October 28, 2008 1:57 PM
Elvis Presley's ghostly protection
Elvis Presley has vowed to watch over his family from beyond the grave after 'meeting' his daughter Lisa Marie's new twins through a medium.
Lisa Marie Presley - the late music legend's daughter, who gave birth to twin daughters Finley and Harper earlier this month - asked a medium to introduce the babies to her father and was delighted when the spirit guide contacted the singer.
Lisa Marie is quoted by Britain's Daily Star newspaper as saying: "This was my dad, this was Elvis coming through. I would know his energy anywhere and this was him, I have no doubt.
"Not only was it his voice but I could feel the exact same love he gave me when I was a little girl. It was so overwhelming that I started to cry.
"The medium comforted me with his words by telling me that he was proud of me and the babies were beautiful, he's doing fine on the other side and he watches over me. And I sort of got acclimatised to this and dried my eyes and we had this amazing link.
"The most comforting thing he told me is that even though he's not here physically any more he is still with me and he watches over the babies too."
Meanwhile, Lisa Marie's mother Priscilla - who was the wife of Elvis, who died in 1977 aged 42 - revealed it is "a dream come true" to be a grandmother again.
She said: "My daughter just had twins, so that's a dream come true. It's been a real delight entering into the room and seeing these two little babies - it's been pretty terrific.
"Father's a little nervous. He's a first-time dad, so it's the most beautiful thing to watch the way he holds and carries the babies. It's so endearing to watch how delicate he is."
The twins are Lisa Marie's first children with husband Michael Lockwood.
She also has two children by ex-husband Danny Keough - Riley, 19, and Benjamin, 16.
Posted by Maus on October 28, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
October 17, 2008 12:31 PM
Kanye West's naked launch
Rapper Kanye West caused a stir at the launch party of his new album '808s and Heartbreak' by inviting 40 naked models to attend.
The rapper unveiled his eagerly-anticipated fourth album '808s and Heartbreak' - due to be released in November - at a lavish bash at Los Angeles' Ace Gallery on Tuesday (14.10.08), but guests were amazed to find the room full of nude beauties wearing masks.
A source said: "After waiting in an area with an open bar and a DJ, we walked up a driveway illuminated by fluorescent lights to a darkened room where we saw 40 nude women. Most of them were wearing strange masks made of wool.
"The models stood in the middle of the room - black girls at the front and white girls at the back. Then the entire album played without any introduction or explanation."
Kanye insists the women were "live performance artists" who appeared as part of an arranged art show he masterminded with Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft.
After the playback - in front of 700 fans and industry professionals - had finished, Kanye appeared alongside the model and launched a foul-mouthed tirade against critics who are considering giving the album a negative review.
He said: "These are pieces of real life that I'm putting out for people to judge. It's from my heart.
"I don't give a f**k if someone rates it 'hot' or 'not.' I'm here to bring positivity that cannot be judged. It's like judging a grandmother's love."
The star also revealed plans to release another full-length album next summer and explained new song 'Cold As Winter' is a tribute to his mother, who died following complications from cosmetic surgery operation late last year.
Posted by Maus on October 17, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (3)
October 16, 2008 2:13 PM
Stevie Wonder's house destroyed
'Superstition' singer Stevie Wonder has been left "utterly devastated" after his Los Angeles house was destroyed by wildfires earlier this week
The 'Superstition' singer's residence in the city's Porter Ranch area was ravaged by the deadly flames earlier this week.
A source close to the 58-year-old star told the New York Post newspaper: "Everything was destroyed - all of Stevie's memorabilia, photos, musical instruments, history, clothing, furniture, everything.
"It's all gone. It was his main residence and he is utterly devastated. Stevie has had to put his tour and appearances on hold while he deals with this."
The wildfires - which have killed two people - are expected to be contained today (16.10.08).
However, officials are warning that October and November could see more fires in the region when the winds start after months of dry weather.
Senator Dianne Feinstein explained: "As the climate warms and wild land fires become bigger and more intense, a rapid response is critical to prevent the spread of fires."
Posted by Maus on October 16, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 17, 2008 12:36 PM
Ronnie Wood drinking again?
Ronnie Wood's wife Jo is reportedly convinced the Rolling Stones guitarist is back drinking, despite recently leaving rehab.
The 61-year-old guitarist was seen out with friends, including snooker star Ronnie Sullivan and artist Damien Hirst, only days after leaving Surrey's Life Works rehab clinic, where he was being treated for drink, sex and drug addictions.
