MARILYN MANSON TO HAVE SNAKE BATH

Marilyn Manson has been challenged to a televised snake-bathing competition. It was revealed this week the controversial rocker is desperate to enter the book of Guinness World Records, and is aiming to beat the record for sharing a bath with serpents. However, Jackie Bibby - known worldwide as 'The Texas Snakeman' - holds the current record of 87 snakes and, upon learning of Manson's plans, has thrown down the gauntlet to the singer. He told BANG Showbiz: "I think it's really interesting that Mr. Manson wants to break my record. I say, bring it on! Why not challenge me in person? There are only two clear bathtubs out there that can be used for an official world record attempt. "I have one of the tubs and a production company in Los Angeles has the other one, so I'd love to have a challenge with Mr. Manson and get a TV station to broadcast it. That would be amazing!" A source close to the singer said: "Marilyn is desperate to get into the famous book, and wants to do it for something people will associate him with. "He thought about all the wacky records he could try and break, and came across Jackie Bibby's record. That's when he decided he wanted to try and beat it." Father-of-two Jackie has also warned Manson he better be prepared before he lets the deadly serpents slither all over him. He said: "I warn anyone who wants to make an attempt they had better get me or some other very reputable snake handler involved in the stunt. Otherwise they could be in big trouble!"

SIENNA MILLER'S LAVISH BIRTHDAY GIFT

Rhys Ifans has reportedly spent a staggering £35,000 on a birthday present for girlfriend Sienna Miller. The 'Notting Hill' actor has commissioned exclusive French jewellers Boucheron to make a one-off yellow diamond necklace for Sienna's 26th birthday on December 28. A source at Boucheron's London store said: "Rhys had originally thought of buying a ring for Sienna's birthday but he doesn't want to make her feel too pressured and a ring would scare her. "Sienna loves vintage jewellery and is a fan of yellow diamonds, so he has been talking to the Paris-based jewellers about a drop look of three yellow diamonds. "Rhys wants to feel that Sienna is wearing something from him and that he's close to her heart, and a necklace is the nearest thing to that." The Welsh star has also allegedly booked an exclusive London hotel suite for the special day. Although the couple are yet to officially confirm their relationship, they have had matching swallow tattoos etched on their bodies to show their love for each other and are currently enjoying a romantic break in Mexico City. Rhys - who, at 39, is 14 years older than 25-year-old Sienna - has already allegedly proposed to the 'Stardust' actress 15 times. But following her troubled relationship with Jude Law, Sienna has repeatedly turned down his hand in marriage and is keen to take things slow with Rhys.

LED ZEPPELIN'S REHEARSAL BRILLIANT

Led Zeppelin's first rehearsal since reforming was so "brilliant" they "embraced" in triumph. Frontman Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page were so "fired up" after the legendary band's first practice session ahead of their comeback concert at London's O2 arena on December 10 they insisted on hugging. Jason Bonham - who will replace his late father John Bonham on the drums for the show - revealed: "I didn't think there would be an instant sound. I thought, 'It's going to take some time.' But as soon as they started playing the classic 'No Quarter' it was if they had never been apart. "When the riff came in there was this look that went around. It was brilliant. And the band were so fired up after the run-through of the next song we did, 'Kashmir', that Jimmy and Robert insisted on embracing. "Jimmy said, 'Can you give me a hug?' and Robert shouted, 'Yeah, sons of thunder.' " Plant added to NME magazine: "It was cathartic and therapeutic. We got through it and it rocked." Led Zeppelin - Page, Plant, John Bonham and bassist John Paul Jones - formed in 1968 and went on to sell more than 300 million records worldwide, spawning classic hits such as 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Whole Lotta Love'. They split after Bonham choked to death on his own vomit following a day of heavy drinking in 1980. The band last took to the stage 12 years ago for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, but agreed to reform for next month's tribute concert to the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who signed the group.

NICOLE RICHIE TO KEEP ON WORKING

Nicole Richie is determined to carry on working despite being eight months pregnant. 'The Simple Life' star due to give birth to her first child with fiancé Joel Madden on New Year's Eve, but she isn't planning on slowing down until the very last minute. She told US TV show 'Access Hollywood': "I remember walking into the office and telling my managers, 'I think at around five or six months I'm probably going to be really tired and I'm not going to want to do a lot.' But I've been totally fine. I've been up and at them every single day and I've been ready to go. "You just have to listen to what your body tells you. But so far I've been great. I haven't slowed down yet!" The 26-year-old mother-to-be also explained her reasons behind setting up the Richie Madden Children's Foundation and raising $25,000 for young mothers in need. She said: "This obviously came as a function of being pregnant. On the poster it says 'In honour of baby Madden.' There is a natural feeling that comes with being pregnant. You just want to protect your baby."

