Gary Barlow reveals lengthy depression: 'I was slowly going insane'

Gary Barlow has admitted that he suffered a prolonged period of depression following his split from Take That.

Speaking to The Observer, the X Factor judge revealed that he was "embarrassed" by his lack of success as a solo artist in the late 1990s.

Barlow recalled: "I was living in Cheshire at the time, going to London and back on the train.

"I used to heavily disguise myself, with a hat and everything. I was overweight, I wasn't feeling great. I was embarrassed to be me, to have people recognise me.

"It wasn't not being famous any more, or even not being a recording artist. It was having nobody who needed me, no phones ringing, nothing to do."

Referring to his songwriting frustration, the singer continued: "It was all a bit of a torment. I had this beautiful white piano, my lucky piano. Every hit I'd had I'd written on this piano. Within six months of this not happening any more, this piano drove me mad.

"To the point where I spent days just looking at it, lying underneath it, lying on top of it, rubbing my face on it, going slowly insane, trying to work out why this thing wasn't delivering to me like it used to."

The 40-year-old added that only when he rejoined Take That in 2006 did he feel "valid" again.

"That day was the first time in years that I got on the train, took my hat off and just sat there. People were coming up and being so nice. It felt so good," he said.

Boyzone dumped by Louis Walsh, told to split

Boyzone have reportedly been ditched by manager Louis Walsh and advised to split up.

Low ticket sales for their latest tour and Ronan Keating's affair with a dancer were blamed for the move, the News of the World reports.

"Louis has told Boyzone they're finished. Ronan doesn't want to accept it but without Louis they have no chance," a source said. "The affair changed everything for many fans. It destroyed the family-friendly image that made the band popular.

"They kept a diehard fanbase but the 'Brother' tour earlier this year wasn't a big success. Louis didn't bother seeing a single show. [They] just couldn't compete with the Take That comeback and lots of tickets weren't sold. So Louis decided it was the right time for the band to finish."

However, a close friend of Keating's insisted that Boyzone will stay together, saying: "Despite what Louis might say, in the end he had very little to do with Boyzone - and the last tour was actually a success."

The band included a tribute to Stephen Gately in their 'Brother' tour, following his death in Majorca in 2009.

Ed Westwick, the next Romeo

Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick is being lined up to star as Tybalt in a new adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Variety reports that Westwick is currently in final negotiations for the part, famously played by John Leguizamo in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 adaptation.

If cast, Westwick is likely to star opposite True Grit actress Hailee Steinfeld who is said to be the studio's first choice to portray Juliet.

Fluke director Carlo Carlei is scheduled to helm the project from a script by Gosford Park writer Julian Fellowes.

The Piano star Holly Hunter has also been cast in the key role of Juliet's nurse.

Steinfeld recently confirmed that the studio had yet to cast anyone in the lead role of Romeo.

Romeo and Juliet is due to begin filming later this year.

'Absolutely Fabulous' to return, says Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley has revealed that she will film new episodes of Absolutely Fabulous later this year.

In November, Lumley revealed that she was keen to return to the sitcom.

The actress has now told Hello magazine that she will begin work on new instalments this summer.

"In late August I start filming on three episodes of Absolutely Fabulous, which we are all ecstatic about," she said.

A BBC spokesperson told The Guardian: "We're putting the finishing touches to the deal to bring it back and as soon as we're in a position to confirm it we will."

However, Lumley said that she has no idea what will happen when the show returns, saying: "Miss [Jennifer] Saunders has been so busy writing Uptown Downstairs Abbey for Comic Relief and also Spice Girls: The Musical, I don't think she's started [the script]!"

Lumley has previously said that she "adored" working on Absolutely Fabulous.

Witherspoon: 'Pattinson sex scene disgusting'

Reese Witherspoon has admitted that she was "disappointed" by her love scenes with Robert Pattinson in Water For Elephants.

The actress told In Touch that Pattinson was not well when they filmed their sex scenes together.

Witherspoon said: "Rob possibly had the most hideous horrible cold of any co-star I've ever had to do a love scene with ever in my entire life.

