TELEVISION ICON TOM SNYDER DIES AT 71

Tom Snyder

Veteran U.S. talk show host Tom Snyder, whose idiosyncratic interviewing style bemused and annoyed late-night TV viewers during three decades, has died after a long battle with leukemia, associates said on Monday. He was 71. The former host of NBC's "Tomorrow" show and CBS' "The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder" died on Sunday evening at his home in San Francisco, said his longtime agent and lawyer Ed Hookstratten. "Tom was a true broadcaster, a rare thing," said Peter Lassally, executive producer of Snyder's CBS show, in a statement released by the network. "When he was on the air, he made the camera disappear. It was just you and him, in a room together, having a talk." Comedian David Letterman, who took over Snyder's time slot when Snyder left NBC and later hired Snyder to follow his own show after moving to CBS, said: "Tom was the very thing that all broadcasters long to be -- compelling." Snyder gained national fame for hosting "Tomorrow" in NBC's post-"Tonight Show" spot from 1973 to 1982, with some of his more memorable guests including former Beatle John Lennon, Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols and convicted killer Charles Manson. But a quirky on-air presence -- including frequent digressions about his personal life and the habit of laughing gustily at his own jokes shared with an unseen crew -- made him as much the center of attention as his interview subjects. Seated cigarette in hand on a simple, darkened set adorned with just two chairs, he was alternately pompous and self-deprecating. His style transfixed some viewers, irritated others and was famously captured by comedian Dan Aykroyd's impersonation of Snyder on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." According to the Web site IMDB.com, Snyder conceded that one of the most embarrassing moments of his career came when he realized 10 minutes into an interview with rock singer Meat Loaf that he had been calling him "Meatball." At the height of his run, Snyder reportedly was considered a possible future anchor of the NBC Nightly News or a likely successor to Johnny Carson to host "The Tonight Show." But a reformatting of "Tomorrow" in the early 1980s failed to catch on and the program was canceled in 1982. Snyder's time slot ended up going to Letterman. After several years back on his original medium, radio, Snyder returned to national television in 1983 with an interview show on cable TV's CNBC, adopting the catch phrase: "Fire up a colortini, sit back, relax and watch the pictures, now, as they fly through the air." Two years later, he landed on broadcast television again to host "The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder" on CBS, in the time slot following Letterman's "Late Show" until 1999. Snyder announced on his Web site about two years ago that he had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia but said his doctors had assured him his condition was treatable and "nothing to worry about." Snyder had quit smoking about five years previously. Snyder was born in Milwaukee and began his broadcasting career as a local radio reporter before moving into television and anchoring local newscasts in Philadelphia.

JASON PRIESTLEY'S DAUGHTER LIKE A RABBIT

Naomi Priestley with huddy Jason Priestley

Jason Priestley says his new baby daughter Ava is just like a rabbit -because she has urinated on him.The former 'Beverly Hills 90210' actor - whose wife Naomi Lowde-Priestley gave birth to their daughter on July 2 - knew the tot loved him when she peed on him. Jason, 37, told Us Weekly magazine: "The other day I had her on my chest and she peed on me. But babies are like bunny rabbits. When they pee on you, it means they like you."The actor also revealed the day Ava was born he was in complete awe of her,but when she cried all night he realised parenting was going to be hard work.He said: "The first time I saw her, time stood still. It took my breath away. But the day she was born she cried all night."We came home from the hospital and were like, 'Is this what it is going to be like?' "But Naomi, 31, insists Ava's night time tears have stopped. She said: "She is very mellow."

R. KELLY TO SHOOT 10 MORE EPISODES

Singer R. Kelly

R&B star R. KELLY is to shoot another 10 episodes of his TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET drama after signing a new deal with U.S. cable network IFC.The singer has already enjoyed chart success with his ‘hiphopera’, which was accompanied by a short film, in which he starred as ladies’ man Sylvester.The film then became a 12-episode DVD last year and now Kelly has struck a deal with IFC to shoot an additional 10 episodes of his sage of infidelity.Bosses at the cable network also plan to air the original 12 episodes.

JENNIFER ANISTON RUINS FRIENDS REUNION

Jennifer Aniston has ruined the chances of a 'Friends' reunion by saying she will never play Rachel Green again.The Hollywood actress has scuppered chances of a TV special or movie version of the hit show by saying she isn't interested in reprising her role. A source said: "There have been whispers of a 'Friends' movie for a while now, especially with the 'Sex and the City' film finally getting the go-ahead."But it can't happen without Jen and she thinks 'Friends' has had it's time and she should move on with her film career."I think if they were given a chance the rest of the cast would probably go for it but Jen sees playing Rachel again - even in a film - as going back, not moving forward."She wants to earn respect as a movie actress in her own right and take on more seriously roles to stretch her acting ability."She sees making a 'Friends' movie as a failure on her part."'Friends', which won prestigious Emmy and Golden Globe awards, was a global hit spanning 10 series between 1994 and 2004. It also starred Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt Le Blanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow.

