By Owen Tonks

We all know that Lady Gaga likes to make an entrance being the shy and retiring wallflower that she is. You would think that when she’s riding into the Grammys in a giant egg or bursting onto the stage at Radio One’s Big Weekend in a coffin with some kind of weird, strap-on, leather, fake baby, Gaga would know how to make a statement but it seems that may not always be the case.

If she could turn back time, which she probably can, Miss Germanotta should go back and switch the comeback single from her second album to Judas as it is a far better statement than Born This Way.

Lady Gaga is a master of the traditional pop song. Her high energy tunes ooze verse, bridge, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus along with some spoken parts and techno autotune wizardry and Judas is just that. The unforgettable chorus equates to an instant hit and, not that she needs it, probably hours of radio airplay flooding straight to our welcoming ears.

Despite various religious groups condemning her for her latest release and the way she conducts herself, the lyrics aren’t actually as controversial as you might think which means that the song doesn’t alienate itself from too many people.

I am a firm believer that Lady Gaga is some kind of monumental genius or perhaps a super advanced life form that we mere mortals can only dream of understanding. Even if the only reason for buying this song is that you are scared of the possible super-human powers that she is hiding, I would definitely venture out onto the wicked streets, or maybe just log onto a computer to purchase a copy.

By Owen Tonks

The 83^rd annual Academy Awards should really be renamed the Brit(ish) Awards as the King’s Speech and Colin Firth dominated last night’s star-studded event.

There were no big surprises as, in keeping with the rest of this awards season, the King’s Speech came out on top picking up Best Picture, Best Actor for Colin Firth, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

Whilst this goes to show that a big budget, all-American film is not a guarantee to an Oscar win, Black Swan’s Natalie Portman wiped away the tears as she accepted her Best Actress gong and Melissa Leo and Christian Bale both deservedly won for The Fighter.

The King’s Speech almost never existed as the movie struggled to get funding in the UK but Best Actor nominee James Franco correctly stated: “The King’s Speech has now become part of Oscar history.”

Whilst the winners may have been predictable, the speeches were not. Colin Firth may be throwing in the acting towel and starting up as an acceptance speech writer, jokingly saying: “I have a feeling my career’s just peaked.” Melissa Leo also livened up her speech as she was forced to apologise for swearing. The flustered star recoiled in horror after dropping the ‘F-bomb’ when stating that Kate Winslet made it look so easy two years ago. Thankfully it was not quite as cringe-worthy as Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow’s uncontrollable sobbing in previous years.

The Best Editing award went to The Social Network and this is often seen as a precursor to what will win best film but The King’s Speech has clearly won over the hearts of the academy.

Another stand-out film was Inception as it picked up three awards. Gary A Rizzo & Ed Novick were awarded Achievement in Sound Mixing with Richard King winning Achievement in Sound Editing. Inception’s Wally Pfister also won Achievement in Cinematography.

I had high hopes for Hailee Steinfeld, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in True Grit, but she missed out on a fairy tale win after attending the ceremony within a year of auditioning for the role. However, the 14-year-old was a hit on the red carpet after receiving critical acclaim from the fashion police.

A slight disappointment was Exit Through the Gift Shop, as anonymous Banksy had been told that he was not allowed to wear a disguise. Unfortunately, the movie lost out to Inside Job and the real Banksy did not stand up.

An absolute car crash moment was James Franco and Anne Hathaway’s costume swap. James Franco looking like Marilyn Munroe was a bit too much and in my opinion, not that funny. Although, perhaps funnier than Ricky Gervais’s career suicide at the Golden Globes a couple of weeks ago.

Despite the comic relief blunders and riskily placed swear words, the 2011 Oscars will be remembered as the night the Brits took over Hollywood.

This Post was written for MSN Movies and can be found here

By Owen Tonks

Peter Andre is to reveal the full details of why his marriage to Katie Price ended in court this week, reports suggest.

The singer is planning to sue his ex-wife for libel and slander after Katie claimed that he is a bad father and that he cheated on her.

Speaking to the News of the World, a source said: “Peter never wanted to have to come to court. Katie’s the mother of his children and they were once in love, but he feels that if he doesn’t take action, what he considers to be her lies will continue.

“All he wants from her is an undertaking in court that she won’t say them again. He has never spilled the beans about what really went on in the final months of their marriage because he doesn’t want any of the repercussions to impact on his kids. Katie thinks the case is a waste of time, but Peter’s sick and tired of having to worry.

“There’ll be a lot of revelations about the end of their marriage. All along Peter has been clear he doesn’t want to screw his children’s lives up. That’s why he’s avoided this for such a long time. He’s actually had the patience of a saint. But enough is enough.”

The source added: “This is going to get very messy and very personal. Peter strongly believes this case needs to be fought in court. He wants the truth to finally come out.”

By Owen Tonks

Big Brother star Nadia Almada has threatened to commit suicide after a hostile public reaction following her appearance on Ultimate Big Brother.

