Diva's Goss - April 2002

Here at GIRL, we love a good gossip session as much as the next gal does! So each month feast your eyes on the juiciest goss as our resident gossip queen DIVA gives you the inside scoop on all your fave celebs.

Popular singer Jewel injured herself recently in a horse-bucking accident, breaking her collarbone and several ribs (ouch!) As a result of her latest accident, she has had to cancel a forthcoming promotional tour she was about to embark on, to publicise her new album "My Way". Somehow, I don't think Jewel will be in a hurry to saddle a horse anytime soon!

Tragedy has struck the music world with the death of successful singer/songwriter/rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Lopes who was a member of R&B trio TLC and who in recent years concentrated on her solo career, died in a horrific car accident last week. The accident happened while Lopes was on vacation in Honduras with friends. She died from severe head trauma.

The axe has fallen on TV series Ally McBeal. The once popular show starring Calista Flockhart has struggled to pull good ratings since the departure of Robert Downey Jr. From all reports, the decision to pull the plug on "McBeal" was not totally unexpected. The driving force behind the program, David E. Kelly, has been wanting to focus all of his energies on a new program, "The Girls Club."

Natalie Imbruglia has announced that she will make her feature film debut in the upcoming film "Johnny English". She will play opposite Rowan Atkinson(from Mr Bean fame), who stars an accident-prone M16 agent on a mission to rescue Britain's crown jewels and save the country and the monarchy from a machiavellian French business magnate. Imbruglia will portray special agent Lorna Campbell, the object of Atkinson's desires. Imbruglia commented on her role, "I'm absolutely delighted to be working with such incredible actors on my first movie. It's a really exciting project and I can't wait to get started."

It seems it is all over for Aussie pop group Bardot. Discovered on TV on the popular show "Popstars" over two years ago, Bardot have announced they are no longer. Industry insiders have spoken of the mounting tension between the remaining four members and poor album sales haven't helped their cause either. Rumour has it that blonde bombshell Sophie Monk has plans to embark on a solo career. Will she be the next Emma Bunton?

Ex-Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes has made peace with former band mate Daniel Jones. The million-selling band split last year citing creative differences. The two patched up their differences just before Hayes landed in Melbourne yesterday for a quick promo trip to publicize his solo album "Spin".

Rumours are rife that actress Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are getting it on together. The two are currently filming a new movie "Not in My Neighbourhood" and were quite cosy at the recent Oscars, giggling and whispering to each other on the red carpet. However Bullock has denied all reports of an affair stating, "We haven't kissed, touched or inserted anything anywhere. No, we have not fought and broken up".

Well in case you've been living under a rock in the last few days, Big Brother is back and bigger than ever! Nearly two million viewers, tuned in on Sunday night for the audition special, profiling the 40 finalists. Twelve new housemates have entered the famous house, but for how long is anyone's guess. Each week viewers can vote off a member of the house until there is one person remaining. The winner will collect over $250, 000 in prize money and as the first series housemates' experienced, they are sure to become an instant celebrity.

Ex-flames P.Diddy (the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy) and Latina babe J.Lo (aka Jennifer Lopez) bumped into each other recently on the red carpet (of all places!), at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. At the time, J.Lo was standing with new hubby Cris Judd (formerly known as J.Lo's choreographer). Although noticeably uncomfortable, the old flames tried to disguise their awkwardness by embracing briefly for the cameras! That's Academy acting for you!

Neighbours heartthrob Stephen Hunt who plays Matt Hancock has his sights set on swimming the famous English Channel in July. Hunt hopes to raise over $250, 000 for the AIDS Trust of Australia in memory of his late uncle Bill Hunt who died of the AIDS disease eight years ago. In preparation for the trip Hunt has been stacking on weight and aims to put on an extra 20kg before he enters the water. It is estimated that he will lose up to 10kg during the 15 hours or so that it takes him to complete the swim. Hunt will be monitored and accompanied in a boat by a medical officer, family and friends including ex-Neighbours star Daniel McPherson.

Pop group Scandal'us have been quiet in the last few months but all that is about to change with the release of a brand new single this month. While secrecy surrounds the single release, one secret that has been let out of the bag is the romance between Scandal'us member Simon Ditcham and Sydneysider Atalana Heale. The two met when they both auditioned for the second series of Popstars. While Simon was chosen for Scandal'us, Atalana missed out but was offered a solo recording contract instead by Sony Music who were impressed with her singing and songwriting abilities.

US hip-hop superstar Ja Rule is rumoured to be coming to Sydney to star in a new movie titled "Riddick" later this year. Ja Rule seems to be the flavour of the year having worked with artists including J.Lo and new talent Ashanti. We look forward to 'livin' it up' with Ja Rule when he comes to our shores this year.

Sex in the City babe Sarah Jessica Parker is expecting a baby with husband Matthew Broderick. The pair who celebrate their five year wedding anniversary in May have been the subject of rumours that their marriage is in trouble. It is not certain yet whether her pregnancy will be written into the popular series.

Finally, the Logie Awards take place this month and is set to be jam packed with some big International names including Elton John, Destiny's Child and Latin star Shakira. Tipped to take out the highest award is All Saints beauty Georgie Parker.