X Factor Alex’s mum investigated for fraud:
X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's mother is being investigated over claims that she has been swindling the benefits system. Alex's mum Melissa Bell is a former soul singer, but is said to claim benefits worth £17,344 a year, while also allegedly cashing in on her daughters new found money and fame. But last night Melissa, who is diabetic, sobbed, "I am totally innocent... They're idiots – I'll sue them!" The investigation centres on claims that Alex's mum has been getting paid for gigs while claiming benefits and every venue that she has played at in the last six months will now be contacted by investigators. Melissa receives a monthly disability living allowance of £258, plus £124 per week in income support as well as her £150 rent and council tax fees being covered by housing benefit. On finding out about the investigation, Melissa said, "I simply couldn't believe it. But I rang the council and they have admitted I am under suspicion of benefit fraud. I'm absolutely outraged."

Ross in trouble. Again *yawns*
He's only been back for a few days, but already Jonathan Ross has found himself in the centre of yet another storm of controversy. During his Saturday morning Radio 2 show, Rossy made a joke with his sidekick Andy Davies about having sex with an 80-year-old woman – and now sources are claiming the woman is question is a real person who lives close to Andy in Spain. Andy joked to Rossy that an old woman kept trying to kiss him, to which the comedian replied jokingly, "Eighty? Oh God. I think you should, just for charity. Give her one last night, will you? One last night before the grave." The comments immediately sparked outrage from friends and relatives of 86-year-old Francisca Guzman, who suffers from Alzheimer's, and who often kisses people she meets in the street. Her son has blasted Ross' banter, saying, "What he said is unforgivable and offensive." Jonathan and Andy both claim the woman they were joking about is fictional, and last night the BBC argued the remarks were "light-hearted" and that they had not identified anyone. Jonathan Ross himself released a statement saying, "It was a spontaneous, light-hearted remark made in response to an anecdote set in Spain, where no one was named or ever likely to hear the broadcast. No offence was intended." Oh dear. We can't help but point out that if it wasn't for the newspapers naming Ms Guzman, then no one would have any idea who she is, and surely even if Rossy had performed a sermon on air, he would've found himself criticised in some way. Do you think what Rossy said was unacceptable, or are people being a bit too sensitive in the wake of Manuelgate?

Strictly tour in chaos
Here at heatworld, we've so far been lucky enough to avoid the dreaded winter vomiting bug *touches forehead*, but sadly the performers of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour haven't been so lucky. The show was thrown into near chaos this weekend after a number of the professional dancers and some celebrity acts were unable to make it on to the stage. Both Jodie Kidd and Cherie Lunghi pulled out of performances over the weekend, while Jill Halfpenny and Kenny Logan were laid up on Friday. Some of the dancers have struggled through despite falling ill, but the bug is spreading fast and now even members of the backstage crew are getting infected. "Everyone's worried they might get it," confessed dancer Camilla Dallerup. "We're just praying everyone gets better." The tough schedule of the show means all the performers have to be at the top of their game fitness and health wise, so the bug couldn't have hit at a worse time. A show source last night tried to calm everyone down, saying, "The tour is not under threat." Sounds ghastly. We hope they all feel better soon.

Iceland: Kerry stays
Kerry Katona seems to be turning her life around – according to Iceland, anyway. Kerry, who looked as though she'd lose her £250,000 contract with the frozen food chain, is said to be lining up for yet another campaign. Iceland are thought to be so impressed by the former singer's turnaround, that they will renew her deal but with a small pay cut. An Iceland spokesperson confirmin, "We are in negotiations." Kerry has undergone a massive transformation in the last couple of months – dropping a whopping four dress sizes after surgery. A source revealed, "Kerry's life seems much more stable than it was and there's no doubt this has helped win them over."