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Monday, May 31, 2010

By Mail Online Showbiz Reporter

Champion: Tulisa Contostavlos celebrates after her N-Dubz team wins the female round of the Soccer Six tournament at The Valley in south east London


As the sole female member of urban trio N-Dubz, Tulisa Contostavlos usually provides the glamour.

But yesterday the 21-year-old Londoner showed she wasn't afraid to dress down as she showed off her football skills at a charity soccer match.

Contostavlos was captain of the the winning female team, which included former Mis-teeq singer Su-Elise Nash, Hollyoaks actress Sasha Emmanuel and TV presenter Liv Boeree.


Proud: Contostavlos holds her Soccer Six cup


The team were among dozens of celebrities who gathered at Charlton Athletic's home ground The Valley to play at the annual Soccer Six charity tournament, which raises money for the Samaritans.

Writing on her Twitter page after the game, the pop star enthused: 'Yeeeeeeessss N-Dubz gals team won Soccer Six.

'As team captain I'm taking home the trophy. Told you we will defeat you.'

The N-Dubz team defeated two other female teams, which included X Factor third place Stacey Solomon, The Cheeky Girls and Bianca Gascoigne.


Girls on top: Contostavlos celebrates with her team, including Nathalie Emmanuel (far right) and Su-Elise Nash (4th left)


We've got the football X Factor: Jamie 'Afro' Archer, Lee Ryan and Jeff Brazier celebrate winning the men's tournament


Joining Contostavlos at the game was her bandmate Dappy, who was booed by some of the crowd members following his various controversies in recent months.

He was seen exchanging a few words with rapper Lethal Bizzle - who was on another team - as they disagreed over a tackle on the pitch.

In the male part of the tournament, the X Factor team were declared the winners.

The team included TV presenter Jeff Brazier - who has been hosting the X Factor live shows - and 2009 contestants Danyl Johnson and Jamie 'Afro' Archer and former Blue singer Lee Ryan.


Clash: N-Dubz rapper Dappy Contostavlos doesn't look happy as he talks to the referee


Olly Murs was due to play with the X Factor team, but defected at the last minute to a rival team, which included Lethal Bizzle and fellow rapper Tinchy Stryder.

Others on the field yesterday included McFly members Danny Jones and Harry Judd and comedian David Baddiel.

Before the tournament, Claire Duncan at Samaritans said: 'It is fantastic that so many top celebrities will be supporting us at our annual star-studded football tournament Soccer Six.

'In these tough times, life can be very demanding and the need for Samaritans is greater than ever. Funds raised will allow Samaritans to continue to offer confidential support to people in emotional distress, 24-hours-a-day.'


Cute: Stacey Solomon cheers on the men with her son Zachary after her team lost


Going for goal: X Factor runner-up Olly Murs kicks the ball


source: dailymail

By Mail Online Showbiz Reporter

Fancy a night in? Abbey Clancy shows off her legs in a pair of tiny shorts and vest as she settles down for a night in front of the TV


With her fiancé Peter Crouch on the opposite side of the world playing for England, you'd expect Abbey Clancy to be glued to his every move on the television.

But it looks like Clancy may be part of the female population who prefer to watch anything but the beautiful game.

The Liverpudlian model, 24, poses in a tiny vest and shorts to launch her own collection of entertainment programmes on Virgin Media On Demand to keep 'football widows' entertained during the tournament in South Africa.

The blonde beauty will remain at home in England while her striker beau will join Fabio Capello and the rest of the team in South Africa.

Clancy is teaming up with Virgin to create Abbey Clancy's Girls' Night In, which will feature a collection of her favourite shows, which don't involve football.

American shows including Friends, E.R. and Gossip Girl will be screened, as well as British programmes Secret Diary Of A Call Girl and Gordon Ramsay's F Word.

But despite looking forward to all her favourite shows, Clancy insists she will save some of her time to support her future husband by watching the England games.


