto Baby

Tre risque! Cheryl Cole unveils very raunchy new video for Ghetto Baby

25 Dec 2012 19:08

The video, shot by famous photographer Rankin, shows her cuddling up and dancing with boyfriend Tre Holloway

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Daily Mirror screen grab

Cheryl Cole gave her fans an extra Christmas present this morning by releasing a new video.

The Ghetto Baby video, shot by famous photographer Rankin, shows her cuddling up and dancing with boyfriend Tre Holloway.

The song was written by Lana Del Rey and features on Chezza’s third album, A Million Lights, which was released earlier this year.

On top of things: Cheryl balancing act

Daily Mirror Screengrab

Raunchy: Tre dancing around Chezza

She posted the video on the stroke of midnight after building up the excitement with a series of tweets featuring the hashtag #CCandRankinMidnightgift.

Cheryl said: “I love working with Rankin so much that I did this exclusively for him, here it is for you.”

She later added: “Merry Christmas everybody. It’s officially here.”

Watch the Ghetto Baby video

Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale wear sexy Christmas outfits, plus more celeb festive Twitpics including One Direction

Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale wear sexy Christmas outfits, plus more celeb festive Twitpics including One Direction

24 Dec 2012 18:08

The American hotties shared their saucy festive snap while other famous folks posted their festive photos

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Looking hot in December, nice work girls

TWITTER

If you're sat on your sofa wearing a Christmas jumper covered in crumbs from all of the mince pies you've eaten - then you're probably feeling pretty smug right now.

Hold it right there, we didn't want to be a Grinch and certainly aren't ones for snowing on your festive parade. But these celebrities have put our cheer to shame.

While we've been drinking Snowball cocktails and accidentally singing the wrong lyrics The Pogues really loud all day, these stars have been making some fun of their own.

Just check out the sexy outfits from Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale for example.

Or even the enormous Christmas tree as modelled by Perrie Edwards of Little Mix. It wouldn't even fit in an average block of flats, let alone our front room.

And birthday boy Louis Tomlinson is spending time with his girlfriend Eleanor Calder - earmuffs and everything.

Don't be too disheartened, though. There's still lots of turkey to eat tomorrow and plenty of b ooze in the fridge. So, er, glad tidings to you and all of your kings.

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TWITTER

XMAS TWITTER PICS

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Kim Kardashian shares adorable childhood picture with sisters Khloe and Kourtney wearing identical Christmas jumpers

Kim Kardashian shares adorable childhood picture with sisters Khloe and Kourtney wearing identical Christmas jumpers

24 Dec 2012 18:37

She posted the cute snap - which was taken nearly 20 years ago - on her blog attached with a festive message

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It was acceptable in the 80s - and it's acceptable now

Kim Kardashian / Celeb Buzz

We're used to seeing pictures of Kim Kardashian nearly-naked or staring into the eyes of boyfriend Kanye West.

So it was rather sweet to see she shared a sentimental childhood picture of her with sisters Kourtney and Khloe.

The photo was taken in 1985 with the now-famous sisters wearing matching Christmas outfits, which is pretty awesome.

Kim added a message to the post describing how she spends Christmas with 'family and friends', and uses it to 'reflect on the year.'

She wrote on her blog: 'I hope you are all having a wonderful and relaxing holiday break with your family.

'Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days of the year. When we were kids it would be a day filled with excitement and anticipation before Christmas Day!

'Now, as an adult, I love to spend quality time with family and friends and reflect on the year. Happy Holidays, everyone!

'Here’s a pic of me Kourt and Khloe back in 1985… of course all in our matching Chri stmas outfits.'

We fully expect rapper Kanye to join the controversial Kardashian family for the festive period.

Even if he was snubbed for their annual (and amazing) Kardashian Christmas card...

If you've forgotten about the bikini pictures that we all know Kim so well for, here are her best moments.

View gallery

Twitter

Kim Kardashian's sexiest moments

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Ellie Goulding looking forward to traditional Christmas after relentless work schedule

Ellie Goulding looking forward to traditional Christmas after relentless work schedule

24 Dec 2012 19:00

She has sung for royalty and the Obamas, but now Ellie just wants to spend time with her family this Christmas

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A traditional Christmas at home with her grandmother, mum and sisters is top of Ellie Goulding’s wish list as the festive season gets under way.

It will be a welcome break for the 25-year-old star who has been working relentlessly since her debut album Lights catapulted her to fame in 2010.

