Dean Piper's World » Simon Cowell

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dannii Minogue

Dean Piper — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:04:50 +0000

It’s been another triumphant year for Dannii Minogue.
She’s become a mother, her autobiography flew off the shelves and fashion editors are welcoming her fashion label Project D with open arms.
Dannii’s also managed to be the success story of this year’s X Factor too.
But not everything has kept the judge smiling – she can’t understand how Wagner made it on the show. In the past two weeks the star has been left speechless as she’s lost two of her boys, Aiden Grimshaw and Paije Richardson, ahead of the tuneless Brazillian. His painful renditions of songs including Spice Up Your Life, She Bangs and I’m Still Standing have had the world reeling in horror.
Outspoken Dannii, 39, says: “I thought Wagner would have gone in the last couple of weeks. But he hasn’t, which is frustrating. He has issues, we’ll say that.
“I don’t think Wagner can sing in tune at all. But if people vote for him then so be it. It’s the X Factor it’s not the Best Voice Factor.
“Is he more Britain’s Got Talent? I don’t think he’s anything got talent. I would never put Wagner and talent together.
“Saying that the more outraged people get, the bigger our ratings go.”
And in a blow to Wagner – who left the show last night – the Australian star says he’ll never be able to replicate the success of last year’s novelty act Jedward that have gone on to forge a successful career. Dannii laughs: “Jedward are genuinely entertaining and they can really work a crowd. Could Wagner do the same? No. He’s not the next Jedward. I don’t feel that connection with him. I don’t feel anything towards him. I just want to see a wind machine in his stringy hair one night. That would be brilliant.”
Dannii is also struggling with another contestant – she doesn’t rate Katie Waissel after watching her week in week out trying to avoid the chop. She sighs: “She’s hit or miss with her performances. I like the raspiness to her voice but I don’t seem to feel any connection. The whole drama queen thing doesn’t float my boat at all.
“Its funny because when I got back from Australia I really liked her first auditions and I thought she was good. I love the fact she wanted it so badly. But the further she goes the less I’m into her. What has annoyed me is she keeps saying we are seeing the real her over and over again. At least just admit things didn’t work last week and say you’re trying something new.
“It doesn’t come across genuine. Maybe chopping her hair off was her final attempt to save herself. I found chopping my hair off very cathartic indeed.”
Dannii is also unsure about Cheryl Cole’s other contestant Cher Lloyd and says she’s scared of her at times. “She’s had a few really good performances but she’s not consistent,” says the star. “I like her attitude and I like her comments and she seems to take it on board. But I was really afraid of her in some of her performances. I was afraid to tell her what I thought. I don’t think she’s trying to be scary. It’s a front because she’s probably more fragile than anybody else on that stage.”
Dannii, 39, is thrilled she’s managed to stay out of the bickering on the judging panel this year.
Simon Cowell branded Cheryl as being “lazy” with her song choice options for contestant Cher Lloyd last week and Irish judge Louis Walsh has continually henpecked her throughout the current series.
“I’m not interested in getting involved in dramas or the judges scandals,” she says rolling her eyes. “My time is limited. I’m a mother now. I’m mentoring my boys and I need to be there for them. I need to devote the time I have to the contestants and I have my fashion and everything else. I really stay out of it.”
Last month on ITV2’s The Xtra Factor presenter Konnie Huq read out a viewer’s question asking Louis: “Do you get jealous because Cheryl gets all the attention?”
Walsh replied: “Oh she always gets the attention, she’s the nation’s sweetheart.”
Days later in an interview he threw a hissy fit when asked about Cheryl and fumed: “I’m fed up listening to her! It’s not her show.”
But Dannii thinks Cheryl’s more than tough enough to take abuse from Louis on the chin. He said: “I think she’s getting a bit more of a tough time but I think we’re all pretty feisty this year. And we all know each other better. It’s really stepped up because there’s more familiarity between us. It’s hard to see if Cheryl’s having a really tough time when you’re alongside her.
“My advice to her is pick yourself up and get on with it. Look, she’s got three people in the competition. She’s doing well and she’s a tough old dog. She’s not worried about those silly little boys.”
Dannii’s only hope for X Factor success is painter/decorator Matt Cardle who is currently the bookies favourite. But she doesn’t want to tempt fate by saying he’s going to win. “There’s three shows and then the final so right now thinking beyond one week is insane,” she says. “Simon shouldn’t be saying anybody is going to win on the live shows. It’s not right and sways opinion. It’s an open competition and he needs to stop that.”
The star, who has been dating model Kris Smith, 32, since the summer of 2008, is totally smitten with five-month-old son Ethan and in between every ad break in the live finals sprints in her Louboutin heels to make sure he’s OK with Kris’ mother in her dressing room.
Motherhood could have sent her into a spin but instead she seems content, chilled out and far more maternal. She even spots a button on my jacket hanging by a thread and whips out a needle and thread to fix it.
“Last year I would put more hours in,” she explains. “I was the only judge doing that. But I’ve had to scale back. Something had to give and I want to do everything I can to the best of my ability rather than spread myself too thinly and do a bad job. I’m always on the phone, I’m at home on the computer and I’d prefer to be there with them but I can’t. I’ll have a few nights where I’m up all night and that really takes it out of you. More than I ever thought it would.
“But I’m thrilled I came back. I really didn’t know if it would fit in with the show and I didn’t know if It would work. I really didn’t want to come back if I could only do it half heartedly. That wouldn’t have been fair. As it turned out I was actually glad to put the heels back on and get some make up. But I hold my hands up, there was doubt in my mind.”
For Dannii the future looks incredibly bright. She’s off to Australia for a month of rest in her brand new home after the show ends, has just signed off the second collection of Project D and resumes her judging duties on Australia’s Got Talent.
And it sounds like adding to her brood could be on the cards once again soon. “We just bought a seven-seater car and I said I wanted to fill it with babies,” she beams. “I liked being pregnant. I really did. I could definitely see myself having another one at some point soon. I’m not sure about filling the car though. They can just bring their friends!
“And I do see marriage. I wouldn’t say no to Kris. Of course not.”
The brunette definitely wants to return to X Factor next year too. She smiles optimistically: “I was thinking earlier in the series how could I not be here again next year? I don’t know what I’d do with myself. I think I’ve had a great year on the show. But it’s never up to me though – so we can only but hope.”