SURI CRUISE AND HER DESIGNER SHOES

Suri Cruise has become the youngest ever client of designer shoemaker Christian Louboutin. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' 19-month-old daughter has had a pair of shoes specially commissioned for her tiny feet by the exclusive designer. A source told America's OK! magazine: "They made a mould of Suri's feet and hand-made a pair of bespoke shoes for her. She is their youngest client." Meanwhile, Tom and Katie attended the 59th annual Bambi Awards in Dusseldorf, Germany, last night where Tom was honoured with the "courage" award. The 45-year-old actor scooped the award for his latest movie 'Valkyrie', which focuses on a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944. The Bambi judges said: "Tom Cruise is making an international public familiar with a story that has never before been the theme of a major Hollywood production - the German resistance against the Third Reich." Tom reportedly bored the audience at the German equivalent of the Oscars with his long acceptance speech. His rambling monologue - dubbed over in German to be broadcast on TV - was over five minutes long and halfway through the crowd prematurely clapped, but the 'Top Gun' star stayed on stage and continued his speech. One German viewer said: "Tom talked about how gracious and welcoming the German people had been to him while he was filming 'Valkyrie', and then spoke about his meagre childhood and how he moved around a lot with his mother while he was growing up. He then launched into a lengthy talk about following your dreams, or something." Another viewer said: "When the camera panned out many of the audience looked bored and perplexed. "When he returned to his seat, Katie smiled slightly and looked down, you could tell that she was embarrassed by how over the top he was."

ASHLEY OLSEN DATING HUNK JOSH LUCAS

Ashley Olsen is dating 'Sweet Home Alabama' star Josh Lucas. The 21-year-old Olsen twin - who was recently romantically linked to 36-year-old cycling champion Lance Armstrong - was seen "all over" Josh, who is also 15 years her senior, at the opening of New York's New Museum on Wednesday. A source said: "They were meant to be watching one of the acts but they were cuddling up instead. She was all over him." Lance was also present, sparking rumors Ashley's public display of affection was an attempt to make him jealous. Meanwhile, Ashley's twin Mary-Kate was spotted out partying in another New York venue on the same night, just nine days after being admitted to hospital with a "kidney infection". Mary-Kate was seen living it up at the Bowery Hotel party for new SoHo store Billion Dollar Boys Club and then headed to the Beatrice Inn, where she danced until 3am. One witness said: "She looked fine to me."

KYLIE MINOGUE SET TO HEADLINE

Superstar Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue is set to headline next year's Glastonbury Festival.The '2 Hearts' singer has just announced dates for a European tour, which begins in May next year, but has not scheduled any concerts for the weekend of the world-famous music event. Kylie's first UK show is on June 27 and she then takes a break until July 5 - giving the biggest hint yet she will play the closing night of Glastonbury on June 29. Festival organiser Michael Eavis is desperate for Kylie to perform and believes she can bring the weekend to a spectacular close. Eavis said: "Kylie sums up everything Glastonbury is about. She's glam and theatrical. I see dancers, lights, feathers - almost like a circus show."She seduced me with her 'Showgirl' tour and I'd love to see her do that on the last night." Kylie was set to headline the 2005 festival but was forced to pull out after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was replaced by dance group Basement Jaxx, who paid tribute to Kylie by performing one of her biggest hits 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head'. Eavis also revealed he has already lined-up six other major acts but refused to reveal who they are. He said: "We've got seven headline acts we're looking at. And yes, Kylie is one of them." Bands rumored to appear include Radiohead, Muse and reunited 90s band The Verve.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE GOT PISSED OFF

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake was "p****d off" when he and lover Jessica Biel were refused a private session with a famous tarot reader. The 'SexyBack' singer, who is currently in Australia on his 'FutureSex/LoveShow' tour, drove Jessica to the Horden Pavilion, in Sydney, to visit world renowned clairvoyant John Edward, but was reportedly left "fuming" when he was refused. A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Justin was p****d off, whining and fuming when he asked for a private session for him and Jessica with John but was refused. He kept saying he had the money, but John stood his ground and said he had a big audience who all wanted to see him. "The rest of the audience didn't even acknowledge Justin and Jessica, and that annoyed them too." Justin and Jessica aren't the only fans of John - rapper Coolio appeared on his TV show 'Crossing over with John Edward' in 2002 - and the medium has also been immortalised in animated adult shows 'South Park', 'Celebrity Deathmatch' and 'Family Guy'. He caused controversy when he filmed a special with families of people killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center, with the intention of communicating with the dead. News of the programme caused outrage across the US, and producers eventually decided not to broadcast the controversial show.

