The 9 0'Clock News – Mon 18 Aug

Posted by heatworld on Monday 18 Aug 2008

Filed under: Cheryl Cole, Ellen DeGeneres, Peaches Geldof, Pixie Geldof, Portia De Rossi, Simon Cowell, The X Factor, Weddings

Pixie: “Peaches is scarred by mum’s death”
Pixie Geldof has spoken out about her sister Peaches recent wedding – claiming that she was depressed. Talking from Mallorca, where she is on a family holiday, Pixie admitted that they were all still scarred from their mother's death, saying, "She's got problems just like all of us have about what happened to my mum. I've been in therapy not long ago and she has had a hard time. That's why she has done drugs and why this wedding happened, too. We're all depressed in our family." Peaches' father Sir Bob has yet to meet her new husband Max Drummey, but is said to be furious by her hasty actions. But, despite the marriage being branded a "sham", friends of Peaches claim it is for real, saying, "She insists it's not a sham. The flash point will be when Bob meets Max for the first time."

Oh no! No one turned up to Madonna’s 50th :-(
Madonna had a somewhat low-key birthday bash at the weekend – with a distinct "no show" of celeb friends. Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella McCartney both snubbed the £100,000 party to celebrate the Queen of Pop's 50th, instead leaving her husband Guy Ritchie, daughter Lourdes and sons Rocco and David to toast her milestone. Madonna gave a 40-minute speech at Volstead nightclub in Mayfair (yikes, maybe Gwyn had a tip off?!) thanking her husband and children and her Kabbalah religion before adding, "I'm really disappointed. There are a lot of people who are not here tonight, but thanks to everyone who did make it. I can't believe I have reached half a century. It only happens once and this is an event I'm glad to be sharing with you." Later, after singing Happy Birthday, Lourdes then played a song from Fame on the grand piano as a surprise for her mum. Hubby Guy also made a speech saying, "Out of all your years, you look your most beautiful" – but he couldn't help mentioning that most of her guests were people who worked for her and he later refused to get up on the dance floor, which was inscribed with a giant M, leading to speculation that perhaps things still aren't as they should be in the Guy/Madge household.

Ellen marries Portia. Bless.
Some happy news now to start the day – Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have got married. The loved-up ladies, who have been together for over four years, wed at the weekend at their Beverly Hills pad. Ellen, 50, wore a white trouser suit for the occasion, while her 35-year-old girlfriend Portia picked a strapless pink gown. The ceremony was sweet and simple, with only 20 guests, and one onlooker said, "They were hugging and kissing. The whole afternoon seemed lighthearted." Ellen famously announced her wedding plans on her chat show earlier this year after same-sex marriage was finally legalised in California. We think they're a cute couple. Congratulations Ellen and Portia!

X Factor biggest opening weekend YET!
Simon Cowell had promised this series of The X Factor was set to be the "biggest" yet – and he wasn't wrong. The opening show pulled in record audience figures of 12.1 million *jaw hits desk* this Saturday and the Xtra Factor did well, too, netting a record 1.5 million viewers. More than half of all TV viewers tuned in to watch Cheryl Cole debut as an X Factor judge – and the show really didn't disappoint. We don't know about you, but it was everything we love about The X Factor. We were left teary-eyed at some bits, and cringing behind a cushion at others – and we think Cheryl did a brilliant job. Simon Cowell said, "We're back bigger and better than before. It really is the best series we've done." He then went on to add, "Getting Cheryl on board was brilliant. She really is one of the best I've worked with." An insider at ITV was quick to express their delight too, saying, "Bosses are delighted. It shows there is still a huge appetite for The X Factor." What about you lot? Did you enjoy the show? And do you think it's set to be the best series yet?