'I was so scared I barked at it': Katie Holmes opens up on her lifelong fear... of raccoons

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Revealing her fears: Katie Holmes admitted she's terrified of raccoons as she appeared on The Tonight Show last night

Katie Holmes' latest film role sees her playing a stepmother living in a haunted house.

But when it comes to real-life, the actress admits she's actually terrified of raccoons.

Promoting her new movie Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark on Jay Leno's Tonight Show, the 32-year-old revealed she loses her cool when near one of the furry mammals.


'Crazy lady': Host Jay Leno was bemused when Holmes admitted she barked at a raccoon

With Holmes spending a lot of the year living in New York City with husband Tom Cruise and their daughter Suri, Leno suggested the actress should be used to the creatures.

He said: '"Raccoons? Well you picked the wrong city young lady to live in. Why raccoons? Is it the mask? Do you think they're criminals? What is it?'

She replied: You know, most things are like dogs, you know, they're more afraid of you than you are of them and I don't find that.


Hot to trot: Holmes showed off her slim figure in a tight pair of red leather trousers


Holmes' defence mechanism prompted laughter from the audience, with Leno conceding: 'He's like, this lady's crazy.'

Also on the show, Holmes admitted her recent birthday surprise for Cruise was ruined when her plans were leaked to the media.

She explained: 'His birthday is in July and we were in Florida and I was really excited and I threw him a little kind of dinner party.

'Then it turned out that it was in the press, it was like this huge blowout, but it was really only like ten people, but I was like, okay, that's fine.'

Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark is released in the U.S. on August 26 and in the UK on October 7.


Show no fear: Holmes is terrified of raccoons


Check her out: Leno admired Holmes' recent cover for Spanish Vogue


Katie Holmes Reveals Biggest Fear


Katie Holmes in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno August 2, 2011



source: dailymail

'You have made me what I am today': Coleen Nolan says an emotional farewell to Loose Women after 11 years

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


Emotional goodbye: Coleen Nolan filmed her last Loose Women show earlier today and couldn't help but break down as she gushed to fans


She has been the longest-serving panellist on the show but after more than 10 years Coleen Nolan has said a tearful farewell to Loose Women.

The singer thanked her co-panellists and made an emotional declaration to fans saying: ‘You’ve made me what I am today’.

She gushed: ‘I want to thank you the audience and you at home because you have been through my life with me and you’ve stood by me for eleven years. You have made me what I am today.’


A special farewell show saw two of her favourite guests John Barrowman and Brian Conley join the panel.

Kate Thornton, Sherrie Hewson and Denise Welch were there to see the Nolans singer off but Coleen revealed the group would be ‘friends forever.’

She said: ‘I just want to say thank you to everyone obviously all you girls I know we will be friends forever so its not goodbye for us but to all the people that have been involved in the show backstage … thank you.’

Coleen was treated to a montage of her best bits over the stint on the show which saw the presenter break down in tears.

Thank you: Coleen thanked her fellow panelists, staff and the viewers for everything on the show


Brian Conley serenaded her with a version of Cole Porter’s classic It’s de – Lovely.

Coleen, who has performed on the show before, also took to the stage to close with a surprise performance of Carole King’s Say Goodbye Today which saw husband, Ray Fensome play guitar.

She had thanked her family earlier and told viewers: ‘And to my family …. I'll never forget this show. It has been my life. It will always be my life and I’ll always be grateful for it.

She added: ‘I love every one of you and all of you at home.’

It was announced in March that Coleen would be leaving the show and while at first she said it ‘time to move on’ but it has later emerged that was not the real reason for her decision to depart the show.

Bye bye girls: Coleen, has left the panel seen with her co-hosts Andrea McLean, Denise Welch, Zoe Tyler and Kate Thornton


The Nolans singer felt she couldn’t stay on the show any longer – because she believed her husband was about to leave her.

Coleen, 46, was in a meeting with ITV bosses talking about a marriage breakdown discussion planned for the Loose Women show when she realised she couldn’t stay a minute longer because she believed she was on the brink of her own marriage breakdown.

She described the meeting and said: ‘Just as I went to speak I thought, “Oh my god I’m going to cry in front of all of them.” I don’t cry in front of people. I got up and ran out and cried all day. In the end they had to change the topic.’

New roles? Carol Vorderman and Sally Lindsay are hotly tipped to replace Kate Thornton and Zoe Tyler on ITV's daytime show Loose Women


Coleen explained the reason for her self-described ‘paranoid nutter’ behaviour was because she was scared her husband was about to leave her, just like Shane Ritchie had done over a decade earlier.