Last year, Ellie provided the live entertainment at Prince William and Kate’s wedding reception, and sang Christmas carols for the Obamas at the White House.

This year, she will enjoy considerably more cheer with her family than during the cash-strapped Christmases of her childhood in Hereford.

“We never had any money so it was always quite stressful,” Ellie recalls over a cup of herbal tea.

“My mum never wanted us to go without, so she’d start buying things for us early in the year.

“I was quite a weird kid because I didn’t like getting presents. I don’t know why. I just went for books all the time.”

This year’s family Ch ristmas will be very different to last year, which Ellie spent with her then boyfriend, Sonny Moore aka DJ Skrillex, dressed as Santas and handing out presents in the poor districts of Los Angeles.

“My family were like, ‘What are you doing?’ she recalls.

“But obviously they were fine when then realised that volunteering was what I wanted to do.”

Christmas will also give Ellie a chance to reflect on a year of consolidation and change.

Her second album Halcyon showed a more nuanced personality, and a bolder, more confident artist than the newcomer who won the Brits Critics’ Choice award in 2010.

She and Skrillex split in the autumn as the strain of keeping their relationship alive across two continents took its toll.

“It was just a bit rubbish, really,” she says. “We were simply living too far away. It was sad because we’re good mates.”

Until her just completed UK tour, Ellie had spent much of the year abroad.

 

Ex: Skrillex with Ellie

Getty

“People ask me when I’m moving back to the UK,” she smiles, “but I’ve always lived here, thank you very much.

"I start really missing London when I go away. I have a little flat, but very central. I live above a pub and you’d think it’d be a nightmare, but I like hearing the music and it’s quite comforting.

"They take care of me, take in my post and things like that.”

Settling into city life and a period in therapy has helped Ellie overcome the panic attacks that blighted her initial period in the spotlight.

“I feel I’ve been through that now and I’m over it,” she says.

“I can’t believe I got myself into that situation of panic. At the time it was normal for me to walk into a room, sit next to you and think, ‘I can’t do this’.

“At the time I couldn’t even leave my flat. Now if panic hits, you have to sort of be friends with your body. It’s like your body will actually work against you.

â €œEver since I’ve been young I’ve been fascinated by the human body.

"I’ve written songs about it, but you can become quite morbid if you think about it too much â€" paranoid and a hypochondriac.”

So how does she view her achievements to date?

“I feel very grateful and lucky for everything I’ve done,” Ellie admits. “But I’m still the same girl really. To have done the stuff I’ve done... it’s just incomprehensible.”

New single, Figure 8, is out now.

They're back together! Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez pictured kissing before jetting off on romantic ski trip

They're back together! Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez pictured kissing before jetting off on romantic ski trip

24 Dec 2012 16:39

They were snapped cuddling and snogging in the airport before meeting Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, according to reports

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K.I.S.S.I.N.G

Splash

They split up last month and have been fighting to save their relationship amid speculation they are officially over.

But Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez silenced their doubters and proved they are very much a couple in love when they were pictured kissing on Friday.

The couple appear to have sorted out their problems and settled their differences after being spotted cuddling up at Salt Lake City airport.

Selena was seen sat on Justin's lap as the teenage sweethearts and an eyewitness told Radar Online: 'They were very affectionate with each other. They were kissing on and off and they just sat together and talked and looked totally in love.'           

They flew to Utah for a romantic ski trip and were joined by another power couple, Taylor Swift and her boyfriend Harry Styles, it was reported.

They are legally adults, which is weird

REX

But when Selena arrived back in Los Angeles, Justin was nowhere to be seen.

Their reunion comes a few days after Justin was spotted ushering a mystery brunette - believed to be Selena - into his private jet.

It is understood they split in November and a number of reports in the US claim Justin's behaviour backstage at a Victoria's Secret show was to blame.

Apparently, the singer was flirting with the near-naked models. Which is only normal for an 18-year-old boy.

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justin bieber victoria's secrets

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Happy 21st Birthday, Louis! To celebrate, here's the One Direction singer's best bits, picture special

Happy 21st Birthday, Louis! To celebrate, here's the One Direction singer's best bits, picture special

24 Dec 2012 00:00

We've picked some amazing pictures and his funniest facts to celebrate the 'Sass Master' reaching his milestone birthday. Hooray!

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Get out the party poppers, silly string and balloons because it’s Louis Tomlinson’s birthday.

