Thursday, December 16, 2010

By ANDREA MAGRATH

First look: The official trailer for the new Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon film Water For Elephants has been released


Any film starring Robert Pattinson is sure to be hit with the tweens, but his latest looks like something their parents might enjoy too.

The first trailer for the Twilight star's new movie Water For Elephants debuted today.

The period drama, set in a travelling circus, stars Reese Witherspoon at the Pattinson's love interest.


Heartthrob: Robert Pattinson plays 23-year-old veterinary student Jacob Jankowski


The 24-year-old British actor stars as Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who drops out of school and runs away after the tragic death of his parents during The Great Depression.

He happens upon a The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth travelling circus, and is hired to care for the circus animals.

He meets the violent head trainer August, played by Inglourious Basterds star Christoph Waltz, and his wife, the beautiful performer Merlena (Witherspoon).


Tragedy: His character runs away after the tragic death of his parents and is hired to care for the animals in a travelling circus


Spectacle: Reese stars as the beautiful Circus performer Marlena


The story, based on the 2006 novel by Sara Gruen, starts with a 93-year-old Jacob (Hal Holbrook), coming across a circus in present day, and recalling his memories to some of the circus workers.

Hinting at the storyline to come, he tells them he witnessed 'the most famous circus disaster of all time' - an event fans of the novel will recall.

The forbidden love story between Witherspoon and Pattinson's characters is played out with plenty of brooding and longing gazes - something Robert has much experience with thanks to his Twilight background.


Adaptation: the film, set during The Great Depression, is based on Sara Gruen's 2006 novel


Longing: Pattinson's character quickly falls for Marlena


Reese is glamorous as Marlena with 1930s pin curls and a dazzling array of stage costumes.

Reese and Robert filmed the movie over the summer, in between Pattinson's shooting schedule for the Twilight saga.

At the premiere of her latest film How Do You Know in LA this week, Reese sang her co-star's praises: 'He was wonderful, he's a really great actor,' she said on the red carpet. He just has an incredible work ethic. He works so hard and it was really fun.'

And it appears 34-year-old Reese may have joined the hordes of Twi-hards. 'I'm not gonna lie. He's a very, very handsome man,' she told USA Today.


Torn: Marlena is forced to choose between her husband and the handsome young Jacob


Tragedy: The storyline hints at 'the most famous circus disaster of all time'


Memories: The story is told through flashbacks by a 93-year-old Jacob
'The fervor and madness and girls waiting at 5am on a set in the middle of nowhere just to see him.'


She gushed: 'He's sweet and loving and has the nicest family. Kristen is really sweet, too. He's a very sensitive soul. He worked really hard. He looks great in the movie, too.'

During filming in June, Reese brought her children Ava and Deacon on set to meet her co-star.

A source said told People magazine at the time: 'Ava seemed especially excited to meet him.


From mother to lover: The pair worked together on Reese's 2004 film Vanity Fair, when Rob played her son


Gushing: Reese said of Robert, ''He was wonderful, he's a really great actor... 'I'm not gonna lie. He's a very, very handsome man'


And this is not the first time the pair have worked together.
A then-unknown Pattinson played Reese's son in her 2004 film Vanity Fair, when he was 17.

'I remember he was verrrrry [sic] handsome! I was like, "I have a really handsome son!"' she said earlier this year.

'I had to sob and cry all over him, but he was great.'


Teen heartthrob: Pattinson is back at work on the fourth installment of the Twilight saga, Breaking Dawn


Reese is currently promoting How Do You Know, alongside co-stars Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson.

She has just wrapped another romantic comedy, This Means War, in which she stars as a woman caught between two lifelong best friends, Tom Hardy and Chris Pine.

Meanwhile Robert is back filming the final installment in the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn.

He and co-star and girlfriend Kristen Stewart recently returned from Brazil, where they filmed the famous honeymoon scenes from the fourth book.
Water For Elephants is released in the UK on April 22.




source: dailymail

By ANITA BENNETT

Tribute: President Barack Obama paid tribute to Larry King on his final CNN talkshow


He has interviewed presidents, royalty and stars of all kinds. But after 25 years, tonight saw the final episode of CNN chat show Larry King Live.

The last day of the 77-year-old's show was so heralded, that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed Thursday 'Larry King Day'.