A friend close to Jo, 53, said: "To say she has her suspicions about his drinking would be an understatement. Nothing surprises her with Ron any more.
"He's moved back from rehab and his family are sure he is back on the vodka. They know him better than anyone else. One of his sons was told Ron had been spotted drinking neat vodka again.
"Jo knows better than anyone that he is an expert at keeping his drinking under the radar."
Jo previously vowed to refuse to speak to Ronnie until he was drink-free, though she did visit him towards the end of his stint in rehab.
Others who attended the party with Ronnie at London's exclusive Claridge's restaurant insist he didn't have a drink on the night, sticking to coffee.
A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Ron played snooker, ate bacon and egg rolls and drank some coffee. Ronnie O'Sullivan scored a 145 break and everyone left with a smile on their face. It was all good, clean fun.
"Ronnie has been having sessions three nights a week with an addiction counsellor even though he has left rehab and is doing really well."
Ronnie was originally admitted to rehab in July following a ten-day drinking session with now 20-year-old Ekaterina Ivanova, a Russian-born waitress, who he met in a London club.
Posted by Maus on September 17, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 11, 2008 2:20 PM
Mariah Carey's book ban
Mariah Carey is so concerned by revelations set to appear in a new tell-all book written by her former record producer Damion 'Damizza' Young that she is desperate to stop it being published.
Posted by Maus on September 11, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
September 8, 2008 2:19 PM
Jordin Sparks' purity ring
'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks says she wears a purity ring because she doesn't want to look like a "sl*t".
The 'American Idol' winner, who wears the band on her left ring finger to show she won't have sex before marriage, has spoken out against promiscuous teenagers.
She said: "I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It's not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody - guy or girl - wants to be a sl*t."
Jordin, 18, made the passionate speech at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles last night (07.09.08), after the show's host Russell Brand ridiculed the Jonas Brothers for wearing purity rings.
The British comic, who claimed the young musicians should be using their celebrity status to date, later apologised for his comments, saying: "I didn't meant to take it lightly. I don't want to p**s off teenage fans."
He added cheekily: "Promise rings, I'm well up for it. But a bit of sex, it never hurt anybody."
Earlier this year, Jordin was romantically linked to R'n'B singer-songwriter Steph Jones.
Posted by Maus on September 8, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 27, 2008 2:40 PM
Carmen Electra's Kim injury
Carmen Electra has revealed she was left burnt following her "sexy" wrestling scene with Kim Kardashian in new spoof film 'Disaster Movie'.
The former 'Baywatch' actress was left scarred following the raunchy fight she has with Kim in the new spoof film 'Disaster Movie'.
She said: "I'd met Kim, but I really got to know her in our wrestling scene. There's hair pulling and I hurt my back and got some burn marks. But it's also sexy. We're sort of playing with the idea that guys get turned on by girls wrestling. We get into some down and dirty positions, so it's a good thing we became friends. Kim is so cool, not to mention being hot!"
Carmen also revealed despite her glamorous persona, she lives a normal life and does not always maintain her immaculate appearance.
She added to Parade.com: "I've sort of created that image, but it's definitely a part of who I am. One of the big misconceptions about me is that I walk around in mini-skirts and high heels twenty-four seven and go to the gym in heels.
"When people see me dressed normally, they can't believe it. It's really weird. But if I didn't have a sexy side, I wouldn't have done Playboy magazine and I wouldn't have done 'Baywatch' and a lot of other things."
Posted by Maus on August 27, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 14, 2008 8:30 AM
P. Diddy's sex medal
Music mogul P. Diddy claims he could win an Olympic gold medal for sexual stamina.
P. Diddy says he could win an Olympic gold medal for sexual stamina.
The music mogul claims he would win the top prize if he took part in a contest to see who could have sex for the longest amount of time.
When asked what brand new Olympic title he thought he could win, P. Diddy replied: "Who could have sex the longest! I think that's an event I can do well in.
"And probably who could stay up the longest. Just so you know, that's supposed to be funny... even though I am serious."
When queried on who his competitors might be, he added to New York magazine: "Whoever's up for the challenge."
The rapper has previously boasted his sexual performance is so good he "makes women's legs shake".
However, Diddy also insists he has a more sensitive side and likes being romantic.