STUDENT GETS SLUT PARIS HILTON'S PHONE

Paris Hilton 'shops till she drops' the other day !

An unsuspecting student in the U.S. has acquired PARIS HILTON’s old mobile telephone number - and is now being hassled by callers desperate to get in touch with the troubled star. Shirla Barlow was left confused after being bombarded with calls from unknown callers trying to contact the hotel heiress - one of them simply saying, "Baby girl, how are you?" The UCLA student realised her mobile phone company had given her the socialite’s old number after she received a batch of sympathy messages from celebrities wishing her luck in jail.

SEX AND THE CITY TO BEGIN SHOOTING

The 'Sex And The City' Cast

The 'Sex and the City' movie will begin shooting later this year.The much-anticipated film, based on the hit US TV series, has been given the go-ahead after its four main stars - Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon,Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall - all agreed terms.According to America's TV Guide magazine, filming will start in September with a release date set for next year.Speculation has been rife there will be a movie of the show, about four female New Yorkers and their sex lives, ever since it ended in 2004 after six hugely successful series.Earlier this year, Kim, who played man eater Samantha Jones, hinted she was interested in a big screen version.She said: "With regard to a movie, I really can't say. There is a lot of speculation but, just put it this way, I don't want to jinx anything."After the series ended, Kim and Sarah Jessica fell out after Kim refused to appear in a film version.Sarah Jessica, who played columnist Carrie Bradshaw, had always been willing to reprise her famous role, saying: "Never say never. It was such a great show it would be fantastic to go back."She also recently revealed the four actresses had finally all agreed to the movie.Sarah Jessica said: "It is a very complicated puzzle to put back - not for the reason that people speculate about because as far as I know all of the actresses want to be together again for this movie."

KELLY CLARKSON REFUSES TEN MILLION

Kelly Clarkson isn't interested in being famous.The 'Because of You' singer insists all she cares about is her music and doesn't want to the celebrity status that accompanies it.Kelly confessed: "I couldn't give a c**p about being a star. I've always just wanted to sing and write."Double Grammy-winning Kelly, 25, turned down a $10 million offer by BMG's Clive Davis to drop five songs on her new album 'My December' in favor of a more "radio-friendly" selection. Kelly said: "I've sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and still nobody listens to what I have to say. Because I'm 25 and a woman."It's like because I am a good singer, I can't possibly be a good writer.Women can't possibly be good at two things. I haven't lost my temper about it. It only drives me more. If your thing is to bring me down, cool. I'll just work harder."

FANS WANT 'PRISON BREAK' GAY ROMP

The cast of the hit show 'Prison Break'

Fans of hit U.S. TV program PRISON BREAK are desperate to see more of the show’s stars - in a steamy gay clinch.Actor Robert Knepper, who plays inmate T-Bag, insists Prison Break devotees are always writing in to request a gay romp, because they are so attracted to hunks like Wentworth Miller (Michael Schofield) and Dominic Purcell (Lincoln Burrows).He says, "(One fan wrote), ‘I’m not a stalker or anything like that but I find you guys so sexy."I really think some of you should get together."

ROSIE O'DONNELL LEAVING 'THE VIEW'

Rosie O'Donnell on The View

Talk show queen Rosie O'Donnell said on Wednesday she will end her rein as wold co-host of ABC's "The View" in June when her contract expires, ending a nine-month run that saw her do battle with Donald Trump and other celebrities. O'Donnell, 45, said she and the Walt Disney Co.-owned network failed to come to terms on a contract renewal deal, but she would return to the show next season for special segments and as a recurring guest host. She said one unresolved issue in her talks with ABC had been the length of her contract, with the network seeking a three-year extension while she held out for just one year."It just didn't work, and that's showbiz. But it's not sad, because I've loved it here, and I love you guys, and I'm not going away. I'm just not going to be here everyday," O'Donnell said on the show, drawing applause. Barbara Walters, the daytime talk show's creator, co-executive producer and fellow co-host, said she was "sad" over O'Donnell's impending departure and that she was not involved in the negotiations between ABC and O'Donnell."I knew you were coming for one year, I hoped it would be more," Walters said after O'Donnell spoke. The weekday program, averaging 3.5 millions viewers in its 10th season, has seen the size of its overall audience grow 17 percent since O'Donnell joined the show in September. The actress-comedian, an activist for gay adoption and other social causes, has drawn frequent headlines for her brand of commentary. She has often skewered such powerful men as real estate baron Trump and Fox News Channel host Bill O'Reilly from her seat on "The View," a panel hosted by four women discussing news and gossip.