On the Grapevine – and this week's column! Featuring Robert Pattinson, Kate Moss, Leona Lewis and Victoria Beckham

Dean Piper — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 14:58:48 +0000

*Leona Lewis has taken a cool pill lately. She’s been spotted out with Mel B partying in Vegas and now she’s taken another step into the A-List – by picking up a big fat cheque to host a bash at Pure Nightclub in Vegas to celebrate her birthday. The night will feature a performance by the lady herself and sources tell me she’ll pick up a cool six-figure sum for showing face.
I’m told the X Factor winner of yester year is rehearsing for her UK tour in sin city and has been having a blast out there, A source tells me: “She’s being partying, doing a bit of gambling and letting her hair down at weekends. During the week she’s flat out with tour rehearsals. But it’s coming along nicely.”

*People have speculated for years about what trim Victoria Beckham actually eats and this week the star took things to a whole new level at a swanky bash in Russia.
VB, who’s fast becoming one of my favourite celebrities, decided that when in Russia you should do as they do – so she hit the vodka shots and the caviar instead of having a full sit down meal.
The Spice Girl was at top Russian restaurant Nedelnee Vostok following her clothing line this week partying after her clothing launch when my spies spotted her knocking back more than a few shots of voddie with only “spoonfuls” of black caviar. My perfectly placed source tells me: “It was a case of ‘When in Rome’ for Victoria. She just seemed to do shot after shot of expensive vodka. She could handle her booze though.
“The kitchen staff were shocked at how many shots she was able to put away. The other guests all sat down and had full-on meals. She just sat there eating spoonfuls of expensive black caviar. She was really enjoying herself and was definitely in the mood to let her hair down.”
Victoria spent much of the night socialising with guests including her pal Naomi Campbell, Russian Vogue Editor Alyona Doletskaya and according to my spies at the bash she has formed a close friendship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s wife Dasha Zhukova. “They were nattering away like old friends and seem to have lots in common,” says my mole. “Dasha only recently gave birth to her first child so they really clicked. They were talking about motherhood and seemed to get on like a house on fire.”
That Absolutely Fabulous Patsy Stone diet of vodka and caviar was even naughtier than I first thought!