Sarah Millican and Janet Street Porter have joined the panel in recent months but the line-up is set to see a further shake up in a bid to boost ratings.

Following the dismissal of regular panellists Zoe Tyler and Kate Thornton, Carol Vorderman, 50 and Sally Lindsay, 37 have been tipped as the most likely candidates to take their place on the lively daytime chat show.

Carol and Sally are hot favourites, though Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French, actress Caroline Quentin and Royle Family writer Caroline Aherne were also considered by ITV for the slots.

Loose Women has faced a significant ratings drop since January, falling by nearly two-thirds. The ITV programme now draws only 700,000 viewers, less even than BBC1's daytime antiques show Bargain Hunt.




source:dailymail

A hard act to swallow! David Beckham feasts on a plate of bugs (but it is all in the name of family fun)

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Down the hatch! Down the hatch! David Beckham shocked onlookers, when he feasted on a plate of nasty bugs on Disney show 'Take Two With Phineas and Ferb'

With an estimated fortune of £165milllion, you wouldn't expect David Beckham to dine on anything for a mere tenner dare.

But daredevil David Beckham shocked onlookers when he recently feasted on a plate of nasty bugs.
The courageous act all went down on animated talk show 'Take Two With Phineas and Ferb', and of course the fly-ridden plate of creepy crawlies were just animation.


Dare: David was asked by Ferb if he would eat the creepy crawlies for ten dollars


In the skit, Phineas asks David: 'In all of your travels, have you ever eaten anything weird like bugs?'

To which David responds: 'No never tried them.'

'If we gave you $10 would you eat one?' asks Phineas.

'For ten dollars I will eat anything' says David, as he throws the bugs down the hatch and snatches up the ten dollar bill.


Game: And David obliged, saying 'For ten dollars I will eat anything'


David appeared on the spoof for the popular Disney program and was interview by the two pint-sized cartoon characters.

Along with pretend plate of beasties, when David was asked by Phineas what else he could do with his feet beside kicking a football, he answers, 'Nothing springs to mind' as he is seen eating a banana from his shoe.

Later he head-butts balls with Ferb, and gets challenged by a wannabe goalie, who he obliterates into the stratosphere with his powerful kick.



Joker: Along with pretend plate of beasties, when David was asked what else he could do with his feet beside kicking a football, he answers, 'Nothing springs to mind' as he is seen eating a banana from his shoe


His appearance on the show, once again reinforces David role as the quintessential family man.

David has always personified doting dad, but with he and his wife Victoria welcoming their daughter Harper Seven into the world earlier this month, when he is not playing football, David has been spending every waking minute with the Beckham clan.

Earlier this week, he posted a picture of himself cooking risotto for his brood, and all week has been keeping his boys, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, busy with surfing trips and outings, whilst Victoria tends to Harper at home.


In the hot seat: David is grilled with questions from the tow animated characters


With the arrival of the new baby, some older siblings can feel left out as friends and family members coo and gush over the newborn.

But clearly not the Beckham boys, who have been getting just as much attention affections as their little sister Harper Seven.

This week they also got to spend some quality time with their Auntie Joanne, who lavished lots of love and fun on them at one of David's football matches.


David Beckham


Balls skills: Later David shows off his football skills to the two pint-sized cartoon characters


Surfer boys: David took oldest son Brooklyn out bodyboarding today



Focus: The footballer gritted his teeth as he rode a wave


David Beckham - Take Two with Phineas and Ferb



source: dailymail

'America got it wrong' says Piers Morgan as 'outrageous' male pole dancer reaches semi final of America's Got Talent

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Overjoyed: Pole dancer Steven Retchless is thrilled to beat Attack Dance Crew and Geechy Guy to get through to the semi finals

With his striking white glittery outfit and matching hotpants, male pole dancer Steve Retchless certainly stuck in the minds of the public with his performance on America's Got Talent.

The dancer was thrilled when he heard he had beaten comic Geechy Guy and troupe Attack Dance Crew to a place in the semi-finals on tonight's show, much to the disappointment of judge Piers Morgan.

'I think America got it wrong,' said the British host, who last night buzzed out Retchless as he performed his gymnastic routine.


Decision time: The American public liked pole dancer Steven over dance troupe Attack Dance Crew and comedian Geechy Guy


'There’s a reason there are no male pole-dancing clubs in America,' Piers had told him last night, although his fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel were much more impressed.

'Just be yourself' Sharon told him, after Howie had expressed some concern over whether Retchless can 'appeal to middle America' in the semi finals.