Water for Elephants Trailer

"He was literally snorting and snotting through every second of it - and it was not appealing. I'm talking green, infectious, disgusting - I'm not kidding!"

She added: "I'm going to say it's a little bit of a downer. I was a little disappointed. It wasn't sexy."

Pattinson has claimed that Witherspoon is "a lot bawdier" and "a lot more raucous" than people might think.

Chord Overstreet on the Ellen Show

Chord flashing his underwear on the Ellen show, plus talks about Glee

Chord the flasher

Henry Cavill: 'Superman will be re-imagined'

Henry Cavill has said that his Superman movie will be a "re-imagining" of the DC Comics character.

The British actor, who will play the Man of Steel in Sucker Punch director Zack Snyder's blockbuster, told MTV that the superhero franchise's latest instalment will still remain faithful to its comic book roots.

"It's true to the source material, but there's so little I can say about it," Cavill said. "It's basically a re-imagining and modernisation of an iconic character."

Asked if his portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman will differ from the Christopher Reeve incarnation, he replied: "That's tough to say, it's very early days yet. Superman is Superman, after all. There's only so much of a change you can make to that. It's going to be different, but not so different that it's unrecognisable."

Amy Adams, Kevin Costner and Diane Lane will also star in Superman: The Man Of Steel, due to open in cinemas in December 2012.

'Only Way Is Essex' stars fake engagement?

The Only Way Is Essex stars Mark Wright and Lauren Goodger are reportedly faking their engagement for publicity.

The couple announced that they are getting married just one week after rekindling their romance and are now cashing in on magazine deals, the News of the World reports.

An ITV source told the paper: "This is a relationship very much for the TV show. Mark and Lauren are only concerned with maximising their earnings while they can. None of us expects him to stay with her."

The pair are said to have secured a £100,000 deal with OK! magazine in which they declare their love for one another.

Wright had been romancing I'm A Celebrity star Kayla Collins but the pair split earlier this month.

The Only Way Is Essex returns to ITV2 tonight at 10pm.

Leandro Penna 'wants to dump Katie Price'

Leandro Penna has reportedly told a friend that he is planning to dump Katie Price.

The Argentinian model apparently told a female dinner companion that he is only with Price to boost his career. The businesswoman was present at the dinner but couldn't understand the conversation as the pair were speaking in Spanish.

It was also revealed that Penna, who met Price at Elton John's Oscars party in LA, fathered a daughter - three-year-old Sofia - while in college.

He allegedly said: "If she says this is going somewhere it isn't. I could never live here. I'm going back to Argentina after I've done work here. I miss my family, we are very close. In Argentina, I am more famous than Katie is here. I have my own career which is actually going very well."

Speaking of their relationship, a friend said: "They literally can't have a conversation. His English is atrocious and her Spanish is non-existent. There is no future. Leandro is making it very clear he plans to leave the UK very soon.

"He is very well aware of how much this relationship is helping him at the moment. It's obvious Leandro is using this for his own purposes. People close to Katie are warning her but she won't listen."

It was recently reported that the pair had been offered a reality TV show in Argentina.

Lady GaGa for exclusive Google interview

Lady GaGa is to be quizzed by her fans through search engine giant Google.

Fans will be able to post video questions to the 'Born This Way' singer via YouTube or write in using Twitter until March 18.

The star will then be interviewed by Google using the company's service Moderator.

"Is there something you've always wanted to know about me? Do you have questions about my fashion or the things I search for on Google?" the star asked in a video posted on YouTube.

"Well, now is your chance."

The interview follows the news that the star has been awarded this year's 'Fashion Icon Award' by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

The video interview will be released online next week.

Ant and Dec: 'Got Talent feels fresh'

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have said that viewers can expect a 'fresher' Britain's Got Talent when it returns later in the spring.

Speaking on ITV's This Morning, the presenting duo praised new judges Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff for allowing a different type of act to have a "real look in" on the new series.

Discussing the new online audition round, Donnelly explained: "You can go on the Britain's Got Talent channel on YouTube and upload a video of you doing your act and then we get down to a shortlist of fifty, and the best twenty from that shortlist will come and audition for the judges.