*Social Services at the ready. I hear Rehab singer (and reformed druggie) Amy Winehouse is talking about having a baby with her good-for-nothing former husband Blake Fielder-Civil. I hear now that the pair’s tragic union is back on track the star’s desperado to have a child as quickly as she can. A source says: “She wants to be pregnant in the next few months. She’s cleaned herself up and is ready to be a mum.
“She mentioned it to her mother Janis this week and she hit the roof. Janis thinks it’s the worst possible thing for her to do and it’ll ruin her life. But Amy will do what she wants to do.”
Another star who could be welcoming a baby soon is Isla Fisher - I hear the Aussie actress and Sacha Baron Cohen have been trying for a baby for the past few months. It would be the icing on the cake for the couple – who secretly wed two weeks ago!

Shhh
WHICH star can’t work out whether he’s a fan of Arthur or Martha? This guy was spotted making out with a female recently in an LA strip joint.

Irritant
Nadine Coyle
Despite her skinnier than skinny frame this girl continues to speak total drivel wherever she goes about her fat heavy diet. Mash potatoes, fry-ups and chocolates?? Give me a break. You don’t get skinny on that sort of diet. And don’t even get me started on the fact this girl claims to be friends with all the girls in Girls Aloud. Deluded.

*Politics are hot to trot in fashion these days. First Posh wants to dress Michelle Obama – and now Frost French design duo Sadie Frost and Jemima French want to dress SamCam. Jemima told me this week as she launched her pop-up store at Whiteleys: “Admittedly most of the people I would really like to dress are dead. Sarah Brown would be good. Although I would like to dress David Cameron’s wife Sarah actually. Sadie even said she wants to dress her good pal Nick Grimshaw from Radio One. She laughed: “I would quite like to dress Nick but I don’t think he will let me.” Jude Law’s former missus tells me she’s starting work on her first film for quite some time – and it’s a musical! All I can say is that it is a musical film,” she revealed. “I will do some singing lessons but I actually started out as a singer so I should be fine.” Good for her.

*Kelly Osbourne tells me she’s splashed out the cash recently. She proudly showed off a new pair of heels that cost a whopping £2,000. “They’re Alexander McQueen diamante shoes and they were the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought,” she confided. “I really don’t want to tell you how much they cost because it makes me sick just to think about it. I don’t really have money to spend like that but I knew I had to have them as soon as I saw them. They cost £2000. They kill my feet but they are worth it. When I first bought them I spent a week just looking at them and I couldn’t bring myself to wear them. I think when I retire them I will put them in a cabinet with a revolving plate and spotlight. I’ve just retired another pair of Alexander McQueen shoes which are from the 90s and have light up heels. I’m too scared they are going to break so can’t face wearing them anymore.” Kelly also revealed she’s not planning to head down the aisle anytime soon with fiance Luke Worrall. She said: “There are no wedding plans at the moment.” Come on Kel – I’ve bought the hat!

*T4 host Jameela Jamil has the looks, the talent and the fashion sense. But she’s incredibly self deprecating – either that or blind. Talking about her style at the launch of the flagship Malene Birger store in London she told me: “I don’t think I’m stylish. I had absolutely no idea about style a year ago as I was English teacher. Although I was a model that doesn’t mean you have style because you are just getting clothes put on to you. I don’t have a stylist and I’m quite hot on not getting a stylist. I’ve just tried to figure it out for myself as I’ve gone along. There’s no way I’m taking Alexa Chung’s style crown put it that way.” I’m not so sure.

*I actually thought Mariah Carey had a chance at acting in the future after her great performance in Precious. But news reaches me that Mimi is on the hunt for a romantic comedy to star herself and hubby Nick Cannon. Brace yourselves.

*I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall this week when Kevin Spacey (above with Tracey Emin) invited an exclusive crowd of celebs to party with him to celebrate the first birthday of the W Doha Hotel. Kate Moss (below) and Jamie Hince dined on a risotto of sake and morels and Kevin Bishop did David Bowie impressions on the dance floor.

*Dannii Minogue is preparing to return to the UK to launch her clothing label Project D. She’ll make a brief two-week stop before returning to give birth in July. I hear Dannii’s currently staying fit and healthy in Australia – where she’s judging Australia’s Got Talent – by having power walking sessions of an evening.

