Stay classy: The Only Way Is Essex girls go mud wrestling at boot camp

Down and dirty: The Only Way Is Essex girls Lucy Mecklenburgh and Lydia Bright were joined by two friends as they enjoyed a day wrestling in the mud at bootcamp


With just days until the second series of The Only Way Is Essex returns to our screens the characters are no doubt topping up their tans, primping their hair and ensuring their vajazzles are firmly in place.

But it seems two stars of the show tried out a novel way of getting into shape for the second round of cat-flights, tears and tantrums embarking on a grueling fitness boot camp – in true Essex style, of course.

Mark Wright’s former flame Lucy Mecklenburgh was joined by Arg’s girlfriend Lydia Bright and the girls weren’t going to let the muddy training getting in the way of looking their best and found enough energy to enjoy an impromptu mud-wrestling match.

The pair were joined by two friends who were also sporting a full face of make-up and blow dried hair for the outdoor activities.

With their hair flowing behind them the girls ran down to the beach to begin their session carrying small weighted balls.

That in itself must have been a tough task for the girls who are more used to lifting boutique shopping bags than weights.


Taking things slow: The girls made their way down to the beach in bright pink jumper before stripping off to reveal their work out wardrobe of tiny black vests


And the girls ditched their designer dresses and high heels for black exercise leggings and a low cut black vest, but didn’t opt for sports bras for the strenuous activities.

The girls did show willing and performed a number of exercises including a girl-style press up which displayed their ample cleavage and a wide-legged squat on the sand.

The girls then crawled through the mud and while they seemed to be exhausted at the activity seemed to be in good spirits, even when the trainer flicked mud across their made-up faces.

And perhaps aware of the cameras on them, or maybe just fans of mud-wrestling Lydia challenged Lucia to a bout and the pair got the grips with each other in the dirt.

Always ready to oblige a waiting photographer the girls got together for a group shot.


Down and dirty: Mark Wright's ex Lucy couldn't wait to get her hands on Arg's girlfriend Lucy didn't seem to mind getting dirty as they played in the mud together


Lucy, who is a size eight and weights nine stone has revealed how all the cast members have been putting in extra effort getting into shape for the new series.
She told New! Magazine: ‘Everyone’s gone a bit hardcore trying to lose weight for the next series.’

The 20-year-old credits her own trim figure to zumba classes and poledancing
The Only Way Is Essex returns March 20th on ITV2 at 10pm


Vejazzles at dawn: Lucy and Lydia soon made the most of their time in the mud and got to grips with each other



Mucky pups: The girls, who had arrived at the training session with full faces of make-up and blow dried hair were soon covered in mud after rolling around on the floor

America Idol's Ashthon Jones is first to be sent packing as 'stressed out' Casey Abrams fails to show due to hospital dash

Time to go home: Ashthon Jones is comforted by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest after being voted off


It turned out that axed contestant Ashthon Jones's was not the only casualty of American Idol last night.

The 25-year-old hopeful was sent packing in last night's results show as it emerged that fellow contestant Casey Abrams was unable to attend the show due to a hospital dash.

According to internet reports, 20-year-old Casey, from Illinois, needed to medical treatment for a stress-induced bleeding stomach ulcer.

He suffered a similar set back a few weeks ago just before the Top 24 was revealed.
Host Ryan Seacret was scant with details, only revealing he was in hospital and wished him to 'get back here soon'.

But the show must go on, so it was left to the remaining 12 to perform a cover of Michael Jackson hits.


Awaiting their fate: Ashthon waits with Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart to find out who's going home


Too much to handle: Ashthon and Haley comfort each other as they wait for the judges' decision


The performance was somewhat sketchy, however, with pre-recorded vocals and some poor examples of lip syncing.

But it wasn't long before the cohort of finalists was cut down to size with Haley Reinhart and Karen Rodriguez joining Ashthon in the bottom three.

Later in the show Ryan sends Karen to safety, before revealing Ashthon, who sang Diana Ross' When You Tell Me That You Love Me in Wednesday night's show, has the least number of public votes.


Hospital dash: Casey Abrams, seen here performing in Wednesday night's programme, was unable to make the results show due to a 'stress-induced stomach ulcer', according to reports


Early indications show around 30million votes were cast by the public.

After performing When You Tell Me That You Love Me, the judges vote unanimously to eliminate Ashthon and decided not to use their 'save' vote.

The save card was brought in recently and allows all four judges to save one contestant from being eliminated.