"We want to make sure we're not leaving any stone unturned this year."

McPartlin added: "And we've already had some very good auditionees! And the new judges are brilliant - Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff are great."

His presenting partner expanded: "It's a real breath of fresh air and that's no disrespect to the two departed judges - one of them signs the cheques!

"But it is a real breath of fresh air and for the first time in a long time acts like comics and magicians now have a real look in because you know Piers and Simon, by their own admission they don't have a great sense of humour - by their own admission, this is not me!"

As host Phillip Schofield quipped that he couldn't "remember hearing them say that", Donnelly said: "Well, 'some would say' they don't have the best sense of humour!

"But with Michael and David coming in those type of variety acts have a real look in now because they are not being judged by the thinking, 'Can I sell an album of this?' So it's a real fresh series this year I think."

Beckhams 'moving back to Britain', the question is… Do people care?

David and Victoria Beckham have reportedly decided to move back to Britain full-time.

The couple will allegedly return to 'Beckingham Palace' at the end of the year when David's LA Galaxy contract expires. He wants to finish his career at an English club, while Victoria wants to be closer to her parents, the News of the World reports.

A source said: "David and Victoria have made a real go of living in America and it's become a second home to them. They love Los Angeles and will always have a base there. But David's contract will run out soon and they've started thinking about their future.

"He's keen to finish his career at an English club if possible, although he hasn't ruled out other options. Victoria is torn because she's made so many friends in California and loves the lifestyle, but she misses her family in the UK a lot."

The former Spice Girl, who is currently pregnant with their fourth child, apparently wants to avoid her sons becoming "Beverly Hills brats" and will send them to Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Hertfordshire.

The source added: "She hates the idea of them becoming stuck up and spoilt like a lot of American kids. And there's a part of them both that would love to see their kids educated at a UK school while they are in their teens."

The pair are expected to keep their £11m LA mansion for occasional visits.

Gyllenhaal: 'Jones has a fantastic mind', speaking about the Source Code director.

Jake Gyllenhaal has described Source Code director Duncan Jones as having a "fantastic mind".
The Prince Of Persia actor claimed that he knew that Jones would be an ideal helmer for the new sci-fi film after becoming captivated by his previous project Moon.

Gyllenhaal told Entertainment Weekly: "I'd seen Moon and I thought this guy must have a fantastic mind. And I'd been told there was a project that he wants to make that he was interested in me playing one of the roles for. So I said of course I want to meet him.
"At the meeting, I told him, 'Oh, there's this other script that I would really love for you to read'. I never thought that he would want to do Source Code because he tends to write and direct his own things. But we sent it to him on a roll of the dice and five days later he was like, 'I want to do the movie'."
Gyllenhaal even claimed that he would have been tempted to snub the movie without a "visionary" like Jones in charge.
"What always scares me is people tend to lose character and a sense of 'Why?' on a behavioral, human, psychological level when they're dealing with something that can be entertaining. When you deal with something that is potentially commercial people just say, 'Oh, we'll get to that later'.
"The movie was not anything I wanted to make unless it was with someone who was a real visionary. And humour too. Duncan has a great sense of humour - dirty and dark and great."
Source Code was released in the US yesterday and will hit the UK on April 1.

Timberlake "interested" in Kunis romance

Justin Timberlake has been romantically linked to Mila Kunis mere days after his split from Jessica Biel.

The Friends With Benefits co-stars have reportedly been growing closer since meeting on set. Sources have claimed that the 'SexyBack' singer in particular is "interested" in striking up a relationship, despite having only parted with Biel this week.

"Justin is very interested in Mila," an insider told E! Online. "They've been flirting, but so far nothing has happened."

However, Gossip Cop states that sources close to both stars categorically deny any reports of romance between the pair.

Timberlake was previously described as being "obsessed" with Kunis, while the Black Swan actress admitted that their sex scenes together felt "kinda great".

A source close to both Timberlake and Biel earlier denied that either star had been unfaithful during their three-year relationship.

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel split

The Hollywood couple, who began dating in 2007, have reportedly ended their relationship on an amicable note.