*Next week sees the launch of Edith Bowman’s new TV show Evo Music Rooms. Think Top of the Pops but trendy and cool. One big named act will feature, a couple of chart musicians and a brand new unsigned artist. The show starts on Channel 4 on April 8 – and the line-up features The Specials, Doves, The Drums and unsigned talent Cathy JJ.

*Robert Pattinson fears he’s going to go deaf from all the screaming girls the turn out to his movie premieres. The Twilight star said: I’ve always been slightly deaf. So I worry it’s going to get worse!
“It’s incredible how loud girls can scream and they’ll do it right in my face so I do worry about my ears and going even more deaf but I’ve never worn ear plugs.”
The actor also said he worries about his famous locks falling out in the future. “I’m an incredibly nervous and self conscious person and I’ve got this really bad habit of always playing with my hair and running my hands through it,” he says. “I worry it will all fall out one day because I’m always playing with it! I think it kind of annoys people too so I should try and stop doing it really. It’s not true that I go for days without washing my hair though – I wash it every day!” Good for you, Rob.

*Listen up Simon Cowell, Mary J Blige doesn’t want a job offer to be part of X Factor USA. She tells me: “No way would I be a judge on American Idol full time, or the X Factor – its too hard telling people that they’re no good and I don’t need that negativity in my life.” On the plus side Mary revealed she would sing at Cowell’s wedding to Mezghan Hussainy. She said: “If Simon asks me then I would sing at his wedding, hell yeah! I love the man and it would be an honour.” Now that’s what I call a wedding singer!

Demi Moore, Ryan Seacrest, Taylor Lautner and Leona Lewis: My star studded week ahead of the Oscars in Hollywood!

Dean Piper — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:46:18 +0000

*Demi Moore is still such a hot looking woman in real life. I caught up with the Ghost star and her hubby Ashton Kutcher at the Hollywood Domino Gala. She told me she’s loving Awards Season. “It’s such an exciting week,” she admitted. “It’s kinda crazy though. You have to pace yourself with all the parties.”
Ashton told me he’s been working flat out and revealed: “It’s been full on lately. I’ve not stopped working so I’m tired to begin with. I’ve just been in London too – it’s great over there. I love the way the British are. So proper.”
There were two brilliant moments of hanging with the pair. Firstly Demi bought the round of drinks. Ashton loves a vodka tonic and Demi drinks pints – but she tripped on her dress and spilt beer down herself! Secondly, when you do a snap with Demi she always has to check she looks good in the picture before she walks away. Amazing!

*So it turns out Cheryl Cole’s ‘pal’ Derek Hough from dancing With The Stars has been more than just hanging out with Chezza – she’s been giving him advice on the industry. My mole reveals: “Derek’s desperate to carve himself into a male solo pop artist. He can sing and dance so he wants to pursue that” Cheryl’s given him lots of advice.” I bet she has!

*Rachel Zoe (above) is the stylist everybody in Hollywood scrambles to work with at the Oscars. But the skinny lady herself is particular about who she dresses up. She told me at the Hollywood Domino Gala: “I’m working with Demi Moore and Cameron Diaz this year. They are the ladies I truly love to dress.” Other guests at the amazing Hollywood Bingo Gala event included Jamie Foxx, Matt Dillon, Lady Victoria Hervey, Eva Longoria and Nicky Hilton.

*A real highlight was meeting Queen of Pop Madonna as I trotted into LA’s newest exclusive private members club Soho House this week. I obviously told her she “raised me” (sorry mum) and she graciously shook my hand! Amazing.

*Dermot O’Leary sounds as if he’s ready and set to give the US a go as a presenter. I caught up with the X Factor host and he told me: “I’ve been out here looking at work options and having a few meetings. Nothing’s come up yet that would mean moving out here. But I’d love to work Stateside.”
Dermot also told me he’s hoping X Factor judge Dannii Minogue manages to come back to the show after she’s popped out her sprog in July. He said: “She’s one of the reasons the show’s so good so hopefully she’ll be able to be there after she’s had her little one.”

*Ryan Seacrest is preparing to cover the red carpet arrivals for the E! Entertainment Channel later this evening with co-host Giuliana Rancic (both above with me). But he couldn’t help but talk about Simon Cowell and his exit from American Idol after this series to start X Factor in the US. Ryan said: “American Idol will survive without Simon but we will miss him. He’s is the foundation to the show. I will personally miss sparring with him but I have seen the X Factor and I think it’s a phenomenal show.”
And he wouldn’t mind swapping over to the rival show as host – if the money was right. “I could always be tempted over depending on the money,” he laughed. “I would like to do them both, that would be great.”