Judgement time: American Idol judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson sit on the panel


Teary-eyed: Jennifer appeared to be finding it difficult to decide which of the contestants go home


It can be used up until the top five contestants are eliminated and only once.

It has to be an unanimous decision and once used up it cannot be brought into effect again for the rest of the season.

Last night's result show also featured a performance from former American Idol winner Adam Lambert.


Swan song: Ashthon performs for the final time as she's watched by the rest of the American Idol contestants



Sad to see her go: The remaining contestants applaud after Ashthon's emotional final performance


In the the first of the studio shows of the season on Wednesday, the contestants had just a minute and a half to try and persuade America to vote for them - but even that was too long for some.

The 'live' America Idol show - recorded a day early to allow the new judges time to settle in - didn't go well for everyone, with lacklustre performances and dull song choices slowing things down.

The boys were more on form, with Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams, Jacob Lusk and James Durbin all exciting the judges.


Who are you backing? Amanada also attended the contestants performances and chatted to Seacrest


Of the girls Pia Toscano lived up to last week's stunning performance, but many of her fellow females failed to deliver.

Naima Adedapo at least had some energy as she offered up an imitation of Rihanna, but Karen Rodriguez struggled to do justice to her choice of Selena's I Could Fall in Love and Haley Reinhart was simply labelled 'boring' by Randy Jackson.

The finalists had paid tribute to their own Idols as they performed songs by their very favourite artists.


Famous faces: P Diddy performed his track Coming Home on the programme last night


"Casey Abrams - With a little help of my friends" American Idol 2011 Top 13

'American Idol' Top 13 Standouts: Pia Toscano and James Durbin

These two, along with Jacob Lusk and Casey Abrams, received the highest praises from the judges in 'personal idol' week.

The Top 13 round of "American Idol" separated the good from the mediocre. Among those who stood out on the pre-taped episode were Pia Toscano and most of the guys. Pia belted out Celine Dion's "All by Myself" with her signature high and diva-like notes and got praised by Randy Jackson for nailing one of the dreaded big-three female singers.


James Durbin also charmed his way to the judges' heart with his rendition of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed". "Yo, this dude can do anything man," Randy said, adding "James Durbin is dangerous!" Jacob Lusk was also triumphant with the uplifting single from R. Kelly, "I Believe I Can Fly". Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez both said it's hard to judge someone who is so good. "Pure passion, pure music, I can't even judge ya, that's how good you are," Steven noted.

Other stand-outs included Scotty McCreery who stood by his country flavor and Casey Abrams who did Joe Cocker's cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends". About the former, Randy commented, "If it ain't broke, don't even consider fixin' it" and about the latter Steven said, "You are a rainbow of talent, man ... and you are a plethora of passion."

Meanwhile, Lauren Alaina who is expected to do well, struggled through her performance and so did Ashthon Jones and Paul McDonald. The others were just given mediocre reviews from the judges but none did drastically bad.

Thursday would be the result night which has invited "Idol" alum Adam Lambert and Diddy-Dirty Money.

It's official: Charlie Sheen fired from Two And A Half Men

Fired: Charlie Sheen has officially been sacked by Warner Bros., who own his hit TV show Two And A Half Men, pictured here today with one of his girlfriends Natalie Kenly in Los Angeles


Fall from grace for $2m-an-episode star as contract is terminated

Sheen is now preparing to sue Warner Bros and show creator Chuck Lorre

'This is good news because now I can take all of their bazillions,' he says

Letter firing actor stated he 'appears to be very ill' and referred to drug habit

No decision has been made on the future of the series


Just days ago Chalie Sheen said he was 'close' to working out a deal for his return to Two And A Half Men.

But negotiations officially ended today after Warner Bros announced the 45-year-old star has been fired from the company.

A statement released today read: 'After careful consideration, Warner Bros. Television has terminated Charlie Sheen's services on Two and a Half Men effective immediately.'


In character: He played the role of Charlie in the CBS show, a hedonistic jingle writer, seen with co-stars Jon Cryer, left, and Angus T. Jones


The studio that produces the CBS series said the decision was made after 'careful consideration'.

Sheen's erratic personal life had prompted Warner to suspend production on the show for the season, and Sheen in return had been waging an angry media campaign against the show's producers.

No decision has been made on the future of the series, Warner Bros added in the statement.

Sheen is now preparing to file a lawsuit against Warner Bros. and the show's creator Chuck Lorre, according to RadarOnline.


