The 9 0'Clock News – Tue 28 Oct

Posted by heatworld on Tuesday 28 Oct 2008

Filed under: Brian McFadden, Jonathan Ross, Kerry Katona, Russell Brand, The X Factor, Top Of The Pops

Furious listeners demand Russ and Ross be sacked:
We told you yesterday how Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross were in a bit of trouble after leaving a number of obscene messages on actor Andrew Sachs' answer phone. Well, now the naughty pair are in more trouble than they could have ever predicted, with the matter even being discussed in the House of Commons. The BBC has reportedly received over 1,600 complaints since the show was broadcast, and many are demanding that Russ and Ross should both be sacked over their actions. Former BBC deputy Director General Will Wyatt commented yesterday, "It was completely inappropriate behaviour. I would like to take some firm action." The BBC have been quick to apologise to listeners, releasing a statement which read: "We are reviewing how this came about and are responding to Mr Sachs personally." Andrew Sachs, who played the well-loved character of Manuel in the hit British comedy Fawlty Towers, is still very angry about what happened, but says that his granddaughter is the person who should be getting an apology. During the calls, Russ told Andrew how he slept with his granddaughter Georgina. "People ask me if I'm angry," he said, "Well, yes, but not half as angry as Georgina." The veteran actor also revealed that he had received a letter of apology from Jonathan Ross, but had yet to hear anything from Russell Brand. However, Russell did say he was sorry to have offended anyone yesterday. Maybe all this will make the wild-haired one hesitate before he picks up the phone next time. What do you think?

Brian McFadden fights for full custody
Amid rumours that social services have been called in relation to Kerry Katona, news has reached us that Kerry’s ex Brian McFadden is on his way back to the UK in a bid to regain custody of his two daughters. The former Westlife singer is said to have “watched in horror” as Kerry slurred her way through the interview on This Morning and he is now reportedly “livid” with his ex-wife. Brian is planning on doing everything he can to get the girls, Molly, seven, and Lilly-Sue, six, to move back to Australia with him and girlfriend Delta, even enlisting the help of his former manager Louis Walsh to act as a character reference. Pals are saying that Brian will face a battle, though, as Kerry is determined that the two girls remain with her and Mark. We’ll let you know if there are any developments.

Christmas Top Of The Pops axed. Noooo!
Top Of The Pops Christmas special has been axed – despite it being a Christmas ritual for 43 years! BBC scrooges have pulled the plug on the festive show despite last year pulling in huge names to headline, including Kaiser Chiefs, Girls Aloud, The Proclaimers and Kate Nash. And already celebrities are backing a campaign to stop the show being killed off. Status Quo legend Francis Rossi said, "We can't believe Christmas Top Of The Pops is not happening this year – it's a festive fixture. It took us 40 years to write a Christmas song then the moment we do the programme gets axed." And Westlife's Mark Feehily added, "Christmas Top Of The Pops has been a highlight of the festive schedule for music fans. If it goes it will be a massive shame." We're very concerned about this. Shall we start a petition as well? We can't imagine Christmas Day without a bit of TOTP action.

X Factor Scott behaves like a sore loser
X Factor loser Scott Bruton reckons he can make it big – if only he could get out of the X Factor live tour. Scott, who was booted off the show last week, has even instructed a solicitor to get him out of the contract, telling friends, "I'm stuck in my contract with The X Factor until February. I'm getting a solicitor to look and see if they can get me out of it. I know I still have what it takes to become a star, and I don't see why I should have to wait." At the moment Scott is contracted to go on a UK tour, where the finalists perform live in front of thousands and earn big money. A show source said, "Being on the tour is his best chance of making a name for himself. He was never going to win The X Factor and he needs a reality check." Hmmm, do you think Scott should be allowed to pursue his dream, or is he just having a bit of a tantrum?