*Myleene Klass was having a blast hosting the Oscars coverage for CNN in Los Angeles. But it seems Americans have a bizarre take on who Myleene’s a doppelganger of. Over dinner at the Mondrian she told me: “When I got to the airport a pap thought I was Minnie Driver’s sister and then yesterday I signed an autograph and he person looked surprised at my signature because she thought I was Jessica Alba.” One day they’ll know Leenie in the US! Ha!
The presenter also told me her two-year-old daughter has been hanging with rock and roll royalty Bon Jovi too. She revealed: “Ava had her picture with Jon Bon Jovi at our hotel. He fell in love with her – and we spotted him working out in the gym. I might have enjoyed that for a different reason to Ava though!” I hear you!

Above: Hanging with Kelly Brook at the Hollywood Domino Gala event at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

*Kendra Wilkinson doesn’t want her child growing up in the public eye. The former Girlfriend of Hugh Hefner, whose reality show Kendra is on the E! Entertainment Channel, says she doesn’t want her newborn son Hank growing up in front of the cameras. She told me: “I don’t want Hank growing up in the limelight. People already ask if I think he’s going to be a sports star like my husband or an actor or something. I want him to decide what he wants to be. That’s his choice. The reality show will stop – I don’t want him growing up for everyone to see.” Sensible girl.

Shhhh
WHICH star is getting a reputation for sleeping around? I hear this dude doesn’t mind if it’s a boy or a girl – but he needs them regular! Greedy!

*Lee Toland Krieger is the Writer/Director to watch out for in the future. After being nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards for his brilliant film The Viscious Kind he’s about to start work on new thriller Land of the Free. Elijah Wood, Rachel Bilson and Sienna Miller are all wanted for roles….

*It’s not easy when you’re Oprah Winfrey and you fancy a bite to eat. You can’t just pop to your local restaurant in a low-key way. I saw the chat show host dining at the Beverly Hills Hotel with TV execs this week. While Oprah – wearing a black dress and black alice band – enjoyed a salad four bodyguards sat surrounding her table. She did seem down to earth as she left though and posed for snaps with fans. Nice!

*Jimmy Choo boss Tamara Mellon is making a concerted effort to be a little bit healthier. After years of puffing on fags Tam has decided to quit the ciggies – but she’s finding it tough to deal with her cravings and chewing gum non stop!

*Wherever I went this week for a bite to eat I seemed to bump into a celebrity. Nicky Hilton – who is immaculately dressed in her day-to-day life – sat next to me one day at the Fred Segal café while Geri Halliwell’s former movie producer lover Sacha Gervasi (and the father of Geri’s baby Bluebell) brought along an extremely attractive girl to eat on the other side of me. Then I was alongside Groundhog Day star Bill Murray at Cecconis the day before.

*Abbie Cornish appears to have started the heartbreak diet following her split from actor Ryan Phillipe. I spotted the star at a bash for Vanity Fair and Dior looking disturbingly thin with her newly bleach blonde hair. Other guests mingling around at the bash included Dawsons Creek star James Van Der Beek and Brit TV host Louise Roe.

*Kelly Osbourne looked slick as hell at the Hudson Jeans and Vanity fair bash this week. Kel’s gone for a somewhat bizarre purple rinse on her former bleach blonde locks. The Osbourne offspring mingled the night away with June Sarpong and Rose McGowan.

*Leona Lewis was gearing up to attend Elton John’s wonderful Aids Foundation Oscar Viewing Party when I bumped into her last week. She told me she’s got a crush on Twilight star Taylor Lautner – in fact he’s the only person to have ever made her starstruck. She revealed: “I think Taylor from Twilight is the only person to have truly made me starstruck. It was at the Globes and I got a picture with him. I never ever get a picture with anyone. I never ask for one. He’s the only person I’ve ever asked for a picture with. My boyfriend Lou loved that one. He said: ‘Erm, what are you doing?’ Ha ha. I’m allowed to meet him though. I’d love to meet Stevie Wonder and Madonna. I’ve not met either. Madonna is another person who really inspires me.”

On The Grapevine…..