Showing off: Seen here kissing one of his porn star 'Goddesses', Natalie, during his internet TV show


Sheen's lawyer Marty Singer told the celebrity website that a termination of contract letter was received shortly before 2pm today.

The letter stated that Sheen, who was paid $2m an episode 'engaged in dangerously self-destructive conduct and appears to be very ill'.

'Warner Bros. position is ridiculous,' Singer told the website.

'We will proceed with our claims against Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros. Nothing has changed in terms of that.'


Losing it: Charlie Sheen recorded a second installment for his own internet TV channel which aired last night


TMZ.com has also published a statement from Sheen, reacting to the termination of his contract.

It read: 'This is very good news. They continue to be in breach, like so many whales. It is a big day of gladness at the Sober Valley Lodge because now I can take all of their bazillions, never have to look at whatshiscock again and I never have to put on those silly shirts for as long as this warlock exists in the terrestrial dimension.'

Last week Singer sent a letter of CBS and Warner Bros. threatening legal action and claiming Sheen's contracted had been violated.

In it Singer threatened to sue to companies if Sheen is not paid in full for the rest of the season, which was put on hiatus last month after the star's 36-hour cocaine binge with a gaggle of porn stars.


Fallout: Sheen has made a series of disparaging remarks in recent weeks about the show's producer Chick Lorre, pictured together here in 2009 when Lorre received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame


Singer told TV show bosses Sheen was ready to return to work and take part in the next season too.

Sheen is now expected to demand payment for the ninth season of the sitcom in a lawsuit which has yet to be filed.

Celebrity website TMZ.com claims to have received a copy of the letter sent to Sheen by Warner Bros.

In it the company goes on to describe Sheen trashing the Plaza Hotel in New York last year, his coke binges, on-set failures because of drug-use and his recent diatribes against the show's creator Lorre.

The letter apparently explains the decision by Warner Bros. to fire Sheen by stating there is a clause in his contract stating a performer can be sacked if they commit 'a felony offense involving moral turpitude'.


Awarded: Seen here in March 2008 accepting the award for outstanding actor in a television comedy for Two And A Half Men at the NCLR Alma awards in California


It reads: 'There is ample evidence supporting Warner Bros. reasonable good faith opinion that Mr. Sheen has committed felony offenses involving moral turpitude (including but not limited to furnishing of cocaine to others as part of the self-destructive lifestyle he has described publicly) that have 'interfere[d] with his ability to fully and completely render all material services required' under the agreement.'

Sheen's lawyer responded to these claims, telling RadarOnline: 'Last year, they told Sheen he could plead guilty to a felony and still do the show,” said Singer.
'Now they are just upset because they say he disparaged Chuck Lorre.


Porn star pal: Kacey Jordan pictured this week in New York at the Post Porn Star Pageant. She was with Sheen on the night of his 36-hour cocaine bender last month


'We intend to file suit against Warner Bros. Television, Chuck Lorre and everyone involved.'

Two weeks ago Sheen declared himself free of drugs after having personalised rehab at his Beverly Hills home.

He demanded that production of Two And A Half Men continue, but Warner Bros. have been unhappy that Sheen refused the help of an outside treatment facility.

Sheen made a series of insulting remarks about producer and co-creator Chuck Lorre in radio and Internet interviews.


The exes: Denise Richards, left, takes daughters Sam and Lola to Maddy's Market in California and, right, Brooke Mueller out and about with her twin boys, Bob and Max at The Grove in Los Angeles


Sheen has since given a slew of rambling, sometimes manic interviews, despite insisting he is drug-free after a period of at home rehab in January.

His contract, which has now been terminated, had been due to run until the end of the 2012 TV season.

Two and a Half Men is an American television comedy series which premiered on CBS on in September 2003.

Sheen was on board from the start along with co-stars Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones.
The show is about hedonistic jingle writer Charlie (played by Sheen), his uptight brother, Alan; and Alan's growing son, Jake.

Simon Cowell says 'peace'

Peace out: Simon Cowell gives love to the cameras as it is suggested that he has yet to sign on to the next UK series of X Factor


ITV’s director of television has suggested that Simon Cowell is yet to sign a deal to appear on this year’s X Factor.

Appearing on Richard Bacon’s Radio 5 Live show this afternoon, Peter Fincham was asked if Cowell would be returning to the judging panel when the new series which begins in the autumn.

He said: ‘It has to remain speculation. The X Factor is coming back and is back in the ITV schedule this autumn. Simon will be closely involved with it as he is always involved with it.