USHER'S MOM ADORES NEW GRANDSON

Usher's mother has called her new grandson a "precious gift from God". Jonnetta Patton - who Usher sacked as his manager earlier this year amid rumours she was feuding with his wife Tameka Foster - has poignantly offered her congratulations to both her son and his wife. Jonnetta said: "I'm extremely excited and filled with joy about the birth of my grandson, Usher Raymond V. "He is beautiful, precious, healthy and such a blessing. I'm very happy for my son and his wife. God has truly blessed them with a special gift. This will be an amazing holiday season for all of us." Tameka gave birth to the couple's son, who weighed a healthy 7lb 9oz, on Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. The couple said: "We are so happy and proud of our beautiful son. What a blessing!" Usher, 29, and 36-year-old Tameka married in a secret ceremony in Atlanta on August 3. It is believed Jonnetta, 50, was not invited to the ceremony. The couple were due to get married in July but cancelled the wedding at the last minute, amid rumors Jonnetta did not approve of the union.

PAMELA ANDERSON HAS SEX-ATHON

Pamela Anderson and new husband Rick Salomon have been on a sex-athon since they married. The 'Baywatch' star - who married the professional poker player in a rushed Las Vegas Wedding in October - isn't interested in partying now she is a wife again because she is too busy working up a sweat in the bedroom. Pammie, 40, said: "I'm the happiest I've ever been. We're good for each other. We're in every night - having sex!" The pair had been friends for years but got together after Pammie lost too many poker games to Salomon and he offered to clear her debt in return for sex. The wedding took place in the hour between magician Hans Klok's stage show, in which the blonde actress stars as his assistant. Asked if she rushed into the marriage with Salomon - co-star of Paris Hilton's notorious sex tape 'One Night In Paris' - Pammie replied: "Nah. I make all of my decisions in about five minutes." The former Playboy model also revealed her sons - Brandon, 11, and nine-year-old Dylan - are relieved Hans Klok's Beauty of Magic show, at the Planet Hollywood Casino, is ending on December 8. She added to the USA Today newspaper: "My kids, they're kind of scared of him, because he might make them disappear."

AMY WINEHOUSE DIDN'T SLEEP FOR DAYS

Troubled and talented Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse was ordered to cancel her tour after she didn't sleep for three nights. The troubled singer announced on Tuesday she was calling off the rest of her British tour because she couldn't perform without the support of her husband Blake, who is currently being held in remand in London's Pentonville Prison awaiting trial for allegedly perverting the course of justice. It has now been claimed doctors ordered the 24-year-old star to pull out of the dates because she needed to rest. A source close to the singer said: "There was constant noise and people coming and going at all hours when she should have been trying to sleep. There was no let-up. She was awake all hours." Amy's taxi driver dad, Mitch, added: "She's very, very tired. She's sorry to have let the fans down. She needs professional help." Meanwhile, Amy is reportedly being pressurised by family and friends to end her six-month marriage to Blake. Friends of the singer say her dad is so desperate for his daughter to cut all ties with Blake, 25, he is considering changing his will to encourage her to go through with the divorce. One friend said: "Mitch is convinced Blake played a big part in getting Amy hooked on drugs in the first place, and thinks him being in prison is a good time for them to split up. "He knows she won't end it without a reason, so has told her he will cut her out of his will if she doesn't end it once and for all."

VICTORIA BECKHAM BANS HUBBY DAVID

Victoria Beckham has banned husband David from watching the Spice Girls' first concert on Sunday because she is too nervous. The singer will take to the stage with her four bandmates - Geri Halliwell, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Mel B - in Vancouver, Canada, as the girls kick-off their hotly anticipated world tour. But soccer star David will not be there to lend his support as she doesn't want the added pressure of knowing he's in the audience. David - who has three sons, Brooklyn, eight, Romeo, five, and two-year-old Cruz, with Victoria - said: "One minute Victoria is saying she wants me there and then it's, 'No, don't come to the first show, as we'll all be too nervous.' "But I think I'll be at the show a couple of days later in San Jose and have the boys with me. And I know Victoria will ring me as soon as the first show ends. "She says the rehearsals have gone amazingly well." Although he won't be at the opening night, David will be at most of the others as he plans to accompany his wife around the world. The Los Angeles Galaxy star - who is currently on a break from soccer as the US season has finished - added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "I won't be getting much of a break, I'm off on tour with the Spice Girls."