He said: "There was this young lady recently that I invited to a party but it was a party with just me and her, you know what I'm saying? And I'd made a playlist of all the songs that reminded me of her. Because most of them were slow we ended up dancing and then things progressed.
"I'm definitely a romantic - I'm a helpless romantic."
Posted by Maus on August 14, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 12, 2008 1:45 PM
Kelly Rowland's bar bill
Kelly Rowland spent almost £200,000 on a night out with friends including U2's Bono in St. Tropez, France.
The former Destiny's Child singer racked up a £196,230 bar bill on guests - including U2 frontman Bono - at Amika's Weekend Takeover in St. Tropez, France, on Friday (08.08.08).
A source revealed: "Kelly was the ultimate host and even when the bar bill began to spiral out of control she didn't close the tab.
"At one point Kelly started dancing and put on a silly hat, which made everyone laugh.
"Bono arrived quite late and Kelly told him to order whatever he wanted."
The 10-hour drinking session saw 30 revellers drink 50 magnums of vintage Dom Perignon champagne, costing £3,000 each, 24 bottles of tequila at £490 each and 10 bottles of £2,000 cognac.
St. Tropez is a favourite holiday destination of many stars.
As well as Kelly and Bono, 'Closer' singer Ne-Yo and supermodel Naomi Campbell have been seen holidaying there in recent weeks.
Posted by Maus on August 12, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 5, 2008 3:54 PM
Cher's 45million mansion sale
'Believe' singer Cher has put her Malibu mansion on the market for a staggering $45 million.
The 'Believe' singer built the three-storey property, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, in 1992.
The 14,000 sq ft house boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a theatre, gym, tennis court, swimming pool and guest house.
Cher used the property to house her collection of English Gothic Revival antiques, which she auctioned for charity in 2006.
Following the auction, the 62-year-old singer redecorated the house and it now has a "lighter, beach-resort" style.
Cher has bought and sold several properties in recent years.
In 2006, the star purchased a Los Angeles condo and also sold a house in Key Biscayne, Florida, for $8.8 million.
Cher, who is enjoying a residency at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace, is currently planning her wedding to Tim Medvetz.
However, it was recently claimed she can't stop worrying about her son Elijah Blue Allman's mystery illness.
A source said: "This should be the best time of Cher's life. She plans to get married by the end of the year. But poor Elijah keeps playing on her mind."
Elijah, 32, began exhibiting strange symptoms after returning from a trip to India two years ago. Doctors have not been able to diagnose his illness.
Posted by Maus on August 5, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
August 1, 2008 1:47 PM
Elizabeth Taylor's illness mystery
Elizabeth Taylor's publicist has denied reports that she is critically ill, insisting she is "fine".
Elizabeth Taylor is not critically ill, says her publicist.
It was reported yesterday (31.07.08) the 76-year-old 'Cleopatra' actress had been put on a life support machine after suffering congestive heart failure following a bout of pneumonia.
However, her spokesperson in the US has dismissed the story.
Dick Guttman: "Ms. Taylor is fine. The rumours which began in England about her health are dramatic, overstated and untrue. Her hospital visit was precautionary. She will return home shortly.
"At present she is surrounded by family, friends and fabulous jewels."
It had also been reported the star's friends and family had been warned by medics that she may not survive.
A source told America's National Enquirer magazine: "The doctors thought they were going to lose her. She's still very sick, but she's past the crisis."
Taylor - who has been married and divorced eight times - was reportedly first taken to hospital on July 15 with suspected flu.
Posted by Maus on August 1, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
July 29, 2008 1:45 PM
Kelsey Grammer rushed to hospital
'Frasier' star Kelsey Grammer was rushed to hospital in New York yesterday after complaining he felt "a little faint".
Kelsey Grammer was rushed to hospital in New York yesterday (28.07.08).
The 'Frasier' star - who was hospitalised two months ago after having a heart attack - was kept in the medical centre overnight because doctors were worried about his irregular heartbeat which he has had since taking medication following the attack.
Kelsey's representative said: "He felt a little faint. The doctors think there needs to be a change in the medication, so they are going to keep him overnight to observe."
After his hospitalisation on June 2, the 53-year-old actor - who is in New York promoting his new movie 'Swing Vote' - explained doctors had to use a defibrillator to revive him after the near-fatal incident.
He said: "It actually wasn't very mild. They had to blast me twice and get me started all over again."
Father-of-four Kelsey added in the interview he was "doing fine".
Kelsey stars in 'Swing Vote' alongside Kevin Costner and Dennis Hopper.