‘I don’t want to sound like an evasive politician, but I’m not in a position to confirm or deny any of the individuals to be sitting in those chairs or on the X Factor this autumn.’

Bacon then asked him: ‘Simon Cowell has yet to agree to appear in the next series?’
Fincham replied: ‘We have an agreement which has been publicly announced for both the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. They will be on ITV screen for the next three years.

Cowell was spotted outside his Los Angeles mansion today, and perhaps in a sign of goodwill to the network, flashed a peace sign.


Take good care of her: Simon hands over the keys of his £1million Bugatti Veyron to his personal valet as he heads inside his mansion


In limbo: ITV’s director of television said he was 'not in a position to confirm or deny any of the individuals to be sitting in those chairs or on the X Factor'


He pulled into the driveway of his Los Angeles mansion in his £1million Bugatti Veyron and handed the keys over to his personal valet.

He then flashed a peace sign to the waiting cameras as he made his way into his £15million house.

A short while later, he was back in another of his cars as he took his Bentley convertible for a spin round the Hollywood Hills.

Asked if it would be a disaster if Cowell failed to appear in the UK series, Fincham added: ‘No, of course it wouldn’t and you shouldn’t look at it that way Richard.


Not a care: ITV may be sweating but Simon looked carefree as he went for a spin in his Bentley...


... and looked happy and content as he flashed his trademark peace sign to the cameras


‘The show will be there and when we’re ready to announce who will be on it we will announce who’s on it.’

Simon is in Los Angeles to start proceedings on the U.S. version of the X Factor, with auditions starting in Los Angeles on the 27th of this month.

Reports this weekend have suggested that he has warned Cheryl Cole she may not get a job as one of the judges.

According to The People, Cowell may not be able to persuade the Fox network that Cheryl is the right celebrity for the job and a source told the paper that Simon told her: 'Sorry, but business is business.'


'Still in the running': While Cowell has yet to rule out Cheryl Cole, he hinted that the chosen judge for U.S. X Factor will be a high profile American artist


This week Cowell confirmed that George Michael, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul are all being considered for the show, but no-one has signed on the dotted line as yet.

While Cheryl is understood to be be 'still very much in the running,' Cowell hinted that the chosen judge will be a high profile American artist.

He said: 'It’s not about necessarily the TV show per se, it’s people. You genuinely gotta trust that they’re gonna be able to do the job you’re paying them to do.

'And like I said, a hit-maker who worked in America and has had experience, I think is crucial to this panel as well.'

Of the heavily-pregnant Carey, Cowell said: 'Yeah, I’ve spoken to her. I mean literally, we’ve spoken to lots of people. I’ve spoken to Paula...And then new people come along… [Two days ago], we met somebody who I’ve never met before in my life, who I just loved.

New 'Glee' Clip: Gwyneth Paltrow Sings 'Do You Wanna Touch Me'

Holly Holiday gives a little 'too much' performance when teaching the students about safe sex with Mr. Will Schuester.

Gwyneth Paltrow is a rock star in a newly-revealed clip of "Glee". The "Iron Man" actress reprises her role as substitute teacher Holly Holliday and gives a sex education to the New Direction kids in a rock 'n roll set. She decks leather outfit, jamming to Joan Jett's song "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)".

She breaks into a suggestive chair-dance sequence, unzipping her jacket to reveal her black bustier and ignoring Matthew Morrison's Will Schuester who silently shows her a "too much" note. "So just remember whenever you have sex with someone, you're having sex with everyone they've ever had sex with. And everybody's got a random," she said after the performance.

Gwyneth will return to "Glee" in an episode called "Sexy" which is airing March 8. Holly makes a comeback to fill in for the absent sex-education teacher. She joins forces with Mr. Schuester to teach the kids of New Directions the facts of life. Meanwhile, Emma heads up the Celibacy Club, and she and Dr. Carl (guest star John Stamos) address some issues in their personal life.

'Smallville' & 'Supernatural' Promos: Someone's Died

Sharing similar theme, 'Smallville' will have a funeral taking place in 'Kent', and 'Supernatural' will see someone hanged in 'My Heart Will Go On'.

April 15 episode of "Smallville" will be the end of the beginning when the TV series returns from their brief hiatus. Right after Lionel and Tess' battle for the Luthor name in "Scion", the Tom Welling-starring sci-fi will continue with "Kent" where a funeral is going to take place.

In the same night, "Supernatural" will air a new episode which will see someone hanged. As Sam and Dean were done with their search for The Mother of All's latest monster in "And Then There Were None", they will face a new challenge in "My Heart Will Go On".


