EXCLUSIVE: AMELLE LEAVES SUGABABES

ABOVE: Amelle Berrabah is leaving the Suababes four years after replacing Mutya Buena

ABOVE: There has been tension between Amelle and Keisha Buchanan

ABOVE: Britain's Eurovision entrant Jade Ewen will take her place

THE revolving door that opens up to the third member of the Sugababes has swung again with Amelle Berrabah walking out.

Eurovision babe Jade Ewen is stepping into her Jimmy Choos.

 As revelations of tension between Amelle and bandmate Keisha Buchanan, 24, circulated, suspiciously Jade’s new single My Man, which was due out this week, failed to hit shelves.

 Management for both the Babes and Jade, 21, last night refused to deny the merger.

 Amelle stepped in for Mutya Buena, 24, four years ago and grabbed all the headlines.

 She had many brushes with the law, her boyfriend was attacked on Christmas Day by a machete-wielding loonie, then she hit No 1 with Tinchy Stryder last month.

 Last year after the Q Awards Amelle told me: “I get offers all the time to do things outside of the band but I can’t do them.

 “I’ve turned down a lot of incredible opportunities that I really wanted to do.”

 Looks like the chart position of Never Leave You has given the 25-year-old the confidence to quit.

 In-fighting between the girls has been rife since they launched in 1998.

 Original member Siobhan Donaghy, 25, accused Keisha and Mutya of speaking in a private language and leaving her out.

 Heidi Range, 26, replaced her in 2001.

 Mutya didn’t even tell the other two when she decided she had enough – leaving management to break the news.

 On Thursday night Tinchy, 22, told Playlist’s Halina Watts that he didn’t want to be blamed for making Amelle a solo star.

 He said: “It’s hard to see anyone not being nice to Amelle because she’s so sweet.

 “I ain’t spoke to her but I hope she’s alright and they get back together.”

 Meanwhile Jade’s label Geffen said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we regret to inform you that Jade Ewen will be taking time off from all promotional activity for the forseeable future.”

 Jade is nominated for Best Newcomer at the upcoming MOBO awards.

 Meanwhile yesterday the Babes were confirmed for their first proper live show of the year on November 29 at T4’s Stars Of 2009 at London’s Earls Court.

 This looks set to be Jade’s debut with the group.
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ALEXANDRA SHOPS ON

ABOVE: Alexandra's album is due out next month

IT seems that Simon Cowell pays well after all.

Last year’s X Factor queen Alexandra Burke, 21, was spotted in Manchester splashing wads of cash on the mother and father of a shopping binge. 

The diva bagged so many goodies that an extra taxi was needed to carry the designer swag back to her hotel.

With Alexandra’s all-important first album out next month, we just hope that she kept the receipts.
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AMY LASHES OUT

ABOVE: Amy hits the booze during her night out on the town / FocusPictures.co.uk

JUST when we thought The Amy Show was drawing to a sobering halt, Wino is back off the wagon and more entertaining than ever.

Our favourite wonky songbird, 26, took her ex, Tyler James, on an epic post-birthday bender.

It ended in a raucous singsong and a scuffle with the paps.

After getting two gnashers removed at the dentist, Amy wolfed down two dinners with pals, scoffing pizza and seafood like she hadn’t eaten since Christmas.

The pack then hit Jazz After Dark in Soho, where Amy flexed her vocal cords to an astounded audience. 

The walking heartbreak then treated herself to a smorgasbord of alcoholic treats.

Our spies said: “She was caning the booze. She downed a whole pint in one.”

Amy was strapped to one-time bed buddy Tyler, 26, the whole night. When a fan asked for a photo, Amy barked: “No, I’m with my boyfriend.”

The romantically confused one vexed another fan, who was wearing a bindi on her forehead. 

“What the f*** is that on your face?” she yelled, despite sporting her trademark drawn-on freckles.

The night ended with a shambolic spat with photographers. Join us next time for more tales from Planet Wino.
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Arlene Phillips joins 'The Sun'

Saturday, September 19 2009, 13:47 BST

By Anisa Kadri

 

Arlene Phillips has reportedly accepted an offer to write forThe Sun.

The former Strictly Come Dancing judge agreed to give her opinions on the dance show's contestants in the newspaper week by week.

She said: "I'm thrilled to be joining The Sun.

