TV chef needs £86k for Tesco egg fight
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is seeking to raise £86,000 to take his free-range egg campaign to Tesco shareholders.
The television chef wants to propose at the supermarket's annual general meeting that it should only stock products from suppliers meeting RSPCA standards.
Tesco told him he must pay £86,000 for the distribution of documents to all its shareholders.
Fearnley-Whittingstall is now hoping to raise the sum with an auction on his campaign website, with prizes including a meal cooked by the chef at the winner's home.
"I think Tesco should waive this bill, which it is at its discretion to do," he said. "At the same time, it's clear that it doesn't really want this resolution."
Tesco said there may have been no cost if Fearnley-Whittingstall had put in the request before an earlier deadline. The firm said it was "not fair that shareholders should have to pay for all the documents to be produced and distributed".
Bit more on BBC news
James Garner recovering after stroke
James Garner is recovering at home after suffering a minor stroke.
The 80-year-old, who is best known for his roles in TV shows Maverick and The Rockford Files, was admitted to an LA hospital last month after falling ill.
He underwent an operation and was kept in intensive care for three weeks, reports the National Enquirer.
A source revealed that Garner is now regaining his speech, saying: "He's pulling through, but he has a long recovery ahead of him. But he's improved steadily.
"Jim will definitely need intensive physical and speech therapy. Fortunately, he's a fighter - and his wife Lois has been at his side."
The actor's publicist Jennifer Allen said: "His improvement is wonderful."
Garner received a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2004.
'Talent' champ struggles to cope with fame
Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson has sparked fears that he could be too young to cope with fame.
The 14-year-old breakdancer has just started work on the three-week Britain's Got Talent tour and is constantly accompanied by security guards who have been shielding him from overzealous fans.
Sampson is also believed to be upset over stories which have been printed in the press about family disputes.
George's aunt, Carol Roper, told the Daily Star Sunday: "He's only young and he's worried and we're all worried for him. He just wants to grow up like a normal kid and stay at home in Warrington with his family. But he's got to spend the next three weeks touring. It's a lot for a boy his age.
"He misses his family and all the stuff that has come out about his mum and dad falling out hasn't helped. He just wishes they could all get on."
My Family 'son' held on drugs
SITCOM star Gabriel Thomson was arrested yesterday on suspicion of possessing drugs.
A woman who had gone with the My Family star to his home called police to complain cash had gone missing from her handbag.
They arrested Thomson after substances thought to be cocaine and cannabis were discovered.
Thomson, 21, was led in handcuffs from the home. Mum Sally and brother Alex were away.
One neighbour said: “The woman was dressed extremely provocatively for a Sunday afternoon.
“She had on lots of make-up, high heels and a long coat.
“It was as if she was trying to preserve her modesty.
“Gabriel looked out of it.”
Another neighbour in Battersea, South West London, said: “Normally, Gabriel’s very quiet and we only see him when he’s on his skateboard.”
Thomson – nerdy son Michael Harper in the BBC1 hit comedy – was being held at Battersea police station last night.
A police spokesman said: “We were called after a report of an alleged theft and an altercation.
“A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class C drugs.”
Sick Swayze is back on the box
BATTLING Patrick Swayze is to return to work after a gruelling bout of cancer treatment.
The Dirty Dancing star has been given the all-clear by docs to begin filming TV drama series The Beast.
It will the 55-year-old’s first TV work in years.
Patrick is to play an unorthodox FBI veteran training a partner who is spying on him.
He said: “I can’t wait to get to work on this.
“I’ve searched for quite a long time to find a character so multi-layered, unpredictable and downright entertaining, as well as a project this current and cutting-edged.”
The series is set to air early next year on A&E in America.
Production starts in Chicago shortly.
Network boss Bob DiBitetto said Patrick’s treatment for pancreatic cancer — which included chemotherapy and new drugs — had checked the disease.
He said: “We’re thrilled to have Patrick on board.
“We’ve had candid conversations with him and his doctors and we have a fairly high degree of expectation that Patrick will be good to work a full production schedule.”
Zack Van Amburg, co-president of Sony Pictures TV, who are to make The Beast, added: “It’s amazing, it’s inspiring, and it’s almost unprecedented.”
Well, as we always say, no-one puts Patrick in a corner!
From The Sun
Sharon Osbourne heads to 'Strictly'?
Sharon Osbourne is being lined up to appear as a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, reports The Sun.
Osbourne quit as a judge on ITV's The X Factor last week after several bust-ups with Dannii Minogue and rumours of her requesting a £500,000 pay rise.
A source revealed: "It would make one hell of a TV battle, so don't be surprised to see [Sharon] hitting the dancefloor."
The 55-year-old was scheduled to appear on the US’s Dancing With The Stars last year but withdrew to undergo surgery.