After the April 15 episode, "Smallville" will follow it up with "Booster" as their next offering, and "Supernatural" will have "Frontierland" a week afterwards.

'I'm not perfect y'all!' Miley Cyrus pokes fun at herself on Saturday Night Live... and Lindsay Lohan and Justin Bieber

Doppelgänger: Miley Cyrus parodied Justin Bieber for a skit on comedy show Saturday Night Live


She's certainly no stranger to controversy, but that didn't stop Miley Cyrus from poking fun at a host of other celebrities currently dominating the headlines.

The former Disney queen hosted famed comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live last night, and drew laughs as she parodied troubled actress Lindsay Lohan, as well as her good friend Justin Bieber.

Miley appeared dressed as fellow teen idol Justin Bieber in one sketch. She wore a purple hoodie jumper and a wig of the singer's famous haircut.


Playing for laughs: but Miley proved she can laugh at herself, taking part in the skit that also poked fun at herself (centre) and father Billy Ray Cyrus


The 18-year-old proved that she can also laugh at herself though, with the skit set in one of the show's regular segments, 'The Miley Cyrus Show.'

Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member Vanessa Bayer regular spoofs the Hannah Montana star with an exaggerated take on Miley's nasal, southern accent and with a fondness for the words 'like' and 'y'all.'

Miss Cyrus told reporters after the taping that she had watched several TV interviews of Bieber to mimic his crotch-grabbing and confident swagger for the show.


Headline makers: The sketch involved a Charlie Sheen talkshow called 'Winners! Duh!' and showed 'Charlie' and 'Lindsay' talking about fake urine samples


The Party In The USA singer played it cool as Bayer made fun of her as a parody of herself.

An over-excited fake Miley asked the singer, playing Bieber: 'Justin Bieber, I want to ask you some things. Like, what is your favourite album, and what is Canada like, and do you speak Canadian, and does Usher have to seat people at his own concert because he's an Usher, and do you really never say never, and have you gone through puberty?'

Fake Justin replied: 'All I have to say that is, uh, wink,' winking and smiling at the camera.


Winners circle: John Galliano and Moammar Gadhafi were also parodied in the sketch


Real deal: Miley made fun of Lindsay Lohan's recent court appearances


Miley also sent up Lindsay Lohan in a scene that also parodied Charlie Sheen, John Galliano and Moammar Gadhafi.

The sketch was a Sheen-hosted talk show named 'Duh! Winning!', a reference to the actor's recent interview and Twitter rants.

Bill hader playing Sheen, invited other current 'winners' on to the show, with Cyrus appearing as Lohan alongside castmembers Fred Armisen as Gadhafi and Taran Killam as Galliano.


Friends: The star is good friends with Justin Bieber in real life, but said she watched his TV appearances to copy his movements


Miley donned a long blonde wig to parody Mean Girls star Lohan, who is currently facing a grand theft charge.

Asked by 'Sheen' how she was doing, she replied: 'Things are great, my new movie Herbie opened 68 months ago, and Los Angeles court house just gave me my own parking spot. Winning! Duh!'

Hader then produced one of the 'show's sponsors,' a replacement urine sample company, telling the audience: 'I have a drug test coming up.'

Cyrus reached for the sample, asking: 'Can I get some of that?'


Comedy: Miley also dressed up as one of the Von Trapp children


The singer and actress also played one of the Sound of Music's von Trapp children, giving advice from the 'Disney Channel Acting School'.

She also played a jealous French girlfriend in a skit called Les Jeunes de Paris, and poked fun at fellow Disney star Vanessa Hudgen's new film Beastly.

Miley also sang a song called Sorry, I'm Not Perfect during the show, referencing some of her and others' headline-making antics.

The lyrics included: 'There’s a photo of me being kissed by some dude and Annie Leibovitz trying to get me nude.


Controversy: The singer is stretching her comedic chops as she tries to shed her party girl reputation


'For those of you who think that’s very crude, I’m sorry that I’m not perfect.'
'I never stole a necklace or got a DUI. Never cheated on my wife like that golfer guy.

'So what you can see a little boob from the side? I’m sorry I’m not perfect,' she sang.

SNL cast member Kristen Wiig added: 'You didn’t make a dirty tape and pass it along. You didn’t text a photo of your dong.'

'Don’t both of these things seem worse than a bong?' Miley asked, a reference to the video of her smoking a salvia bong.