'It feels amazing,' said Retchless. 'I'm very happy that I can keep inspiring people.'


Striking: Retchless performed his eye catching act last night but was buzzed out by Piers



No fan: Piers Morgan said the public had got it wrong when they voted though Retchless


Retchless joined three other acts which the judges put through to the semi finals, after last night's less than impressive contest.

Motorcycle stunt team Smage Bros, who impressed all three judges with their daredevil routine scraped through against illusionist act Landon Swank, who seemed to walk through a mirror without breaking it.

Acknowledging it was a difficult choice, Piers ended up voting for Landon, which left Howie and Sharon putting the bikers from Wisconsin through to the next round.


High five: The daredevil stunt bike team Smage Bros are delighted to get through to the next round on tonight's America's Got Talent


Delighted: The trio were delighted when Howeie Mandel put them through over dance troupe Silhouettes


Earlier, the contest saw the dance troupe Silhouettes put through to the semi finals.

Last night, Piers had called their act, which involved manipulating shadows into U.S. landmarks, 'complete genius,' while Howie dubbed them 'unique.'

Several of the younger members of the 42-strong troupe from Denver were in tears as they were given the news that they had beaten juggler Thomas John and novelty act Rhinestone Ropers.


Celebration: Dance troupe Silhouettes celebrate after making it into the semi finals


Overcome: Two of the youngest members of the 42-strong troupe were in tears as the good news broke
Singer Daniel Joseph Baker also clearly made an impression with his rendition of Lady Gaga number Edge of Glory.


He was overjoyed to be put through to the semis, after being selected above Justin Bieber lookalike Dani Shay and singer Dylan Andre.

Sharon had called him 'a natural performer,' while Howie branded the enthusiastic Daniel 'the next Lady GuyGuy.'



Good news: Singer Daniel Joseph Baker was thrilled to be put through for his Lady Gaga number


Top 48 (Q2) Results ~ America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE (p1)


America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE ~ The Results Top 48 (Q2)


Top 48 (Q2) Results ~ America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE (p3)


Top 48 (Q2) Results ~ America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE (p4)


Top 48 (Q2) Results ~ America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE (p5)


Top 48 (Q2) Results ~ America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE (p6)


Top 48 (Q2) Results ~ America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE (p7)

Goodbye Charlie, hello Ashton! Mr Kutcher strips off in racy new billboard for Two And A Half Men

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Racy: A new Two And A Half Men billboard, featuring Charlie Sheen's predecessor Ashton Kutcher, was erected at the Warner Bros studios in California today


His smiling face and confident suit-clad stroll was a staple image on the walls of the Warner Bros studios for years.

But the image of former Two And A Half Men star Charlie Sheen was made a mere memory today, as a billboard featuring his successor Ashton Kutcher was erected on the famous Burbank lot.

And the new sign for the hit sitcom is likely to draw much more attention, especially due to Kutcher's scantily clad appearance.


Out with the old: The advertisement eradicated remnants of Charlie, seen here in an old poster for the show earlier this year


The 33-year-old is seen on the new giant advertisement for the show, naked, posing alongside co-stars Angus T. Jones and Jon Cryer, with a white placard merely covering their private parts.

The words 'All Will Be revealed' and this year's 19 September air date of the rebooted show are emblazoned across the front.

Today's new billboard replaced a generic version which was put in place after Charlie's was taken down last month.


Sign of the times: The new billboard spells a fresh new start for the series


The advert comes ahead of the hotly anticipated new series, with Kutcher in the lead role following Charlie's sacking, earlier this year.

In May, Kutcher expressed his delight over being part of the highly coveted series.

'I've never probably in my 13 years in show business received more phone calls and e-mails from people congratulating me on this job,' Kutcher told Us Magazine.

He continued: 'You'd almost think I won the lottery or something, which I kind of did.


Temporary: Today's new billboard replaced a generic one which was put in place after Charlie's was taken down last month


'I've got the best job in showbusiness, and I am ecstatic about that.'

The No Strings Attached star will earn around $1m per episode for the top-rated comedy.

Kutcher officially replaced Charlie on the hit show back in May.

He said in a statement of his hiring:'I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes.

'I can't replace Charlie Sheen, but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!'


New gig: Charlie is gearing up to film a new sitcom


Charlie announced yesterday that he will play a 'mild-mannered, non-confrontational man' ordered to go to anger management sessions in his next TV project.

It will be his first acting role since his infamous firing.

