The 9 0'Clock News – Mon 20 Aug

Posted by heatworld on Monday 20 Aug 2007

Filed under: Amy Winehouse, Blake Fielder-Civil, Charlotte Church, Gavin Henson, JK Rowling, Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell, Drugs, Rehab

Amy's mum – "I can't help her"
Amy Winehouse's mum, Janis, has spoken out for the first time about her daughter's troubles. Janis claims that the singer, who is now seeking help for her addictions and self-destructive lifestyle, has left her brain addled. She said, "Her brain's addled. She's on a path of self-mutilation and lucky to be alive. It's like a sickness but she cannot see it." Janis even says that her relationship has become so strained with her daughter that they barely talk to each other any more. But, despite allegations that it was her hubby Blake Fielder-Civil who introduced Amy to Class A drugs and self-harm parties, Janis just replied; "I think it's a case of the less said the better."

Xtra viewers tune in
The X Factor’s return show on Saturday evening drew in a whopping 10.7million viewers – and Louis Walsh says it’s all down to him. The cheeky judge, who was famously sacked from the show and then reinstated by Simon Cowell, said, “I think nearly 11 million people is a fair indication that Simon should never have sacked me.” The first episode, which included an audition from a 79-year-old lady who played "invisible" instruments, wracked up 2.5million more viewers than last year’s launch show.

Charlotte turns her new house into a fortress
Mum-to-be Charlotte church is installing £30,000 worth of security in her new mansion she shares with beau Gavin Henson. The singer and chat-show host's house is surrounded by footpaths which attract hundreds of people every year and she has decided to take drastic measures to safeguard her new baby from prying eyes. Charlotte bought the house so she could retreat from the public glare, but ramblers can see the star sunbathing by her pool – the footpaths are so close. It's understood she is having a fence put up all around the property.

Potter author writing new book
Harry Potter author J K Rowling is already writing a new book – but this time there’s no witches or wizards. The 42-year-old, who’s final Harry Potter book The Deathly Hallows was published last month, is said to be penning a crime novel. Fellow author Ian Rankin said his wife spotted her scribbling away in a café in Edinburgh. You’d think after all those years with Harry she’d want a break from writing, but we can't wait to see what she comes up with.