Hollywood in shock as tributes pour in for actor Ledger

Hollywood paid tribute Wednesday to Heath Ledger as fans gathered to mourn the 28-year-old actor outside the New York apartment where he died. Ledger was found dead Tuesday afternoon in a Manhattan apartment. Pills were found near the body, and reports speculated he was disconsolate and had been battling a heroin addiction. Ledger's publicist said the death was an accident. Police said that a rolled up bill found in Ledger's apartment was being sent to the police crime lab for testing. They noted that such bills sometimes indicate drug use but said that no illegal drugs were found in the apartment. However, a mix of both prescription and over-the-counter pills, including sleeping aids and anti-anxiety medication, were found in his bedroom and bathroom. The initial autopsy Wednesday to determine how Ledger died was inconclusive, and additional tests were required to determine the cause of death. "The autopsy was inconclusive," New York City medical examiner spokeswoman Ellen Borakove told People Magazine. "We have to do further testing including toxicology and tissue testing. Neither cause of death or manner of death has been concluded. We expect additional results in 10 days to two weeks." There was no obvious indication of suicide or foul play, said New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne, who added that police are "investigating the possibility of an overdose." The Australian actor's ex-fiancée, actress Michelle Williams, was flying to New York from Sweden with their two-year-old daughter, Matilda, Williams' father said. Meanwhile Ledger's publicist insisted that the actor's death was an accident and asked for privacy for his family. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this accident," said publicist Mara Buxbaum in a statement. "This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones. We're asking the media to please respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known." The death of the edgy actor, hailed as one of the great young practitioners of his generation, sent a shockwave through his Hollywood colleagues. "He was just taking off, and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss," Mel Gibson, who co-starred with Ledger in The Patriot, told E! News. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." Ledger had recently wrapped the Batman sequel, The Dark Knight, for the Warner Brothers studio and was already winning raves for his reincarnation of the Joker. "The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news," Warner Brothers executives Alan Horn and Jeffery Robinov said in a statement. Ledger's most famous role was as a conflicted cowboy in a homosexual relationship in the movie Brokeback Mountain, for which he was nominated for an Oscar. "Heath Ledger will forever be remembered for his groundbreaking role as Ennis del Mar," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "His powerful portrayal changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways. He will be greatly missed." "I am just shocked," said director Lasse Hallstrom, who worked with Ledger on the 2005 film "Casanova". "He was a wonderful talent and smart." That sentiment was echoed by James Schamus, chief executive of Focus Features, which produced Brokeback Mountain: "He gave us the gift of sharing his fearless and beautiful love - of his craft and of all who worked with him - for which all of us will be eternally grateful."

Spears' started drugs, drink in childhood, says uncle

Britney Spears' uncle claims that she started experimenting with drugs and drinks from a very early age. The 49-year-old William Spears spoke candidly about the troubled singer's early problems. He said that Spears started drinking from the time she was 13 and indulged in drugs at 14. She is also reportedly scared that she will follow in the footsteps of her grandmother who committed suicide at the age of 31. William said Spears went 'buck-wild' when she turned 18 and tried cocaine on her birthday, thesun.co.uk reports. He added: "She has tried just about everything - cocaine, crystal meth, ecstasy." He believes her present problems can be traced back to her difficult past. He continued: "I'm not just a family friend or someone who claims to know them. I was there every day, working with them. I have seen all the terrible things happen." However, Spears' on and off photographer boyfriend Adnan Ghalib claims she neither is neither crazy nor suicidal. He claims she loves her sons too much to kill herself. Spears was recently involved in a stand-off and had to be admitted to the hospital when she refused to hand over her sons after their visitation time was over. Ghalib explained: "She was afraid. It is just helplessness, loss of control. It doesn't make you crazy. She's no different from any mum. She needs them."

Simpson demands retraction from OK! Magazine

Singer Jessica Simpson has demanded a retraction from OK! Magazine for a "smear campaign" against her. According to contactmusic.com, Simpson is attacking the magazine for printing an article about her relationship with American football star Tony Romo titled "Jessica Dumped". Simpson's attorney claimed that the article is completely false and "is based on nothing more than rumour, gossip and innuendo". The attorney has sent a letter to the magazine claming the article is false and that Simpson and Romo are still together. They added that the article has subjected Simpson to "public contempt, ridicule, aversion or disgrace".