RAPPER FIFTY CENT FILMING MTV CRIBS

Fifty Cent

50 Cent is set to show off the $18.5 million mansion he bought from Mike Tyson on 'MTV Cribs'. The rapper-and-actor is selling the luxurious 19-bedroom property in Farmington, Connecticut - which features its own nightclub and recording studio - and is allowing TV cameras from the hit US TV show in there to film today. The 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' star - who bought the 48,000 sq ft mansion from heavyweight boxing champion Tyson for $4.1 million three years ago - revealed: "It was crazy looking when I got here. It had a sort of 'Miami Vice' feel. It had turquoise and blue on the floor but I changed things around. "I can go from my studio straight into the nightclub to see what a track will sound like in a club. The club also has a massive swing hanging from the ceiling, which is pretty cool. "I'm just fed up with the commute when I need to get to New York so I want something nearer." Fifty, 32, admits the mansion is so big he often forgets he has guests staying with him in different wings. He reveals: "I'll let them stay on the other side of the house and not actually see them for a day or so." The 'Ayo Technology' rapper is adamant you don't have to have his bank account to afford a luxurious lifestyle. He insists: "It ain't based on the actual money that's been spent, it's the choices that people make. "You don't have to buy a $50 million home to build a lifestyle that's equivalent." Fifty - real name Curtis Jackson - added: "My next home will have the basics - probably four or five bedrooms. "Maybe I'll let the 'MTV Cribs' cameras in there too. But only when I'm leaving!"

KIRSTEN DUNST NEW FACE OF MIU MIU

Kirsten Dunst is the new face of fashion label Miu Miu. The 'Spider-Man' actress will take over from Lindsay Lohan - who fronted the spring/summer 2007 campaign - and star in the fashion house's adverts for spring/summer 2008. A source said: "Kirsten just wrapped a photoshoot for Miu Miu's new range in Los Angeles with fashion photographers Mert and Marcus." Previous faces of the Prada clothing line - headed by Miuccia Prada whose nickname is Miu Miu - include Kim Basinger and Chinese actress Zhou Xun. Earlier this year, Kirsten, 25, caused controversy by saying she believes the world would be a "better place" if more people smoked marijuana. The 'Virgin Suicides' star said: "I drink moderately, I've tried drugs. I do like weed. I have a different outlook on marijuana than America does. "I've never been a major smoker, but I think America's view on weed is ridiculous. I mean - are you kidding me? If everyone smoked weed, the world would be a better place."

HULK HOGAN TO WORK ON MARRIAGE

Hulk Hogan is desperate to save his marriage because his wife is his "world". The wrestling legend's wife Linda Marie Bollea filed for divorce last week, but Hulk - real name Terry Gene Bollea - is hoping they can work it out. Hulk, 54, said: "I care for my wife and my children are my world and I just hope this all works out. "Please respect my family's privacy at this time with all that we have been through." In divorce papers, Linda, 46, deemed the 24-year marriage "irretrievably broken". The wrestler-turned-actor married Linda in 1983 and the couple have two children, 19-year-old daughter Brooke, an aspiring singer, and 17-year-old son Nick. The family starred together in VH1 reality show 'Hogan Knows Best'. Son Nick lost his driver's licence last week after being found guilty of dangerous driving. Earlier this year, Nick was behind the wheel during a street-racing crash which left his passenger in a coma with a broken skull. A lawyer representing Ed Graziano, the father of injured passenger John Graziano, claims the divorce is a strategic move to protect the family's assets against a compensation claim from the Graziano family. The divorce petition seeks a split of the couple's assets, including a Bel Air mansion and Clearwater Beach home with combined assessed values of $7.9 million. Though the Hogans' marriage has been in trouble for some time - with the couple even seeking relationship counselling in an episode of 'Hogan Knows Best' - Graziano's lawyer Kimberley Kohn claims Linda filed for divorce because it will cut Hulk's assets in half.

KYLIE MINOGUE TO RELEASE HOMEWARE

Kylie Minogue is set to release her own line of homeware next year. The singer has already planned most of the line and has vowed it will be a "fun" range. She said: "I have some homeware coming out. Not curtains - but bed linens, throws and cushions. I haven't made it to pots yet. I want to have leopard-print ones. I mean, let's inject a bit of fun into it!" Kylie, who was speaking to her 'Doctor Who' co-star David Tennant in an interview for Britain's BBC Radio 2, revealed she found her "spiritual home" while filming her scenes for the Christmas special of the sci-fi show. She said: "I loved it. In the trailer on my first day I really felt like I was in my spiritual home." The '2 Hearts' singer plays Astrid, a waitress at the 1912 launch party for the doomed ocean liner Titanic, in 'Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned'.