Transsexual Nadia has admitted she sees no other way out from the rejection she has experienced.

After leaving the Big Brother house to a chorus of boos on Friday Nadia returned home to find her car had been egged and hate mail posted through her door.

She told the Daily Star Sunday: “I want to end it all. I just feel my life isn’t worth living any more.

“I can’t carry on living the way I feel. I’m in the gutter and I’m completely distraught.

“Going back on Big Brother has ruined my life. I was the victim in that house but I was shown to be the villain.

“I’m just gutted. I hate my life so much right now and sometimes ending it all is the only solution.

“I’m at the lowest point I’ve ever been so I’m surrounding myself with friends and family and hoping God will be there for me.

“I was already in a vulnerable place and this has thrown me ­overboard. When this mess is over I just don’t know what I’ll do. I’m ­losing it. I’m emotional. This is the last thing I need in my life.”

Nadia is also considering taking legal action against Channel 4 after the full story of the arguments between her and fellow housemate Coolio were not broadcast, saying: “I feel betrayed by Channel 4. There was no loyalty from them, no duty of care. They failed to protect me.

“Coolio targeted me on the first night and he wouldn’t leave me alone. He kept asking about my gender status and he humiliated me over it.

“If it had been a racial slur they would have shown it but because it was against a transsexual they edited it out.

“They made it look like I wanted to leave over a pair of shoes but the truth is I was being bullied.”

She added: “I’m going to speak to Ofcom and I want a public apology from Big Brother over this.

“I will be contacting lawyers and solicitors because I want to take things further.

“I was lured on to the show with them saying it would be a ­celebration. But after this I don’t want to represent Big Brother any more.

“I don’t feel safe to go out. I feel frightened. Big Brother discarded me. This has destroyed me.

“I was the nation’s sweetheart and people embraced me. But now I’m the villain.”

By Owen Tonks

Wayne Rooney cheated on wife Coleen during her pregnancy with a £1000-a-night prostitute, reports suggest.

The Manchester United and England player is said to have slept with 21-year-old Jennifer Thompson seven times over a period of four months.

Wayne has previously been linked to prostitutes and was taken back by childhood sweetheart Coleen in 2004 after his cheating was exposed.

The footballer has admitted that this will be the end of his marriage, allegedly telling a friend: “My life is in ruins…I’ve been so stupid. Coleen won’t forgive me this time. She will leave me.”

Speaking of her relationship with Wayne, prostitute Jennifer Thompson told the Sunday Mirror: “He sent me SIM cards full of text ­messages and spoke to me on Skype using a false name. Whenever we met for sex, it was always in the same hotel.”

Wayne apparently booked prostitute Jennifer through a Manchester based agency and first slept with her in Salford’s Lowry Hotel when Coleen was five months pregnant.

A friend of Jennifer’s told the Sunday Mirror: “She couldn’t believe it the first time he booked her. He used a different name so she didn’t know who he really was until she knocked on the hotel room door and he opened it.

“She wasn’t star-struck. She considers what she does to be a profession and she always strives to be very good at it.”

Jennifer later got in trouble with her escort agency when she took bookings directly from Wayne to avoid paying commission. After this the dates turned into longer meetings with Wayne ordering room service.

The friend added: “She got into trouble with her agency when they found out she was by-passing them and taking bookings from him direct on her own mobile phone and over the internet using Skype.”

“After he’d had sex with her the first few times, he changed his ­attitude towards her. He said it was no longer just about an hour or two of sex but that he’d grown genuinely fond of her. But he carried on paying her ­whenever they met. It went on for four months.”

Rooney last met up with Thompson in October 2009, shortly before Coleen gave birth in November.

Jennifer’s friend told the Sunday Mirror: “He suddenly stopped calling Jennifer in October, although she has seen him out in bars and clubs in Manchester since. When that happens, she makes sure she stays well away from him to avoid any awkwardness.”

By Owen Tonks

Nadia Almada is reportedly a suicide risk following a hostile reaction from the public as a result of her Ultimate Big Brother appearance.

Friend and former Big Brother housemate Marco Sabba posted an open plea for help from Endemol on an internet forum.

On Nadia’s reaction following her eviction, Marco said: “I am writing this as a deeply concerned friend of Nadia’s. She is devastated following last night’s eviction and returned home to find her car egged and abusive letters through the door.”

Transsexual Nadia won the fifth series of the reality show claiming that she originally went into the Big Brother house for acceptance and returned to the show to compete for the title of winner of Ultimate Big Brother.

During her time in the house Nadia was portrayed as fiery character and had numerous arguments with rapper Coolio. On this Marco said: “It is most concerning that the public was misled in regards to the dispute with Coolio.

“He made deeply offensive, homophobic comments continuously to her and the other housemates regarding gender and sexuality for many days on end which were not broadcast.

“It was made to be seen that Coolio left the house after Nadia erratically confronted him about hiding her shoes. This was not the case. Coolio was on his third and final warning from Big Brother about abusive and threatening behaviour.”