Football widow: Clancy will still find time to watch Peter Crouch in action with England when she isn't watching her favourite shows


She said: 'While I’ll definitely be cheering on Pete and our boys this summer, it’s fantastic Virgin Media On Demand have let me host a selection of girly TV favourites so that we can take a break from football when we want as well.

'So go on, treat yourself to the ultimate girls’ night in with some popcorn and pampering, complete with a dose of George Clooney.'

Clancy made her debut as a football WAG at the European Cup in Baden Baden, Germany in 2006, just a few months after she began dating Crouch.

She was photographed bonding with the other WAGS, including Frank Lampard's now ex-fiancee Elen Rivas and Michael Carrick's wife Lisa, in the stands.

Abbey Clancy's Girls’ Night In will be available on Virgin Media TV On Demand throughout June.
To find out more about Virgin Media On Demand, visit www.virginmedia.com/ondemand.


source: dailymail

By Mail Online Showbiz Reporter

Flying the flag for England: Pregnant Rachel Stevens poses with an England flag and hat to launch the World Cup fragrance Eau De Stade


She may be three months pregnant, but Rachel Stevens isn't afraid to show off her changing figure as she strips off for new perfume ad.

The expectant singer, 32, poses in nothing but a strategically-placed England flag and bowler hat to launch the World Cup unisex fragrance Eau De Stade.

The limited-edition scent evokes the smells of the football field and the host country South Africa ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on June 11.

Stevens' appearance in the new campaign from Sky+HD, who specially commissioned the fragrance, comes just two weeks after she confirmed she was pregnant.

The former S Club star and actor husband Alex Bourne are expecting their first child together in November.

Their baby news comes 10 months after the pair married in a Jewish ceremony at Claridge's.


Come on England: There was no sign of Stevens' baby bump as she showed off her curves in a white halterneck dress


Self-confessed football Stevens admitted she was excited about the upcoming tournament.

She said: 'I'm counting down the days till the World Cup and can't wait to watch the England matches in high definition with my friends and family.

'Although I can't make it out to South Africa, a spritz of Sky+HD Eau De Stade means I can bring a little bit of the World Cup to my living room.'

Meanwhile, the former Strictly Come Dancing finalist admitted her pregnancy wasn't slowing her down just yet.


Hope your hubby doesn't mind: Stevens poses with a pair of football boots and a topless male model


Starting a family: Stevens with her husband of 10 months Alex Bourne


She told the new issue of Closer magazine: 'I’m really busy at the moment so I’m running round all the time.

'I like being outside and walking, and as I live right near the park I have no excuse. I’ve also been doing yoga.'

Despite being a tiny size 8 pre-pregnancy, Stevens insisted she has never been a fan of dieting and would be enjoying eating for two.

She enthused: 'I love my food. I don’t believe in dieting or depriving yourself of anything.

'I just eat whatever I fancy. It’s just about not overeating and having a healthy balanced diet.'

While Stevens is preparing for motherhood later this year, she is also hoping to relaunch her music career.

After S Club split, Stevens released seven solo singles, three of which charted in the top five, and two albums.

However, she parted ways with her record label Polydor in 2005 after her second solo album Come And Get It only charted at number 26.

• The full interview with Stevens is in the new issue of Closer magazine, on sale today.

• Eau De Stade will go on sale from today at Soccer Scene's World Cup pop-up store in central London.


source: dailymail

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After making their debut through Ceci magazine and finally releasing their official jacket photos this month, the girls of SISTAR have finally released the MV teaser for their debut track Push Push.

The MV teaser reveals the girls looking rather spunky and sexy, sporting fresh styles and rockin’ hairdos. Check out the girls below as they line up and get their mugshots taken before you. The song sounds catchy enough, but I guess you couldn’t expect anything less as the track was produced by Brave Brothers.


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By Daily Mail Reporter

French roller-skater Taig Kris set a new world record for the longest jump with roller-skates on when he dropped off the Eiffel Tower


Huge crowds gathered under the Eiffel Tower in Paris yesterday to watch a world champion extreme sportsman attempt to jump off the famous landmark with inline skates on.