Dean Piper — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:05:05 +0000

*I was blown away this week by handsome new singer Alex Gardner’s showcase at Cherry Jam in Bayswater in London this week. Alex’s brilliant sound is like Michael Buble, George Michael and The Killers rolled into one. He’s Scottish, just 18-years-old and is going to be huge. Finally we have a male solo star worth talking about. His debut single I’m Not Mad is out March 22 and he’s supporting Scouting For Girls on tour in April.

*Hurrah, Lemar is back with a brand new single. The Way Love Goes is typical soulful joy from the former Fame Academy star. He told me he’s feeling more positive than ever about the music he’s producing. “I’m on my fifth album and I feel blessed for all the success,” she said. “I’m still enjoying it just as much too which is good.” The star also told me he thinks the X Factor could produce another Leona Lewis in the future. He added: “Leona’s not the only person who can sing like that – there’s plenty out there. It’s just a matter of finding them.” Hmmm! We’ll see eh!

*Jodie Kidd doesn’t sound like she’s become even a slight bit broody despite sister Jemma giving birth to twins recently. She told me at the Vue Westfield launch: “It’s so exciting to be an auntie. I was a very hands-on until they moved away to the countryside recently. I’m not changing nappies though, I’ll stick with lifting up feet. I don’t know how they deal with all of that poo. It does get me a little broody.”

*The Sugababes are back in a big way with their new single Wear My Kiss. I had a sneaky listen to their new album Sweet 7 (out March this week and it’s another corker from the ladies. babes are performing an exclusive one off gig at The Supper Club in Notting Hill for their fans on March 3 to celebrate the release of the new album.

*Simon Cowell’s bezzie girlfriend Sinitta has her heart set on being on the West End in a musical. The eighties star said: “I wouldn’t mind having a crack at a musical. There’s Sister Act which is right up my street, Sweet Charity, Chess and even Chicago. I would love to audition for one of those.” Good luck.

*Meg Mathews is a raving success with her latest scarf designs at up market store Liberty off Regent Street. The brilliant designed silk scarfs have been spotted on celebs including Fearne Cotton and Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts. Get them while they’re hot!

Brian Friedman wants Cheryl Cole AND Dannii Minogue for US X Factor judging roles!

Dean Piper — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:12:24 +0000

Brian Friedman has been a busy boy choreographing Got To Dance judge Kimberly Wyatt’s dance set for this week’s show. And he tells me she’s one of a kind. Brian says: “I’ve worked with her for years and she’s incredible. She can cut it solo and she’s going to be on stage for three and a half minutes of pure dynamite dancing. She’s a hard worker and a great judge on the show.”
The X factor creative director also tells me he has his own ideas for who should be on the judging panel for the US version of the X Factor. “They need to bring Paula Abdul back to television and she’d be brilliant on the panel,” he says. “Ideally I think it should be Simon Cowell, Paula, either Dannii Minogue or Cheryl Cole and me. Ha ha. But we’ll see. I’ll definitely be working on the show and it’s exciting. No judges are anywhere near set in stone yet.”
Watch Kimberly performing Brian’s handy work on the live semi-final of Got To Dance tonight at 6pm on Sky 1 HD. It’s the best show on TV!

Terri Seymour talks about Hollywood life and X Factor USA!

Dean Piper — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:59:12 +0000

Terri Seymour’s Hollywood career continues apace. She’s the face of showbiz TV show Extra in LA. We met for drinks this week in LA and she told me she still has a few people left to meet in the celebrity world. “I’m off to the Sundance film festival in a week and have interviews lined up with all sorts of people,” she revealed. “I still want to meet Brad Pitt properly and Madonna would be a dream come true – I think she’s the only person that would make me nervous. I think my favourite celebrity to talk to on the red carpet is Sandra Bullock. She’s a lot of fun – and the toast of Hollywood right now.”
The star tells me she’s enjoying being single after her split from Simon Cowell last year. Terri revealed: “It’s hard trying to find a man out here. American men are not for me – I want a British man. The American guys seem to struggle with commitment and there are ‘Hollywood’ rules with relationships. Men here want to have an open relationship and be able to see other women – and that’s not for me.”
Terri also revealed she thinks Cheryl Cole WILL end up alongside Simon when he brings X Factor to America over the next two years. When I asked her about the possibility of Cheryl bagging a role on the new show she coyly smiled: “I mean, nothing’s confirmed yet. But Cheryl would be great. America would totally get her with her fashion sense – and her beauty. She’s like a doll and so cute.
“I think they’d understand her voice too out here. She’d be great for the show.” Sounds like Cheryl is officially the front runner to join Cowell on the panel then!