"There are no hard feelings," an insider told People. "It was completely mutual and they both decided it was time to move on."

Representatives for the pair later issued a statement confirming the split, which read: "Addressing the media speculation regarding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake's relationship, we are confirming that they mutually have decided to part ways.

"The two remain friends and continue to hold the highest level of love and respect for each other."

O'Leary out of US 'X Factor' running

Dermot O'Leary is apparently out of the running for the US X Factor presenting job.

According to The Mirror, Simon Cowell has decided that he wants two hosts for the show, and is looking for a "non-conventional female superstar and a male pin-up singer".

Speaking about the decision, O'Leary said that he is "obviously disappointed", but claimed that he was proud to be the only British presenter on the final shortlist.

Cowell is expected to announce the judging panel and presenters for the Fox series over the next couple of weeks.

Lady GaGa dissolves exclusivity deal

Lady GaGa has dissolved an exclusivity deal with US retailer Target over the company's controversial political donations.

Target came under fire from LGBT activists last year due to the revelation that the company had donated corporate funds to MN Forward whom supported anti-gay candidate Tom Emmer in his failed run for governor of Minnesota.

Lady GaGa was due to release an exclusive special edition copy of her upcoming second album Born This Way with the giant retailer.

"Lady Gaga and Target came to a mutual decision to end their overall exclusive partnership a few weeks ago," the American singer's publicist told The Advocate.

Speaking with Billboard last month about the now-devoid deal, GaGa explained: "That discussion was one of the most intense conversations I've ever had in a business meeting.

"Part of my deal with Target is that they have to start affiliating themselves with LGBT charity groups and begin to reform and make amends for the mistakes they've made in the past ... our relationship is hinged upon their reform in the company to support the gay community and to redeem the mistakes they've made supporting those [anti-gay] groups."

Nicole Scherzinger hoping for 'Glee' role

Nicole Scherzinger has revealed that she would love to guest star in Glee.

In an interview on Capital FM's Scottish breakfast show, the singer explained that she is planning to talk to the programme's producers.

"I love Glee and am waiting for my time," she said. "I really want to do something on Glee but am always travelling so don't get time to watch it a lot but I try to where I can.

"We're going to set up some meetings and stuff. I would definitely love to do a guest spot on Glee because I came from musical theatre."

Scherzinger also explained that she wouldn't want to play herself on the show, saying: "I want to take on a completely new character, like something kind of dramatic and not what people would expect. To be unrecognisable would be cool."

Glee airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox in the US and on Mondays at 9pm on E4 in the UK.

Rob Lowe for 'Two and a Half Men'?

Two and a Half Men producer Chuck Lorre is reportedly interested in replacing Charlie Sheen with Rob Lowe.

Sheen's contract with the CBS/Warner Bros sitcom was terminated on Monday following a production shutdown after Sheen made controversial remarks about Lorre.

According to sources for TMZ, Lorre's producing team have reached out to Lowe's management firm about hiring the actor to join the show.

Lowe is currently appearing on NBC's Parks and Recreation.

The actor has not commented on the Two and a Half Men reports.

'True Blood' exec teases 'dark' characters

The executive producer of True Blood has promised that the witches in the fourth season will be "dark".

Speaking to E! Online, Alan Ball explained that the new characters may clash with the vampires.

"I don't think it's a rule that vampires and witches don't get along," he said.

"But there are certain witches who are really dabbling in dark, dark magic, necromancy - powers over the dead. So vampires aren't going to like that."

The fourth season of True Blood will begin on June 12 at 9pm on HBO.

Brazier "gutted" to be left out of Dancing On Ice tour

Dancing On Ice star Jeff Brazier has confessed that he is "gutted" not to be starring in the show's upcoming tour.

The presenter has been overlooked in favour of former contestants Vanilla Ice and Comedy Dave Vitty, the News of the World reports.

He said: "I am gutted to have been left off the tour. For five months I have worked hard to skate to a decent level. I remember when I couldn't even stand up. Throughout the whole of this experience my ultimate target was to earn the right to feature in this year's Dancing On Ice tour.

