Renee Zellweger Writes New Tv Show


Renee Zellweger is developing a new TV show based on her rise to fame.

The Bridget Jones's Diary star has co-written Cinnamon Girl, about four women who come of age in Los Angeles during the 1960s and '70s.

The plot features similarities to Zellweger's own journey from Texas to Hollywood, and as well as helping create the script, she will take on the role of executive producer.

The show will air on America's Lifetime network, which broadcast Zellweger's producing debut, TV movie Living Proof, in 2008.

Lifetime president Nancy Dubuc says, "Renee's passion, clarity of character and deep emotion for this project immediately transported us to the late '60s/early '70s and created a resonance with us wanting to relive that energy.

"Cinnamon Girl is a game changer for our network and is exactly the type of show we want to deliver."

Peter Morgan's Reluctant Cameo In New Movie


Screenwriter Peter Morgan was keen to have his cameo in new movie 360 axed, because he hated his experience in front of the camera.

Jude Law and Rachel Weisz star in the romantic drama and Morgan was talked into filming a small part to keep costs down.

However, he hated his day "sitting around on set" and admits the experience put him off any more acting roles.

Morgan tells the Bbc, "That was horrible. I won't be doing that again. That was a cost-saving exercise. Every actor we could, we saved.

"I would only do it to save cost. I wouldn't do it because a) I don't think I'm any good and b) because you spend all day sitting around on set.

"It's interminable. I don't know how they do it actually. Nothing made me want to write more than acting for a day."

Melanie Griffith And Antonio Banderas To Host Obama's Ball


Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas are opening up their home to U.S. President Barack Obama to host an upcoming fundraiser.

The Hollywood couple has agreed to provide the venue for a national Latino gala on 24 October (11), which will be co-hosted by Eva Longoria at the property in Los Angeles.

Tickets for the event, which will target Obama's Latino supporters to raise cash for his election candidacy, cost between $5,000 (£3,125) and $35,800 (£22,375), according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Hilary Swank Regrets Attending Controversial Ramzan Kadyrov Party


Actress Hilary Swank deeply regrets attending the birthday celebrations of Chechnya's controversial President Ramzan Kadyrov, insisting she did not have a "full understanding" of the event.

Swank was among guests at the lavish bash in the country's capital Grozny to mark the politician turning 35 last week (05Oct11). Violinist Vanessa Mae performed at the party, and a number of skyscrapers were illuminated as fireworks were simultaneously set off.

However, Swank's attendance infuriated human rights activists, who accuse Kadyrov of brutality and torture against his own people, and they publicly lambasted her for joining in the celebrations.

Now, the Million Dollar Baby star has apologised for turning up at the party and admits she should never have attended the controversial bash.

She tells the Associated Press, "I deeply regret attending this event. If I had a full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would never have gone."

Charisma Carpenter Contacts Police Over 'Hit-And-Run'


Actress Charisma Carpenter has contacted police over allegations a hit-and-run driver crashed into her car and fled the scene of the accident.

The former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star claims she was driving through Los Angeles this week (beg10Oct11) when another motorist slammed into her vehicle and four others before speeding off.

Carpenter alleges she narrowly escaped serious injury and has contacted police to give them the driver's licence plate number.

She tells Tmz.com she believes the driver was "probably on something... or running from the law."

Mitch Winehouse Meeting With U.K. Officials Over Amy Charity


Amy Winehouse's father will meet with British government officials on Thursday (13Oct11) to discuss how his charitable foundation in the tragic star's memory can help drug addicts battle their demons.

The Amy Winehouse Foundation, which was launched last month (14Sep11) to mark what would have been the singer's 28th birthday, will benefit organisations supporting vulnerable young people, including those battling addiction and ill health.

The singer's dad Mitch is spearheading the charity and he's meeting with the U.K.'s Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley to discuss how the organisation can help those with drug issues.

In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes, "Today we are meeting Andrew Lansley the secretary of state. We need to get addicts into recovery quicker."

Bob Dylan Learning Bagpipes


Bob Dylan is learning to play the bagpipes following a recent trip to Scotland.

The 70-year-old music legend performed two shows in Glasgow, Scotland over the weekend (08-09Oct11) and during the visit, he purchased a traditional set of pipes from a store in the city.

A spokeswoman for the National Piping Centre, which provided the instrument and an instruction manual, tells Reuters, "He's always wanted to learn. It's a lovely sound when they are played well, and something to be appreciated."