And not one but two presidents - Barack Obama and Bill Clinton - joined those lining up to pay tribute to King, surprising many.

In a message recorded at the White House President Obama told viewers: 'I want to join all of you in congratulating Larry King.'


And another: President Bill Clinton also found the time to appear on the show


Former president Clinton added: 'Thank you for the years, you were great.'

But perhaps the guests who meant the most to King were his family, who joined him to watch as crooner Tony Bennett, 84, sang The Best Is Yet To Come.

Chance, 11, was looking forward to the future, and having his dad at his baseball games: 'I'm really happy because now I can be with you more and probably be with you more.' And Cannon, ten, added: 'It's gonna be great.'


All the family: King, a father of five, was joined by wife Shawn and sons Chace and Cannon


King himself had kept the day low key as he kept to his normal morning routine of breakfast with friends in Beverly Hills, seeming somewhat bemused by the camera crews there to greet him.

And he opened his show in a similar tone, joking: 'I knew this day was coming. These words aren't easy to say... Bill Maher.'

But by the end of the show the tears had come, and King told his audience: 'It's not very often in my life I've been lost for words.


A last goodbye: TV legends Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyers wave goodbye to Larry


'I want to thank everybody associated with this programme, everybody that makes it possible - even the suits at the top.

'When I started out 25 years ago in a little studio in Washington DC I never thought it would last as long as this.'

King promised he wasn't going away for good, and would still appear on CNN from time to time.

'I don't know what to say, so instead I'll say this to you, my audience. Thank you. And instead of goodbye, how about so long.'


Last moments: King and his family joined by Maher, Seacrest and Dr Phil at the end of his final show


Saying goodbye: Talkshow host Dr Phil and American journalist Katie Couric


During the show King had admitted he found it impossible to pick a favourite interview, from amongst the 50,000 plus he has conducted. 'It's hard,' he said.
But one thing he wasn't indecisive about was his trademark braces. 'They won't be going anywhere.'

On a lighter note, Ryan Seacrest reminisced about the day they first met, at an airport in Paris.

Not recognising the American Idol host, King asked him to carry his bags. After his wife pointed out his mistake, King invited Seacrest onto his show.

Also on the show were some of the most powerful women in television.
Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, and Diane Sawyers all appeared.


The Best Is Yet To Come: Crooner Tony Bennett sings to King


Guests: Ryan Seacrest, left, and Bill Maher joined Larry King on his final show
But, while the talkshow host seemed determined to keep things on a relaxed note, others gave the event the solemnity they felt it deserved.


Larry King Day: The presenter goes for breakfast in Beverly Hills on the final day of his CNN show


He came close to divorce earlier this year after his current wife, Shawn Southwick filed papers, alleging King had been embroiled in an affair with her sister, Shannon.

Shannon vehemently denied an affair and Larry and Shawn seemed to work through their troubles, halting divorce proceedings and reconciling.

But, the drama was far from over. Shawn attempted suicide after overdosing on prescription pills.


Famous guests: Frank Sinatra is among the 50,000 interviewees to have starred in the more than 6,000 shows


So man memorable shows: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has appeared on King's show many times


As well as his personal struggles, King has also endured career troubles this past year, fighting against declining ratings and trying to stay relevant in an ever changing and ever more competitive market.

The show currently ranks third in his time slot behind Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity and MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, the Associated Press said, adding that Larry King Live drew about 700,000 viewers in 2010, down from an average of 1.64 nightly viewers in 1998, the show's peak year.

Over the years, King has conducted some 50,000 interviews in a broadcasting career where he worked for decades in radio before joining CNN in 1985.


Memorable moments: The late great Marlon Brando gave a bizarre interview with King in 2005 which even resulted in a big kiss on the lips


California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed Thursday 'Larry King Day'


According to CNN: 'Larry King broadcast for 20 consecutive nights in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina.'

'His post-disaster programming included interviews with more than 250 guests and a live, three-hour network special', the cable network wrote on its website CNN.com.

King has also been inducted into five of America's leading broadcasting halls of fame and and he has won the George Foster Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting.

The city of Los Angeles has named a street after him and a few weeks ago, the city tapped King to be Grand Marshall of the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

King, who has been described as the 'Muhammad Ali of the broadcast interview' is believed to be planning some time off after his departure, but will still host occasional specials for CNN.