There will be third Fantastic Four, says Alba

Fantastic Four star Jessica Alba says there will be a sequel to the sci-fi action adventure. Alba said the sequel has been delayed by the writers' strike. Contactmusic.com quoted her as saying: "The writers' strike and the impending actors strike has kind of put a wrench in everything production wise. That film takes a lot of preparation, a good six months of preparation and about six months to shoot. With the strike, I think, maybe it's put on hold." Alba also revealed that she did not know much about her upcoming role in Sin City Two: "I haven't read the script. I don't know anything about it."

Ali Campbell leaving UB40

Ali Campbell is leaving UB40 after three decades to focus on his solo career. Campbell, the lead singer of UB40, will stay with the band until they finish their tour, contactmusic.com reports. The rest of the members have decided to continue as a band and there has been no decision yet as to who will replace Campbell. A spokesperson said: "Ali Campbell has taken the decision to focus on his solo career and, in doing so, could not give his full commitment to UB40. The other band members are naturally disappointed and saddened after being together as a band unit and as good friends and a family unit for almost 30 years. "UB40 will continue to record and perform with the existing seven members. UB40 has never been about any one individual, but more a collective of band members, who have all contributed to create the unique sound that UB40 have become renowned for over the last three decades."

Statham wants to star in The Crow remake

British action star Jason Statham is pleading with studio executives to have him in the lead in the remake of The Crow, which starred the late Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee. Brandon was killed when a prop gun was replaced with a real pistol for a scene, conatctmusic.com reports. Statham, who is keen to star in the remake, said: "There's talk of them redoing The Crow. That was a good movie. So, if that one comes my way, bang! There are so many comic book movies out there and most of the time there are only a handful of people who can do them any justice. Hopefully, they'll come my way for one of them."

Longoria talks about hubby's affair

Eva Longoria, the Desperate Housewives star, has spoken out for the first time after she considered suing the people who claimed her husband Tony Parker cheated on her with a model he met at their wedding. Contactmusic.com reports that she and her husband reacted to the reports that X17.com made. Longoria admitted that it was difficult for her to face the claims and believes she had every right to take legal action. She said: "It's easy when things aren't true. This is the first time Tony and I have had to sue someone over something. It was just so far-fetched and so false." She also said her marriage is going strong and that her husband has become more romantic after marriage. She added: "He plans a lot of surprises. He's been planning my birthday, which is in March, for the past six months. And he has our first year anniversary gift already."

Beyonce's sister comforts Jamie Lynn

Singer Beyonce Knowles' sister Solange has offered some words of comfort to Britney Spears' pregnant teenage sister Jamie Lynn. Sixteen-year-old Jamie revealed last month that she is pregnant. Solange was 17 years old when she gave birth to her first child, contactmusic.com reports. Solange admits that she has no regrets having a child at such a young age and believes that all women have it in them to become great mothers. She said: "I have been so blessed that my son is the coolest kid ever. Of course, that first year of not sleeping and just being dedicated to him had tough parts but that's fine. It's been a blast for me. "A lot of people have doubts, but when you have a child I think it takes a really non-emotional person not to have a blast, no matter what age. I've heard stories of people who were 14 that had kids and basically snapped into it and got into the groove of motherhood. I think that emotional attachment, there's nothing out of it that you could regret."

Nicholson impressed with Victoria Beckham

Acting legend Jack Nicholson has been impressed with Victoria Beckham ever since they met for a photo shoot where the Spice Girls singer was a guest stylist. He said: "She's a very firm person, you know. She's in good shape." Nicholson also called her "charming" and "lovely", tmz.com reports.

Arquette scared to give birth at home

Actress Patricia Arquette is scared to give birth at home after she had a tough time giving birth to her son in 2003. Arquette revealed that things went horribly wrong when she had to give birth at home. People started yelling instructions and worsened her pain. Contactmusic.com quoted her as saying: "I didn't like them forcing me to be on my back to give birth with my son; I didn't like them putting Ivs and other painful things in me, it was painful enough." She listened to most of the instructions but did not take the painkillers she was being constantly offered. "I didn't want any painkillers. I didn't want to be nauseous, I didn't want all those side effects," she added.

Paula Abdul wants to adopt baby

Pop singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul wants to adopt a child with her boyfriend J.T. Torregiani. The 45-year-old says she hasn't given up on becoming a mother and plans to adopt if she cannot conceive naturally, contactmusic.com reports. Speaking to a magazine, she said: "I want kids. If it doesn't happen naturally, I can always adopt." Abdul used the interview to blast reports that her latest romance is in trouble. She added: "It's a good thing. I've experienced real loneliness, so I love knowing there's someone I can share the good and the not-so-good with."