Thousands of nervous bystanders lined the avenues around the famous monument to watch Frenchman Taig Khris perform the dangerous feat.


And he's off: Taig Khris jumps the 30 meter halfpipe from the first floor of the Eiffel Tower


The 34-year-old was attempting a new Guinness world record for the longest freefall from a structure onto a landing ramp.

He made his death-defying leap from the 131ft high first floor of the tower onto a giant sized quarter pipe ramp built below.

He fluffed his first attempt after losing his footing and sliding down at speed into a giant air bag. However undaunted he was went back for a second try.


Going, gone: Taig Khris dropped a record 39ft from a 131ft platform attached to the Eiffel Tower


This time he landed cleanly and raised his arms in celebration and the crowd yelped and cheered. He dropped a record 39ft, beating the 28ft fall set by American Danny Way.

'I've never had such a strong adrenaline rush,' Mr Khris said.

He said his jump was 'to give people the desire to reach beyond their limits, to follow their passions, their dreams.'
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By Daily Mail Reporter

Mike Conway goes airborne before crashing into the fencing after colliding with Ryan Hunter-Reay (37) during Indianapolis 500


This is the moment British driver Mike Conway was launched into the air at 200mph during the Indy 500 motor race.

His car catapulted into the safety fencing and disintegrated in front of hundreds of thousands of horrified spectators.

But amazingly, Conway only sustained broken leg and ligament damage.


Dreyer & Reinbold Racing driver Mike Conway flies through the air after crashing with Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay


The car was airborne for several seconds during the penultimate lap of the race


Team owner Dennis Reinbold told how the accident happened a split second before he was about to warn Conway that other drivers were sklowing down.

'I was just getting ready to tell Mike, 'Some guys are going to slow down, so give yourself some room'' Reinbold said, his upper lip quivering. 'I never got the words out.'

With cars slowing to save fuel, the 26-year-old Briton entered the narrow short chute between turns three and four, ran into Ryan Hunter-Reay's sputtering car and flew into the catch fence.

The accident on Lap 199 prompted the final caution of the race and shook up the drivers.

'It's not comforting going underneath a car flipping in the air,' Danica Patrick said. 'I got through it, but I hope they're OK. It's never good when people are upside down and doing cartwheels


The car begins to disintegrate as it strikes the catch fencing going backwards at 200mph


This amazing image captures the split second when Conway's car slams into the fence


Horrified spectators look on as the racing car splinters apart. But, crucially, the cockpit remains intact saving Conway from serious injury


The remains of the car skids along the race track with the driver strapped inside. Because the vehicle was very low on fuel, there was no fire


Reinbold didn't even realize at first that it was Conway and teammate Ana Beatriz involved in the crash.

The small-budget team owner with four cars in Sunday's lineup had his eyes on IndyCar's biggest prize - winning the Indianapolis 500 - and decided to send Conway after it.

'We caught the pack. When you catch the pack and you're going that fast, it's a gamble,' Reinbold said. 'But it's the Indianapolis 500 and sometimes you have to take a gamble.'


Survived: Mike Conway suffered compound fracture to his left leg


The risk didn't pay off, shaking Reinbold and his team as the car was unloaded in two long pieces and the destroyed chassis was thrown into a pile of rubble.

Doctors rushed to his aid as wreckage was strewn across the track and Conway, 26, was airlifted to hospital.

His injuries were last night described as 'gruesome' and the man from Bromley in Kent faces a long fight back.

Doctors believe Conway suffered a compound fracture of his left leg, as well as tearing ligaments and tendons in his knees and ankles.

The miracle is that his injuries were not more serious given the severity of the accident that drew gasps not just from the crowd, but from the drivers coming to the end of one of the fastest and most gruelling events in the motor racing calendar.

Reinbold acknowledged series officials didn't have enough time to react to the slowing field and the hard-charging Conway.

Brian Barnhart, IndyCar president of competition and racing operations, said there was probably nothing he would have done anyway.

'It looked like the closing rate was pretty significant between the 37 and 24 and when you're in the middle of a corner like that,' Barnhart said.