The role is based on the character made famous by Jack Nicholson in the original film, which also starred Adam Sandler.


source: dailymail

True Blood star Alexander Skarsgard sets pulses racing as he bares his muscular body in racy scenes

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Sexy: In stills from hit HBO series True Blood, Alexander Skarsgard is seen emerging from a lake nearly naked


It is know as one of the sexiest series on television with its racy plot lines and sultry scenes.

And a recent episode of cult vampire series True Blood certainly didn't disappoint.

In stills for the show, 34-year-actor Alexander Skarsgard is seen emerging from the water near naked, his fangs in full effect.


Fit: With water merely covering his lower body, the 36-year-old shows off his toned torso and biceps


With water merely covering his lower body, the actor, who plays lead character Eric Northman, shows off his toned torso and abdominal muscles.

The sexy snap is from an episode titled 'I'm Alive And On Fire', which aired over on Sunday night in the U.S.

In one of the scenes, Skarsgard is seen emerging from the lake with help from the show's female protagonist Sookie Stakehouse, played by Anna Paquin.


Bloodsucker: The actor, who plays Eric Northman in the series, is seen with his fangs in full effect


Even more muscles are seen in the form of two of the show's other male stars, Australian actor Ryan Kwanten who plays the role of Jason Stackhouse, and Joe Manganiello who plays werewolf, Alcide.

Sookie (Paquin) is seen enlisting the help of Alcide (Manganiello), who is also seen naked, his ripping abdominal muscles on show.

Meanwhile Jason (Kwanten) kills the Felton Norris, the front-man in the Norris family drug business, after he escapes from HotShot where he had been taken captive.



Ripped: Actor Joe Manganiello, who plays werewolf Alcide, also puts his impressive abdominal muscles on show as he shares a scene with Anna Paquin, who plays the show's female protagonist Sookie Stackhouse


Built: Manganiello also flaunts his toned chest in the scenes from the show


Twice as nice: Barely clothed Manganiello and Skarsgard are seen in a scene together


In trouble: Ryan Kwanten, who plays Sookie's brother Jason Stackhouse, is seen tied to a bed with wounds covering his bare body


Lucky break: He is later seen covered in blood after making an escape


'I like the way that in America you walk into a coffee shop and the girl asks how your day is,' he told GQ in a recent interview.

'When I first moved here I loved that. I know it's shallow and superficial and she doesn't give a f**k about my day, but I still like it,' he said.

'Sweden is a lot more reserved,' he added.

It's difficult to get to know a Swede but once you do you're in.'

The 6,4' tall actor said he thinks Swedish people have a stronger sense of privacy and boundaries


Hunk: Later in the episode, Skarsgard is once again seen shirtless once he has been rescued and dried off


His father Stellan Skarsgard, 59, is one of the most famous actors in Sweden and has starred in Pirates of the Caribbean, Hunt for Red October, Mamma Mia! and Thor.

It looks like Alexander is also headed for the big time - but he says he'll never put his personal life on show.

'You're never going to see a TV show called The Skarsgards,' he said.


source: dailymail

Birds of a Feather cry together: Tearful live TV reunion for Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke

By Georgina Littlejohn


Reunited: Pauline Quirke is surprised by old friend and former Birds of a Feather co-star Linda Robson on This Morning


They've not been together on screen for more than a decade.

So it was a tearful reunion for Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke today as the Birds of a Feather came together again on TV.

Quirk burst into tears as Linda came on as a surprise guest while her former co-star was conducting an interview on This Morning.


Although they have stayed close friends since the sitcom finished, the two ladies, who played sisters on the popular BBC show in the Nineties, got emotional as they hugged and smiled warmly at each other.

Quirke, 52, was a guest on the daytime show talking about her recent weight loss, which saw her shed seven stone in just over six months.

She also spoke about her role on Emmerdale before presenter Eamonn Holmes said: 'Well it's the end of another era of your life and tributes have been coming in... lets get one now from a famous old actress!'

Get over here, you! Quirke bursts into tears as Robson makes her entrance

I was worried: Quirke said her recent texts to Robson - who hadn't even texted her on her birthday yesterday - had been ignored


Quirke's former Birds co-star Lesley Joseph, left a tribute for her old friend via video.

She said: 'Pauline Quirke you look absolutely fantastic! I am now going to have to start my diet! You look brilliant. I can't wait to see you and wouldn't it be great if you, Linda and I could all get together and do something? Maybe next year? Shall we watch this space?'

Quirke said: 'I love the bones of her I really do - and she hasn't aged a day.'

