The 9 0'Clock News – Thu 11 Sep

Posted by heatworld on Thursday 11 Sep 2008

Filed under: Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Cheryl Cole, Katie Price, Leona Lewis, The X Factor

Cheryl at centre of latest X Factor fix storm:
The X Factor is at the centre of controversy yet again, after it emerged that one of the contestants going through to boot camp is actually an old friend of new judge Cheryl Cole. When Austin Drage performed his audition – a rendition of Boyz II Men's End Of The Road – Cheryl smiled and cooed, "That was so soulful. If that's not your best, I'm excited to see what is." The 21-year-old ended up getting the thumbs up from both Dannii and Simon (Louis was away), and cruising through to boot camp. However, it has now become clear that Austin has known Cheryl for years, after his former band 5Boyz supported Girls Aloud on their 2004 tour. Cheryl even dated one of his band mates for a while, so not only did they know each other professionally, but they were personal friends as well. Despite this connection, ITV sources have denied any wrongdoing on Cheryl's part, claiming that they knew all along that Austin was her pal. A source said, "He's always told us he knew Cheryl. This puts him at no advantage." Some people aren't convinced by this, though, and think that viewers should have been made aware of the connection. One X Factor source blasted, "In the interests of fairness, they should have admitted their friendship." Hmm, this all sounds a bit like a fuss over nothing to us, but maybe you disagree. Do you think we should have been told about Austin and Cheryl's friendship, or are you, like, totally not bovvered?

Mitch confirms Amy’s moving to the country
She did very little to convince heatworld that she was in any way on the road to recovery during her shambolic performance at last weekend's Bestival, so it's with some relief that we bring you the news that Amy Winehouse is finally doing the sensible thing and quitting her life in London. The troubled singer is reportedly just days away from exchanging contracts on a sprawling country retreat in a sleepy Suffolk village – and pals say she will use it to escape her demons and focus on getting better. The impressive house boasts seven bedrooms, three sitting rooms and a conservatory, as well as acres of land, stables and a garage for five cars. There is also an outbuilding which could easily be converted into a studio, and a nearby airfield from where the star can fly out to gigs and appointments. Finally, and crucially for Amy, the pad isn't far from where her husband Blakestillincarcerated is serving his sentence for ABH and perverted justice. Amy's dad Mitch said, "I hope she will be very happy there. When Blake comes out of prison, the two of them are going to need somewhere to live together." Another friend of Amy's also confirmed, "It is a really quiet, hidden spot where she would be away from the chaos of her life in London." We only hope Amy doesn't turn this new place into her new party pad, and that she concentrates on getting her health back.

So THAT’S where Britney’s British accent comes from...
Knees up mother brown (or, er, something similarly cockney) – it looks like that weird British accent that Britney Spears insisted on speaking in last year might not be that weird after all, as according to famiily tree experts, her family hail from, er, Tottenham in London. And apparently her ancestors were just as scandalous as Britney – her great grandfather George, a sailor, was registered at the same address as his lover Lilian before they were married. Imagine!

Leona “I want to be Jordan’s best friend”. Eh?
Random celebrity friendship alert: if Leona gets her way, she could soon be best mates with, er, Jordan. Yes, that's right – nice as pie Leona and gobby Jordan. Apparenty Leona is over the moon that Jordan is as into horses as her and wants the two of them to go riding together. "I love horses and I'd love to meet up with Jordan sometime and go riding," says Leona. "I want to be her best friend!"