"She's always wanted to do it, so what better time to put on her dancing shoes and go up against The X Factor than when the shows start again in September?" added the insider.
Lulu, Mel B, Charlotte Church and Cheryl Cole are rumoured to be in the running to replace Osbourne on the X Factor judging panel.
Phil goes solo as Fern stays off
THIS Morning star Phillip Schofield will host the ITV1 show on his own today —as Fern Britton refuses to return after a row over her gastric band op.
Bosses expected Fern, 50, back yesterday. But Ruth Langsford, 47 — who stood in after Fern walked last Tuesday — yet again took the helm.
But she is busy today, leaving Phillip, 46, on his own.
Sources say Fern has slumped into a deep depression over the weight-loss surgery row. An insider said: “She is at rock bottom and still fuming with ITV chiefs for not backing her over the operation.”
Bosses were annoyed Fern kept it secret — until it was exposed last week. But she felt it was a personal matter.
Ruth is now on standby for next week’s shows
I don't have a problem with Fern keeping the op private but she should not have made the adverts for the slimming biscuits/wafers/crisps etc. That was deceptive imo. :angry:
Malcolm is 4th child for Ulrika
TV’S Ulrika Jonsson has given birth to her fourth child — a boy called Malcolm.
The tot weighed 10lb and former weathergirl Ulrika said: “I’m delighted and hope my family is now complete!”
Ulrika, 40, married Malcolm’s father, ad executive Brian Monet, 39 — her third husband — in March.
She has another son, Cameron, 13, and daughters Bo, seven, and Martha, four — all by different fathers.
From The Sun
Bashir diagnosed with brain tumour
TV journalist Martin Bashir has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The 45-year-old, who is best known for his interviews with Princess Diana and Michael Jackson, confirmed that doctors have found a growth on his pituitary gland.
The tumour was discovered during a scan for a head injury he sustained on the set of his Nightline show for America's ABC News.
Bashir, who lives with wife Debbie and their two children in New York, insisted that he has no plans to scale back his personal or professional life in the wake of the news.
His agent John Miles said: "It has been a very worrying time for Martin and his family but the good news is that the specialists do not want to operate on the tumour yet.
"The doctors say they have found it at a very early stage. Obviously it's very serious and they are not unconcerned."
Miles added: "While of course it has been very upsetting, Martin is seeing it as a blessing in disguise. If he hadn't had the knock to the head, he would never have known about the tumour."
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and helps regulate the body's growth.
Madonna 'hires divorce lawyer Mostyn'
Madonna has reportedly hired divorce lawyer Nicholas Mostyn QC.
According to Holy Moly, the singer is starting divorce proceedings against her husband Guy Ritchie.
Mostyn's previous high-profile cases include Heather Mills, Earl Spencer and footballer Ray Parlour.
The singer apparently met the legal representative at his London office ten days ago.
It is rumoured that Ritchie and Madonna don't have a prenuptial agreement, meaning the film director may be entitled to some of the popstar's fortune.
A-to-Z guide to Wayne's wedding
From The Sun
FIVE private jets, £400,000 for WESTLIFE as the band and a £130,000 dress by a Hollywood mogul’s wife are just SOME of the ingredients of this week’s £5MILLION wedding between footie ace WAYNE ROONEY and WAG COLEEN MCLOUGHLIN.
The 22-year-olds were at home yesterday, before going to Italy, where they will tie the knot.
Has your invite got lost in the post? Never mind, here SHARON HENDRY brings you the essential A-to-Z insiders’ guide to the big match.
A is for Alder Hey. Despite the wedding’s excess, Wayne and Coleen have shown they have a conscience by asking guests not to buy presents but instead make generous donations to the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and also Claire House, a Merseyside children’s hospice.
B is for Butterflies. Guests will be given a hand-made box tied with a ribbon and containing a butterfly, which they have to release at the time of the wedding.
A source said: “The butterfly release will make everyone gasp with amazement. It is a beautiful sight.”
C is for Champagne breakfasts. The couple insist their guests should sip the finest champagne at breakfast each morning after they rise and look out over the breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera.
D is for Disgruntled family. A rift has opened up in the Rooney clan after several relatives were not invited to the extravagant Italian bash.
They include Wayne’s cousins Natalie and Stephen, his uncle John’s children.
They were the first to be struck off the guest list because Stephen is a gay cross-dresser who wanted to be a bridesmaid, and Natalie flashed her enhanced boobs at another Rooney family bash.
E is for Elise Lindsay. Elise is the Sheffield-based personal trainer credited with sculpting Coleen’s shape to wow guests in her wedding dress.
She says: “We do an hour-and-a-half to two hours. If Coleen is stationary, it’s only to tie her shoelaces.”
F is for Five million quid. This is the amount the wedding will reportedly cost from start to finish.
