The 9 0'Clock News – Fri 3 Jul

Posted by heatworld on Friday 03 Jul 2009

Filed under: Holly Willoughby, Michael Jackson, Philip Schofield, This Morning

Millions expected at Jacko's memorial:
Michael Jackson's public memorial will take place at the same venue in which he was practicing for his comeback tour, it was revealed today. Fans are expected to head to the Staples Center arena in LA in their thousands this coming Tuesday to pay their final respects to the star. Experts have warned city officials to expect at least a million people, and President Barack Obama is also expected to attend. The event will include performances and tributes from a catalogue of musical stars. Sir Paul McCartney, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross are all invited. It looks likely that this is going to be one of the biggest ever memorials to be held anywhere in the world. A new video showing Michael Jackson rehearsing at the Staples Center just 48 hours before his death was also released late yesterday. Come back in an hour to watch the footage in full.

Peter Andre lands major modelling contract
Peter Andre has confirmed today that he is to become the face of Ed Hardy in the UK. The singer, who has admitted losing almost a stone in weight since splitting from wife Katie Price, said this morning that he was "thrilled" with the news. Designer Christian Audigier approached Pete a few days ago to help him launch a new Ed Hardy store in London. Fans of the brand include Britney Spears and Madonna. Pete joked that his split had helped him clinch the modelling contract, saying, "It's amazing how stress keeps you trim. I'm might be looking all right, but I'm not feeling OK." Pete is currently chatting to Chris Moyles live on Radio 1 about his split from wife Katie. We'll bring you all the details of that very soon.

Apprentice couple get engaged!
Apprentice couple Philip "Pants Man" Taylor and Kate Walsh have taken their relationship to the next level and got engaged. The couple were spotted picking up a £3,000 sparkler from a jewellers in London yesterday, and friends say the pair are "delighted". Phil has admitted he used to be a bit of a ladies' man, but, as a pal points out, Kate has changed all that. "They are very much in love," says one friend. "This was always more than a work fling. Phil loves her to bits and is smitten." Awww, we think they're very cute. Congratulations guys!

Holly Willoughby favourite to get This Morning job
TV insiders have claimed today that Holly Willoughby is leading the way when it comes to prospective replacements for Fern Britton on This Morning. It's no secret that co-host Phillip Schofield wants Holly by his side, and even Fern herself thinks Holly would be perfect. "I think Holly would be wonderful," she says. "She represents an enormous swathe of the audience." If Holly was to be hired, ITV bosses would have to work out a schedule that fitted around her hectic Xtra Factor schedule, but the word is that the job is more or less in the bag. Last night sources on This Morning refused to comment. We've got our fingers crossed for you, Holly!