Diana's Pakistani lover breaks silence

Princess Diana's former lover, heart specialist Hasnat Khan, has broken his silence a decade after they broke up and has confessed that her death still haunts him. "Sometimes I feel like screaming. There have been very bad times. I have moved on but it keeps coming back," he said in a report carried by The News. Diana described Khan as "Mr. Wonderful" and friends giving evidence into her death at a London inquest said she was still pining for him during a summer romance with Dodi al-Fayed. Dodi and Diana were killed in a high-speed crash in a Paris road tunnel in August 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi photographers. Close confidante Rosa Monckton said during the inquest that Diana was "very much in love" with Khan. "She hoped that they would be able to have a future together. She wanted to marry him." Khan, interviewed at his home in Jhelum by The Sunday Telegraph and The Mail Sunday, said he was unlikely to attend the London inquest, which has cast an intimate spotlight on Diana's chequered love life. "My lawyers advised me I do not have to attend. If that's their advice, I won't go. But if I find I have to go according to the law, I will go," Khan said. Khan recently separated from his 29-year-old wife but declined to say why the arranged marriage broke down. He is equally discreet about his relationship with Diana, said to have ended because he could not face the relentless media attention that pursued Diana around the globe. "Since she is not here, it would be very unfair to make a comment about her," he said of Diana. "I'm loyal to her not because she was a celebrity but because I'm loyal to all my friends. I'm like that." Khan hoped the inquest would provide closure after a decade of remorseless speculation. "I hope the inquest clarifies everything. I hope people will move on," he said. The couple went to great pains to conceal their relationship with reports that Khan had even been smuggled into Diana's Kensington Palace residence in London in the boot of her butler Paul Burrell's car. Burrell was to fly in from Florida to testify Monday at the inquest. Lord Justice Scott Baker, overseeing an inquest that could take up to six months and cost up to 10 million pounds (nearly $20 million), hopes Burrell can cast new light on Diana's last days as he had unrivalled access to her.

Garner named West Virginian of the Year

Actress Jennifer Garner has been honored as the 2007 West Virginian of the Year by her hometown newspaper. The Sunday Gazette-Mail says it chose Garner for her dedication, hard work and service as an ambassador and role model for West Virginia. Garner is balancing the raising of her 2-year-old daughter Violet, her marriage with fellow actor Ben Affleck and a career that includes a starring role in Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway, the new film Juno, and two more films yet to shoot. Garner is actually a Texas transplant, but moved to the Mountain State as a 4-year-old and considers West Virginia home.

Hanks happy with 'nice guy' tag

Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is happy with the "nice guy" tag because he is secure that he lives up to it. Contactmusic.com reports that he will be stuck with people's perception that he is a nice guy but he seems fine with it because he is as nice off screen as he is on. He said: "There's no doubt a degree of my image is going to follow me into every gig. Look, I am a nice guy. That's my image. I can't erase it from people's minds." He believes his nice guy image comes from his disciplined work ethic. "It comes from respecting people even when I don't like them. I don't give people less than my all and don't expect less of other people," he added. Hanks won two best actor Oscar awards back to back in 1993 and 1994 for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.

Kidman happy after starring in children's movie

Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman is happy having starred in the children's movie The Golden Compass because this way her adopted kids know she is famous. Kidman is rumoured to be expecting her first child with husband Keith Urban and she believes the best thing about her latest role is that kids like it. Contactmusic.com quoted her as saying: "I can say to my kids and to my nephew and nieces, 'Yay, you can come to my film,' because usually I'm saying to their parents, 'Whatever you do, don't let them see it!'" Kidman has two adopted children with her ex-husband Tom Cruise

Children's comments inspire Goody to lose weight

Reality show Big Brother contestant Jade Goody has vowed to quit drinking and to eat healthy after her own children criticised her by calling her fat. Goody's children - Bobby, Jack, and Freddy - labelled her "chunky", the sun.co.uk reports. She said: "I'm seeing in the New Year as a new woman. No more booze or Chinese meals." Goody is most famous for the controversy she stirred when she hurled racial insults at Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty on Big Brother which helped Shilpa eventually win the show.

Sheridan grateful to fiancé for curing her singing phobia

Nicollette Sheridan is grateful to her fiancé, singer Michael Bolton, for curing her of her fear of singing because she believes she has no talent. The Desperate Housewives star had to constantly hear from her mom that she couldn't sing and so she avoided singing, contactmusic.com reports. She said: "My mother has an extraordinary singing voice. When I was little I never thought I was quite up to it. I'd sing around the house and she'd ask me to be quiet. She said I couldn't sing, so I chose to believe that. It was Michael who lured me out of my shell. He cured me. It was such a big achievement."