On her breakdown since leaving the house last night, Marco said: “She feels her life is now ruined and the goodwill built from her earlier stay in the house has been destroyed. I am writing this as a deeply concerned friend in the hope that Endemol will do something to address this, please.

“I am asking Endemol to help Nadia Almada.”

Nadia is apparently refusing to talk to Endemol’s psychologist and is said to have lost all trust in the show’s producers.

By Owen Tonks

Konnie Huq and Charlie Brooker have married in a quickie ceremony in Las Vegas.

The Blue Peter presenter and TV critic are said to have chosen Las Vegas to avoid the attention that comes with a showbiz wedding in the UK.

A source told the Daily Mail: “Charlie didn’t want a big, tacky celebrity wedding because he doesn’t see him and Konnie as a celebrity couple.

“They are very much in love but when it came down to it, he wanted the wedding to be low-key.

“He is finding it hard to accept the level of interest in their relationship.

“If it was up to him, they would lead a totally private life, enjoying playing PlayStation games at home together and eating in.

“But it is different for Konnie. She is used to all the attention her job brings her and doesn’t mind being in the public eye.”

Konnie is currently presenting The Xtra Factor on ITV 2.

By Owen Tonks

JLS and The Saturdays are to duet for a Christmas single, reports suggest.

Marvin is currently dating Rochelle from The Saturdays and the boys have expressed their desire for a collaboration.

Speaking to Bang Showbiz, Jonathan ‘JB’ Gill said: “Will we see a JLS/Saturdays duet? Wow. I don’t know but we’d do it in a shot.”

He continued: “We’d love to do a song with the girls. A Christmas number one, maybe? Watch this space.”

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

The ultimate weekend shopping extravaganza is coming to London for the first time Ever – Britain’s Next Top Model Live, will be at at ExCel in London’s Docklands from the 22nd – 24th October 2010.

Based on the hugely successful international reality TV show – presented by international supermodel Elle McPherson – Britain’s Next Top Model Live is set to be London’s biggest fashion and Beauty fix, and every girl’s essential event for this season’s trends.

Taking place across three days from 22nd – 24th October 2010 at the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands, dedicated followers of fashion and beauty will be able to experience the ultimate in retail therapy – an event designed to bring to life the lifestyle and glamour of Britain’s Next Top Model, with a range of fashion shows, exhibitions, shopping, beauty, health and fitness, and interactive features for this Autumn and Winter trends.

Visitors will be able to experience the Central Champagne Bar, a stunning hour-long Catwalk Show, featuring an inspiring range of fashion, with special appearances from all of the girls from Britain’s Next Top Model series 6, alongside top music acts and spectacular live entertainment within the 3000 seat auditorium.

There is also the chance to learn how to walk the walk like the professionals on the Open Catwalk. Pout and pose in the Paparazzi Zone with Company Magazine, indulge in free hair and beauty makeovers in the Powder Room, and learn the tricks of the trade from top industry experts at the Style Icon Workshops, or take a pew on the Casting Couch where Models 1 will be seeking out new faces for their future fashion and beauty campaigns.

This year’s event is also offering visitors the opportunity to be in with the chance of entering Living TV’s Britain’s Next Top Model Series 7 in 2011, with the BNTM Application Studio.

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN…..

Britains Next Top Model Live is offering Hooked on Pop lucky readers the chance to WIN one of 2 Pairs of tickets to the first ever Britian’s Next Top Model Live, London 2010.

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

To be in with a chance to WIN, simply answer the following question:
Which venue will host Britains Next Top Model Live 2010?

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

All entries should be sent to editor@hookedonpop.com along with your name, a contact telephone number and postal address.

For more information on the show visit www.bntmlive.com

*Terms and conditions
1. This offer is only open to UK residents
2. Competition winners tickets are valid for any one day of the show between the 22nd and the 25th October 2010, to Britain’s Next Top Model Live at ExCel London
3. Tickets are non transferable
4. Complimentary tickets obtained through this offer may not be duplicated.
5. All tickets will be scanned on entry to the show
6. The closing date for this offer is 1st October 2010

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

By Owen Tonks

Mel B has allegedly split from her film producer husband Stephen Belafonte.

The Spice Girl is said to be in the process of moving back to the UK and is talking to lawyers in LA about a divorce.

Speaking to The Mirror, Stephen said: “Dude, it’s over. Mel’s coming back to the UK soon – but I won’t be coming with her. There’s been problems lately. I don’t know what’s happening.”

A friend of the pop star said: “They’ve not been happy for a long time and there’s been rowing. Mel’s been talking about getting out. They’re still talking to see if things can be worked out.

“But she’s making plans to come back to the UK on a more permanent basis. Stephen hasn’t been mentioned as joining her and has been consulting lawyers.

“Part of the problem is jealousy. They are both livid when the other one gets attention from another person. They constantly want to know where the other one is. It’s been an ongoing problem right from the start.”