'It's one of the risks that happens when you come down to the end of a race.'

Hunter-Reay, however, thought it could have been prevented another way.

'In hindsight we should have stopped for fuel,' he said. 'It's dangerous. ...

There's no runoff lane. There's no bailout procedure. You've got to slow down or you're going to hit the car in front of you.'

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By Mike Dickson

Done and dusted: Andy Murray crashed out of the French Open at the hands of Tomas Berdych


Andy Murray descended into a gurning, grievance-filled mess last night when he turned in a horrible performance at the French Open that perfectly matched the prevailing conditions of a wretched evening.

Paris in the springtime continues to do a good impression of a wet weekend in Bognor, and as the light closed in, Murray looked like he would simply love to be anywhere else, falling to a rain-interrupted 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 defeat against world No 17 Tomas Berdych.

The strapping Czech, 24, not only thoroughly deserved his victory, he also handled the unsatisfactory circumstances of a match completed in deep gloom on a surface that had deteriorated in the rain. While Murray struggled to keep a lid on his seething frustration, Berdych calmly played the hand that the elements dealt and was rewarded for his controlled aggression.

The Scot did have a point about the surface which, when the rain came at 3-4 in the second set - in the midst of his best spell - was left uncovered for too long. When they returned it was sticky in parts, leading Murray to cry out: 'How can I play if I can't stand up on this ******* court?' That happened in the 11th game of the second set and he was duly broken.

Despite trying to play more postively he quickly unravelled from 3-2 up in the third, with the temporary sanctuary of an overnight break possible if only he could secure one more game. It was all over at 9.35pm in light that was barely playable.

Murray said: 'I can't make excuses because it was the same for both players, but they were tough conditions.

The ball was brown by the end and covered in clay. They had put a lot of clay down and it was slippery beyond the baseline. I got Garrosmyself back into it but then didn't take my chances.'


Focused: Tomas Berdych, who last met Murray four years ago, dismantled the Scot 6-4, 7-5, 6-3


Berdych did not spare Murray's feelings, saying: 'He didn't give me too much pressure in the rallies, I was comfortable. My coach told me when play was suspended that he looked like he didn't want to play.'

With Russian nearly man Mikhail Youzhny the quarter-final opponent this was a real opportunity spurned for the world No 4 to reach his first semi-final at Roland Garros and justify his policy of placing emphasis on the major tournaments.

As it is, he has fallen short of his last-eight appearance here of 12 months ago, wasting a chance of real progress that he earned by coming through his nasty first-round draw of Richard Gasquet.

There were shades in this of Murray's defeats at the Grand Slams last year, of him failing to be pro-active enough against a big hitter in prime form and wilting under the assault. Too many balls were left short against a player who slams it deep and flat. Berdych was only too happy to accept the invitation to run round his backhand and drive the ball into the corners.


Out of reach: A frustrated Murray found it tough going on the Philippe Chatrier court


You have to wonder who Murray is listening to, his full-time coach Miles Maclagan, his consultant Alex Corretja or just himself. Whoever, there was a lack of shape to a clay-court season which, like much else since making the Australian Open final in January, has largely turned out to be a dud.

Murray again found himself on the late shift due to the French Open policy of providing ticket-holders on the two main courts with four singles matches for the first nine days. Wimbledon promises three singles and fills the schedule up with doubles if necessary.

Yesterday, no singles match was programmed for the third arena, but still the two players were obliged to wait until 6.35pm before starting. Berdych is a sweet timer of the ball and was constantly putting pressure on the Murray serve, deservedly breaking him for 4-3 in the first set.

The Scot broke back after going behind early in the second, but even then he looked to be finding the experience as much fun as having his teeth pulled.