Give us a hug: Robson opens her arms to a tearful Qurike

Flocking together: Quirke looked very emotional as she embraced her old friend


But there was one more surprise for Quirke when Eammon brought Linda on to the set, prompting Quirke to burst into tears.

Quirke, who celebrated her birthday yesterday, said: 'I've been texting her and everything and this morning I thought it's the first time she's never rung or anything for my birthday!

'And I text her because I'm renewing my wedding vows next month and she's not back to me and I was just going to text today to ask are you "are you OK" because I was worried!'

Sisterly love: Robson and Quirke as Tracey and Sharon on the Birds of a Feather set


Linda laughed and said: 'I was worried I'd put my foot in it! You look fantastic, you really do... and I've been hiding in a wardrobe all morning!

'But I've never seen her look this good before - she's always been beautiful. Maybe it'll spur me on to do something now.'

Birds of a Feather ran on the BBC from 1990 to 1998 and was a comedy sitcom showing the lives of sister Sharon (Quirke) and Tracey (Robson) and their maneater next-door neighbour Dorien, played by Joseph.

Three's not a crowd: Robson and Quirke with their Birds co-star Lesley Joseph




source:dailymai

The gloves are off! Simon Cowell mocks American Idol in cheeky X Factor USA ad

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


Pretty in pink: Cowell's sweater and sincere gaze echo the demeanour of Idol judge Jennifer Lopez in the spoof


Applauding and praising tuneless auditions, cosying up to fellow judges, driving an environmentally-friendly car and wearing a pink jumper - it all adds up to Simon Cowell's worst nightmare.

But there is a seam of reality in the first X Factor USA promo, because the crew are cheekily sending up Cowell's former U.S. show, American Idol.

The action opens in an audition room that looks suspiciously like the hotel room used in the hit show, and the panel of judges are dressed in pastel hues, a favourite palette of Jennifer Lopez.


Emotive: Nicole Scherzinger mirrors Lopez' encouraging hand gestures


An immediate focus on positivity is evident - which was the all pervading force of the last Idol series, even between the judges, thanks to the sardonic British producer's departure.

Simon, clad in cotton candy cashmere, leads the way by lavishing praise upon awful acts and holding hands with Paula Abdul, while all the judges make emotional gesticulations, like the Idol Panel.

But perhaps the most obvious dig is Paula Abdul's opening remark that the young girl who murders Tomorrow from the film Annie has 'spirit.'


Parody: The X Factor crew send up their Idol counterparts


Detail: Even the drinks on the judges' table in Idol was echoed in the skit


This is most definitely Simon Cowell setting out his stall, the promo implicitly promises that the X Factor USA will have the edge over all over other talent shows.

And as the X Factor is on Fox, the same network as Idol, it's a typically audacious piece of bombast from the celebrated producer.


Rude awakening: With his face in his hands, Simon Cowell wakes up in his luxurious bedroom after a nightmare about the X Factor USA


Thank God for that! A look of relief on his face, Simon snaps back into reality


The promo opens with Simon sitting with his fellow X Factor judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A Reid, wearing a pink cable knit jumper.

A small girl then presents herself to them and starts to sing Tomorrow from Annie very badly.

But rather than cut her off after a couple of notes, Simon patiently waits for her to finish, claps and says, 'That's what I've been waiting for.'

Abdul, to Simon's left, praises the plucky child's spirit, and as the camera pans to the dream-breaker, there's a sharp intake of breath.


No more Mr Nasty Guy? Simon Cowell wears pink and applauds contestant in the new preview for X Factor USA


Times a changing: The new cuddly Simon gets a kiss from Paula Abdul in the new promo


New Look: The panel. including Simon, Nicole and L.A Reid appear to have gone soft



Lucky girl: The awful rendition of Annie would usually have earned her a rejection


A New Decade: 'It's not about me, it's about them,' Simon insists


Eat my dust: The back of Simon's Bugatti, with personalised number plate is seen whizzing past


Jet Set: The team mean business as they are seen strutting away from their private jet


Welsh boy done good: Host Steve Jones (far right) joins the team as they head into the studio


Primed and ready: The four judges will be ready to find a new pop star when the show air on September 21


'We wanted to make something which showed what the show ‘could’ have been, my nightmare basically, then transitioning into what we really are and I thought it would be fun to make that.

'I literally really imagined my worst nightmare, and I put myself into that place and it was that.. Me, loving this song, Paula and I holding hands and I’m now turning into Paula everything is just... awful!. I just suspended my disbelief!'

The X Factor has it's two-Night Series premiere Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 8/7c and Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8/7c on FOX.




source: dailymail