Amanda Holden says Simon Cowell will pull Susan Boyle out of the limelight if she cracks up…..

Dean Piper — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:57:18 +0000

Amanda Holden tells me if things do get too much for Susan Boyle with her escalating worldwide fame then Simon Cowell WILL pull the plug in her career to ensure she stays sane!

Speaking after her performance at the Ferrero Christmas Concert at the Westfield Centre she told me: “I saw the pictures of Susan Boyle today and I don’t think she’s anywhere near a breakdown. I mean, obviously she’s going to be under a huge amount of pressure but if things go wrong they will all be there for her.

“I’ve spoken to Simon about all of this and he’s said if things get too much then he will pull the plug on it all. Touring, promotional activity – the lot. Susan’s state of mind and health are far more important.” We shall see!

Amanda Holden tells me if things do get too much for Susan Boyle with her escalating worldwide fame then Simon Cowell WILL pull the plug in her career to ensure she stays sane!

On the grapevine……from the Topshop bash and London Fashion Week!

Dean Piper — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:39:09 +0000

*Amber Le Bon is a girl on the edge of modelling super stardom. As well as being tipped as one of the new wave of super models the young daughter of Duran Duran singer Simon and his model wife Yasmin revealed she’s far from the wild of an evening. Speaking at the exclusive Mulberry bash at Claridges Amber said: “I don’t drink and I don’t do drugs. I never tumble of a nightclubs because I’m sober every time. I’d hate to be put in that bracket of being some party girl.” Good girl!

*Simon Cowell told me at the fabulous Topshop party that he’s rooting for the boys this year on X Factor. He revealed: “It’s all about the boys. They are strong this year and it doesn’t seem like it’ll be another year where the girls take the crown at the end of the series. I must admit I wouldn’t want to be looking after the groups. In my opinion it’s not a strong year for them.”
Simon also spoke about Leona Lewis’s huge second album Echo that gets released on November 16. The X Factor boos says he’s impressed with her new music and her new sexy image. “Leona’s really found herself and she’s come back with music and an attitude that’s so much more self assured,” Simon said. “She’s got more to say and she’s truly happy with everything right now. And you can tell that when you speak to her.” Indeed you can, Si!

*I rubbed up against Kate Moss at the front of an A-List crowd including Vivienne Westwood, Natalia Vodianova, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and Sir Phillip Green as Bryan Ferry performed an amazing set at the Topshop bash at The Ivy Club in Covent Garden. Despite reports to the contrary Kate actually looked fab up close. Word at the fashion bash was that Kate had spent a week at a yoga retreat in Thailand prior to her appearance at London Fashion Week. The healthy living clearly paid off!

*Naomi Campbell may look like she’s effortlessly made up but it was a whole different situation when she got into the loo at the Topshop bash. My spy in the bathroom revealed: ” Naomi had this huge make-up kit that she lay out across the sink and she spent a good ten minutes touching up before she’d head outside into th paparazzi throng to leave.” Clever girl!

*Sienna Miller must have been in jet lag hell when she flew in for her critically acclaimed Twenty8Twelve show. The blonde – currently appearing on Broadway in After Miss Julie – flew in on the day for her show at London Fashion Week. The starlet managed to squeeze in an intimate dinner with her boyfriend George Barker before jetting straight back to New York that same very evening.

*Lady Victoria Hervey has started a new business venture. She’s launched the brand new SmokeStik Royale – a revolutionary device that resembles a ciggie and fully recreates the smoking experience, including ‘smoke’ without any harmful side effects. Smoking’s never been safer! It is free of carbon monoxide, tar and the cancer-causing chemicals found in traditional cigarettes and cigars. Check it out at www.smokestikroyale.com.

Dannii Minogue sings You're So Vain for Simon Cowell's surprise 50th birthday bash!