Posted by Maus on July 29, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 2, 2008 8:11 AM
Matthew Perry was 'excited' to leave Friends
Alright, that's slightly misleading. He wasn't 'glad' it was over. He didn't hate it. He's just said that press reports exaggerated their misery: "Yes, the end of Friends was a sad moment but you wake up and realise this is the end of an incredibly successful chapter in your life. You start feeling excited about moving on to something new and shaking your life up a bit."
Even more interestingly, he was quite a lot like Chandler in real life. And even more interestingly... he's still single! Perry's currently plugging new movie Numb, in which he plays a writer who suffers from depression. "Obviously, I am always going to face the challenge of people seeing me as Chandler," he said. Adding, hopefully, "Could I be any less like Chandler?"
Posted by Maus on June 2, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 21, 2008 1:16 PM
R Kelly's porn trial may hinge on mole
...according to the New York Daily News and their crack team of evocative headline writers. Sadly, it's not what it sounds like: the kiddie-porn case could all come down to a mole on the R&B singer's back. You've still got that image of a little furry blind mammal, haven't you? Kelly, 41, has a "significant" mole on his lower middle back according to lawyer Sam Adam Jr. The chap in the raw video made between 1998 and 2000 has "no mole on his back." Startrip is not keen to dignify this story with any more coverage today, but I thought you'd enjoy the mole/back image.
Posted by Maus on May 21, 2008 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 2, 2008 12:08 PM
SJP flaunts budget fashion line
Here's a nice picture of SJP that is not accompanied by an article that reveals all the key plot points in the new Sex and The City film. MAN I'm getting sick of that. Everywhere I look someone's trying to ruin the movie for me.
This is interesting, though. Mrs Matthew Broderick has a clothing range for US budget store Steve & Berry, and the frock in this picture cost just £4.50. Hopefully this reflects the fact that she, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha all sit in her flat sewing them by hand, and it would be inappropriate to ask questions about ethics and sweat shops. SJP's range includes jeans, dresses, jackets, tops, shoes and lingerie and it all comes in at under a fiver. Next time you go to the states, check it out and let us know. It might be good, it might be a load of old tat. And as I type this on my Mac, gazing pensively into the distance I have to ask: will we just buy it, anyway?
Posted by Maus on May 2, 2008 in Film Stars, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
May 1, 2008 1:05 PM
Tonight's TV: Dr Jessen's personal problems, McLaren's The Baron and should you smoke dope?
Tonight's star-studded highlights from the bizarro parallel universe that is television include:
1) A re-run of Should I Smoke Dope, the documentary about a middle-aged mother going to Amsterdam and 'experimenting' with the wacky tobaccy - warning: can trigger uncontrollable urges to take drugs, eat high-calorie foods and smother posh women with pillows.
2) A show that surely had the working title "Flange flashing with Doctor Christian Jessen" (oh now you're clicking on it. Well, click on this!)
and finally...
3) We've all had plenty of Suzanne Shaw, so it's time for the much-anticipated Malcolm McLaren episode of The Baron. In an uncanny echo of the London Mayoral elections, the outspoken, scruffy-haired erratic impresario will be trying to persuade a small Scottish community that he should be their representative on earth. McLaren's sure to be annoying and kind of creaky, but if it ends up being between him and a woman whose track record of making important decisions includes the decision to do a sex with Darren Day, well, it'll be a tough call. As with the London Mayoral race, I'm not sure whether to die of shock or boredom.
Posted by Maus on May 1, 2008 in Musical Stars, TV Show Gossip, UK Stars, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
Reality TV news round-up: Chantelle's dress? American Idol's mess? X Factor for the US?
Hi-de-hi Startrippers. I'm Leila, I'm all about the reality shows, and I bring you tidings of great television. Here are the headlines, today...
Over the pond, Brooke White's gone. David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado battle it out for the American Idol crown.
Speaking of America, US hacks ask "are we ready for The X Factor? As American Idol viewing figures continue to plunge, could importing the more successful Cowell show be the answer?
It's been a bad week for Darius "Pop Idol" Danesh, as Trevor Nunn's Gone With The Wind opens in the West End to a critical battering. I had high hopes for this and I honestly can't bear to repeat what they've been saying about it (but that link will give you all you need.)
And we'll all have an excuse to do our mogwai voice again in a few weeks ("Bright light! Bright light!" come on, it can't just be me) - as Dragon's Den star Peter Jones is going to be starring in an advert, surrounded by Gremlins.