"To skate without pressure in front of large audiences around the UK was going to be a lot of fun. I foolishly assumed that if I had proven myself competent, polite, hardworking and a fast learner, I would have a chance."

Brazier has been told that he will only feature on the tour if he places in the top three. He added: "It's a long shot, but if I finish in the top three it is written in my contract that I automatically qualify for the tour. So that, my friends, is what I must do."

It is thought that Brazier will lose out on around £50,000 if he doesn't make it onto the tour.

'Essex' stars 'angry after exes recruited'

The stars of The Only Way Is Essex are said to be furious after producers approached some of their exes about appearing in the show.

According to The Sun, bosses of the ITV2 reality show want the ex-partners of the likes of Mark Wright and Amy Childs to reveal secrets about their past.

Members of the cast's family have also been contacted about joining the second series, which begins filming next week and airs from March 20.

"The cast are livid," a source told the paper. "Producers have signed up Sam Faiers' sister, but they have been in touch with ex-partners too. These ex-friends may try to get on to cause rows and drag up the past."

It was recently reported that a spinoff series is being filmed in Marbella.

Brad Pitt is "down-to-earth normal guy"

Chris Pratt has described Brad Pitt as a "down-to-earth normal guy".

Talking to E Online, the Parks and Recreation actor - who stars alongside Pitt in the upcoming drama Moneyball - admitted that while he was initially intimidated by his co-star, he was struck by how "cool" Pitt was despite his fame.

"His presence kind of takes up all the energy in the room," Pratt said.

"Once you get past that he's really just a kind of down-to-earth normal guy. Pretty open about talking about his life. He's a megastar. Maybe the biggest star in the world and he's pretty cool."

Pratt added: "You see him on set and there's that part of you that's like, 'Keep cool, that's Brad Pitt!' He's kind of exactly like what you would hope, which is just really awesome."

Alex Pettyfer 'has become a liability'

Beastly lead Alex Pettyfer has reportedly been labelled a "liability" due to his recent actions.

The actor, who is believed to have split from Glee star Dianna Agron, was advised to skip a pre-Oscars party that Agron was also attending.

A source stated to Us Magazine: "His agents told him not to go to the February 26 'night before' party."

Meanwhile, Pettyfer's agency WME has responded to reports that he could be fired by telling the publication that he is "still a client".

Last month, The Hollywood Reporter claimed that the actor went into "protest mode" when DreamWorks would not renegotiate his deal for I Am Number Four.

Warner Bros "furious" over Radcliffe play

Warner Bros is reportedly "furious" after being forced to buy out several showings of Daniel Radcliffe's Broadway show in order to secure his appearance at the final Harry Potter premiere.

New York Post reports that the actor, who is starring in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying until at least November, would not have been given a release for the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on July 7.

According to the newspaper, a "bitter" negotiation took place between Warner Bros and the play's producers, which resulted in the studio paying $500,000 (£306,206) to free Radcliffe from his role for five nights.

A source said: "Warner Bros is furious that Radcliffe committed to Broadway when he should be promoting Harry Potter.

"This is the final film, so it's a big deal. A grand world premiere is being planned as well as a US premiere and a press tour. They absolutely couldn't do it without their big star.

"But the theatre producers dug their heels in and said they wouldn't release Radcliffe unless Warner bought out the entire theatre for the nights they need him."

Ex-'H&A' star joins 'Neighbours'

Former Home and Away star Dieter Brummer has landed a guest role on Neighbours, taking on the part of Captain Troy Miller.

The actor - who played Summer Bay's Shane Parrish between 1992 and 1996 - will appear on Ramsay Street for a seven-week guest stint later this year.

Troy is an ex-boyfriend of established character Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey) and show bosses are tipping the soldier to be at the centre of drama in Erinsborough during his time on screen.

Speaking of Brummer's casting, Neighbours' executive producer Susan Bower told Holy Soap: "We are delighted that Dieter is joining us and very excited about the character he is playing. The Captain will certainly leave his mark on Ramsay Street."

Brummer's Home and Away character is best remembered for his relationship with show favourite Angel, played by Melissa George.