NICOLE RICHIE MENDS RELATIONSHIPS

Nicole Richie decided to "mend her issues" with her biological parents after discovering she was pregnant. 'The Simple Life' star - who went to live with singer Lionel Richie when she was two and was legally adopted by him and his then wife Brenda Harvey-Richie when she was nine - wanted to build bridges with her father, percussionist Peter Escovedo, and mother, identified only as a backstage assistant on Lionel's 1980 world tour, when she discovered they were going to be grandparents. Nicole - who began seeing a psychotherapist when she was three and battled heroin addiction as a teenager - said: "It wasn't an overnight decision, but actually, yes. When I found out that I was pregnant, there was just something inside of me that felt a responsibility to mend any issues that I've had with my parents in the past, because listen, I have put them through a lot. "Of course, you just want to heal any wounds before I become a mother myself." Nicole, 26, also revealed Lionel is refusing to be called 'grandpa' and is busy coming up with alternative names. She added to US TV show 'Access Hollywood': "He is so excited and he just doesn't stop talking about it. He has all these names that he's ready for the baby to call him, in substitute of 'grandpa,' because he doesn't like 'grandpa'." The star, who is rumored to be expecting a boy, also confirmed she and fiancé Joel Madden are waiting to find out the sex of the baby, but is finding it difficult because she is a "nosey" person.

NOEL GALLAGHER PROTECTED BY POLICE

Oasis star Noel Gallagher has been given police protection after he was threatened by a crazed fan. The band will have a police guard after a recording session for their seventh album, at London's famous Abbey Road Studios, was interrupted by a Greek man claiming Noel had stolen lyrics from him. He angrily demanded to speak to the guitarist and worried staff immediately called the police, but the stalker fled before officers arrived. A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "The guy showed up in a rage. He meant business and clearly wasn't right. "He claimed he had written material that Noel had stolen from him for the new album. The man was fuming and was threatening to attack Noel." When officers arrived, they briefly searched for the man before warning Noel to be on his guard. As they left, the officers cheekily asked if they could have a sneak preview of the long-awaited album, but their request was politely rebuffed.

NICOLA ROBERTS CREATES MAKE-UP LINE

Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts is launching a make-up range for women with pale skin. The redheaded beauty has created the line as part of reality show 'Passions', after producers asked the girl group to "take on a challenge to fulfil a life-long dream". Nicola said: "Being a singer comes naturally to me so I have really appreciated this challenge. "I decided to create my own make-up range for pale skin because I have pale skin myself and I know how difficult it can be to find the right sort of sexy look with the products already out there. "Hopefully I can help a lot of girls out there to look their best." The 22-year-old star's idea has already proved a hit with her fellow redheads. One female student commented: "I can't wait for it to come out. It's a fantastic idea because it's often difficult for girls like us to find the right sort of make-up and no-one seems to cater for us. "At the moment I always end up looking like a ghost on a sunny day!" Meanwhile, Nicola's bandmates will take on challenges of their own. Cheryl Cole will learn to street dance in the city of Compton in Los Angeles, Sarah Harding is heading to Argentina to learn how to play polo, while Kimberley Walsh is keeping her challenge a guarded secret. Nadine Coyle controversially quit the project earlier this month when producers refused to let her take on charity work. She said: "I'm not really into reality things or things that aren't to promote Girls Aloud. "I wanted to do something with a charity in Bolivia that got kids off the street, but it didn't sit with the program."

GEORGE CLOONEY GOT ZELLWEGER HOT

George Clooney

Renée Zellweger says George Clooney got her hot under the collar while filming new movie 'Leatherheads'. The 'Bee Movie' star admits watching the "handsome" Hollywood hunk take to the sports field for the American Football-themed film made her swoon, and claims 46-year-old George is also her "confidant". She said: "George is so handsome - even more so when he's playing football with a bunch of 30-year-olds and out-running them on the pitch! "He's not just gorgeous though, he's also my confidant. He tells me what he thinks and I want to know because I have so much respect for him." The pair - who were rumored to have dated in 2001 - have become so close that in a joint interview earlier this month Renée joked they had been "married for 28 years". George then interrupted her to correct: "Actually it's 27. We lived together the first year. There was a lot of fighting." Renée, 38, later revealed they had really been friends for close to 10 years. 'Leatherheads' is a romantic comedy set in the 20s which sees George take on the role of brash American Football hero Jimmy 'Dodge' Connelly. Connelly is forced to compete with a younger teammate for the affections of hard-nosed reporter Lexie Littleton, played by Renée. 'Leatherheads' will hit cinemas in 2008.

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