Music lovers including Countess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, the matriarch of one of Germany's wealthiest families, flocked to Salzburg at the weekend for the Austrian town's annual festival.
The countess, who like many festival-goers wore traditional Austrian costume, hosted a concert in the grounds of her family seat in Bavaria last week. And there was more music on the agenda over the weekend when she attended a performance of Don Giovanni.
Also on hand for the first day of the five-week culture fest, the line-up for which includes 43 operas, 68 drama performance and 81 concerts, was Mick Jagger's former wife Bianca Jagger.
The Salzburg Festival is one of Europe's biggest opera, music and drama festivals - and also one of the priciest, with tickets costing as much as 370 euros for a single show.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
'Countdown' doesn't add up without Carol, say celebrity supporters
The storm over Carol Vorderman's departure from Countdown continues after a raft of celebrities have spoken out in her favour. Famous faces who've appeared in the C4 programme's 'Dictionary Corner' section backed the resident number cruncher, who walked out after being asked to take a 90 per cent cut to her estimated £1 million-a-year salary.
TV bosses are said to have told the popular presenter: "The show survived without Richard Whiteley. It can survive without you."
Esther Ranzten said: "I'm absolutely astonished that Carol's been treated with such an extraordinary lack of good manners."
The TV veteran was joined in her outrage by Ingrid Tarrant, Anne Widdecombe and Sian Lloyd among others. Former weathergirl Sian remarked: "It's hard to imagine what appeal the show will have without her".
But this week programme makers, who are facing a 33 per cent cut in the show's overall budget as a result of the poor economic climate, insisted, "Countdown will continue, but with new presenters".
TV bosses are said to have told the popular presenter: "The show survived without Richard Whiteley. It can survive without you."
Esther Ranzten said: "I'm absolutely astonished that Carol's been treated with such an extraordinary lack of good manners."
The TV veteran was joined in her outrage by Ingrid Tarrant, Anne Widdecombe and Sian Lloyd among others. Former weathergirl Sian remarked: "It's hard to imagine what appeal the show will have without her".
But this week programme makers, who are facing a 33 per cent cut in the show's overall budget as a result of the poor economic climate, insisted, "Countdown will continue, but with new presenters".
Rowan indulges passion for speed with racing at Silverstone
As his bumbling on-screen persona Mr Bean Rowan Atkinson set off on his adventures in a Mini Cooper. In real life the British actor favours something a little more zippy.
The 53-year-old car enthusiast got behind the wheel of a powerful Ford Falcon this week to compete in the Silverstone Classic. Joining over 700 drivers taking part in the three-day motor event, he proved a formidable opponent in his own class, finishing 14th out of a field of 70.
The classic car Rowan was putting through its paces is one of many the TV funnyman has in his garage. His extensive collection includes Bentleys and Aston Martins, as well as the £500,000 classic D-Type Jaguar he splashed out on to celebrate the box office success of Mr Bean's Holiday.
The 53-year-old car enthusiast got behind the wheel of a powerful Ford Falcon this week to compete in the Silverstone Classic. Joining over 700 drivers taking part in the three-day motor event, he proved a formidable opponent in his own class, finishing 14th out of a field of 70.
The classic car Rowan was putting through its paces is one of many the TV funnyman has in his garage. His extensive collection includes Bentleys and Aston Martins, as well as the £500,000 classic D-Type Jaguar he splashed out on to celebrate the box office success of Mr Bean's Holiday.
Jodie opens her heart to HELLO! magazine about a difficult year
Although by her own admission the last 12 months have been tough for Jodie Kidd and her loved ones, the model and TV presenter reveals to HELLO magazine that these days life is looking infinitely brighter.
In this week's issue, number 1032, the model opens her heart about a difficult phase in her life, which included her parents break-up after 35 years of marriage and her brother Jack's split from his wife, the mother of their four children. Jodie also had to cope with her own relationship troubles when her two-year marriage to entrepreneur Aidan Butler came to an end.
"My family have had it left, right and centre. But I'm always very optimistic, my attitude is keep your chin up and try to be positive," she says in the exclusive interview.
Read the full story, including details of the new man in Jodie's life and her latest career moves in the current edition of HELLO, on sale now. Also in this week's magazine, Ulrika Jonsson on Sienna Miller and stunning pictures from Lady Rose Windsor's wedding at St James's Palace.
In this week's issue, number 1032, the model opens her heart about a difficult phase in her life, which included her parents break-up after 35 years of marriage and her brother Jack's split from his wife, the mother of their four children. Jodie also had to cope with her own relationship troubles when her two-year marriage to entrepreneur Aidan Butler came to an end.
"My family have had it left, right and centre. But I'm always very optimistic, my attitude is keep your chin up and try to be positive," she says in the exclusive interview.