Since departing Summer Bay, the star has appeared in a number of other Australian shows - including Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities and Underbelly: The Golden Mile on the Nine Network.

Devlin unsure about 'Brothers' future

Ryan Devlin has admitted that he isn't sure whether he will return to Brothers & Sisters next season.

Devlin recently joined the show as Seth, a love interest for Kitty (Calista Flockhart).

TV Line reports that Devlin may be promoted to a series regular if the show is renewed for another season, but the actor refused to confirm the rumours.

"All I know is that I'm shooting the season finale in a couple weeks and have heard rumours that Seth will be back next year," he said. "Calista said there are some surprises coming, but despite my prodding, she wouldn't reveal what they are."

Brothers & Sisters airs on Sundays at 10/9c on ABC in the US and on Thursdays at 10pm on More4 in the UK.

Eminem, Rihanna confirmed for V Fest

As previously rumoured, Eminem and Arctic Monkeys have been confirmed as headliners of this year's V Festival.

Eminem will top the bill on August 20 at Weston Park and August 21 at Hylands Park and will be immediately preceded on the main stage by Rihanna. Arctic Monkeys top the Hylands Park bill on August 20 with support from Plan B and move to Weston Park on August 21.

Other acts confirmed over the weekend include Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, Big Audio Dynamite, Hurts, The Saturdays, Example, Olly Murs, Eliza Doolittle and Claire Maguire.

A new comedy stage will launch in 2011 and festival-goers can also opt for V Style luxury camping.

Tickets go on sale on March 4 at 9am and are priced at £174 for weekend with camping and £149 for the weekend without camping. Day tickets are £83.50 and campervan passes are £99.

Prince Harry's car 'hits photographer'

Prince Harry's car was reportedly involved in an accident which left a photographer in hospital.

The 26-year-old was travelling home in an unmarked police car after partying with his girlfriend Chelsy Davy when the incident occurred.

Metro claims that Tony Margiocchi was left with black tyre marks across his legs and was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Eyewitnesses claimed that the Prince's minder drove straight on and did not stop to tend to the photographer.

"We can confirm that an unmarked police vehicle did hit a man at around 2am," a police spokesperson said. "The man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Services and he has sustained a leg injury."

It was recently confirmed that Prince Harry will serve as Prince William's best man at his upcoming wedding to Kate Middleton.

Bieber 'hates people touching hair'

Justin Bieber has revealed that he does not like people touching his hair.

Bieber recently visited The Talk, where one of the show's hosts attempted to put a hat on Bieber's head, according to Hollywood Life.

"No, no, no. Don't touch my hair!" Bieber said.

Bieber then apparently combed his fingers through his hair, trying to fix the damage that the hat had done.

Bieber's film Never Say Never was re-released in theatres this weekend with 40 extra minutes of footage.

Cheryl Cole 'bumped from X Factor US panel'

Cheryl Cole will reportedly not serve as a judge on the upcoming US version of The X Factor.

According to the Daily Star, the 'Promise This' singer has been snubbed by Fox bosses over concerns about her thick Geordie accent and lack of profile stateside.

Friends close to Cole have claimed that the 27-year-old will now fill the "Sinitta role", advising head judge and executive producer Simon Cowell in the latter stages of the competition, just as the 'So Macho' singer does in the UK version.

A source said: "Simon really wanted Cheryl on the panel with him but it’s been an unwinnable battle. People just don’t know who she is over there and people struggle to understand what she’s saying.

"Simon is consoling her with the offer of helping him win the first series, which would give her profile a massive boost. The fact is she’s got a decision to make."

Cole was thought to have been working with an LA voice coach in order to quell fears about her regional slang, but the publication claims that Cowell has simply been unable to win over unconvinced network chiefs.

"Simon Cowell is still one of her biggest supporters," the insider said. "But even though the X Factor is his idea it's the executives at Fox who have the ultimate say over the make-up of the show."

They added: "Cheryl hasn’t heard or seen him since she arrived."

It was reported earlier this month that Cole had been offered £10 million to sit on the X Factor USA panel. Her and Cowell's future on the UK show has frequently been called into question as speculation about the American version continues.