OK! magazine is footing half the bill, while Wayne and Coleen will pay the rest. It’s small change for Wayne, who earns £115,000 a week playing at Old Trafford, plus £10million a year in sponsorship from Nike, Coca-Cola and EA Sports.
He also has a £3million book deal with HarperCollins.
G is for GEORGINA CHAPMAN. Arguably the most important person involved in the wedding preparations, British-born Georgina owns the Marchesa designer label which Coleen has chosen for her dress.
The 32-year-old wife of Hollywood mogul HARVEY WEINSTEIN, has designed dresses for NICOLE KIDMAN, RENEE ZELLWEGER and PENELOPE CRUZ.
Coleen’s £130,000 creation is thought to include pearls and crystals.
H is for Hen nights. Last month Wayne treated Coleen and five friends to a pre-hen trip to Miami.
Later there was a £50,000 lunch, dinner and pampering session at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester for 24 guests, including Coleen’s mum Colette and Wayne’s mum Jeanette.
I is for Ibiza. Wayne chose the Med clubbing spot for his stag do.
He hired a luxury villa and told his friends to leave their wallets behind, even though the bill was likely to top £250,000.
A source said: “He budgeted for £10,000 a head. He didn’t want anyone paying for anything.”
J is for Jets. Five private planes have been hired to ferry guests from London and Manchester to the wedding venue near Portofino. The cost is thought to be around £200,000.
K is for KARL LAGERFELD. The style guru who heads legendary fashion house Chanel has reportedly designed several of the outfits and accessories Coleen has chosen for her honeymoon at an undisclosed destination.
L is for La Cervara. This is the 700-year-old former abbey where the wedding and reception is tipped to be held.
A writer once described it as: “A pious monastery that is immersed in the immensity of a primitive, virgin and untamed nature, a monastery that is dedicated to concentration, repentance and prayer.”
M is for Masked ball. This is planned as part of the spectacular reception party. It also gives Coleen a chance to perform an eye-catching costume change.
N is for New York City. The home of the A-list Marchesa label Coleen chose for her dress.
She made a staggering six trips to the city with her mum Colette for fittings.
On each trip, the pair were flown first class — at a cost of £8,000 a time.
O is for OK! The celebrity mag is guarding its £2.5million deal — half the wedding’s cost — with a ring of steel.
A 100-strong security team has been employed to protect the venue for several days and guests’ bags will be searched for cameras.
P is for Portofino. This small Italian fishing village will witness one of the most lavish weddings of recent years.
Located in the province of Genoa, on the Italian Riviera, its small harbour is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports.
Q is for Quadrilatero d’Oro. This is the famous designer Mecca of Milan where Wayne and Coleen were seen shopping for his wedding tuxedo.
R is for Revellers. The Manchester party-planning firm charged with organising the event, including the catering and cake. An advert on the firm’s website boasts: “We can deliver whatever it takes to make your occasion unforgettable"
Tiger lilies from Thailand, mariachi bands from Mexico, even schnapps from Siberia. We use our imagination to transform venues, create themes and stun your guests.”
S is for Shore Club Hotel. Coleen chose to wave goodbye to her single lifestyle with a pre-hen stay at this exclusive Miami hotel.
Estimated to have cost £60,000, the trip included first-class flights for the party of five and plenty of Cristal champagne at £1,000 a bottle.
Actors ASHTON KUTCHER, WILL SMITH and QUEEN LATIFAH are just some of the celebs who are known for frequenting the ultra-modern hotel.
T is for Tan. Coleen is a sun-worshipper and rarely steps out without a golden glow.
Her wedding day will be no exception and she has taken a break at a five star hotel in the Canary Islands with six friends to top up her tan.
A source said: “The idea is to make sure her skin sets the wedding dress off in the most stunning way possible.”
U is for Uncle Sean. Coleen’s trusted uncle Sean McLoughlin is to be Wayne’s best man, limiting any scope for embarrassing speech material.
V is for Villa Durazzo. Another tip for the wedding venue, this is a stunning 16th Century fortress with banqueting hall, gardens and panoramic views.
Coleen is said to have fallen in love with the Mediterranean hideaway on a trip to the Italian Riviera last year. The five-star cliff-top location is popular with privacy-seeking celebrities.
W is for Westlife. Coleen is a huge fan of the Irish boy band and was desperate to get them to play at her wedding. It is thought the bill for the performance comes in at a whopping £400,000.
X is for eXchanging vows. Coleen and Wayne are both staunch Catholics. Coleen has chosen to fly her local parish priest out from Croxteth, Liverpool, to oversee the ceremony.
Y is for Yacht. A luxury vessel has been hired to host a lunch for the 64 guests. There is also the option of some sailing trips for the more adventurous guests.