"It's great to be back doing what I love - criticising dancers.

"This is what I do. I've been passing judgment on dancers for years, from way back in my early years as a choreographer. I know my mind and I'll say exactly what's on it. You won't get me mincing my words."

Phillips was replaced as a Strictly judge by Alesha Dixon.

Strictly Come Dancing is on tonight at 7.25pm on BBC One.

Mutya Buena: I'd love to be a Sugababe again

Mutya Buena has revealed she would love to rejoin the Sugababes.

The Celebrity Big Brother star, who left the group four years ago, would consider taking Amelle Berrabah's place if she does decide to quit.

Open to invitations: Mutya Buena

Speaking at the Ndoro charity dinner in The Dorchester hotel last night, Mutya told us: “I'd love to do some shows with the Sugababes. As the years have gone by I've settled down a lot.

“Now my little girl's at school I've a lot more time on my hands. If they asked me, I'd definitely do some stuff with them, but it would have to come from them as I'm not sure how it would work with four people on the stage.”

X Factor 2009 Final 12 Acts *SPOILERS*

September 20th, 2009 by Lisa McGarry.

X Factor: Cheryl Cole gets up on stage to help a tearful contestant sing a Girls Aloud song 

By LIZZIE SMITH
Last updated at 9:47 PM on 20th September 2009

As a former talent show winner herself, Cheryl Cole knows what it feels like to be nervous.

So when a young singer broke down in tears on the X Factor she was quick to reassure her.

But this time Cheryl even joined the tearful contestant on stage - to help her belt out a Girls Aloud song.

Back on stage: Cheryl Cole climbed out of her chair to help support Amie Buck

Amie Buck, 22-year-old, shares Cheryl's home town and had told the judges: 'I’m feeling nervous but I’m very, very excited, I’m feeling a buzz.'

But she failed to impress, receiving a 'heard enough' from Cowell as she attempted to sing Alicia Keys Fallin'.

But Cheryl disagreed, telling her: 'I think that song was too big for you Amie, I really do, I think you’ve got a nice pop voice.'

Holding back the tears: Amie Buck was overcome

Louis agreed and Cowell added: 'Amie I think you’ve got a good voice but it’s not a great voice, you’re very well prepared, you look fantastic  but I don’t think your voice is good enough darling.'

As she began to cry on stage, Simon said: 'So you’ve got to work out in your mind the right kind of song for you.'

On hearing this, Amie explained she nearly picked a Girls Aloud track, and was offered a rare second chance to begin again.

She did it: Aime gets a hug from Cheryl

Still tearful she began with a stunning performance, but soon forgot the words.

Determined to help, Cheryl joined her onstage - and soon Amie had four yeses.

Also reminding Cheryl of her time on Popstars: the Rivals was Daniel Pearce.

When they auditioned for the show in 2002, both made it onto the winning bands - she on Girls Aloud, he on One True Voice.

But while Cheryl is now a household name, Daniel is a jobbing singer, and last night saw him auditioning in front of Cheryl for a place in the X factor final.

Giving it another shot: Former One True Voice member Daniel Pearce auditions on the X Factor

As he took to the stage Cheryl remarked: 'Daniel, hello, wow, this is bizarre'.

Louis, who was a judge on Popstars: The Rivals, agreed: 'It must be tough to come back to another talent show'. 

But with a breathtaking performance of Seal's Kiss From A Rose 31-year-old Daniel silenced their fears.

Seven years on: Daniel on Popstars in 2002 (L) and the X Factor (R)

Simon Cowell was quick with his praise.

'Who cares about his hair,' he said, referring to Daniel's mohican. 'That's how you do it. It probably is quiet awkward for you to come back under these circumstances. 

'But who cares when you can sing like that.'

Also back auditioning for a second time, was Rachel Adedji - who got to the final six of the show last year.

She was an easy choice for the judges to send through to the second round.

Not so successful was Cowell's biggest fan, 80-year-old Eileen.

'I left it 50 years too late,' she told the crowd. She then belted out The Wonder of You by Elvis Presley.

Cowell told her: 'I really like you, but on the singing I've got to say no.'

Next up was autistic contestant Scott James, for who just appearing on stage was a challenge.

The 21-year-old's version of  You Raise Me Up by Westlife brought the crowd up onto their feet in a standing ovation.