Oh and Chantelle, do you know what time it is? That's right hunny, it's time for a new look.
Posted by Maus on May 1, 2008 in Big Brother, Simon Cowell, TV Show Gossip, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (6)
August 8, 2007 3:50 PM
Suzanne Shaw is jealous of Girls Aloud
Andy Warhol might have said that we all get 15 minutes of fame, but for some 15 minutes isn’t enough. Some washed-up slebs will do anything to attract a bit of publicity once they slip off the front page of the tabloids: take ex Hear’Say member Suzanne Shaw. Suzanne’s moment in the spotlight included dating Darren Day (don’t all swoon at once girls) and now that the pop career’s dead and buried she has opted for new tactics: slag off other celebrities. It’s a tried and tested technique that never fails and always gets a response. But who is the pint-sized, former pop princess taking a pop at? None other than my favourite blow-up dolls, Girls Aloud.
Suzanne’s current beau, Radio One DJ Jason King, still has a career in music and so when he comes in contact with the lip-gloss, hair extensions and PVC that comprise Girls Aloud, she gets very jealous: “I get insecure when girls chat him up or if he flirts with someone. Every time he interviews Girls Aloud, I just want to stab them all! He meets the most stunning singers and film stars and I get jealous all the time.”
Is there a compliment in there somewhere about Girls Aloud being foxy babes or is it hidden by all the scary knife talk? Never one to call the kettle black, Suzanne might not appreciate her fella’s flirting but is keen to attract her share of the gents: “I love flirting, but it doesn't mean I'm going to sleep with anyone. Jason feels the same if guys chat me up, but he just never admits it. I want him to be jealous!”
Hey Suzanne, how’s about you take out your opposition with more unorthodox tactics? I’m sure the sight of you getting it on with Girls Aloud would soon stop his wandering eye.
[via Now magazine]
[Image: Getty]
Posted by Katie Button on August 8, 2007 in Girls Aloud, Musical Stars, UK Stars, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (2)
August 1, 2007 5:43 PM
'80s stars Corey Haim and Corey Feldman in TV comeback
Hands up who remembers the ‘80s? Chances are if you do, you will remember at least one of the two Coreys. Corey Haim (known as the Haimster, now I’m showing my age) and best friend and sidekick Corey Feldman were young Hollywood actors in films such as ‘The Lost Boys’. Haim was always considered the better looking of the two (not so much now) while Feldman was the funny one with the goofy smile.
Now with the ‘80s over, times must be tough for the two Coreys as they adjust to a world where you can’t admit to liking Michael Jackson or wearing shellsuits. Both have kissed goodbye to their film careers and after years of drug-taking and obscurity are keen to be back on the gravy trail. Enter their new reality show, which sees Haim move in with Feldman and his wife. The show, imaginatively titled ‘The Two Coreys’ has yet to start on US TV, but from this YouTube clip, American audiences are in for a real treat.
Video clip over the jump
Posted by Katie Button on August 1, 2007 in Film Stars, TV Show Gossip, Where Are They Now?, YouTube Videos | Permalink | Comments (1)
July 6, 2007 4:11 PM
Sex and the City Film in the works
Every girl I know has a place in her heart for Sex and the City, yes even the angry pro feminist ones, as we all think there's a little bit of Samantha/Carrie in all of us; and we all mourned when Carrie and her eponymous Mr Big finally got it together, as that spelled the end of our Friday nights in front of the TV (well, till Desperate Housewives came along). They have been promising us a come back for so many years now that it seems almost as believable as Joey and Rachel hooking up permanently in Friends, but rumours to the contrary, a date has actually been set for filming, and it seems the fantabulous four will be with us again. Maybe they've waited too long, and the formula that worked so well a couple of years ago may be out dated, as realistically they aren't single women anymore, they're now following the yummy mummy trend. Still, their audience has grown up with them, and I for one will be first in line to see them on the big screen.
Posted by Zara Rabinowicz on July 6, 2007 in TV Show Gossip, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
June 6, 2007 2:33 PM
Capture Angelina Jolie on your camera or mobile and you could be raking in the cash; Mr Papparazi wants your snaps!