British talk-show host and America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, 45, will take over King's coveted time slot in January.

Morgan has acknowledged that King's shoes are large ones to fill, quipping that it's like following 'Sinatra in Vegas'.

The former Daily Mirror editor has said that he wants the show to be 'provocative and challenging' and that he wants U.S. President Barack Obama to be one of his first guests.


Presidential: Over the years King has interviewed all the U.S. Presidents as well as many of the most prominent world leaders



Who is Larry King?

Young whipper snapper: King as a fledging broadcaster 21 years ago, at an event in 1989


Born Lawrence Harvey Zeiger on November 19, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, King became a television and radio icon.

King's father, Edward Zeiger, was a restaurant owner and defence plant worker, and his mother Jennie Gitlitz, was a garment worker.

Although King was raised in a strictly religious and observant Jewish household, in later life he turned his back on the faith and became an agnostic.

Zeiger died from heart disease at the young age of 44, forcing King's mother to go on welfare to support her two young sons.

After graduating from High school King started work full time to help support his mother, but he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in showbusiness or journalism in some way.

King began his broadcast career in the 1950s as a local journalist and radio interviewer in Florida.
He rose through the ranks to become a prominent all-night national radio broadcaster starting in 1978, and then, in 1985, began hosting the nightly interview TV program Larry King Live on CNN.

Over his expansive career he has earned an Emmy, two Peabody Awards and ten Cable ACE Awards amongst other accolades.


Larry King Live: Final Show


By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

She's back: Anton Du Beke lifts up Ann Widdecombe as they rehearse for the group dance for Strictly Come Dancing's final


Two weeks after Ann Widdecome was voted off Strictly Come Dancing, the former MP is bringing her two left feet back to the dancefloor.

The dancing-challenged star, 63, was reunited with professional partner Anton Du Beke this week to rehearse for a group dance number with all her former Strictly contestants.

Despite vowing to never dance again after she was voted off two weeks ago, Widdecombe is expected to take the dancefloor along with other Strictly evictees, including Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal.

All the celebrity contestants have been reunited with their professional partners to perform a brief dance on Saturday's final before this year's winner is crowned.

Kara Tointon will go up against TV presenter Matt Baker and psychologist Pamela Stephenson for the 2010 glitterball trophy.

Keen to avoid Ann's uncoordinated dance steps, it looks like Du Beke may spend most of his brief sequence on Saturday's final carrying her around.


Getting their groove on: (Front L-R) Erin Boag, Katya Virshilas, Michelle Williams, Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal, with (back L-R) Jimi Mistry, Peter Shilton and Goldie


Reunited: (L-R) Kristina Rihanoff, Goldie, Felicity Kendal, Vincent Simone, Boag, Shilton, Williams and Brendan Cole


Widdecombe managed to survive nine weeks on the show before being voted off in week 10, despite consistently receiving low scores from the judges.

Despite admitting she was having lots of fun on the show, she insisted it was right for viewers to vote her off.

She said at the time: 'I knew we were going out because we were the only two left who weren't up to the standard of the others.


Bookies favourite: Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani are favourite to win this year's show with 8/14 odds



Feeling the strain: Kara Tointon, who is said to be battling the flu, rehearses with partner Artem Chigvintsev


Too much fun: Pamela Stephenson and her dance partner James Jordan look like they're having plenty of fun


'I'm a bit disappointed. But you've got very, very, top notch high-performing dancers. For heaven's sake, I'm still trying to do one, two, three.'

Meanwhile, Kara's rehearsals this week have run into difficulty after the actress was struck down with a bout of the flu.

Writing on her Twitter on Wednesday, she said: 'I'm a zombie !!! Lol . Brain shutting down. God damn x.'


Mwah: Vincent plants a kiss on Felicity's cheek as Patsy shows off some good 'armology' with partner Robin


Larking around: Katya laughs as she is lifted up by rugby player Gavin Henson


The ailing former EastEnder, who is rehearsing four dances with partner Artem Chigvintsev, is second favourite to win with 7/4 odds by bookmakers Paddy Power.

But Countryfile presenter Baker and Aliona Vilani are the favourites with 8/15 odds, with Pamela and James Jordan as the outsiders with 15/2 odds.

The Strictly Come Dancing 2010 final airs this Saturday on BBC One at 7pm.


