Tabloid Digest

After a couple of months of partying and copycat dressing, it seems as though Britney Spears has at last come to her senses and dumped her friend Paris Hilton. Since the breakdown of her marriage to Kevin Federline in November, Britney and Paris have been inseparable and appeared at many a celebrity party.

Britney had even taken to copying Paris’s dress sense – hair dos, dresses and sunglasses and even a stocking!

The mother of two has realised that the endless partygoing has damaged her reputation and has told Paris that she no longer wants to be seen in public with her. Ms Hilton is said to be “fuming”. Britney was voted as “Worst celebrity role model” (with Paris in second place). What next for Ms Spears?

Legendary rocker Rod Stewart is to receive a CBE ( Commander of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours, for his services to music. During his career (spanning 5 decades), Rod has had 62 hit singles and 6 No.1s in the UK. Rod is on tour during 2007.
In the UK, Honours are awarded twice a year, in June (for the Queen’s birthday) and at the New Year. They are awarded to people for all types of service, including teachers, nurses, actors, scientists, diplomats and broadcasters.

The largest number of awards goes to those providing services to their local communities – mainly volunteers. More information is available at the offical website for 10 Downing Street) (see http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/page7644.asp).

Other people to receive honours include:

• John Dankworth (Jazz musician) – Knighthood
• Vivienne Westwood (fashion designer) – CBE
• Bruce Forsyth (entertainer) – CBE
• Sanjeev Bhaskar (comedian) – OBE
• Robbie Coltrane (actor) – OBE
• Hugh Laurie (actor) – OBE
• Gordon Ramsay (chef) – OBE
• Andrew Flintoff (cricketer) – MBE
• Steven Gerrard (footballer) – MBE
• Kevin Pietersen (cricketer) – MBE
• Zara Phillips (equestrian) – MBE

In another twist in the saga of the feuding McCartneys, it appears that Sir Paul McCartney has now had enough after taking away paintings from the home of estranged wife Heather McCartney, worth in excess of £10 million.

The ever publicity shy Ms McCartney broke the “story” to the press after trying to gain entry to the house, and noticing that the alarm codes had been changed and the paintings were missing. The paintings in question included Renoirs and Picassos from Sir Paul’s life time collection, and where taken for “security” reasons.

There appears to be some confusion about the events in the run up to the painting being taken, with Ms McCartney indicating that she was not aware of the situation, while Sir Paul’s camp confirming that all solicitors and authorities had been made aware of the situation. The fact that the police have declined the invitation to become involved speak volumes.

In one of the most bizarre betting offers of the year, Ladbrokes have quoted the warring McCartney’s at 250/1 to remarry in 2007 – surely that should be 2,500,00 /1?

James Brown’s body has been moved to the Apollo Theatre in Harlem carried on a white carriage pulled by two white horses. He made his debut at the threatre in 1956 and was later catapulted to fame and fortune. In true style, the crowd that gathered danced and sang in celebration of his life.

There is expected to be a private ceremony for friends and family tomorrow with a second viewing of the body on Saturday. Director Spike Lee intends to make a film about the singer’s life.

Brokeback Mountain star Jake Gyllenhaal and his sister Maggie were forced to flee from their holiday lodge in North California after fire swept through the property.

The fire appears to have been started by a falling tree, however it quickly took hold and time was critical for the two Hollywood actors to make good their escape. The area of Manka’s Inverness Lodge is a hive of celebrity bolt-holes with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall having visited the area last year on their US travels.

The Hollywood career of Jake Gyllenhaal appears well set for the future, after the mega success of Brokeback Mountain which took the film industry by surprise.

In a ray of good news from Hollywood, it has been confirmed that Julia Roberts is expecting her third child with husband Danny Moder.

The Hollywood star has certainly not let mother hood hold her back, and some how seems to be able to juggle the rigours of family life with the pressures of stardom. The once troubled personal life of Julia Roberts has settled down over the last few years, and she appears to have one of the strongest marriages in the industry.

Long may Ms Roberts continue to be successful in her personal and working life, as there are few who would argue that she does not deserve her happiness.