Ugly mood: Andy Murray pulls a face as his hopes of reaching the quarter-final in Paris disintegrate at the hands of Tomas Berdych


Roger Federer's progress to the quarter-final was serene, although things will get much tougher as he faces Sweden's seventh seed Robin Soderling, the man who he beat in the final last year but who has improved since. The huge-hitting baseliner beat Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams were the two big-name women's casualties, although as this is their least favourite surface none of them could be considered a major upset, especially the Russian, who was tackling former champion Justine Henin.





source: dailymail

By Matt Lawton

Unsettled: England coach Fabio Capello


The FA will hold emergency talks with Fabio Capello on Monday in a bid to end Inter Milan’s pursuit of the England manager.

Capello again refused to commit his future to England yesterday, only saying that he hoped to have the matter resolved in the next 48 hours.

Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti has publicly revealed that Capello is on a list of potential replacements for Jose Mourinho.

Reports in Italy last night indicated that Moratti will make a formal approach to Capello’s representatives today. In an interview with Sky Italia, Moratti said: ‘I am pleased to see that Capello can disentangle himself from the FA after the World Cup.’

And Capello has done little to kill the speculation, claiming that he has been unsettled and wants assurances from those now running the FA, in particular the men officially appointed yesterday to run the new Club England set-up, including new managing director Adrian Bevington and chairman Sir Dave Richards.

After watching his side stutter to a 2-1 win over Japan here yesterday, Capello travelled back to Italy to visit his mother, Evelina.

He will return to London tomorrow but today he will speak on the phone with Richards and Bevington, and seek the assurances he feels he needs before renewing his commitment to the FA.

Bevington has already had what were thought to be positive discussions with Capello’s son and lawyer, Pierfilippo, and general manager Franco Baldini.

Yesterday, Capello had to be reminded of Richards’s name, but he said: ‘I know everything. I’m happy. I will speak with the new chairman. I have to speak . . . I told you I have not spoken with anyone at Inter Milan.


Waiting game: Massimo Moratti wants Capello to replace the departed Jose Mourinho


'I know nothing about this. My name is in the newspapers and on the radio, and they are an important team, but I can’t say anything about this.

'You know everything about this. I spoke with the first chairman, I spoke with Lord Triesman, now I need to speak with the other one. The situation will be clear in two days when I speak with Sir Dave Richards.

‘You know everything very well. I shook hands with Lord Triesman this season, but now I know nothing. I shook his hand.’

Asked if he would renew his commitment if he heard the right things today, he said: ‘Yes, for sure. I have only one word, not a lot of words. It’s OK.’

Bevington said: ‘We will speak to Fabio tomorrow morning and go over the same things we spoke about. There have been changes at the top of the organisation in recent weeks, and it’s important for Fabio that he hears it from the people at the top now.

'Sir Dave Richards has spoken to Roger Burden, the FA chairman. Roger and the rest of the board agree that I, as MD, and Sir Dave will speak with him tomorrow.’


source: dailymail

Sunday, May 30, 2010

By Mail Online Reporter

Thrilled: Actress Ashley Judd reacts after her husband, Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, won the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today


Her shoes tossed off for speed, Ashley Judd couldn't contain her delight as she ran across the tarmac to congratulate her husband Dario Franchitti for winning the Indy 500 today.

The Scotsman triumphed for the second time in four years, much to the delight of actress Ashley.

The 42-year-old watched the raise standing, anxiously twisting her sunhat in her hands.


Celebrating: Barefooted Ashley Judd celebrates as she runs to congratulate her husband


Dressed for the pit lane: Kim, left, and Kourtney Kardashian walk the red carpet before the race


But it was all smiles when Franchitti passed the finish line, beating Dan Wheldon to help Chip Ganassi become the first car owner to win at Indy and the Daytona 500 in the same year.

Ashley, in a lilac and cream sundress, embraced her husband of nine years before the pair knelt down to kiss the tarmac.

Amongst the capacity crowd at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were the Kardashian sisters Kim and Kourtney, who appeared to have dressed for the pit lane, exchanging their usually polished style for scruffy ripped jeans and T-shirts.

They watched as Franchitti, the reigning IndyCar Series champion, came from fifth place as the race entered its final 20 laps, to win.

The 37-year-old's victory was completed under a yellow flag after a huge accident involving England's Mike Conway.