Upside down: Felicity, Patsy and Katya are thrown upside down by their partners


Queen of the dance: Katya looks at home on Gavin's shoulders as the couples dance around her


Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke - Strictly Come Dancing 2010, Week 9 - BBC One



source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Happy news: It has been confirmed that Mariah Carey is expecting twins


Ever since Mariah Carey referred to her unborn child as 'they', the rumour that she was having twins has refused to go away.

And despite flatly denying the claims only a week ago, her husband Nick Cannon has finally confirmed the rumours.

The radio DJ told listeners today on his radio show Rollin With Nick Cannon, 'We are having twins.'

And Cannon added that the President and First Lady were the first to be privy to the secret.

The 30-year-old, who married Carey in April 2008, told listeners that his wife was chatting to the Obamas backstage at TNT's Christmas in Washington on Sunday when they asked her about the pregnancy.

'They, ironically enough, questioned my wife about, you know, "So, what are you having, are you having twins?"' he said.

'And at this point she hadn't told anybody anything because doctors advised us to keep it to ourselves until we get further along.'


Pssst... are you having twins, then? Carey let the news slip chatting backstage to the Obamas on Sunday at the Christmas in Washington event


'And because of the excitement, because of the emotion, she was overwhelmed [and] she shared with the president and first lady that we are having twins.'

The America's Got Talent host hinted at the news yesterday, telling E!: 'It's a touchy issue, because you never want to speak on too much stuff too early.'

'But my wife, at one time, she said, well she referred to her stomach as "they" and that probably wasn't the wrong thing for her to do,' he said. 'That's all I'm gonna say.'


Father-to-be: Her husband Nick Cannon confirmed the news on his radio show


The 40-year-old singer referred to her unborn child as 'they' in an interview with Radio Disney.

'I just hope that they don't turn out hating Christmas!' she joked.

But just last week, Cannon was still attempting to cover up the slip-up, explaining that Mariah used the plural term to cover both male and female sexes.

'That rumor started because she said something about "they". Something like, "I hope they don’t hate Christmas,” but she was using the word "they" as in, like, he and she,' he told Us Magazine.


Rumours: Mariah fuelled speculation over twins when she referred to her bump as 'they' during an interview
But thanks to the Obamas, the cat is now well and truly out of the bag.


Mariah said she had been 'excited' to share the news with the President and the First Lady and it had been a 'very special moment'.

The singer announced in October that she is expecting her first baby with husband Nick Cannon.

Mariah has been open about the effects her pregnancy has had on her body, claiming to be 'exhausted' and 'nauseous'.



Nosy: After grilling the singer on her pregnancy backstage at the festive event President and Michelle Obama were the first privy to the secret


Vowing to reveal as little as possible about the pregnancy after suffering a miscarriage two years ago, the couple have not revealed the babies' due date.
The twins are thought to be due in spring 2011.

Carey, the self-professed 'Queen of Christmas,' recently released "Merry Christmas II You' - her 13th studio album.


Mariah Carey - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town & Oh Santa


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Festive spirit: Britney Spears' house is looking very festive this year as she lights up her Calabasas mansion with thousands of fairy lights


Britney Spears' electricity meter is going to clocking up some serious numbers this holiday season.

The singer, who recently returned from a romantic Mexican getaway with her boyfriend Jason Trawick, is clearly full of the Christmas spirit this year - lighting-up her multi-million dollar home like Santa's Grotto.

Britney has decorated the Calabasas mansion and it's surrounding grounds with thousands of fairy lights and assorted Christmas related decorations.

Along with the miles of fairy lights are giant inflatable, illuminated Santas, little drummer boys, reindeer, arc angels, baubles and stars.

The single mother of two has even hung a huge, colourful, decorative helicopter with Santa at the wheel from the roof.

Every tree on the property is strung with fairy lights and the steps leading up to the Britney's sweeping driveway is festooned with lights.

In addition, many features of the huge home are illuminated in bright colourful light, making for an over-all effect of a little Las Vegas.


Santa's grotto: The house is lit up all the way round and she has also placed several large illuminated Santas as well as little drummer boys, arc angels, baubles and stars


It makes for a truly festive sight, but not all Britney's neighbours in the mega-exclusive private gated community are pleased with the spectacle.