And it’s not just any yearly celebration, Louis is celebrating his milestone 21st today. It’s not like we would use a One Direction birthday as an excuse to look at pictures and Google amazing facts about them, ahem - Niall.

So we’re going to take this rare opportunity to dedicate a whole story to the legend that is Louis, the oldest member of the world’s biggest boyband.

If you’ve ever heard Louis talk then you’ll know all about his South Yorkshire twang.

He grew up in Doncaster and is actually from the same town as a bunch of other famous people like Jeremy Clarkson, Kevin Keegan and, er, Brian Blessed.

But if you’ve ever heard him sing, you might question the X Factor judges on what they know about vocal ability. Louis didn’t have, um, the strongest audition, let’s just leave it at that.

Each of these lovely pictures have his best quotes, funny facts and various moments of madness.

They're in no particular order and if you needed one last push of encouragement - he's naked in one of the pictures. HONESTLY.

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SPLASH

Louis Tomlinson's best moments

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Hip-hip, LOU-AAY!

Fancy looking at some pictures on One Direction before they were famous? Of course you do, they're HILARIOUS .

Chris who? Rihanna gets naked, smokes and gives to charity at Christmas

Chris who? Rihanna gets naked, smokes and gives to charity at Christmas

23 Dec 2012 17:43

Proving she really is the gift that keeps on giving, in more ways than one, Rihanna shares her wealth

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Thankfully, Rihanna isn't selfish and she's more than happy to share everything she has in her life.

This applies to her fortune, in every area. Firstly we'll concentrate on her generous nature because it feels like that's the right thing to do, being Christmas and all.

Rihanna has gone home ( alone - without Chris Brown, yeh! ) for Christmas and as well as doing a spot of last minute shopping , has decided to give three pieces of medical equipment to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital worth more than BDS $ 3.5million.

The donation was made from the Clara Lionel Foundation, in memory of her late, beloved grandmother Dolly.

Rihanna spotted out Christmas shopping in BridgeTown Barbados

Splash

 

“This was my way of giving back to Barbados in a form of philanthropy, by assisting the QEH in its continued modernization programme. . . .I believe that this will have a huge impact on the people of Barbados. This was all done to save lives or at least extend it," she said.

"I thank you all for being a part of it. Thank you. I’m really excited about it."

Rihanna's gran Dolly died earlier this year and the star posted many pictures of herself in the hospital with her before her death.

She kept herself busy working afterwards but has now returned home to Barbados for a holiday over Christmas.

There were rumours she was planning on spending the break with violent ex Chris Brown but it seems she's there alone and has hopefully come to her senses over getting back with him.

It certainly looks like she's relaxing, which brings us to the second part of this Rihanna gives to the world story, because she's been sharing her hol snaps, as usual (a s has Jodie Marsh, who just happens to be in Barbados too... we doubt they'll hook up).

And as is the norm, they're mainly semi-naked, very pleasing and smoking hot.

With any luck, her charitable goodwill shall continue all over the holidays...

Louis Smith celebrates Strictly Come Dancing win until 5am, hic!

Louis Smith celebrates Strictly Come Dancing win until 5am, hic!

23 Dec 2012 12:39

He blew the judges away during the Strictly final so Louis had every reason for a right good knees up

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Louis was one happy chappy considering it was 5am

Eroteme

That there is the face of a happy, very bleary-eyed winner. Louis Smith won Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night and understandably went out to celebrate afterwards.

He certainly put in some hours too, because this was the result at 5am on Sunday morning as he peered out of the slits where his eyes used to be, still clutching onto his glitter ball trophy. We really feel like saying a patronising 'bless' at this point. Oh, we just did.

Louis went to the Mayfair Club in London, where we assume he threw some serious on the dancefoor, seeing as he's the prancing Queen King now.

Louis and his proud face with his partner Flavia and their massive prize

BBC

 

Just hours before he beat Denise Van Outen, Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and Dani Harmer in the Strictly final and scored top marks from the judges.

Judge Darcey Bussell told him: "You blew me away. That had grace, it had fluidity. It was sensual as well."

You're welcome

Guy Levy / BBC

The sexy part was presumably down to the fact he stripped off and posed up half naked during his performance.

That got top marks from us too. He's probably feeling a little less victorious right now, but that's nothing a bacon sandwich, ten bags of crisps and some cheese won't solve.

Louis might be a good dancer but he seems to have forgotten how to walk

Eroteme