The 9 0'Clock News – Wed 29 Apr

Posted by heatworld on Wednesday 29 Apr 2009

Filed under: David Walliams, Keith Duffy, Philip Schofield, Russell Brand, This Morning

This Morning team facing the axe:
This Morning could be the next victim of the credit crunch, as ITV bosses warn that a massive cull may have to take place. Experts who regularly appear on the show, such as agony aunt Denise Robertson and Dr Chris Steele may soon find themselves facing the axe, as ITV apparently struggle to save cash. Presenter Phillip Schofield and reporters such as Alison Hammond and Paul Ross may also face a cut in their salaries. An insider revealed, "This will be a tough process. No one is safe at the moment." ITV officials have denied money is the issue, saying instead, "We just want to revamp the show to keep it fresh." As long as they don't upset Phil... This Morning just wouldn't be the same without our favourite silver fox.

Stalker "marries" her idol David Walliams
A stalker who made threats against David Walliams has been permitted to "marry" the Little Britain star in a bizarre ceremony – and she's even changed her surname. Sarah Bartholomew plagued David with obscene love letters and made threats to "kill him" over a four-year period. She is currently sectioned and living in hospital, but staff there allowed her to stage a faux-wedding, where she was both the vicar and the bride and she has also changed her name to Sarah Walliams by deed poll. A bewildered police officer said, "It's madness, She's still clearly obsessed. The staff are terrified of saying no to her as they could be breaching her rights." David Walliams has yet to comment.

Boyzone star rushed to hospital
Boyzone’s eagerly awaited UK and Ireland tour is under threat, as Keith Duffy recovers from a double hernia operation. Duffy collapsed after running the London Marathon in just 3 hours and 52 mins on Sunday. After complaining of shooting stomach pains, he was rushed to hospital to undergo emergency surgery. The singer has been told to take it easy in order to get himself in shape for the summer tour dates, but bandmate Ronan admitted the group may have to consider postponing some gigs, saying, “We wouldn’t tour without him – we’ll work something out.” Mikey Graham has said rehearsals are also at risk, “No one is quite sure how long the healing process will be. It leaves us in an unfortunate position because after a hernia op’ you can’t do too much jumping around.” Just before his op’ Keith said, “They’d be no way I could do this tour if I didn’t have the operation. I’ll just have to wait and see how it goes.” Get well soon Keith!

Russell Brand to star in Drop Dead Fred remake
Russell Brand has confirmed that he will be starring in a new movie remake of the 1991 comedy Drop Dead Fred. The film will be slightly different to the original starring Rik Mayall, and will take on a more Beetlejuice tone. It will be the first time Russell will take on a big leading Hollywood role, but we can't think of anyone better to play the part of Drop Dead Fred. Just imagine how much fun he's going to have! Russell confirmed the rumours yesterday on his Twitter page, but has yet to comment further.