Dean Piper — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:10:22 +0000

It’s one of the toughest questions in showbiz. What do you buy as a gift for the man who’s got everything?
Especially if said man is X Factor and American Idol judge Simon Cowell! Not only does Mr Cowell have class he’s also exceedingly hard to please. Simon’s a man that likes control in every aspect of his life and continually has a finger in every pie.
But the star was overwhelmed last night at a surprise joint 50th birthday bash with his best girlfriend Jackie St Claire. The mogul had no idea festivities for Jackie’s 50th birthday were going to be extended for him as he arrived at the bash in west on Saturday night. And instead of spending a fortune on a fancy watch or a yacht, Jackie decided organised a dazzling performance featuring some of the music stars closest buddies.
Dannii Minogue, Amanda Holden, Strictly Come Dancing’s Bruno Tonioli and Louis Walsh cheekily mimed along to the Carly Simon chartopper You’re So Vain whilst the X Factor star stood open mouthed in shock.
A mole reveals: “Jackie went to extraordinary lengths to organise the bash for Simon. She even told the guys performing they were singing for her – but it turned out they were there for Simon. She knew the performance would really make him laugh. Dannii took the lead vocals and the others came out providing the comedy for the show. Simon was in a fit of giggles throughout – especially when Louis came out and minced along to the words. It was a fabulous surprise for him.”
Simon was clearly thrilled that the secret joint white-themed bash that I’m told she’s been working on for “months” managed to stay a secret. My mole continues: “Dannii, Amanda and the boys were told during the week to learn the lyrics ahead of the bash so that they could perform it. Simon is always able to laugh at himself so the song really was the best choice. He is so vain – but unlike some – he actually is the first to admit it! So it was the perfect joke.”
Simon, who actually turns 50 in October but is likely to be too busy with X Factor to celebrate with all his friends together, partied the night away before a final performance from Britain’s Got Talent dancers Stavros Flatley.
I hope a fun night was had by all and you both had a fabulous surprise birthday, Monsieur Cowell and Mademoiselle St Claire!

Myleene Klass talks about her toddler Ava's amazing life on the road with the A-List!

Dean Piper — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:25:13 +0000

She hangs out with Angelina Jolie and Leona Lewis, has the run of Simon Cowell’s mansion and gets Spanish lessons from Enrique Iglesias. And she’s not even two yet.

Myleene Klass beams with pride as she talks about her toddler daughter’s jet-set lifestyle. Since she was born, 21-month-old Ava Bailey Quinn has barely left her mum’s side – which means she’s already been to 38 countries. And with Myleene enjoying huge success across the Atlantic as co-host of the US version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, the toddler’s list of playmates would make a Hollywood agent green with envy.

“Matt Damon, Ben Stiller, Leona Lewis and Angelina Jolie all love her and even Simon Cowell loves her enough to let her run around in his white-walled mansion in LA,” reveals Myleene. “She’s been on P. Diddy’s yacht and I’ve got a picture of her boarding a private jet and walking up the steps. “She’s met Enrique Iglesias three times and he talks to her in Spanish. And she sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to Andrew Lloyd Webber.”

Myleene, 31, now in Costa Rica filming I’m A Celebrity, reveals she has been dubbed the J-Lo of the Jungle by the show’s cast and crew because of her growing backside. She laughs: “I’m eating more than ever before out here. My arse is growing at a rate of knots.

“John Salley, a former basketball player who is a contestant on the show, said ‘there’s beauty in the booty!’. I guess people can just call me Leenie from the Block.”

But after appearing in a line-up of supermodels for Marks and Spencer ads, Myleene has the self-confidence to appreciate her curvy body. She says: “My body’s not perfect by Elle Macpherson standards, but I love it.”

Busy Myleene, who first shot to fame as a member of pop band Hear’Say, has launched children’s clothing line Baby K, and is in talks to appear in another two American TV shows. “It’s amazing how things have gone,” says Myleene, worth a reported £7.5million. But it all leaves little time for fiancé Graham Quinn, who she calls Gray – or their chances of giving Ava a longed-for brother or sister. With security boss Graham away on long assignments, often their only contact is by text or email. But Myleene says: “I think it works because it’s all about quality time when we are together.”

After two years of being engaged, Myleene has come round to the idea of a wedding. She says: “I think we’ll elope and get it over with. Our lives are bonkers, but we’ll get there.”

But with her mum’s bonkers life will Ava grow up to be an LA party girl? “Oh my God, no way. “I don’t want her to be the Paris Hilton of the future.”

I’m A Celebrity… USA is on Monday to Thursday at 7pm on ITV2.