Triumph: The couple laugh with joy, as they join car owner, Chip Ganassi on the tarmac


Ashley and Franchitti kiss the bricks in thanks after his win


The Dreyer and Reinbold driver launched over the back wheel of Ryan Hunter-Reay before flying into the spectator fencing and crashing back down to the track.

The impact ripped the car to pieces, with Conway's seating position and front nose the only parts of the car left intact as it slid along on its roll hoop.

Despite the severity of the impact Conway was taken to hospital with just an injury to his right leg.


He's a winner: Ashley covered her husband in kisses, as the capacity crowd cheered


Before the race: Ashley and Franchitti joined his teammate Scott Dixon of New Zealand and his wife Emma as they greeted fans


Former series champion Dan Wheldon was second after Tony Kanaan was forced to pit for fuel with just four laps remaining.

It was particularly tough on the Brazilian who had brilliantly worked his way through from the back of the grid.

Alex Lloyd made it a memorable day for British motorsport as he rounded out an all-British podium at the Brickyard.


Celebrity fans: Actor Jack Nicholson and U.S. talkshow host David Letterman were in the crowd


Danger: Reinbold Racing driver Mike Conway flies through the air after crashing with Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay


Huge event: The Indy 500 is one of the world's most popular races



source: dailymail

By Sarah Bull

Stickwitu: Lewis Hamilton can't take his eyes off Pussycat Dolls singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger following his win at the Turkish Grand Prix


They couldn't have looked happier if they tried.

Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger failed to disguise their love for one another as they celebrated earlier today following Hamilton's win at the Turkish Grand Prix.

And it seems we will be seeing a lot more of 31-year-old Scherzinger in the pit, as Hamilton has revealed she is his 'lucky charm'.

He said: 'Every time she seems to come I seem to win. I think it was Monaco 2008 she came, Hungary I won and Singapore last year, so she is definitely a little bit lucky for me I think.'


So in love: The pair can't hide their feelings for each other as they pose trackside in Istanbul


And the feeling is most definitely mutual - as Hamilton's presence at Scherzinger's Dancing With The Stars final saw her clinch the title.

But where some girlfriends might resent being dragged along to race tracks, Scherzinger - who was dressed in a long purple maxi dress - insisted she loved watching the race, and cheered her 25-year-old beau through to the finish line.

Following the race, she said: 'I’m very proud of him. Good job babe! I just got so excited in the garage. But I'm just so proud of him.'

Scherzinger and Hamilton have been dating since 2007 and, apart from a brief split earlier this year, appear to be happier than ever.


Stylish pair: Nicole wore a plunging purple and blue maxi dress to the race circuit


Close: Nicole holds tightly onto Lewis's arm as they walk to the race track


The win marks somewhat of a career comeback for former Formula One champion Hamilton, who hasn't won a race since September.

But McLaren driver Hamilton insisted he has never been away, adding: 'I don't think I was ever gone. I have just been a little unfortunate up until now and I think, bit by bit, myself and the team have just worked very hard to chip away.

'Yesterday we qualified second. We knew that was just one step we needed to make. They made it very tough for us but we put up a good fight.'


Tender: Lewis pushes Nicole's hair away from her face as they talk before the race


Happy: The pair couldn't stop smiling throughout the day - especially after Lewis won the race


But it was a tight call for Hamilton, who just beat McLaren teammate Jenson Button at the finish line.

Hamilton said: 'Me and Jenson had a good little battle. He got me on the outside into turn 13 and then fortunately I was able to get him back into turn one and so that was definitely unexpected.

'But a really fair battle with him and a great result for the team. Our second one-two. I think we truly deserved it.'

Hamilton added that he wanted to dedicate his win to his father Anthony, adding: 'It's his 50th birthday tomorrow. Perfect way for him to celebrate.'


Time to celebrate: Lewis and Nicole wear McLaren victory T-shirts to celebrate the win


Teammate: The pair were joined by Jenson Button, who came second in the race


source: dailymail