Snap like a pap, and your pics of celebrities could end up earning you big bucks. Selling 'candid' celebrity footage to newspapers and the media is not a new concept- but it's never been so easy or accessible to do so. The Mr Paparazzi site works with Forbidden Technologies to allow everyday users armed with nothing more than camera phone footage, to easily upload video footage and pictures to the website. The site was created as a response to the massive demand for celebrity info- and for pictures that weren't just considered 'press shots'
With every Tom, Dick or Katie, now carrying around technology that can instantly photograph, the whole concept of the photo journalist is expanding. Site creator Dan Lyons says, "Saleable images of celebrities was always the mainstay of professional photographers. However, a whole new market has opened up with nearly everyone carrying a video camera around on their mobile phone. Now, Joe Public is just as likely to catch some valuable footage of a celebrity as a professional with a powerful zoom lens."
Once you have uploaded your images, you will be contacted withing 48 hours if the team think it has sale potential, and offered a certain amount dependant on the nature and fame of your celebrity sighting. The site offers useful advice as to taking your shots-whereby the brighter the star, the more cash you get to keep. It illustates this with a picture of Craig from Big Brother, explaining that he would be off the radar money wise, whilst David Beckham in his tighty whiteys would fetch a grander price.
So get snapping, and watch the pounds pile in.
Posted by Zara Rabinowicz on June 6, 2007 in Thighs Wide Open, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (1)
March 19, 2007 11:49 AM
Tara Reid invests in LA burger joint
Poor Tara Reid has suffered quite a lot at the fickle hand of Hollywood, and we at Star Trip feel bad for her. One day her partying ways were seen as young and fun, the next day she's an alcoholic has-been. One day she's the quintessential all-American teen pin-up; one botched boob job later and she's a laughing stock denied entry to clubs frequented by Paris Hilton. Which many would say is a good thing...
But Tara is a fighter, and while there's been no official statement to the effect that she's backing out of movies for good, she is increasing her investment in LA's restaurant scene - the actress, who currently owns stakes in Geisha House, The Shore and Bella, is also involved in ritzy fast food joint Ketchup, which is due to open 31st March. While there's not much news of Ketchup yet, the decor is said to be up-market designer kitsch, and there have been rumours of a $25 sloppy joe on the menu (that's like bolognaise sauce in a bun, English readers).
Posted by Aigua on March 19, 2007 in Tabloid Tales, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (1)
August 18, 2006 2:26 AM
Where Are They Now? Steve Brookstein
It's that time of year again, when Simon Cowell gets to make young girls cry with a single flourish of his trademark wit - "You are without a doubt the worst singer I've ever heard. There are antique mahogany fireplaces with more dancing ability, and as for your fashion sense, Jesus Christ! Did you dress in the dark, from a skip, with your eyes closed?" being just one example I've made up myself. Time for Sharon Osbourne to console the 16-year-old single mother whose dreams have been crushed underfoot like a snail beneath a breezeblock, and then throw water over her fellow judges, making sure the cameras catch it for posterity. And for Louis Walsh to put through the tone deaf, and coincidentally Irish hairdresser and then act surprised when Simon folds his arms across his chest, somewhere just below the belt line.
X Factor is back! And as an all-too-neat tie-in, Where Are They Now revisits the first year of the show, when anything seemed possible. We all remember the standout performer from that year. How he wowed us with his stage presence, youth and good looks, and sheer balls-out attitude. Then Tabby got voted out and we were left with a choice between G4 and our subject for this article, Steve Brookstein. Which is like choosing between being beaten senseless with a rock, and being strangled by a boa constrictor. Anyway, where is Steve now? [Toni Kelly]
Steve's official website (I know, I couldn't believe it either) says he has a new single, "Fighting Butterflies", out on the 18th of September. This year. It's available from all good shops, and the back of Steve's car (but hurry, before it's repossessed!) It's followed a week later, because there's no justice in the world, by Steve's "original album of songs" (as opposed to carpet samples?), 40,000 Things. While normally I would joke about 40,000 being the number of copies the album will sell before it gets deleted, the fact that it'll be roughly a quarter of that amount kind of stymies that one.
His Wikipedia entry includes quotes from the man himself, among which he makes a very good point - that in the eight months prior to the show he had performed 200 hours of paid gigs, and supported Dionne Warwick. In the same period afterwards he sang for 35 minutes and recorded an album of covers. What Steve doesn't mention is why he thought that was surprising. Anyway, there you go. A very easy search turns up some information we'll all have forgotten tomorrow. But check out that official site, he has an enormously cheesy video podcast on there that's well worth a laugh.
