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New BB race row:
Oh dear, it seems Big Brother can't seem to escape controversy – and now, another so-called "race row" is brewing. According to BB sources, Coolio used the n-word on the show when describing a dream he'd had to Ben Adams this weekend – but show producers have chosen not reprimand the star, unlike Emily Parr, who was thrown out of the house, or Jade Goody, who prompted 50,000 complaints two years ago. The clip was not broadcast, but BB bigwigs have put out a statement, which reads: "Coolio used the n-word in his descriptive retelling to Ben. This was immediately flagged to senior production staff at Endemol and C4. After reviewing the footage, where Ben clearly took no offence from the word and no other housemates heard it, the footage was not broadcast in case it caused offence to viewers. Given the context in which Coolio used the word, no further action was taken. However, constant monitoring for any unnacceptable language is ongoing." Darnell, who appeared in last summer's BB, has today also revealed that he used the n-word three times on the show, but was also not told off or punished, and it wasn't broadcast. What do you lot make of this new hoo-ha? And are you enjoying the show so far?
 
Cheryl: Ashley's cheating "was horrendous"
Aside from a passing mention of the incident on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross some months ago, Cheryl Cole hasn't commented in much detail on how she felt about the whole Ashley 'cheating' saga...until now. The Girls Aloud star has opened up about her feelings in a new interview, admitting that the whole debacle was "horrendous", and blaming Ashley's immaturity for what happened. Talking to Vogue, the X Factor judge admits, "It was horrendous. Ashley's young, and he's got a young mentality for his age anyway. He's learning. He has a beautiful soul." Cheryl defended her decision to stand by her wayward man, explaining, "I'm not stupid, you know – I'm really not. I know what I'm doing and I'm happy." And the revelations don't stop there. The petite star was also happy to chat about her weight, but denies she has a problem. Weight did used to worry her however, and she admits to trying the Atkins diet after piling on a few pounds during her first year with Girls Aloud. "I felt just horrible," she admits, "But I was on this mission." Going on to talk about her X Factor experience – one which has made her Britain's new sweetheart – Cheryl confesses that it took some time for Simon Cowell to talk her into becoming a judge. "I didn't feel ready," she says, "But he [Simon] kept texting me and in the end I gave in. Simon is the most charismatic man I've ever met." We bet she's glad she let herself be persuaded now. We can't imagine The X Factor without Cheryl now, can you?
 
Travolta tragedy – John speaks out
Actor John Travolta has spoken out about his agony, just days after his 16-year-old son died. Jett Travolta was discovered by the family's nanny just minutes after he collapsed in a hotel bathroom and, despite both the nanny's and dad John's desperate attempts to resuscitate him, the teenager was sadly pronounced dead on his arrival at hospital. The Grease star said yesterday, "I tried the kiss of life for about 20 minutes. I wouldn't give up. I did everything I could to keep Jett alive." Paramedics took over from the 54-year-old actor when they arrived, but they were unable to save the young Jett. The 16-year-old was said to have a condition called Kawaski disease, which can cause "death-like" seizures and heart problems. The star's lawyer said last night, "We don't know yet whether Jett banged his head on the toilet seat or the bath tub, but there was blood on the floor and we know he slipped and fell. He could have had a seizure. He could have had an embolism." John, his wife Kelly Preston and their daughter Ella are all understandably devastated, and last night the actor wrote a message on his blog saying, "Jett was the most wonderful son. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief." Hollywood A-listers have been quick to send their sympathies, and both Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise are expected to be visiting the family within days. It's all just so tragic.

Kylie spends New Year with new man
Kylie Minogue has a new toyboy – and she's already whisked him off for a romantic break! The pop princess whisked her new fella – a Spanish model called Andres Velencoso Segura – to the French Alps, where they spent a whopping £10,000 staying at a boutique-style chalet! An insider said, "Andres had never been snowboarding before, but Kylie loves it. It shows how much he is into her that he was prepared to give it a go. She paid for an instructor for him and they had a great time. They looked like a loved-up couple in the bars in the evenings. Kylie loves winter sports. She likes the fact that people don’t really recognise her with all her gear and goggles on. But when the occasional person did notice her, she was lovely – polite and down to earth. They both looked so happy. It was great to see.” Kylie and Andres were first spotted together back in October, but refused to confirm that they were dating and ever since the singer has managed to keep the romance under wraps. But with witnesses giving glowing reports of the couples PDAs, it seems the duo are more than ready to go public. Spending New Year's Eve in a Chamonix restaurant while dancing and kissing, one onlooker said, "They were happily celebrating with friends and locals, but enjoyed a few tender private moments too.”