Giving it his all: Autistic Scott James thrilled the audience

He finished his song, before the judges invited his vocal coach Linzi onstage.

'I wanted you to hear this,' said Cowell. 'He's got four yeses, he's through to the next round.'

Next up was someone equally impressive - for a different reason.

Paula managed to get Cowell to put his hand in his pocket - after telling him she had spent £600 on singing lessons.

He was so horrified at her voice that he told her: 'I'll give you your money back.'

Full of swagger: Curtis, 16, impressed

Ending the show was 16-year-old Curtis.

After he explained he had been in and out of care for years, and had a tag on his ankle after breaking the law, he swaggered on stage.

But after getting a telling off from Cowell, his performance thrilled the judges.

'I think you are really current,' Cowell told him.

And as he walked away the judges were arguing about who would get to work with Curtis.

A big future: The judges are already arguing over who will work with the teen

BB Lisa 'models for Vivienne Westwood'

Monday, September 21 2009, 08:36 BST

By Catriona Wightman

Former Big Brother 10 housemate Lisa has modelled for Dame Vivienne Westwood.

The Mirror reports that the 41-year-old was invited to join the catwalk because of her friendship with fellow housemate David, who is a devotee of the fashion designer.

Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldof were among the other models in the show.

Meanwhile, Boy George, Alexa Chung and Girls Aloud stars Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts were in the audience.

Westwood joined her models on the catwalk for the show's finale.

THE PAUL O'GRADY SHOW

PAUL has not been a happy bunny of late, kicking up a stink about Channel 4 wanting to slash his budget.

But whatever the rights and wrongs of that dispute (do YOU know how much money it really takes to make a daytime chat show? Me neither – I’m keeping out of it) it’s safe to assume he’ll be sticking to the business in hand this afternoon as he launches his latest series. 

In other words, lots of down-to-earth chat with celebrity guests, plus items which put real-life non-celebs into the spotlight. 

Joining him today are singer Mika (or “Mike”, as it originally said, far more amusingly, in the press release) and Dame Edna Everage. 

The latter, of course, is actually a bloke in drag – a career path I’m sure Paul would thoroughly disapprove of.

Nearly 2m record 'Strictly' or 'X Factor'

Monday, September 21 2009, 17:05 BST

By Andrew Laughlin, Technology Reporter

 

Sky has revealed that nearly two million homes used Sky+ this weekend to record either Strictly Come Dancing or The X Factor during the scheduling clash.

On Saturday, the BBC opted to broadcast Strictly from 7.25pm to 9.05pm on BBC One, thus clashing with The X Factor which aired on ITV1 between 8pm and 9.15pm.

Therefore, 1.9m Sky+ and Sky+ HD subscribers used the recording function of their set top box to ensure that they did not miss either of the shows.

After The X Factor beat Strictly in the ratings war, figures released by Sky also indicate that it was the preferred choice for Sky+ users, with 1.2m saving the ITV1 show to watch later, compared to just 686,000 doing so for Strictly.

A Sky spokesperson said: "Scheduling clashes like this are what Sky+ was made for. It's great we've been able to save two million people from a difficult decision and enabled them to watch every second of their favourite shows."

The BBC's scheduling decision for Strictly Come Dancing has been widely criticised in the media, and even come under scrutiny from politicians.

During a speech at the Royal Television Society Cambridge Convention, shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt expressed his dismay at the corporation's approach.

"It was an extraordinary decision to disappoint thousands of licence fee payers," he said. "There will be thousands of viewers who are very angry at that decision."

BB10 Noirin tipped for Ann Summers ads

Monday, September 21 2009, 17:00 BST

By Daniel Kilkelly, Entertainment Reporter

Big Brother star Noirin Kelly is reportedly being lined up as the new face of Ann Summers.

According to the Daily Star, Kelly's recent photoshoots in lads' magazines impressed bosses at the firm, which is currently looking for a new celebrity to front its lingerie campaigns.

An Ann Summers source told the newspaper: "Noirin could be just what we are looking for. She is absolutely gorgeous, with a great 'girl next door' look that men and women will love."

The insider added: "Men will be drooling over her photos while women will want to look as good as her. Watch this space."

Other stars said to be in the frame for the role include Big Brother 7's Imogen Thomas and former Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett.