Monday 23rd to Friday 27th August - My feet have finally touched the ground!

What a weekend - from an A list celebrity Premiere to the V Festival - I don’t think words can describe how bizarre my weekend has been...Now back to normal here in the studio!

Southend seafront was lit up as a colourful procession and dramatic firework display capped off a week of entertainment at the annual carnival which is in its 104th year!

A bride and groom were arrested at the altar on suspicion of being involved in a fake marriage scam. It is thought the bogus marriage had been arranged so the groom, a Nigerian national, could get a visa to stay in the UK, while the bride was paid up to £2,000 for her services.

And X Factor has been caught using Auto Tune, surely the aim was to make people sound worse than they really do as that is more entertaining...

And here’s what happened for the rest of the week


MONDAY

SPORT
Southend United 1, Port Vale 3

BLUES’ youth team triumphed 2-1 at Leyton Orient yesterday with goals from Teddy Nesbitt and James Stevens.

BLUES boss Paul Sturrock will not be offering contracts to Izale McLeod or Elvis Hammond.
- By Chris Phillips

It was an encouraging opening day for Ryman League attendances. Crowds at the 33 matches totalled 7,301 and although that was a drop of 215 for opening weekend in 2009, last season's figure includes a near four-figure attendance at Dartford, who are now in Conference South.

LOCAL NEWS

A YOUNG girl must pay £806...to get her lost pony back. Nina Pettit, 11, was left in floods of tears after her treasured pet went missing from its paddock off the old A130, Rayleigh. So when she discovered Steel, a year-old Welsh section A pony, had been recovered nearby by the police she was over the moon. However, her mother, Alison Pettit, then spent ten hours frantically trying to find out where the animal was because police had lost the records. Officers finally tracked him down, but said a private company is holding the animal. Mrs Pettit claims the company wants £806 to release him. - Evening Echo

WEEKEND GOSSIP
Angry X Factor fans have complained that producers are using technology such asauto-tuning to make contestants sound better. It was a hot topic of debate on forums after Saturday's show.
Bosses admit some sound is edited before it's broadcast - but only after the judges have made up their minds.

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Popstar Darius has revealed how close he came to dying in a car crash.The singer - who won Popstar to Opera Star - broke his neck when a Porsche he was a passenger in skidded on oil at 70 miles-an-hour in Spain. The injury was just three millimetres from being fatal. The 30-year old's refused an operation in case it affects his voice. Speaking to Hello magazine, Daruis says he feels "like the luckiest man alive."

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155-thousand music fans are continuing to enjoy the V Festival - to see headline acts such as Kasabian and the Prodigy. The event's celebrating its 15th year - and is split across two sites in Essex and Staffordshire. Even Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has been joining in the celebrations along with Rupert Grint in the VIP lounge

And Drew Barrymore and Justin Long introduced Boxer Rebellion on stage in the Louder Lounge bar. Drew said: "I have liked this band for a while and wanted to tell them!"

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Presenter Gaby Roslin said she was left "jellified" by a 100 foot head-first charity abseil. The 46-year-old decided to take the plunge in the style of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, to help raise funds for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent. She was joined by 170 other people for the abseil, the first to take place inside The O2 arena in London.

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She may be an unknown to us - but British teenager Amy Jackson has become the next big thing in Bollywood. The 18-year-old was spotted by the director of 'Madrasapattium' on the shortlist for Miss England. She was at the film's UK premiere in her hometown of Woolton in Merseyside. She says she didn't struggle too much with the language.

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Glee picked up two Emmys in LA last night. The smash hit TV show was honoured with the awards, during a special ceremony ahead of the MAIN event next weekend. More than 70 gongs were handed out - mostly in technical categories. The biggest winner overall was The Pacific - with SEVEN. The World War Two mini-series is up for another 5 awards next week.


TUESDAY

A Group of travellers shocked the community when they turned up last week in several caravans. An electricity generator was set up and the travellers had made themselves at home.They were quickly moved off Great Berry open space after being given an eviction order by Basildon Council.
Following a clean-up by the council’s park wardens, no damage appears to have been done to the site except for some scorched earth where a fire was lit - .By Adam Gaudry, Evening Echo

POLICE stations in Laindon, Pitsea, Billericay, Wickford and Corringham have had their opening hours cut back.All five stations, which were open between 10am and 8pm seven days a week, will now only be open to the public for four or five hours a day, six days a week, and will be shut on Sundays. - By Gina Marden, Evening Echo

A LONG-STANDING coach firm is offering residents a glimpse into the area’s transport past as part of its 90th birthday celebrations. Lodge Coaches will be celebrating the milestone by opening up its headquarters, in High Easter, to the public. On display will be a host of classic buses, coaches, tractors and cars, with the oldest dating back to 1947. There will be a chance to look around the vehicles and even ride on some of them. The free event will take place at Lodge Coaches’ base, in High Easter, on Sunday, August 29, between 10am and 5pm. Proceeds will go to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. For more details, call 01245 231262. - Weekly News

SPORT
Steve Tilson and Paul Brush are still trying to settle their contracts with Southend United. The duo’s lawyers have contacted the club in a bid to finalise the situation. But the Echo understands Tilson, who was placed on gardening leave last month after seven years as manager, has now not been paid by Blues since April. But the club insisted the matter was close to being sorted- .By Chris Phillips, Evening Echo

RESULTS
Ryman Premier Division
Aveley 1 - 1 Folkstone Invicta
Kingstonian 4 - 2 Billericay town
Wealdstone 3 - 0 Tooting Mitcham

FIXTURES
Premier Division
Canvey Island vs Harrow Borough
Cray Wanderers vs Carshalton Atheltic
Hendon vs Concord Rangers
Lowestoft Town vs AFC Hornchurch
Maidstone United vs Hastings United
Sutton United vs Horsham
Tonbridge Angels vs Bury Town

Division One North
AFC Sudbury vs Ware
Cheshunt vs Great Wakering
East Thurrock vs Enfield town
Harlow Town vs Potters Bar Town
Leyton vs Waltham Forest
Maldon & Tiptree vs Grays Athletic
Thamesmead vs Brentwood Town
Tilbury vs Needham Market
Waltham Abbey vs Heybridge Swifts
Wingate & Finchley vs Romford

Division One South
Bognor Regis Town vs Whitehawk
Corinthian Casuals vs Fleet Town
Dulwich vs Whitstable Town
Faversham vs Walton & Hersham
Godalming Town vs Whyteleafe
Horsham YMCA vs Burgess Hill Town
Leatherhead vs Metropolitan Police
Meretham vs Chatham Town
Ramsgate vs Chipstead

MUSIC NEWS
Top 10 singles:

1. 
   
   
   (NEW ENTRY) - GREEN LIGHT - ROLL DEEP



2. 
   
   
   (2) - LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - EMINEM FT RIHANNA



3. 
   
   
   (1) - CLUB CAN'T HANDLE ME - FLO RIDA FT DAVID GUETTA



4. 
   
   
   (4) - WE NO SPEAK AMERICANO - YOLANDA BE COOL VS D CUP



5. 
   
   
   (5) - BEAUTIFUL MONSTER - NE-YO



6. 
   
   
   (4) - BILLIONAIRE - TRAVIE MCCOY FT BRUNO MARS



7. 
   
   
   (3) - MISSING YOU - SATURDAYS



8. 
   
   
   (7) - AIRPLANES - BOB FT HAYLEY WILLIAMS



9. 
   
   
   (9) - PACK UP - ELIZA DOOLITTLE



10. 
    
    
    (8) - ALL TIME LOW - WANTED
    

Top 10 Albums

1. 
   
   
   (NEW ENTRY) - THE FINAL FRONTIER - IRON MAIDEN



2. 
   
   
   (1) - RECOVERY - EMINEM



3. 
   
   
   (NEW ENTRY) - HEADLINES - SATURDAYS



4. 
   
   
   (3) - THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS - PLAN B



5. 
   
   
   (2) - THE SUBURBS - ARCADE FIRE



6. 
   
   
   (6) - CRAZY LOVE - MICHAEL BUBLE



7. 
   
   
   (8) - SUNNY SIDE UP - PAOLO NUTIN



8. 
   
   
   (4) - ELIZA DOOLITTLE - ELIZA DOOLITTLE



9. 
   
   
   (5) - THE FAME - LADY GAGA



10. 
    
    
    (NEW ENTRY) - THE ILLUSION OF SAFETY - HOOSIERS

SHOW BIZ NEWS

True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are going to spend part of their
honeymoon at the Emmys. It's been announced the actors - who play Sookie and Bill in the vampire drama will present prizes at the awards show on Sunday. The couple only married in Malibu over the weekend.

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Annie Lennox has left her record label Sony after 30 years to launch an attemptat getting a Christmas number one. The former Eurythmics singer will release her next album, a collection of what she calls "dark" covers of Christmas carols, through Amy Winehouse's label Island Records.
She says she's wanted to make the album for many years.

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Keith Allen and Phil Daniels are to head the cast in a movie based on an infamous chart hoax. Alarm lead singer Mike Peters put together a spoof act in 2004 as a front for his own single to highlight what he saw as ageism in the music business. The track ended up making the top 30.
The story, to be called Vinyl, is being adapted for the screen by director Sara Sugarman.

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The X Factor hopeful who did a bizarre version of Duffy's Mercy on Saturday's show has been thrown out of another competition. Shirlena Johnson told Simon Cowell she was 30. The single mum from London had also applied for Miss Great Britain saying she was 28 - but the age limit is 29 and she's been dropped. However her shrieking and wailing were enough to win her a place in the next
round of X Factor. (She has since been dropped from the show for fear of her mental health!)

WEDNESDAY

LOCAL NEWS
A SIX foot boa constrictor which went missing in Wickford a month ago, has been found - in the back garden of the house it escaped from. The snake, called Diego, slithered out of its tank at its owner's home in Barnfield. A massive search was carried out and locals dubbed the animal "the beast of Barnfield". For the full story see Wednesday's Echo. - By Emma Palmer

GUEST: Richard Mcleod from Citizens Advice Bureau came in to give some advice to those of you who are about to embark on a holiday. If you are flying and you suffer delays and cancellations be sure to check out the CAB website to help you get the compensation you deserve. Richard’s biggest tip was take your brochure with you as it contains some useful information that will help you in times of trouble!!

If your summer trip takes you to the US and you need to complete a Visa waiver then from September it will cost you £8.90 through the government websites however there are some sites that are charging £50. But, if you do it now you won’t need to pay penny and it should last for a year!

Finally Richard told us about some changes that affect us if we are buyinh items from countries within the European Union. European Consumer Centre for services Article 21 has been set up to protect consumers and you can find out more here: www.ukecc-services.net 0845 608 9494

MID WEEK MOVIES

1. 
   
   
   Knocking Toy Story off the top spot is the all action movie The Expendables with the highest per-screen average!



2. 
   
   
   Angelina’s latest action spy packed thriller is a new entry at 2



3. 
   
   
   Toy Story has lost the top spot but holds on to a respectable 3rd position holding to the highest rossing figure.



4. 
   
   
   Another new entry is Piranha 3D- it does what it isays on the tin really!



5. 
   
   
   Marmaduke again a new entry - an animation of the newspaper cartoon strip that we know and love, but will it do well on the big screen?



6. 
   
   
   Inception is still doing well but it has taken a tumble since last week



7. 
   
   
   Knight and Day isn’t as popular as I thought it might be!



8. 
   
   
   The Last Airbender - Martial Art Fantasy movie after 2 weeks in the top 10 it looks as though it could be making an early departure



9. 
   
   
   Step Up 3D is knee sliding out of the top 10



10. 
    
    
    The Scrocer’s apprentice hasn’t really whipped up a storm in the charts and will be flying away on its magic carpet before the weekends out

MOVIE NEWS:

Rupert Grint - who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films - has revealedthe film company are creating a Potter theme park in London. The actor has told fans the studio where the franchise was filmed will be opened up so the public can tour the life-size sets. Meanwhile, Rupert says after 9 years of doing the Potter films, it's strange to think that's the end of playing Ron.

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Funny man Michael Cera's (PRON Sera) new film Scott Pilgrim Versus The World is out in cinemas from today. The actor from films including Juno and Superbad, plays a teenager whose new girlfriend has 7 ex-boyfriends who want to kill him. Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Ramona Flowers - the girl who's stolen Scott's heart


THURSDAY

A TEENAGER was stabbed by a gang of men near a children’s playground.The 17-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being attacked at 3.30pm yesterday, near the play area at Norwich Walk, on Basildon’s Craylands estate. He remained in a serious condition at Basildon Hospital last night. It is believed a gang of mainly black men and one white man stabbbed him, before fleeing.
The victim, who is thought to live in Norwich Walk, managed to struggle to a nearby convenience store where police and paramedics were called. Witnesses to the stabbing can contact detectives at Pitsea CID on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111- .By Gina Marden, Evening Echo

SPORTS coaches say the Basildon sporting village project will have a crucial role to play in the future sporting life of the district. Scott Hann, head coach at South Essex Gymnastics Club, and Eamonn Martin, chairman of Basildon Athletics Club, both spoke strongly in support of the £38million complex now being built in Gloucester Park. Both say they understand residents are angry at Basildon Council for selling playing fields and other facilities to fund the centre.
But they insist the benefits of the new facility will massively outweigh what the area will lose through the sell-off. - Evening Echo

THEATRE - What’s On!
There is an all male production of Shakespeare's The Tempest being performed by The Fesitval Players at Cressing Temple in Witham tonight at 7.30, tickets are £15

Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle is on for Friday and Saturday this week at 7.30 with tickets price at £6 and £4 concessions
Then next week:
Love's a Luxury: Guy Paxton and Edward V Hoile's farce about a successful theatrical producer's ill-fated attempt to enjoy a quiet country break. Stars Ben Freeman.
Performances from Tuesday 31st to Thursday 2nd September at 7.30 and 2.30 on the Thursday
Tickets are between £9.50 and £20.50

Danger Mouse saves the world can be seen at Westcliff Theatre on Sunday 29th August at 2pm and Thursday 2nd September at 11am and 2pm The Queens Theatre, Hornchurch
Danger Mouse bursts onto the stage in his first ever theatre tour. The whole team are back together from Colonel K, trusty sidekick Penfold to arch enemies Baron Silas Greenback, Nero and Stiletto. There is even a special appearance from Agent 57

The Queens open their latest production Ladies Down Under,
Amanda Whittington's comedy about four women who win the jackpot at the races and jet off for an Australian adventure. Opening night is Friday 27th at 8pm for the previews and tickets will be £14 and then for the rest of the run are between £14 and £23. The run lasts until September 11th.
And next Thursday I will be talking to Diana Croft, a local actress who plays Jan.

Edinburgh’s comedy nominations
Bo Burnham, Greg Davies, Josie Long, Russell Kane and Sarah Millican are all in the running for this year’s Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award. Long and Millican are both former winners of the Best Newcomer Award, while Kane has now been nominated three times for the main award and once as Best Newcomer. Burnham is 20 years old and best known for his youtube comedy videos, while Davies gets his first solo nomination, but has previously been nominated as part of comedy group We Are Klang. The Best Comedy Show Award carries a £10,000 prize. Meanwhile, the nominees for the Best Newcomer Award are An Audience with Imran Yusuf, Asher Treleaven, Gareth Richards, Late Night Gimp Fight, Roisin Conathy and The Boy With The Tape on His Face
- By Alistair Smith, The Stage


SPORT: Shenfield Pete’s look at the weekends sporting action!
Football - Champions League group stage draw on Thursday at 5pm, and the Europa League draw is on Friday. Friday night is the European Super Cup final between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in Monaco. Games of the weekend, Tottenham vs Wigan (9-1 last year), Man Utd vs West Ham on Saturday at 5.30, and Aston Villa vs Everton on Sunday at 4pm.

Cricket - Essex are 90-7 overnight against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. On Thursday the 4th and final test gets underway at Lord's between England and Pakistan, England currently 2-1 up in the series.

F1 - Belgian Grand Prix this weekend. 1pm Saturday for qualifying, and 1pm Sunday for the race.

Golf - Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, the final qualification event for the Ryder Cup - the team is to be announced on Sunday after that event.

Tennis - On Monday, the final Grand Slam - the US Open - gets underway. Andy Murray seeded 4th with Rafa Nadal 1st seed, going for the last Grand Slam he's yet to win, and Roger Federer 2nd seed going for his 17th grand slam title.

Rugby League - Challenge Cup final at Wembley between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves on Saturday at 14.30.

Rugby Union - England's women are doing very well in their World Cup campaign - they beat Kazakhstan 82-0 after beating Ireland 27-0 in their first game. Their final group match is against the USA on Saturday at 6.30pm.


FRIDAY
GUEST: Leanne Roberts came in with her track Summers Day which is her entry in to the UK Regional Open Mic competition on Saturday 18th Septembe at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon. You can go along and support her on the day, tickets are £7.50, you can buy them through the website and collect them on the door from 1pm.
http://www.openmicuk.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=60

LOCAL NEWS
YOUNG Campaigners are celebrating after winning their battle to stop buses charging adult fares for 14- and 15-year-olds. More than 1,500 youngsters in south Essex signed a petition, organised by Southend Youth Council, calling for bus operator Arriva to bring its policy in line with other areas.
The campaign was spearheaded by the town’s youth mayor, Adam Connolly, and his deputy, Alex Bright, who handed in a petition with 1,500 signatures to Southend Council in July. Youth councillors argued that the policy was unfair to south Essex youngsters and launched their campaign in April to gather support. * FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO.

BRIGHT spark Lewis Kelsey is celebrating after passing his GCSE maths – five years early.
Leiws was set to sit the higher maths paper, but teachers opted to put him in for the lower paper, where the highest possible grade is a C, to help reduce some of the pressure.Lewis, who is also in line for a place in the Essex Chess Team, said he will now wait until he is 16 before doing any of the other GCSEs. For all his hard effort and success, Diane is buying her son a brand new laptop.

SPORT

RYMAN LEAGUE:
Sat 28 Aug 10 Premier Division
Aveley VS Concord Rangers
Canvey Island VS Carshalton Athletic
Croydon Athletic VS Billericay Town
Kingstonian VS AFC Hornchurch

F.A. Cup - [ Preliminary Round ]
Barking VS Redbridge
East Thurrock United VS Waltham Abbey
Harlow Town VS Barton Rovers
Leighton Town VS Heybridge Swifts
Maldon & Tiptree VS Hertford Town
Saffron Walden Town VS Great Wakering Rovers
Southend Manor VS Brentwood Town
Thamesmead Town VS Beckenham Town
Uxbridge VS Tilbury
Waltham Forest VS Enfield Town
Witham Town VS Ilford

Sunday 29 Aug 10 F.A. Cup - [ Preliminary Round ]
Romford VS Beaconsfield SYCOB

Monday 30 Aug
AFC Hornchurch VS Wealdstone
Billericay Town VS Canvey Island
Bury Town VS Aveley

I’m off for a catch up weekend with friends and family, have a wonderful bank Holiday and I will see you Tuesday Morning

This week saw the return of my husband from the US and the movie Premiere of Going the Distance starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, which features a band called The Boxer Rebellion - and if you haven’t heard of them go and find out....!

There were interviews with volunteers and visitors at the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary’s Annual open day where they named their new born Donkey ‘Peggy’ and managed to raise £2500. If you feel that you would like to help out as a volunteer or donate some money give them a call 01277 201110 as they would be happy to hear from you!

Here’s what happened the rest of the week:

MONDAY
SPORT
Aldershot 1-0 Southend

Franck Moussa has joined Leicester City on a free transfer after being given a free transfer by Southend United.

Rounding out the defensive unit for the Chelmsford Chieftains for the 2010-11 season is Slovakian Rudi Dzurko. Dzurko will be starting his third season in British ice hockey this year, having been a member of the Invincibles team of 2008-09, as well as being a key player in the club’s first year in division one last season.

Essex Lost the T20 to Hampshire at the Roseball over the weekend.


TUESDAY
TIP-OFFS from fed-up taxpayers have led to 44 residents being investigated for benefit fraud in Basildon. Latest statistics have revealed fed-up members of the public are happy to help the council track down cheats. In three months – from April 1 and June 30 – the authority has investigated 88 cases. Half of these were prompted by tip-offs. If you suspect someone of benefit fraud call the council’s confidential Fraudline on 01268 294566 or e-mail fraudline@basildon.gov.uk - By Gina Marden, Evening Echo

SPORT
ESSEX Pirates will be holding a basketball camp at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre this week for those aged between nine and 18. Pirates have also confirmed their first game of the season. It will take place on Saturday, September 11, and is the Mayor of Southend’s Charity Game against Mersey Tigers. By Chris Phillips - Evening Echo

Francis Laurent is closing in on a switch to Coventry City. But he insists it was a hard decision to leave Southend United. Laurent made 62 appearances during a two-year spell at Roots Hall. And the French winger thoroughly enjoyed his time with the club. However, Laurent’s desire to play at a higher level was what eventually persuaded him to depart as he did not want to be playing in League Two this term.

A TRIO of Southend boxers have been selected to represent Essex in New York. Although some of the cost of the trip is being funded by Essex ABA, the boxers will have to provide some of the expense themselves. “We would therefore love to hear from anyone is might be willing to sponsor all or any of the boys. Any help that can be given will be greatly appreciated,” added Mr Bucke, who can be contacted on 01702 557093.

Music News
4 Days till X factor which means we are getting closer to winter and in turn the C word!
This day in History:
1960: A promising new group called the Beatles gave their first public performance.
2009: The Arctic Monkeys set a music industry first as they released their new single, 'Crying Lightning', through Oxfam's network of charity shops, with proceeds going to help the charity.

TOP 10 SINGLES

1. (2) - CLUB CAN'T HANDLE ME - FLO RIDA FT DAVID GUETTA
2. (4) - LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - EMINEM FT RIHANNA
3. (NEW) - MISSING YOU - SATURDAYS
4. (3) - WE NO SPEAK AMERICANO - YOLANDA BE COOL VS D CUP
5. (1) - BEAUTIFUL MONSTER - NE-YO
6. (6) - BILLIONAIRE - TRAVIE MCCOY FT BRUNO MARS
7. (7) - AIRPLANES - BOB FT HAYLEY WILLIAMS
8. (5) - ALL TIME LOW - WANTED
9. (8) - PACK UP - ELIZA DOOLITTLE
10. (NEW) - IN MY SYSTEM - TINCHY STRYDER
    

TOP 10 ALBUMS

1. (2) - RECOVERY - EMINEM
2. (1) - THE SUBURBS - ARCADE FIRE
3. (3) - THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS - PLAN B
4. (4) - ELIZA DOOLITTLE - ELIZA DOOLITTLE
5. (6) - THE FAME - LADY GAGA (83 weeks in the charts!!!)
6. (7) - CRAZY LOVE - MICHAEL BUBLE
7. (5) - PRAISE & BLAME - TOM JONES
8. (8) - SUNNY SIDE UP - PAOLO NUTINI
9. (10) - JASON DERULO - JASON DERULO
10. (13) - XX - XX
    

WEDNESDAY
Mid week Movie News

Today Roman Polanski, Christan Slater and Ed Norton Celebrate their Birthdays today

James Cameron has revealed that he re-inserted a sex scene into the forthcoming re-release of Avatar. The alien love making was removed from the initial release of the sci-fi blockbuster after getting a negative reaction from test audiences. Cameron has described the scene between stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana as "alien foreplay".

CERA IN TOWN
Funny man Michael Cera's new film Scott Pilgrim Versus The World premiers in London tonight. The actor from films including Juno and Superbad, plays a teenager whose new girlfriend has 7 ex-boyfriends who want to kill him. He stars alongside the Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick, who plays his sister.

Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in The Switch, directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck (Blades of Glory) and produced by Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa (Little Miss Sunshine, Cold Mountain). With its romantic Manhattan setting, established comic performances and warmly uplifting sentiment, The Switch is released in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday 1 September 2010. Be among the first to see the new rom-com The Switch at a free preview screening on 31 August 2010 at selected cinemas across the UK

A Day in History

1930: Pluto the Disney dog made his cartoon debut.
1939: 'The Wizard of Oz' premiered, featuring a pretty young girl, a rusty tin
man with no heart, a scarecrow with no brain and a cowardly lion with no
courage.

She's better known for her big hits with the Black Eyed Peas, but Fergie's in
cinemas from today as the voice of a dog.
She plays Jezebel in Marmaduke, a live action film based on the famous Great
Dane comic strips.
It follows the romance between the dogs, and Fergie says it was fun to do.

The Box Office

1. Toy Story 3 holds its position for the 4th Week running - is there anything out there that can end this run???? I don’t think so
2. Inception - I have yet to see this but I have hear nothing but great reviews so Iwill add it to my must see list
3. The Last Airbender is a new entry - a spiritual movie crossing different realms to battle evil and keep the peace! sounds like Lord of the rings with a Martial Arts twist!
4. Knight and Day falls 2 places after only 2 weeks at the box office - Charlies Angels meets Mission impossible with the 2 biggest names! So it is bound to be a hit but is that the only reason to go and see it??
5. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is new in at 5, starring Nicholas Cage
6. Step up 3D - for all you dance fans grab your glasses and get to the cinema
7. After 3 weeks in the top 10 The Karate Kid is hanging out at 7 only falling one place from last week
8. The A Team were nudged in to 8th position - will they still be there next week?
9. Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore - I thought this one would have been more of a hit with the kids!! but after only 2weeks it is nearly out of the top 10
10. Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy rescue - doesn’t really need explaining but it is a new entry at the bottom of the charts

THURSDAY

Theatre News
Departure Lounge, a new musical by Dougal Irvine that premiered at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, will receive its first London staging next month.The show has book, lyrics and music by Irvine and is produced by Andy Barnes, Joseph Smith and Hilary A Williams in conjunction with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Olive Theatre. Pip Minnithorpe directs a cast that includes Chris Fountain and Verity Rushworth with Harry Hepple, Liam Tamne and Steven Webb. Departure Lounge made its debut in Edinburgh before being performed at the Summer Play Festival in New York. It won the 2008 Musical Theatre Matters Edinburgh Festival Fringe Musical Theatre Award for Best Music.
The production runs from September 28 to October 31, with press night on September 30, at the Waterloo East Theatre, London.

Civic Hall Grays
SHOW ME: With BBC presenters Chris Jarvis and Pui
at 11.00 and 14.00
Tickets £11.00, £9.00 children and concessions

The Palace Theatre
The Gruffalo: Tall Stories Theatre Company
A stage adaptation of the children's book by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler
19th to the 21st August with performances at 10.30,13.30 and 16.00
Tickets £11.00

Cliffs Pavillion
Amgic of the Musicals
Songs from a range of popular West End musicals including Les Miserables and Phantom Of The Opera.
Friday 20th August @ 19.00
tickets £39.95

Comedy of Errors - dot productions
tomorrow 20th August @ 7pm at Promenade Park Maldon
21st 7pm - Love Bistro colchester
22nd 5pm Little Easton Manor, Great Dunmow
5th September, 5pm Hylands Park, Chelmsford

PALACE THEATRE
Dolly - A musical show celebrating the career of country singer Dolly Parton, from her early days to her arena concerts.
Sunday 22nd 19.30 Tickets £15.50 - £19.50

Roll out the Barrell
25th @ 19.30 and 26th Aug @ 14.30
A musical journey through music hall, songs from West End shows, cockney sing-a-longs, war-time songs and more.
Tickets £12.50 £11.50 concessions

I will tell you all about the craziness over the next couple of days next week so stay tuned to find out what happened....98.0FM or online www.phoenixfm.com

Monday 9th to Friday 13th August - the 80's are back!

This week I spoke to Andy McLusky from OMD - yes they are back - He is very excited about getting back to making music and said he would be lost without his lap top on tour. You can listen to the interview again on the Phoenixfm website

Lauren from St Francis Hospice came in and spoke about the up and coming Forget -me-not Ball. You can book your tickets by calling 01708 723593.

Pete was in on Friday talking about this weekends sport and reviewed the first week of the new football season which kicks off with Tottenham playing Manchester City!

In the news we saw over 100 thrill seekers enjoying a naked rollercoaster ride to raise money for Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation's Bosom Pals Appeal to help those suffering with or recovering from cancer.
...And a Baker has rattled up a fun shape loaf of bread for customers...as hissssssteria grows and grows over Wickford’s missing boa constrictor. Kevin Barke has concocted the snake-shaped bread to cater for his customers’ interest in the serpent, The town has been bitten by snake fever since the six-foot long boa broke out of its tank in Barnfield, Wickford, last Thursday. Essex Police's wildlife liaison officer has been working with the RSPCA to try to find the creature, but as of yet there have been no sightings. Anyone who spots it should call 999 immediately and not go near the snake. - By Gina Marden, Evening Echo

And in the Weekly News -
YOBS causing a nuisance in a quiet Brentwood village have now been given their marching orders. Police have secured a dispersal order for Kelvedon Hatch, meaning gangs of youngsters causing trouble can be booted out by police and banned from returning to the area for up to a day.

MONDAY
SPORT
BLAIR Sturrock came off the substitute's bench to secure a draw for Southend after George Connelly had looked set to have grabbed a controversial winner.
The striker netted deep into the six minutes of added on time from a corner after seeing his father Paul sent to the stands.
The Blues manager was banished for his protests after Donnelly rifled home a shot from just inside the box in the 82nd minute from a Danny Rowe cross from the left.
Prior to the goal, the match appeared to have a goalless draw written all over it as the two sides relegated from League One last term struggled to test either goalkeeper.

Friday nights result
Npower Championship
Norwich 2-3 Watford

Saturday Results
Npower League 2
Southend 1-1 Stockport

Npower League 1
Sheff Wed 2-0 Dag & Red
Exeter 2-2 Colchester
Yeovil 2-1 Leyton Orient

In Showbiz news this week...
Oscar-winning US actress Patricia Neal has died aged of 84 from lung cancer while Zsa Zsa Gabor is reported to have gone into shock in hospital.

It's thought the budget for this year's guests on I'm a Celebrity is so low - they'd struggle to even make the Z-list.

Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel reckons Hollywood is "institutionally racist." The 20-year-old is currently without any work and says Asian actors are limited to roles as terrorists, taxi drivers or geeks.

Meanwhile, Emma Thompson lays in to Audrey Hepburn saying she couldn't act. The British actress is writing the screenplay for a re-make of the 1964 classic. She claims Hepburn was
'twee' as Eliza Doolittle.

Finally, Vampires have dominated the Teen Choice awards. Twilight claimed 12 trophies in LA last night, including best fantasy movie, villain and liplock. The Vampire Diaries won seven awards.


TUESDAY
SPORT
Tonight Blues host Bristol City at Roots Hall in the opening round of the Carling Cup.

Bertie Brayley’s third pre-season goal was enough to give Concord a slender 2-1 victory over Ryman One North opponents Great Wakering Rovers.

Southend Rugby Club, The Seasiders, will kick-off their National Two South campaign against Richmond at Warners Bridge on Saturday, September 4.

LOCAL NEWS
A SECURITY guard who jumped into the Thames to save a disabled man has been hailed a hero. Nick Singer, who works at Adventure Island in Southend, has been praised by his bosses for rescuing the man who was spotted in the water at 9pm on Sunday. The man was taken to Southend Hospital by ambulance suffering from the cold. Full story in Tuesday's Echo.

BUS lanes, hi-tech traffic lights and revamped bus stops are some of the improvements planned as part of a £6million scheme to make bus journeys quicker and more reliable.
Work on what Essex County Council calls the A13 Passenger Transport Corridor is due to begin on Monday, with the widening of the southern carriageway of the road between Southwold Road and Tarpots, in Benfleet, to make room for a bus lane. By Sarah Calkin

MUSIC NEWS
Top 10 Singles

1. (NEW ENTRY) - BEAUTIFUL MONSTER - NE-YO
2. (5) - CLUB CAN'T HANDLE ME - FLO RIDA FT DAVID GUETTA
3. (2) - WE NO SPEAK AMERICANO - YOLANDA BE COOL VS D CUP
4. (4) - LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - EMINEM FT RIHANNA
5. (1) - ALL TIME LOW - WANTED
6. (3) - BILLIONAIRE - TRAVIE MCCOY FT BRUNO MARS
7. (6) - AIRPLANES - BOB FT HAYLEY WILLIAMS
8. (8) - PACK UP -ELIZA DOOLITTLE
9. (7) - ONE (YOUR NAME) - SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA/PHARRELL
10. (9) - CALIFORNIA GURLS - KATY PERRY FT SNOOP DOGG
    

Top 10 Albums

1. (NEW ENTRY) - THE SUBURBS - ARCADE FIRE
2. (1) - RECOVERY - EMINEM
3. (3) - THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS - PLAN B
4. (4) - ELIZA DOOLITTLE - ELIZA DOOLITTLE
5. (2) - PRAISE & BLAME - TOM JONES
6. (6) - THE FAME - LADY GAGA
7. (10) - CRAZY LOVE - MICHAEL BUBLE
8. (11) - SUNNY SIDE UP - PAOLO NUTINI
9. (9) - SIGH NO MORE - MUMFORD & SONS
10. (15) - JASON DERULO - JASON DERULO

Jason Derülo will be appearing at the V festival, in Chelmsford on the Saturday sometime between 8 and 10

Veteran rock star Alice Cooper has judged a talent show with a difference - in the bowels of the London Dungeon. Among the acts were men who hammered nails up their noses, a woman in a
straightjacket and a woman who did a headstand on broken glass. They were competing for the chance to join Cooper at his Halloween gigs in London later this year.

Amy Winehouse's father Mitch has been forced to cancel the launch of his UK tour after getting ill on holiday in Spain. The taxi driver turned jazz singer was due to perform in Edinburgh last night - but is in hospital with what appears to be a stomach bug.

The music video to go with the new single from Faithless will double as a TV commercial.
The 'prommercial' for the dance group's latest song 'Feelin Good' will also advertise a new Fiat car. It'll be played in full during an entire Big Brother ad break on Sunday.

Rod Stewart is to become a father again - with the baby due just weeks after the rocker's 66th Birthday. The singer's wife, Penny Lancaster, discovered she was pregnant again in June
- while celebrating the couple's third wedding anniversary in Italy. The couple already has a four-year-old son.


WEDNESDAY
Richard McCleod, from the Citizen Advice Bureau popped in to tell us about how to have your say about how you want the government to spend their money go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/makinglifeeasier and make sure your voice is heard!

And if you need any help or advice pop along to the website where will get answers to your questions or you can send them to me and each fortnight I will forward them on to Richard so that he will can advise you on what is the best course of action.
E-mail radio@phoenixfm.com and mark it for the attention of the Breakfast Show.

Paul Humphreys from Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark, told us that he is looking forward to his up coming tour which starts in October:

TOUR
Oct 29th - Brighton Dome
Oct 31st - Bristol Colston Hall
Nov 1st - Nottingham Royal Centre
Nov 2nd - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Nov 4 - Liverpool Arena
Nov 5th - Ipswich Regent Theatre
Nov 7th - London Hammersmith Apollo
Nov 8th - Birmingham Symphony Hall

And the single If you want it is out on the 6th September and they are hoping to reclaim their place in the charts with their first new album in 14 years, the 'History Of Modern'. The album was produced by OMD and mixed by one of the UK's most in demand producers Mike Crossey (Artic Monkeys/Blood Red Shoes/Razorlight).

Lauren from St Francis Hospice told us about the Forget me not Ball on September 18th, and there will be special guests including Josh Dubovie, local lad and Eurovision contestant, and Camilla Dallerup and Mark Foster will will perform a programme of stunning dances and if you are lucky you might just be able to have a spin with them around the dance floor!

SPORT
Carling Cup
Southend United 3-2 Bristol City

The Ryman League's Fair Play awards for 2009-10 were presented at a pre-season meeting of clubs last night (Monday August 9), held at Sutton United. Relegated Bognor Regis Town were the winners in the Premier Division, and deservedly so. Such awards often seem to be handed out to bottom-of-the table clubs as consolation prizes but that is not the case in the Ryman League. The awards for the other two divisions both went to promoted clubs: Division One North champions Lowestoft Town and Division One South runners-up (and play-off winners) Folkestone Invicta.

THURSDAY
SPORT
Southend United will travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the second round of the Carling Cup. The match will take place at Molineux during the week commencing August 23. Blues set up the tie against Mick McCarthy's side by seeing off Bristol City 3-2 at Roots Hall on Tuesday night. The tie will see Wolves winger Michael Kightly facing his former side. Kightly played 19 times for Blues at the start of his career after working his way through the youth team at Roots Hall. - By Chris Phillips, Evening Echo

LOCAL NEWS
A DOG breeder, who had more than £8,000 worth of puppies stolen, believes she was being watched by the crooks. Witnesses to the break-in, which happened between 9.10pm and 11pm on Saturday, can contact police on 0300 3334444. - By Gina Marden, Evening Echo

The track at Great Leighs has been sold to a subsidiary of The Royal Bank of Scotland.
- Weekly News

MID WEEK MOVIES

1. Toy Story holds its position after 3 weeks at the top
2. Knight and Day enters at number 2 starring Cameron Diaz and tom Cruise
3. Inception bumps the A Team out of the way and climbs a position after weeks at the Box Office
4. Step Up 3D arrives at number 4 and will no doubt be a hit in the last few weeks of the Summer Holidays
5. Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore - sounds like Bond movie in an Austin Powers outfit but again another hit with the youngsters
6. The Karate Kid falls 4 places in one week - but with Jackie Chan and Will Smith Starring in the movie it will have some die hard fans making it a success
7. The A Team - Action packed comedy with a simple story - but lets face it if you are male or female you don’t go and see this one for the story line!
8. Shrek For ever continues to do well at the box office after 6 weeks it still holding out at the bottom of the top 10
9. Eclipse - For all you Vampire fans out there you can still see the latest release starring Robert Pattinson - a friend at work saw it for the 4th time this week so it is clearly a repeat viewing !!
10. The Musical Bio Pic Gainsbourg is still holding its head high in the bottom of the top 10 which is unusual for a foreign language movie - I think I might have to go and see this one with the Hubby!

FRIDAY
LOCAL NEWS
The owners of Bread and Buffers, a cafe which has been serving commuters for 18 years, launched the campaign last month after they were told by rail bosses they had six months to quit their shop to make way for a £1.4million development of the station. A petition was drawn up to save the snack bar at Billericay station and it now has more than 1,800 signatures.

Telly Box for the Weekend:
Tonight Celebrity Master Chef is on BBC1 at 8.30. At 10 on Channel 4 is the second episode of Pete Vs Life a new comedy - its not had great reviews but I am always willing to try something once! And then from 11 on BBC 2 there is a special series reviewing the Edinburgh Festival and chatting to contenders of the Prostegious Comedy Awards.

Saturday evening is definitely geared up for movies and if you don't have a good DVD collection and you're not a member of a Video club then there is plenty on the Telly box. The Evening starts at 7.55 on Fiver +1 with Sleepless in Seattle. At 9 good Will Hunting is on BBC3 starring Robin Williams , Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, ITV 2 has Matrix Revolutions the last in the trilogy with SKY1 hosting American Pie 2. Then just before 10 Ocean's Twelve is on ITV1 but it is interrupted by the news at 11.20. Finally the last two films of the night are Jerry Maguire on comedy central at 11.10 and if you like your SCI FI Star Trek: Insurrection is on at 11.05 on Channel 4.

Have a fab weekend and see you Monday !

Monday 2nd Friday 6th August - Back in the swing of things...

With £2million being cut from the councils budget and suggestions of cutting the counties Electricity Bill by turning off street lights between Midnight and 5am ; then a Police recruitment freeze and budget cut how will theses changes affect the local community? Surely it exposes us as residents and invites unsavoury individuals to take advantage of our lovely town and surrounding villages.

MONDAY
I was joined in the studio by Dale Rutherford and Mark Seden who spoke of how their life changed after 2004 when dale suffered terrible injuries after diving in to the shallow end of a Pool. With Extensive treatment she is still with us today and continues to improve and it has changed her outlook on life. Her and Mark have come up with a great Business idea which has now been running for about 2 weeks. it is a competition website where by you get your bills paid if you win the draw. For more details go to www.getitpaid.co.uk

EVENING ECHO
A RACING driver will return to the track where he nearly died to personally thank the ambulance team who saved his life. Darren Bartholomew, 42, was one of five first-aid volunteers who treated Mr O’Connor. He said: “It just goes to show first aid really can make the difference between a life saved and life lost. The St John volunteers all know Vince so it was great to be able to save him.” - By Sophie Edwards
REMINDER: St John Ambulance Handy First Aid Guide can be got by texting Life 85010. There is now a Medical application for the i phone or you can call the County head quarters to find out more about Free Community Taster Courses 01245 265678

SOUTH Essex College of Further and Higher Education has launched its summer campaign, outlining all the courses available in September for 16 to 19-year-olds. Staff will be on hand to talk to school leavers about their options at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon, from Monday, August 9, to Friday, August 13. For more information on courses, visit www.southessex. ac.uk/bursting or call 0845 5212345.

RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a six foot long Boa Constrictor escaped from its owner. The deadly snake escaped from the bathroom window of a home in Barnfield, Wickford. Although the reptile's bite is not poisonous constrictors do bite if attacked and wrap themselves around their prey, crushing them to death. However the missing snake is not fully grown and has been described as a "danger to small animals" by its owner. Essex Police's wildlife liaison officer has consulted speacialists and the RSPCA over the missing snake. Anyone who spots it should call 999 immediately and not go near the animal. - By Gina Marden

SPORT
FOOTBALL: SOUTHEND 1 - EASTBOURNE 0


TUESDAY
At the weekend I popped along to the Remus Horse Sanctuary for their Open Day and got to meet some remarkable animals who suffered some extreme cruelty and have amazingly made it through with the love and care of the volunteers at the sanctuary.

This year was a particularly bad year for neglect with a very wet and cold winter, in one week the welfare team were called to nearly 200 cases in one week alone. Some of which returned to show the visitors that with a bit of love and care these animals can be given a new lease of life!

Frances called me to say that they had one of the best turn outs for the Open day and there will be another one at the beginning of September which also includes a Dog show! Frances also told me about Bugs a beautiful horse who needs an operation on her feet before the winter, but they need to raise £3000 to pay for the treatment. If you would like to donate please send your Cheques to the Sanctuary marking them ‘FOR BUGS’

This morning I spoke to Matthew Fort who is a British food writer and Critic who is passionate about the benefits of home grown produce. He holds the post of Food & Drink editor at The Guardian and has previously won The Restaurateur’s Association Food Writer of the Year. With at least 200 people waiting for allotments, there is a real demand for a pocket of green space where individuals can grow their own produce instead of going to the supermarkets. Anything as small as lettuce and herbs can be grown in a window box along with Strawberries and tomatoes on a Balcony. With plenty of sunshine and watering pretty much anything can grow in whatever space you have. If you want more information about allotments contact the council
e-mail: enquiries@brentwood.gov.uk or call: 01277 312500

What’s Your Opinion:
With a shared bonuses of £91,000 for the Senior officers at Essex County council, do you think that it is fair that in wake of the recession where taxpayers are struggling that we are having to top up the already impressive salaries of council executives?
e-mail: radio@phoenixfm.com

SPORT
SOUTHEND United have survived being put into administration by striking a deal with the taxman. The Blues were in court over a £238,000 unpaid bill to HM Revenue & Customs.
At London's High Court today, the HMRC said it would withdraw its application to put the club into administration if a winding up petition next week is dismissed. The club has been taken to court by Charterhouse Commercial Finance and faces a hearing on August 11. *FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO.

YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance to beat their local bobbies at a series of rounders and cricket matches. In a bid to keep children occupied and out of trouble this summer holiday, police community support officers covering the Pitsea south-east beat are hosting rounders and cricket games. ”The events are taking place on Tuesday, August 17, from 5pm to 7pm, at Eversley Park, Pitsea; Wednesday, August 18, from 5pm to 7pm meeting at the cage at Chevers Pawen off Wickford Avenue, Pitsea; and Tuesday, August 31, from 2pm to 4pm, also meeting at the cage in Chevers Pawen. For more information, call the officers on their ward mobile, 07875 003290. - By Gina Marden

MUSIC NEWS
More than an Alice Cooper show, this is the ultimate Alice Cooper Experience!!!
We know Britain's Got Talent, but has Britain Got Freaks???? Alice Cooper announces his Halloween Night of Fear. 2 unique shows to take place at The Roundhouse in London on 31st October and 1st November. Cooper will be joined by Jim Rose of Jim Rose Circus and Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction. From 2nd August through 7th August ONLY alicecooper.com will be accepting video submissions of sideshow and freak acts to perform at the show. On 9th August at 7.30pm at the London Dungeon the best 'acts' will be invited to perform in front of a Panel of judges including Cooper himself. The freakiest and most outrageous will then become part of ALICE COOPER'S HALLOWEEN NIGHT OF FEAR...at the Roundhouse on 31st October and 1st November." Tickets go on sale on Friday the 13th August at 9am at www.livenation.co.uk .

Evening Echo:
LUCKY Lisa Beckerton just loved it when her plan to snare a red carpet date with singer Olly Murs came together. The 25-year-old single lass landed herself an Xciting date with her idol, which saw her accompany him to the glitzy premiere of the new A Team film. Lisa, of Point Road, Canvey, won the treat after entering a contest on Murs’s official website. As well as watching the movie, based on the 1980s TV series, together at the Empire in Leicester Square, Lisa also got to have drinks with the 26-year-old Witham lad in a five-star London hotel – and pose for pictures on the red carpet. Murs has just released his debut single, Please Don’t Let Me Go, and his album will follow later this month. - By Emma Palmer

Newsbeat
Teen pop star Justin Bieber is to publish his first volume of memoirs. The multi-platinum-selling Canadian star, who is just 16, has been signed up by publishers Harper Collins. He says the book will be a thank you to his fans. "I'm excited to share just a little bit more of my world with them," he said in a statemtent. The book is expected to garner massive sales, meaning yet more cash for the Canadian, who already has record sales of more than 5 million. - By Frances Cronin, entertainment reporter

Top 10 Albums

1. RECOVERY - EMINEM
2. PRAISE & BLAME - TOM JONES
3. THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS - PLAN B
4. ELIZA DOOLITTLE - ELIZA DOOLITTLE
5. NIGHTMARE - AVENGED SEVENFOLD
6. THE FAME - LADY GAGA
7. ALIVE TILL I'M DEAD - PROFESSOR GREEN
8. APHRODITE - KYLIE MINOGUE
9. SIGH NO MORE - MUMFORD & SONS
10. CRAZY LOVE - MICHAEL BUBLE

Top 10 singles

1. (NEW) ALL TIME LOW - WANTED
2. WE SPEAK NO AMERICANO- YOLANDA BE COOL VS D CUP
3. (NEW) BILLIONAIRE - TRAVIE MCCOY FT BRUNO MARS
4. LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - EMINEM FT RIHANNA
5. (NEW) CLUB CAN'T HANDLE ME - FLO RIDA FT DAVID GUETTA
6. AIRPLANES - BOB FT HAYLEY WILLIAMS
7. (NEW) ONE (YOUR NAME) - SWEEDISH HOUSE MAFIA/PHARRELL
8. PACK UP - ELIZA DOOLITTLE
9. CALIFORNIA GURLS - KATY PERRY FT SNOOP DOGG
10. (NEW) I NEED AIR - MAGNETIC MAN FT ANGELA HUNTE
    

WEDNESDAY
MID WEEK MOVIES:

1. Toy story holds its top spot for the second week running
2. New in at number 2 is the Karate Kid with the Smith Dynasty and Jackie Chan
3. Also new to the top ten its the 80’s throw back and the A Team
4. Inception has fallen 2 places to make way for two blockbusters
5. Shrek for Ever After
6. Twighlight Saga: eclipse
7. The Rebound has fall 2 places from its entry position last week
8. A new entry for the Gainsbourg - A glimpse at the life of French singer Serge Gainsbourg, from growing up in 1940s Nazi-occupied Paris through his successful song-writing years in the 1960s to his death in 1991 at the age of 62
9. Predators is also heading out of the top ten
10. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai - A tale of two gangsters from the eras of past and present, whose lives enter parallel paths as they struggle to survive within Bombay's criminal underworld.

Nicole Sperling, from the Hollywood insider, reports that Twilight fans rejoice! Your relationship with this franchise doesn’t have to come to a close for another two years. Summit Entertainment announced today that the final movie in the epic saga will debut on Nov. 16, 2012, one year after Breaking Dawn Part One hits theaters on Nov. 18, 2011. Will the final installment be in 3-D? Summit says a decision has yet to be made, but sources say director Bill Condon and Co. are opting to Not go for a third dimension. Many of the Twilight fans have been very vocal regarding their opposition to 3-D, but with the final chapter of the saga focusing on Bella’s life after she’s turned into a vampire, it could be compelling from a story view. And the extra revenue wouldn’t hurt either.