Read the full story, including details of the new man in Jodie's life and her latest career moves in the current edition of HELLO, on sale now. Also in this week's magazine, Ulrika Jonsson on Sienna Miller and stunning pictures from Lady Rose Windsor's wedding at St James's Palace.
Pixie to share her style credentials through New Look deal
Fashionable Pixie Geldof is a regular on the London party scene and hip summer festival circuit. And now the sartorial cool that makes the Boomtown Rat's daughter a favourite with the snappers has landed her a mini-collection with a high street chain.
Challenging big sister Peaches for her crown as the teen money-spinner in the family, the 17-year-old will design and model an eight-piece fashion range for New Look.
Bosses at high street store have hired her for one collection - with an option to extend the estimated £80,000 contract if shoppers are impressed.
"Pixie's range is expected to race out of stores," a source told the Daily Mirror newspaper. "She dresses totally uniquely and in a quirky, fun way. She's a brilliant role model for young fashionistas."
Challenging big sister Peaches for her crown as the teen money-spinner in the family, the 17-year-old will design and model an eight-piece fashion range for New Look.
Bosses at high street store have hired her for one collection - with an option to extend the estimated £80,000 contract if shoppers are impressed.
"Pixie's range is expected to race out of stores," a source told the Daily Mirror newspaper. "She dresses totally uniquely and in a quirky, fun way. She's a brilliant role model for young fashionistas."
Fashion-forward Kim gripped by Anglomania at Vivienne's Berlin show
Sex And The City siren Kim Cattrall had the hottest ticket in town this week, as she jetted to Berlin for the city's extravagant fashion week finale. Taking up her coveted front row seat alongside Vivienne Westwood, the stylish actress was checking out the grand dame of British fashion's Anglomania collection.
True to form Vivienne's playful spring/summer 2009 collection combines elements of punk culture with her latest vision, which - in part - takes its inspiration from Ancient Greece. Black tee-shirts bearing the word Berlin were also embellished with Eighties-style badges, while models showed off vibrant shift dresses, metallic puffball skirts and diamond-print bum bags.
Grape prints were ubiquitous, too, adorning everything from casual white tee-shirts to one of the show's highlights - a puffball dress with buttoned bodice and sliced-open sleeves.
The designer's famously anarchic approach to fashion was reflected not only in her unique creations, but in her models, too - who danced and skipped their way along the catwalk. And the overall effect was a big hit with the crowd which gave the British icon a standing ovation.
True to form Vivienne's playful spring/summer 2009 collection combines elements of punk culture with her latest vision, which - in part - takes its inspiration from Ancient Greece. Black tee-shirts bearing the word Berlin were also embellished with Eighties-style badges, while models showed off vibrant shift dresses, metallic puffball skirts and diamond-print bum bags.
Grape prints were ubiquitous, too, adorning everything from casual white tee-shirts to one of the show's highlights - a puffball dress with buttoned bodice and sliced-open sleeves.
The designer's famously anarchic approach to fashion was reflected not only in her unique creations, but in her models, too - who danced and skipped their way along the catwalk. And the overall effect was a big hit with the crowd which gave the British icon a standing ovation.
Ethan and wife show off new baby daughter Clementine Jane
The newest member of the Hawke family has made her public debut. Clementine Jane, the daughter of Training Day actor Ethan and his wife, Ryan Shawhughes was spotted in New York as her parents took her for a stroll.
And new dad Ethan looked like a natural as he wandered along the street eating an ice cream with his two girls.
Ryan - who met the Oscar-nominated star while working as a nanny to his children with ex Uma Thurman – was also in her element, beaming with happiness as she cradled the newborn.
Little Clementine was born on July 18, just weeks after Ethan, 37, tied the knot with 28-year-old Ryan in a private ceremony.
And new dad Ethan looked like a natural as he wandered along the street eating an ice cream with his two girls.
Ryan - who met the Oscar-nominated star while working as a nanny to his children with ex Uma Thurman – was also in her element, beaming with happiness as she cradled the newborn.
Little Clementine was born on July 18, just weeks after Ethan, 37, tied the knot with 28-year-old Ryan in a private ceremony.
Brendan revels in reprised 'Mummy' role as flick premieres in LA
With two just-released movies under his belt and another four in the pipeline, it's a case of another day another premiere for hunky Brendan Fraser at the moment. So at the LA screening of his new action thriller The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor the actor decided to spice things up a bit - by getting behind the camera himself.
Joined by martial arts actor Jet Li - who'd taken his eight-year-old daughter Jane along for the screening - and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star Michelle Yeoh, Brendan was clearly in high spirits at the premiere.
"I could not wait to do this part again," revealed the 39-year-old, who's portrayed daredevil explorer Rick O'Connell in all three Mummy films. "I finally got the call after seven years... seven years!"
Unlike previous installments, Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor is set in China rather than Egypt - and instead of mummies, Brendan's character is up against a resurrected Chinese emperor and his 10,000-strong terracotta army.
Joined by martial arts actor Jet Li - who'd taken his eight-year-old daughter Jane along for the screening - and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star Michelle Yeoh, Brendan was clearly in high spirits at the premiere.
"I could not wait to do this part again," revealed the 39-year-old, who's portrayed daredevil explorer Rick O'Connell in all three Mummy films. "I finally got the call after seven years... seven years!"
Unlike previous installments, Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor is set in China rather than Egypt - and instead of mummies, Brendan's character is up against a resurrected Chinese emperor and his 10,000-strong terracotta army.
Johnny Depp planning to take another chance on 'Don Quixote'
Seven years after abandoning their first attempt, Hollywood heart-throb Johnny Depp and film-maker Terry Gilliam are trying once again to shoot the film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote.
Based on the Cervantes novel, the film stars Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny as an advertising executive who travels back in time.
In one of the most incident-prone shoots ever, the original attempt to film the flick suffered a variety of accidents, including the set being washed away by a flash flood and one the lead actors taking ill. After just five days of filming, Monty Python star Terry was forced to pull the plug on the project.
Since then, the failed movie has found fame as the subject of 1992's hit documentary Lost In La Mancha.
According to a source, the two men, who made Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas together, are now confident that they can finish the production this time.
Based on the Cervantes novel, the film stars Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny as an advertising executive who travels back in time.
In one of the most incident-prone shoots ever, the original attempt to film the flick suffered a variety of accidents, including the set being washed away by a flash flood and one the lead actors taking ill. After just five days of filming, Monty Python star Terry was forced to pull the plug on the project.
Since then, the failed movie has found fame as the subject of 1992's hit documentary Lost In La Mancha.
According to a source, the two men, who made Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas together, are now confident that they can finish the production this time.
Charlene remains centre stage at Monegasque benefit
While Prince Albert of Monaco has yet to take his relationship with South African beauty Charlene Wittstock to the next level, the former Olympic swimmer is still very much a part of the Monegasque royals' set.
Elegant in a low-cut black creation, the pretty blonde was among guests at a benefit ball in Monte Carlo hosted and organised by Albert's sister Princess Stephanie. Held at the city's exclusive Sporting Club, the black-tie event raised funds for the princess' Fight Aids Monaco charity.
At last year's gala the affection demonstrated towards Charlene by her royal beau had many commentators predicting an engagement.
Elegant in a low-cut black creation, the pretty blonde was among guests at a benefit ball in Monte Carlo hosted and organised by Albert's sister Princess Stephanie. Held at the city's exclusive Sporting Club, the black-tie event raised funds for the princess' Fight Aids Monaco charity.
At last year's gala the affection demonstrated towards Charlene by her royal beau had many commentators predicting an engagement.
Gordon Brown and David Cameron chill as UK sizzles
Cornwall is an especially beautiful part of the UK in which to holiday. And this weekend vacationing Conservative leader David Cameron and his wife Samantha luxuriated in the one ingredient guaranteed to make it even more perfect - glorious sunshine. The casually dressed couple mingled with hundreds of fellow holidaymakers in relaxing on the beach at Harlyn Bay.
They've based themselves in a cliff-top cottage in Padstow for a traditional British 'bucket and spade' break with their three children, Ivan, five, Nancy, four, and three-year-old Arthur.
Also joining sunseekers making the most of the soaring temperatures was Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is spending Parliament's summer break in Suffolk with his wife Sarah. While some of the visitors to Norfolk's Whitlingham Country Park were taking advantage of the scorching sunshine to give their beachwear an outing, however, the British premier and his wife stuck to sedately casual.
They've based themselves in a cliff-top cottage in Padstow for a traditional British 'bucket and spade' break with their three children, Ivan, five, Nancy, four, and three-year-old Arthur.
Also joining sunseekers making the most of the soaring temperatures was Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is spending Parliament's summer break in Suffolk with his wife Sarah. While some of the visitors to Norfolk's Whitlingham Country Park were taking advantage of the scorching sunshine to give their beachwear an outing, however, the British premier and his wife stuck to sedately casual.
Royal family prepares kingly training plan for Prince William
A great deal has changed in Britain since Queen Elizabeth became head of state in 1953, not least the role of the monarch. And so, in the royal family's continuing aim to be as modern as possible, Prince William will turn apprentice to receive the training needed for his future role as king.
As well as taking on a more active role within the monarchy, Wills' education will take him to the heart of government and the judiciary. He will spend time working at Whitehall to gain experience of the inner workings of parliament.