Posted by Aigua on August 18, 2006 in Where Are They Now, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (5)
August 14, 2006 11:18 AM
Where Are They Now? The Cheeky Girls
Christ. When I started the research for this post, I was hoping the question would be unsolvable, but no. The Cheeky Girls didn't go away, they just kept a lower profile while recording, gulp, their new album. And by lower profile, I mean a bunch of club PAs around the country, including Pontins.
Oh, and they ran a 10km charity race in London, got new haircuts, and palled up with baked-bean-faced impressario David Gest (click on the photo left for the full, marvellous, picture). 10 minutes spent on the suitably gaudy Cheeky Girls website told me all of this, as well as providing photographic proof that they don't look quite as scary as they used to.
Sadly, the music hasn't improved judging by the tunes from the new album on their MySpace page. 'I'm Too Sexy' is about as horrific as you'd imagine, while 'Farmyard Hokey' plumbs new depths by being a version of 'The Hokey Cokey' with lead vocals by their six-year-old niece Lorena. And rejoice, for the album is a double-CD epic, with 'fun-pop' on CD1 and prog-thrash-metal 'club-dance' on CD2.
Like I said, Christ. [Stuart Dredge]
Posted by Stu on August 14, 2006 in Musical Stars, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (5)
August 11, 2006 2:28 AM
Where Are They Now? - Cast of Buffy The Vampire Slayer
To the legions of fans that watched it, Buffy The Vampire Slayer was the cult hit of the 90s. Fans of the show are as dedicated as Trekkies, still attending conventions around the globe and praying for the much-talked about TV movies. The most common rumour is that of a Spike spin-off. How do I know that? I'm one of those still-obsessed fans who can't quite believe the show has finished.
Buffy has been talked about by Shiny Media before. Regular bits and pieces appear on Bayraider and Trashionista recently told fans how to indulge their love of the show through books. So it seemed only right that this new feature debut with a rundown of what the cast are doing now. That, and as a fan, I'm curious to see what they're all doing. Hopefully they're all unemployed and will re-start the show out of desperation. One can dream... [Toni Kelly]
(For argument's sake, I'm only including cast members who have appeared in Buffy exclusively or mainly. Actors like David Boreanaz will appear in next week's Angel Where Are They Now? James Marsters will appear next week as Angel is where we saw Spike last)
Sarah Michelle Gellar played Buffy Summers
I, of course, had to start with the star of the show. Sarah Michelle Gellar - who I will from now on refer to as SMG, for typing ease - has been a busy little bee since the show ended in 2003. SMG's most notable appearances have been as Daphne in both (awful) Scooby Doo movies and as the lead role, Karen, in the 2004 hit The Grudge. Both were high profile, but with varying degrees of success.
SMG has recently finished filming The Grudge 2 as well as upcoming flick The Return. The most I can find out about 'The Return' is this: A succesful young business woman starts having nightmares about a young woman who was murdered 25 years ago. In true Buffy speak - Gee, could they vague that up for me?
In the mean time, Sarah has appeared (well, her voice has) on fellow ex-Buffy cast member Seth Green's animation series Robot Chicken. She's also leant her vocal talents to an episode of The Simpsons. SMG's upcoming projects include Alice, which is the story of what happened to Alice after the Wonderland, and Addicted, which, to be frank, the plot description is so crap for I haven't a clue what it's USP is.
Sarah is still married to Freddie Prinze Junior. She turns 30 next year. For up-to-date information on Sarah, visit SMGFan.com, which is easily one of the best unofficial actress websites I've ever seen. For a photo of what Sarah looks like now, click here.
Alyson Hannigan played Willow Rosenberg
Alyson's biggest non-Buffy gig has been appearing in all three of the American Pie movies, which got progressively worse. Although she has mainly focused on TV since the end of Buffy, she also appeared in Date Movie - a move I'd imagine she still regrets - and has voiced a character in the upcoming flick, Farce of the Penguins, which is a mockumentary on penguin life.
She has an on-going part on How I Met Your Mother as Lily Aldrin, and has also appeared in three episodes of Veronica Mars (which I know a lot of Buffy fans have transferred their affections to).
It's hard to believe Alyson is now 32. She's still married to ex-Buffy and Angel actor Alexis Denisof. Here's a recent photo of her, not looking all that different from her last appearance on Buffy.