'It looks pretty trashy all in all,' one displeased neighbour sniffed. 'I mean, it's one thing to hang some lights up and to mark the season but the giant inflatable Father Christmas statues and the huge trumpet playing angels on the roof are taking it all to a whole new level.'

Another wasn't quite so overtly critical, commenting: ' Britney was the first to put her lights up this year. By the look of things she's certainly feeling extremely festive this year.'

It seems that many don't see the 29-year-old as the perfect next door neighbour. When Britney sold her old house in Beverly Hills two years ago it was reported that the locals sighed a huge sigh of relief.


Little Las Vegas: Britney's house certainly stands out from the others on the street in her exclusive gated community


Veteran TV personality, Ed Mc McMahon, for one, publicly cited Spears as one of the reasons why in two years he had not received a single offer on his 7,000-square-foot home that eventually sold for more than $3 million less than its original asking price.

'In the midst of trying to sell this property, there were a lot of distractions,' Johnny Carson's former sidekick said, citing paparazzi who had converged around the nearby home of Spears.

'When we were trying to sell the house one time, there were about 100 paparazzi there,' he said.

Meantime TMZ report that Britney will soon have one new neighbour who is most certainly used to the flashing bulbs and constant attention of the world's press.

The U.S. based website says that Katherine Jackson has moved into a home just one block from Britney.


Even millionaire's love a bargain: Britney was spotted checking out the boy's shirts at discount chain Walmart in Los Angeles on December 7


Katherine, along with her late son Michael Jackson's three children are renting a 12,670 square-foot mansion for a cool $26,000 a month.

It's just a temporary measure, whilst her Encino home is being extensively remodelled but it sounds like the family certainly won't be slumming it.

TMZ report that the home has 7 bedrooms and features a game room, movie theatre, guest house, wine cellar and much more.



Adding to the festivities: Spears was also spotted checking out the mini Christmas trees along with other decorations

source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Birthday girl: Danielle Lloyd looks fresh-faced as she heads to her publicist's office in Bloomsbury yesterday


Danielle Lloyd spent her 27th birthday yesterday with her favourite man - her five-month-old baby Archie.

In contrast with her usual high glamour persona, the Scouse model decided to go make-up free as she enjoyed a busy day in London.

After lunch with boyfriend Jamie O'Hara at the C London restaurant in Mayfair, Danielle and Archie headed off to her publicist's office in Bloomsbury.

The young mother looked slightly tired, but happy as she pushed her son's pram through the busy central London streets.

As well as being make-up free, the Celebrity Big Brother star was dressed casually in an all-black ensemble of jeans, jacket and a turban-style woolly hat.

As well as the pram and her handbag, Danielle had her hands full with a large bouquet of flowers and a brown gift bag containing one of her birthday presents.

Once inside her agent's office, she was presented with a box of birthday cupcakes.


Natural beauty: Danielle didn't appear to mind being photographed without make-up


Gloomy day: Danielle didn't let the cold and wet weather affect her birthday


Writing on her Twitter page, Danielle enthused: 'Getting spoilt in London by Jamie - Cartier, C restaurant for champagne lunch with Archie and more shopping soon. Very lucky girl - love my family.'

Essex-based Lloyd's day out in London came two days after she enjoyed a late night out in the capital with Tottenham Hotspurs player O'Hara and Archie.

The couple brought little Archie out to their favourite restaurant Nobu in Mayfair till 1am on Wednesday morning, before handing him over to his auntie as they carried on partying.


High spirits: Danielle's visit to her publicist's office came after a lavish lunch with boyfriend Jamie O'Hara at C London


With Archie heading home with a relative, O'Hara and Lloyd moved on to Whisky Mist nightclub until 3am.

The couple were originally set to marry in June 2011, but announced in October they had postponed their nuptials to concentrate on adjusting to their new family life.

A spokesman for the model explained at the time of the news, back in October: 'Like any young couple with a newborn baby, Danielle and Jamie have seen how easy the pressures of parenthood can affect a relationship.


Me and my boy: Danielle poses for a photo with baby Archie in C London for her birthday lunch


'With this in mind, they have decided to postpone their wedding next year and concentrate on raising Archie and working hard on their respective careers.'

'They are very much in love and want to make things work.'

The couple had a whirlwind romance and got engaged seven months after they met when Danielle became pregnant.



Late night: Danielle and Jamie leaving Whisky Mist at 3am on Wednesday morning




source: dailymail