Keen to prepare himself for his future role, the handsome 26-year-old will carry out more charity work and take over the running of the Sandringham estate from his grandfather, Prince Philip. It is believed he will also take part in solo tours of the Commonwealth.
"You could say he'll be the first person to ever get an apprenticeship in kingship," a senior royal aide said.
Training starts next year, after the Prince finishes his time with the military. Currently on secondment with the Royal Navy, the royal has been seeing more action in the Caribbean. William took part in his second drugs bust this week, travelling in a Lynx helicopter chasing a speedboat suspected of shipping cocaine.
As well as taking on a more active role within the monarchy, Wills' education will take him to the heart of government and the judiciary. He will spend time working at Whitehall to gain experience of the inner workings of parliament.
Keen to prepare himself for his future role, the handsome 26-year-old will carry out more charity work and take over the running of the Sandringham estate from his grandfather, Prince Philip. It is believed he will also take part in solo tours of the Commonwealth.
"You could say he'll be the first person to ever get an apprenticeship in kingship," a senior royal aide said.
Training starts next year, after the Prince finishes his time with the military. Currently on secondment with the Royal Navy, the royal has been seeing more action in the Caribbean. William took part in his second drugs bust this week, travelling in a Lynx helicopter chasing a speedboat suspected of shipping cocaine.
Amy back home after treatment for a 'bad reaction to medicine
Amy Winehouse has been discharged from hospital after spending Monday night being treated for a "bad reaction to medication", her spokesman said. An ambulance was called to the jazz songstress' North London home in the evening and she was taken to University College Hospital.
Police helped clear a path through photographers while Amy was brought out sitting in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket.
Concerns had previously been expressed for the singer's health by her dad Mitch after she was hospitalised last month to be treated for traces of the lung disease emphysema.
But after visiting his daughter on Monday night, he told reporters Amy was well enough to eat a fast food chicken meal, adding she "scoffed the whole thing".
Police helped clear a path through photographers while Amy was brought out sitting in a wheelchair and wrapped in a blanket.
Concerns had previously been expressed for the singer's health by her dad Mitch after she was hospitalised last month to be treated for traces of the lung disease emphysema.
But after visiting his daughter on Monday night, he told reporters Amy was well enough to eat a fast food chicken meal, adding she "scoffed the whole thing".
Toyah 'having the time of her life' on Eighties nostalgia tour
Toyah Willcox seemed to have cheated time when she performed at an Eighties revival gig over the weekend. The punk queen once famed for her outrageous outfits and hits such as Echo Beach was a ball of energy at the 'Here And Now' concert in London.
During the show - which also featured Paul Young and Heaven Is A Place On Earth star Belinda Carlisle - Toyah pogo-danced and sang her way through songs from her 30-year career plus covers including Guns N' Roses classic Sweet Child O' Mine.
The singer, who's now 50 and enjoys a fortune established selling stocks and property, has mellowed somewhat. On occasion she's been known to tell audiences: "Don't worry, I'm going to behave myself – there are children here I realise."
That doesn't stop the former rebel "having the best time of my life" on this summer's special tour.
During the show - which also featured Paul Young and Heaven Is A Place On Earth star Belinda Carlisle - Toyah pogo-danced and sang her way through songs from her 30-year career plus covers including Guns N' Roses classic Sweet Child O' Mine.
The singer, who's now 50 and enjoys a fortune established selling stocks and property, has mellowed somewhat. On occasion she's been known to tell audiences: "Don't worry, I'm going to behave myself – there are children here I realise."
That doesn't stop the former rebel "having the best time of my life" on this summer's special tour.
Doctor Who makes a special appearance at the Proms
Music-loving sci-fi fans had a treat on Sunday when Daleks and Cybermen took over the BBC Proms.
In a special Doctor Who-themed concert, former assistant Freema Agyeman presented a selection of classical favourites all featuring the theme of space and time. Music from the BBC's hit series – including the legendary signature tune - was also performed at the Royal Albert Hall concert.
While the Doctor – actor David Tennant – could not be there in person, he did make an appearance in a specially filmed scene shown during the two-hour event's interval. The action was written by Russell T Davies, the man behind the return of the show.
The family friendly concert is the first appearance of Doctor Who in the Proms' 118-year history.
In a special Doctor Who-themed concert, former assistant Freema Agyeman presented a selection of classical favourites all featuring the theme of space and time. Music from the BBC's hit series – including the legendary signature tune - was also performed at the Royal Albert Hall concert.
While the Doctor – actor David Tennant – could not be there in person, he did make an appearance in a specially filmed scene shown during the two-hour event's interval. The action was written by Russell T Davies, the man behind the return of the show.
The family friendly concert is the first appearance of Doctor Who in the Proms' 118-year history.
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