GILLIAN ANDERSON FORCED INTO X-FILES

Gillian Anderson claims she was forced to appear in 'The X-Files' against her will. The flame-haired actress claims she didn't enjoying starring in the show that catapulted her to fame and only stayed on the series for nine years because she had to. Gillian - who played Special Agent Scully in the show - told Stella magazine: "I couldn't get out of it. I didn't have a choice. I had to sign a contract for five-and-a-half-years before I even went to my first audition - when I didn't know if I'd got the part. Back then I was all innocent and I thought, 'Wow that sounds wonderful.' "But then, when I started, I realised I'd be in a Canadian wood working 16 hours a day for nine months a year. And the reason I stayed so long was because the only way I could get more money was to commit myself to doing it for another couple of years." Gillian, 38, admits she found her sudden fame very "traumatic" and difficult to cope with. She added: "When I started on 'The X Files' I had no idea what it would involve. When fans used to ask, as they always did, 'Do you believe in aliens?' I literally had no idea what to say. I used to go, 'Um. could you repeat the question?' I found the whole process incredibly traumatic."

GREYS ANATOMY'S HUSH HUSH EPISODE

The ABC hit show 'Greys Anatomy'

‘Greys Anatomy’ fans have been talking for weeks about the rumored 2-hour “special” episode of the show, which is set to air some time in May. Word is, this episode will be the jumping-off point for the potential spin-off series which will feature current ‘Grey’s’ supporting character, Addison Montgomery. The plot of this “very special” episode of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ has been very hush-hush… until now. Zap2it.com got the goods on the episode and reported them in detail at their site. If you’re not interested in reading any ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spoilers, read no further. According to Zap2it.com, Addison will travel to Santa Monica, CA to get some advice from her old med-school pals, Naomi (Merrin Dungey) and Jackson (Taye Diggs). She thinks Naomi and Jackson have the perfect life – happily married with a teenaged daughter and a successful health cooperative. As it turns out, things are just as unraveled there as they are at Seattle Grace. She also meets some of the other staff at the health cooperative, including a “self-doubting therapist,” a male gynecologist who doesn’t know much about women and a widowed alternative-medicine doctor. After weighing what she’d be leaving behind and the life she could have at the Oceanside Wellness Group, Addison decides to leave Seattle Grace and thus begins the spin-off (if it goes to series which is probably will because let’s face it, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is one of ABC’s cash cows so chances are, the network is going to try to breed this baby and see if they can double their weekly ratings with the spin-off). Also set to star in the spin-off is ‘Veronica Mars’ star, Chris Lowell, Amy Brenneman, Tim Daly and Paul Adelstein.

RUTGERS FORGIVES SHOCKER DON IMUS

Rutgers Womans Basketball team forgives !