Nicholas Brendon played Xander Harris
Nicholas was an unknown when Joss Whedon cast him as Xander. Up until that point, he'd had bit-parts in TV shows, but nothing of note, so it was a surprise when he landed what could be called the lead male role in Buffy.
Unfortunately, since Buffy, Nick has pretty much returned to his former successes. After battling with alcoholism, Nick has only notched up a few TV appearances. Embarrassingly, on TV show American Dragon: Jake Long his character is only referred to as "Huntsboy #89". That's gotta hurt. However, following a return to full health, Nick has managed to post two TV movies, Relative Chaos and Ultimate Fire, and has a film, Unholy, in post production. He is also involved with the Stuttering Foundation of America.
He is 35 (Christ, really?) and married to Tressa, who I've never heard of.
Anthony Stewart Head played Rupert Giles
Did you know that Buffy is the only TV show where Tony Head uses the name 'Anthony Stewart Head'? It's for equity reasons, apparently. After spending seven years filming Buffy in California, Tony returned home and has since had major roles on several British TV shows. He plays the Primeminister in Little Britain and has also appeared in Doctor Who, Rose & Maloney and Monarch of the Glen. He also recently turned up on Sport Relief's Only Fools On Horses with his partner Sarah, talking about horse massage of all things!
Tony's career is very, very healthy and he regularly does his bit on the talkshow circuit (he's so far the only reason I've tuned in to Wogan: Now & Then). He's 52 years old. Tune in to any of his many shows to see how he's looking nowadays (like a silver haired fox).
Michelle Trachtenberg played Dawn Summers
I couldn't stand Dawn. Could anyone? She was whiny, annoying and a general pain in the arse. Turns out Michelle Trachtenberg is actually very nice, very funny and apparently a very good actress. She's enjoyed a steady stream of work since Buffy ended, appearing in Euro Trip (which was actually quite funny) and on US TV show Six Feet Under. In fact, she's notched up the most work out of all the actors I've researched. She has a couple of films coming up, including Black Christmas, and looks set to enjoy a long career.
Michelle is 20 and looking scarily grown up.
Emma Caulfield played Anya Jenkins
Emma hasn't had that much to do since Buffy, though she did have a part in Darkness Falls, which was relatively successful. She's another ex-Buffite to lend a voice to Robot Chicken and has done several docu-dramas as herself. Joss Whedon said it was her talent that most surprised him on the musical episode of Buffy, Once More With Feeling, but Emma has sensibly dodged the singing career that might have come a calling.
She is 33 and it has to be said, is looking it.
Shorts
Marc Blucas (Riley Finn): Has done lots of crap films, most notably First Daughter with Katie Holmes, which was unmitigated shite.
Seth Green (Daniel Osbourne): Has continued his Austin Powers role, his voicing of Chris Griffin in the incomparable Family Guy and created the much-mentioned-in-this-feature Robot Chicken.
Amber Benson (Tara Maclay): Has done absolutely nothing of note. Whatsoever.
Danny Strong (Jonathan Levinson): Appeared as a jockey in Seabiscuit and has had a recurring part on The Gilmore Girls.
Posted by Antonia on August 11, 2006 in TV Show Gossip, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (20)
August 7, 2006 9:12 AM
Where Are They Now? Gordon The Gopher
Okay, it's a bit silly to kick off a new regular feature with a furry puppet whose heyday was in the 1980s, but it's a story that MUST BE TOLD. See, Gordon The Gopher was a big part of millions of Brits' childhood years, yet while sidekick Philip Schofield has gone on to bigger and brighter things (well, This Morning), Gordon disappeared without trace. So what happened?
His Wikipedia entry suggests that Schofield has since claimed that Gordon became an alcoholic and then died in a ram-raiding accident. Meanwhile, this spoof website claims Gordon committed suicide after being exposed for "scenes of red hot gopher action", and was then "skinned and used as a wig". What is it with puppets and people's wild imaginations?
Another site, The Bubble Burst, claims that the original Gordon puppet went missing when Schofield left the BBC, but that "a badly decomposed body found in a BBC locker was identified as Gordon". But puzzlingly, musician Debbie Curtis claims on her official website that the puppet's living with her and touring the world. It's all too confusing.
More Where Are They Now? later this week, and it'll be a human being, not a furry faux-animal. Unless Roland The Rat's people get back to us, of course. [Stuart Dredge]
Posted by Stu on August 7, 2006 in TV Show Gossip, Where Are They Now? | Permalink | Comments (0)