Z is for Zoom lenses. Coleen and Wayne have chosen to wed in the country where the term “paparazzi” was coined.
Hordes of photographers from around the world will be focusing their lenses on the lavish ceremony but minders have been employed to pace the perimeter and sight screens have been positioned to ward off prying eyes.
I know they support Alder Hey but somehow the expense spent on these arrangements seems a little obscene for my liking. I just hope this relationship lasts and wish them all the best.
Bowman gives birth to baby boy
Edith Bowman has given birth to a baby boy.
The Radio 1 DJ and her partner, Editors frontman Tom Smith, welcomed their son, Rudy Brae Bowman Smith, at London's Portland Hospital.
Earlier in the year, Bowman admitted that a heart condition could put her life at risk during labour. Her child was born through a Caesarean section.
Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said: "Everyone at Radio 1 sends their love and best wishes to Edith and Tom."
Bowman began presenting the Radio 1 afternoon slot in 2003. She has also hosted Top Of The Pops, the BBC's Glastonbury coverage and appeared on Fame Academy.
Madonna denies divorce rumours
Madonna has dismissed claims that she has hired a divorce lawyer.
The singer was reported to have to taken on British attorney Nicholas Mostyn QC as part of divorce proceedings against husband Guy Ritchie.
Mostyn's previous clients include Heather Mills, Earl Spencer and footballer Ray Parlour.
However, Madonna's representative slammed the rumours, telling the London Paper that they are "completely untrue".
The couple married in 2000 and Ritchie is step-father to the popstar's daughter Lourdes, 11. They also have seven-year-old son Rocco and adopted two-year-old David Banda.
Andre voted father of the year
Peter Andre has been named father of the year in a poll voted for by UK mothers.
The 35-year-old husband of glamour model Katie Price beat David Cameron and Gordon Brown in a survey by the Daddies Sauce ketchup brand.
Andre has two children with Price, two-year-old Junior and 11-month-old Princess Tiaamii. He is also stepfather to Price's six-year-old son Harvey.
Andre revealed that he was "not even halfway there" when it comes to having more children.
He said: "For the last couple of years, I've been saying that if there's any kind of award I could win it would be dad of the year. I'm over the moon.
"For me this is as good as it gets. And that's how I know my life has changed that much."
Newman is battling cancer
FILM legend PAUL NEWMAN is battling cancer, a friend has confirmed.
The star’s business partner Aaron Hotchner said Newman broke the news to him 18 months ago.
He said: “It’s a form of cancer and he’s dealing with it. He’s battling. He’s doing all the right stuff. Paul is a fighter.
“He seems to be going through a good period now. Everybody is hopeful. That’s all we know.”
Mr Hotchner — who partnered Newman, 83, to launch his range of sauces to raise money for charity in the 80s — said the star had a lung operation a few years ago.
We told yesterday how Newman, who won an Oscar for his role in 1986 film The Color of Money, had appeared gaunt amid reports hew was being treated for lung cancer.
But he refused to confirm rumours. In a statement yesterday, the star, who is married to actress JOANNA WOODWARD, 78, said he is “doing nicely”.
Aww, I wish him all the best and hope he recovers.
Lionel Richie 'struggled' to raise Nicole
Lionel Richie has admitted that he struggled to raise daughter Nicole.
At the recent TV Land Awards ceremony, the former Commodores singer revealed that dealing with Nicole's drug addiction, weight problems and brief spell in jail was highly stressful.
He is quoted as saying: "Forget about surviving 40 years in the music business, just surviving 27 years of Nicole Richie has been a struggle-and-a-half, I want to tell you. I stand here as a survivor, I want you to know, for all the parents out there."
Nicole and Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden became parents to daughter Harlow earlier this year.
"While it may take me a moment to adjust to being called granddad, I am extremely happy and proud of Nicole and Joel," remarked Lionel at the time.
Good to learn that celebrities find parenthood challenging too. :thumbsup:
Newsflash - Wayne Rooney and Coleen finally get married in Italy
England and Manchester United football star Wayne Rooney has at last tied the knot with his girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin in what's been dubbed by many as the wedding of the year.
The pair made their vows at 9.30 this morning in the 17th century Villa Durazzo in Portafino, Italy - though with a £2.5 million magazine deal to protect, the ceremony was shrouded in secrecy.
The nuptials, conducted in Italian and translated by an English interpreter, lasted 20 minutes and were attended by an estimated 15 close family and friends.
According to witnesses, no rings were exchanged, Wayne didn't wear a tie and there were also two security guards for every guest.
AdvertisementBut in keeping with tradition, the bride cried tears of joy when they were finally pronounced man and wife.
After the ceremony, the wedding party moved to a 900-year-old church for a blessing by their family priest Ned Quinn and celebrations are due to continue with a massive reception party elsewhere in the town.
From The Mirror