Rutgers women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer said Friday the team had accepted radio host Don Imus' apology. She said he deserves a chance to move on but hopes the furor his racist and sexist insult caused will be a catalyst for change."We, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knight basketball team, accept Mr. Imus' apology, and we are in the process of forgiving," Stringer read from a team statement a day after the women met personally with Imus and his wife."We still find his statements to be unacceptable, and this is an experience that we will never forget," she said. The team had just played for the NCAA national championship last week and lost when Imus, on his nationally syndicated radio show, called the players "nappy-headed hos." The statement outraged listeners and set off a national debate about taste and tolerance. It also led to his firing by CBS on Thursday."These comments are indicative of greater ills in our culture," Stringer said. "It is not just Mr. Imus, and we hope that this will be and serve as a catalyst for change. Let us continue to work hard together to make this world a better place."Imus was in the middle of a two-day radio fundraiser for children's charities when he was dropped by CBS. On Friday, his wife took over the show and also talked about the meeting with the Rutgers players."They gave us the opportunity to listen to what they had to say and why they're hurting and how awful this is," author Deirdre Imus said."He feels awful," she said of her husband. "He asked them, 'I want to know the pain I caused, and I want to know how to fix this and change this.'"Deirdre Imus also said that the Rutgers players have been receiving hate e-mail, and she demanded that it stop. She told listeners "if you must send e-mail, send it to my husband," not the team."I have to say that these women are unbelievably courageous and beautiful women," she said. Stringer declined to discuss the hate mail Friday. Rutgers team spokeswoman Stacey Brann said the team had received "two or three e-mails" but had also received "over 600 wonderful e-mails."The team's goal was never to get Imus fired, Stringer said. "It's sad for anyone to lose their job," she said.The cantankerous Imus, once named one of the 25 Most Influential People in America by Time magazine and a member of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame, was one of radio's original shock jocks. His career took flight in the 1970s and with a cocaine- and vodka-fueled outrageous humor. After sobering up, he settled into a mix of highbrow talk about politics and culture, with locker room humor sprinkled in. Critics have said his remark about the Rutgers women was just the latest in a line of objectionable statements by the ringmaster of a show that mixed high-minded talk about politics and culture with crude, locker-room humor. Imus apologized on the air late last week and also tried to explain himself before the Rev. Al Sharpton's radio audience, appearing alternately contrite and combative. But many of his advertisers still bailed in disgust, particularly after the Rutgers women spoke publicly of their hurt. On Wednesday, a week after the remark, MSNBC said it would no longer televise the show. CBS fired Imus Thursday from the radio show that he has hosted for nearly 30 years."He has flourished in a culture that permits a certain level of objectionable expression that hurts and demeans a wide range of people," CBS Corp. chief executive Leslie Moonves said in a memo to his staff. Sharpton praised Moonves' decision Friday and said it was time to change the culture of publicly degrading other people."I think we've got to really used this to really stop this across the board," he told CBS's "The Early Show."Some Imus fans, however, considered the radio host's punishment too harsh. Mike Francesa, whose WFAN sorts show with partner Chris Russo is considered a possible successor to "Imus in the Morning," said he was embarrassed by the company. "I'm embarrassed by their decision. It shows, really, the worst lack of taste I've ever seen," he said. Losing Imus will be a financial hit to CBS Radio, which also suffered when Howard Stern left for satellite radio. The program earns about $15 million in annual revenue for CBS, which owns Imus' home radio station WFAN-AM and manages Westwood One, the company that syndicates the show nationally WFAN.The show's charity fundraiser had raised more than $1.3 million Thursday before Imus learned he had lost his job. The total had grown Friday to more than $2.3 million for Tomorrows Children's Fund, CJ Foundation for SIDS and the Imus Ranch, Deirdre Imus said. The annual event has raised more than $40 million since 1990. Imus' troubles have also affected his wife, the founder of a medical center that studies links between cancers and environmental hazards whose book "Green This!" came out this week. Her promotional tour was called off "because of the enormous pressure that Deirdre and her family are under," said Simon & Schuster publicist Victoria Meyer.The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology in Hackensack, N.J., works to identify and control exposures to environmental hazards that may cause adult and childhood cancers. Imus Ranch in New Mexico invites children who have been ill to spend time on a working cattle ranch.

JERRY SPRINGER HOTTER THAN EVER AND STEVE WILKOS IS ON FIRE !

The cast behind 'Jerry Springer'

For 16 years, America has been riveted by the outrageous guests and topics that make up "The Jerry Springer Show." It showcases some of America's most colorful characters, wild relationships and truly amazing stories. Now, for the first time, viewers can see how "The Jerry Springer Show," dubbed "the worst show in the history of television" by TV Guide, is made as backstage cameras capture life behind the curtain with VH1's new docu-soap, "The Springer Hustle." This insider's look at how America's most controversial television show is made premieres Sunday, April 15, at 11:30PM EST. The half-hour series will focus on the dedicated team of producers in the eye of the Springer hurricane -- a tight-knit family charged with bringing the wildest American stories possible to television. There's Selina, the beautiful and obsessively driven producer who works relentlessly to make her shows shine; Toby, one of the show's top producers, whose recent run of bad luck has sent him into an emotional tailspin; Annette, one of the original producers, who left the show for a few years, only to be drawn back by the day-to-day mayhem she couldn't find anywhere else -- all work round the clock to impress their demanding boss Richard Dominick, who is stingy with the compliments, but loyal to the core. "Springer Hustle" will shift to a regular timeslot of Sundays at 11PM beginning April 22nd. "The Jerry Springer Show" is a tough place to work. The office is far from glamorous. The daily grind of making the magic happen takes its toll. Yet, this devoted crew digs deep to resent a rogues' gallery of the most outrageous people ever to sit down in front of a TV camera. At the center of it all is ringmaster Jerry Springer, the icon whose name has become synonymous with the never-ending parade of human oddities we've come to know and love. Springer is currently hosting "The Jerry Springer Show's" 16th season in national syndication and is slated to host NBC's "America's Got Talent" this summer. Richard Dominick serves as executive producer for NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. Jim Ackerman and Michael Hirschorn are executive producers for VH1, along with supervising producer Christian McLaughlin and senior producer Jennifer Wagman. For additional show content, log onto

VSPOT VH1's broadband channel.

In addition to the Springer Hustle, The Jerry Springer Show has spawned another show - a new, syndicated talk show hosted by Steve Wilkos (the tall bald head of security). This show has already created major buzz and has been picked up for syndication in almost every major market. Expect this hot show in the fall !