The end of the road for Nicole and Lewis

THEY were one of the closest and famous partnerships in the world of showbiz, but after four years together, time has been called on the relationship between Nicole Scherzinger and Lewis Hamilton.

      McLaren Formula One ace Hamilton, 25, confirmed the frenzied speculation of the past week was true and that the pair had gone their separate ways.  Speaking to reporters in the build-up to this weekend’s inaugural Indian Grand Prix, he said; “We’re friends at least and we can move forward.  It’s never easy going through tough times.  These times are sent to try you, and it’s about how you pull through them.” 

      The Brit, who has had a tough season on the track, has spent some time away from the fast lane with his family and he seemed to be in more positive spirits on arrival at the Buddah International Circuit.  At the last event in Korea two weeks ago, he looked miserable and downbeat all weekend, which had already suggested that the relationship with his popstar princess had already, ran into trouble.  Despite the behind the scenes turmoil, Hamilton broke the Red Bull run of pole positions in South Korea last time out and finished second to reigning champion Sebastian Vettel in the race.  It will be interesting to see how the separation affects or benefits his driving.  He has won two races this season and is hoping to close up on the likes of Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber this weekend in the drivers’ championship.

OVER: Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger's relationship has hit the skids

     There were times when it looked like Hamilton and Scherzinger were the perfect match, despite the age gap between them.  The American singer is currently in London, preparing for a performance of her latest new single ‘Try with Me’ in Sunday night’s live results show of the X-Factor.  She is also booked in for an appearance on Alan Carr’s chatshow programme, Chatty Man on Channel 4, due to also be screened on Sunday.  Nicole has not commented on the spilt, with close friends just saying that the decision had been very amicable last week.  It is believed that the reason for the parting of ways was because of the long-distance working pressures between the pair.

      Scherzinger, 33, is currently judging on the US version of the X-Factor, with certain sources of the media suggesting that she is seeking comfort from Welsh presenter of the show, Steve Jones.  She has had immense success in the UK with her debut solo album ‘Killer Love,’ soaring to the top of the charts with hit singles such as ‘Right There,’ ‘Poison,’ and ‘Don’t Hold Your Breath.’  Her relationship with Hamilton has gone down rocky roads in the past, as they did have a brief separation in January 2010.  Her role in Lewis’s life has also been seen as a catalyst in the decline of the racing driver’s close relationship with his Dad, Anthony.  They first got together in Monaco in 2008, with the former Pussycat Doll cheering for her boyfriend when he sensationally won the 2008 F1 championship on the final corner of the Brazilian Grand Prix.  They were last seen together in public at a Grand Prix event back in Monaco in May.  During the summer, both denied a possible engagement through the social networking site, Twitter.

       It is a sad ending for one of the most well-known and well-liked celebrity couples.  Let’s hope both can put aside the difficult time in their private lives at the weekend and produce electric performances in London and India.  

The X-Factor USA - The puzzle begins to take shape

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

WHEN Fox announced it was to bring The X Factor to USA for 2011, it sparked several theories as to how it would take shape.  Now with less than four months before its planned launch, everything is now starting to take shape.

     Simon Cowell, the brainchild of the format, will obviously have a feature role, having quit American Idol and scaled down his involvement on Britain’s Got Talent and Britain’s X-Factor to take part.  On Thursday, the worst kept secret in showbiz was finally let out; Cheryl Cole is to join the show.  This has obviously got America talking as they have never heard of her and her strong Newcastle accent will perhaps be difficult to understand with some.

     However, getting Cheryl a place on the show has always been Simon’s ambition.  Since Cheryl began working on the UK show in 2008, it’s clear that Cowell has taken a shine to her.  It is now likely that Cole will not return to the UK series for this year.  Many will certainly miss her for the massive emphasis she has placed in the competition though some will be glad to see the back of her, blaming her for causing most of the farce that affected last year’s series.

     Simon and Cheryl are expected to be joined on the panel by former American Idol judge Paula Abdul and music producer Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, who is well known in America.  Despite the rumours, there is no place on the panel for Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger, but she has landed an even better role.

FRESH: Steve Jones is a surprise, but popular choice as presenter

     Yesterday, it was formally announced that Scherzinger will co-host the show alongside former T4 host Steve Jones, landing his first US job.  They managed to beat off stiff competition from obvious candidates of UK presenter Dermot O’Leary and the American Idol host Ryan Seacreast.  This is certainly a bold and surprising choice made by Cowell but given that Jones has become a well-liked presenter and Scherzinger is a great US role model, this pairing might just work.

     So what will this mean for the UK edition of The X Factor?  ITV have already stated it will return with a bold and fresh look in the summer.  Cowell is expected to either only judge the live shows or just be in a backstage role whilst Cole will leave permanently.  Fortunately, amidst reports they might be axed too, both Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue are set to return and after missing out on the US job, O’Leary will recommit his future to the UK show.  The faces expected to fill the empty judges spaces is a very long list.  Take That’s Gary Barlow is said to have agreed a deal to judge whilst the second seat is reported to be a straight fight between Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh and Lily Allen.  It is crucial that the right people are appointed so that very little people as possible become alienated with the sweeping changes.

     With everything nearly set, will the US succeed in their version of The X Factor?  It all begins in the autumn on Fox and for British viewers; it is expected to be broadcast on ITV’s main digital channel, ITV2.