Jane Austen's "Emma" has been given a Bollywood make-over. The storyline about a society matchmaker has been revamped for a new Indian film called "Aisha". 'Slumdog Millionaire' actor Anil Kapoor produced it and says Austen's story perfectly translates to modern India and its new setting among Delhi's high society. The film opens in the UK on Friday.

Justin Bieber is adding movie star to his CV. The 16 year old pop star's signed up to appear in a feature film about his life and career. The yet-to-be-titled movie is set for release on Valentine's weekend of 2011. The teenager's also publishing his first volume of memoirs in October.

THURSDAY

My Mate Shenfield Pete’s look at the sporting Weekend ahead!

Liverpool beat Rabotnicki Skopje 2-0 at Anfield last night to win 4-0 on aggregate in the Europa League qualification round, and the draw for the final qualification round takes place today at midday, which also includes Aston Villa and Manchester City. Before the Europa League Draw is the Champions League draw at 11am, where Tottenham will find out who they need to beat to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.

In cricket, Essex continue to struggle in their county championship match against Warwickshire at Southend - after being bowled out for 150 in their first innings, they managed to bowl Warwickshire out for 155, but Essex's second innings finished at 78-6 overnight, a lead of just 73. Meanwhile England's 2nd test against Pakistan gets underway Friday at 11am at Edgbaston. England have named an unchanged team, but there is some pressure on Kevin Pietersen and Essex's Alastair Cook to deliver some runs after a string of poor performances.

Lastly, England's men's Champions Trophy hockey campaign isn't quite over yet, as they beat the Netherlands 4-3, but they need a win over New Zealand AND for Netherlands to beat hosts Germany in the last round of group games to qualify for the semi final.

One final point - I made ANOTHER little mistake yesterday when I said the first game of the season was Norwich vs Sheffield United, it is of course Norwich vs Watford tonight at 7.45pm.

Theatre News
Palace Theatre, Westcliffe - Musical The Wiz - It runs until Saturday with performances at 7.30 and a Saturday Matine at 2.30pm, tickets cost £13.50 and £9.50 for concessions - 01702 351135

Queens Theatre, Hornchurch - Voulez Vous, A musical tribute to ABBA, celebrating some of the band's greatest hits. - www.voulez-vous.u-net.com
The shows are on Friday and Saturday night at 8pm and tickets are £19 and £17 for concessions - 01708 443333 www.queens-theatre.co.uk

This morning I spoke with Nadiah Scammel - Press officer at the Queens Theatre - about next weeks activities at The Liberty Centre in Romford

The Queen’s Theatre Education staff will be telling thrilling Australian Aboriginal stories at The Liberty at 12 midday every day, as the shopping centre hosts a colourful range of Australia-themed entertainment all week including surfing, mask-making and a treasure hunt.

Australia Week takes place from Monday 9 – Friday 13 August from 11am – 3pm, with Queen’s Theatre Dream Time story-telling sessions every day at 12 midday. For more information, visit www.theliberty.co.uk

Everyone is preparing for the Start of the Edinburgh Festival which occupies the next 4-5 weeks here are some of the festivals that you can enjoy in Bonnie Scotland :
Edinburgh Art Festival - 29 July - 5 September 2010
Edinburgh Festival Fringe - 6 - 30 August 2010
Edinburgh International Book Festival - 14 - 30 August 2010
Edinburgh International Festival - 13 August - 5 September 2010
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival - 30 July - 8 August 2010
Edinburgh Mela - 6 - 8 August 2010
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 6 - 28 August 2010

I picked a few artists that will be prforming of the festival period that I would go an see if I was making my way to Scotland!

COMEDY
Sara Pascoe
The sassy actress turned comic, recently seen in The Thick of It, has been making a name for herself with her whimsical, faux-naive standup and batty Lady Gaga skits. Pleasance Courtyard (0131-556 6550), 4-30 August.

THEATRE
Beautiful Burnout
Frantic Assembly are hoping for a hit in this new show written by Bryony Lavery, exploring the world of boxing, masculinity and the knockout punch. Pleasance Courtyard (0131-556 6550), 4-29 August.

DANCE
Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal
Bausch's death last summer shocked the world of modern dance, but there is consolation in her company's commitment to keeping her work alive. Here they perform Agua, one of her most fantastical pieces. Created after Bausch visited Brazil, it was inspired by the country's colours, exotic wildlife and sexy exuberant heat. Edinburgh Playhouse (0131-473 2000), 27-29 August.

MUSIC
Plan B
Former foul-mouthed hoodie-hop rapper continues his transformation into geezerish sharp-suited soulboy. He can sing, too, and does a perfect Smokey Robinson pastiche to boot. HMV Picture House (0844 847 1740), 20 August.

Beirut
Criticially acclaimed and blogged about to within an inch of their lives for a reason, Beirut's sprawling, eclectic take on Balkan/east European-inspired alt-folk is genuinely astonishing. HMV Picture House (0844 847 1740), 22 August.

FRIDAY
TV GOSSIP:
The actor who played Coronation Street favourite Jim McDonald is returning to the soap. But Charles Lawson says he thinks his character will be killed off. The former husband of long-suffering Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald was a regular on the Street until 2000.
Corrie's planning explosive story lines to coincide with its 50th anniversary this year.

***
TV presenter Gail Porter says she's proud of her new spiky, bleached blonde hairdo - five years after losing all her hair to alopecia. The 39-year-old Scot says she's also got the thumbs-up from the general public, who come up to her and tell her it looks good. The former Big Breakfast presenter lost her hair in 2005 - the year she split up with her husband Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave.

***
Happy BIRTHDAY Barbara Windsor (UK actress, the 'Carry On' films, 'Eastenders'). Barbara Windsor says she's 'finally posh' after receiving the freedom of the City of London. The ex-Eastenders actress was awarded the honour at London's Guildhall a day before her 73rd birthday. The actress filmed her final scenes as Albert Square's Peggy Mitchell last month.

TV for a Friday Night...
If Piers was home the Cricket Highlights would be on Channel 5 from 7.15 till 8 as England continue their 2nd Test against Pakistan at Egbaston. and he would be flicking over to ITV 4 to keep an eye on the Aston Villa Match against Valencia!!
There would be a fight for the controls at 8.30 as on BBC1 its Masterchef with the final five contestants are challenged to prepare a single dish in an effort grab one of the four places available in the semi-finals. Last night saw all 3 contestants go through as there was no picking between them, they were : Dick Strawbridge, Lisa Faulkner and Chris Walker.
At 9 I would then swiftly turn over to the Living channel for Medium, which is now in its 6th Season Starring Patricia Arquette.
Then after catching up with the Days news at 10, a little bit of comedy to get me into the weekend with Analyze That on ITV 1 - but if you don't think you could make it through a movie there is always Mitchell and Webb on BBC2 from 11.05 for half an hours tummy tickling!