Manford quits One Show over sex allegations

THE One Show was plunged into crisis today after the resignation was confirmed by one of its show hosts, Jason Manford.  In a statement released by the comedian, 29 – he revealed his resignation is to do with tour and family commitments. 

RESIGNED: Jason Manford in happier time

However, allegations seem to hint that he has engaged in saucy sex messages with a series of woman over the internet, which he has allegedly confirmed via an interview with The Sun.   Manford was only handed the role to co-anchor the hit BBC show, following the departures of Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles to ITV.  His last appearance on the show came on Wednesday night, with Chris Evans standing in last night, alongside Welsh presenter Alex Jones.  It is believed that Manford’s resignation comes through with immediate effect.

Jason’s Twitter account has been suspended and there is talk that his role as a team captain on the Channel 4 panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats is also in severe jeopardy.  Manford has allegedly told The Sun of the details of how far these encounters went; "We would start off flirty, then innuendo and then a bit saucy. They were moments I thought 'I shouldn't be saying that'.  "I went on Skype with a few girls. They also sent pictures on Twitter.  It all happened on tour."

The BBC confirmed that they had accepted Manford’s resignation and will begin talks over a full-time replacement in the near future for the stand-up comedian.  Steve Jones, who is leaving T4 after Sunday’s T4 with the Stars extraganvanza, is amongst the favourites, along with Matt Baker, Richard Bacon and Tony Livesey.  Bookmakers Paddy Power are also giving odds of 16/1 for Chiles to come back to the broadcaster, at least on a short-term measure, especially if the doomed breakfast show, Daybreak gets the axe.  For now, guest presenters are expected to fill the role.

FUNNY: On his stand-up tour, can Manford's career survive

Manford insists that his marriage will overcome this flaw, and it needs with his wife pregnant with a third child.  He isn’t the first and won’t be the last celebrity to be caught in this embarrassing situation and as much as his creditability has been damaged, his respect for owning up and stepping down before getting sacked might just about salvage his career in the future.

T4 On The Beach - Strong Line-Up, Disappointing Result

Sunday afternoon saw the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare taken over by the popular one-day festival, T4 on the Beach.  Now in its 8^th year, the annual event boosts all the tourist attractions and economy in the area by nearly a third, and is a big hit with some of the top popstars across the world.  With tickets priced at £35, it was unsurprising that they were snapped up in double-quick time.  For those, including myself, at least you can take comfort from watching an afternoon of top-quality music and entertainment live on Channel 4.

The event was hosted by the popular T4 presenters, Rick Edwards, Miquita Oliver and Steve Jones, who keeps coming back to host the prestigious event every year, despite the constant rumours that suggest he is on the verge of signing an exclusive deal with the BBC.  The presenters managed to pull all the stops out to attract a dazzling line-up of talent to the 2010 festival – Quite possibly the strongest they’ve managed to attract.

On the bill were the likes of Pixie Lott, JLS, Dizzee Rascal, Scouting for Girls, Jason Derulo, the Saturdays, Plan B, Alexandra Burke, Tiny Tempah, The Hoosiers, Taio Cruz and Ellie Goulding.  It promised a lot on paper, but things are never concluded on paper, they have to happen on the day.  Sadly, this didn’t seem to be the case.  Some of the acts did themselves a load of credit.  Derulo got the crowd going, and certainly the pulses of many crazy girl heartbeats, by stripping out of his top during his live performance.  Pixie Lott’s reputation continues to grow, with another bustling live performance, and is starting to move ahead of Florence + the Machine, as the biggest breakthrough act of recent times.  Another threat for that crown comes from the gifted Ellie Goulding.  Goulding, who won the Critics Choice Award at this year’s BRITS, is going from strength and strength, and is only bound to get better, even if she hasn’t won my full support for her talent quite yet.  JLS closed the show this year, and put in another top-notch performance, even though it was limited to two songs, and their new single may lack in gaining the attention, that ‘Everybody In Love’ and ‘Beat Again’ manage to acclaim. 

Among the disappointments, were The Saturdays, who were lacking the presence of one of their members, through illness?  As a result, it showed, as the girls struggled on without her.  Derulo aside, most of the international stars seemed more interested in the girls, rather than their own performances.  The weather was grey, windy and dismal, which was disappointing, considering the recent heat haze that the country is enjoying.  Although Gok Wan did his best as a guest host, the stars of Skins, The Inbetweeners and Hollyoaks – normally full of co-stars, were also distinctly missing from the action in 2010.  T4’s surprise guest, the annoying and irritating Jedward turned up and performed.  To be honest, the less said about those twins, the better for this country.  The day they get a No.1, will be the day that music officially dies.  Fingers crossed that will never happen then!  They may be entertaining at times, but their vocal talents are simply non-existent.  Presenting is more of a possible career path; singing certainly will never fit the talk of X-Factor 2009.  Another bloke who you wouldn’t mind giving a good old slap, is Louis Spence from Pineapple Dance Studios.  Though his hard work with his studios can’t be faulted, his personality is nothing short of bordering onto pure madness. 

I had high hopes for T4 on the Beach 2010, but like many items before this year, such as England’s diabolical World Cup performance, the letdown of Britain’s Got Talent and the expected failure of the Eurovision Song Contest, it lacked some of the entertainment, musical and comedy value that it traditionally brings.  It was a disappointing outcome, for such a top-notch bill; let’s hope it bounces back next summer.