Natalie Portman bares the burden of steamy Asian romance

Hollywood startlet: Natalie is set to impress with her racy role

Natalie Portman made me go "wow!" - and that was a first.

What was it about her in Wes Anderson's Hotel Chevalier - a 13-minute, short-film prequel to his impressive feature-length movie The Darjeeling Limited - that got my attention?

Actually, she had me the minute she knocks on screen ex-boyfriend Jason Schwartzman's Paris hotel room door.

She's wearing a belted raincoat, her hair stylishly gamine. She sits on the bed and Schwartzman pulls off her knee-length boots. It's a very sensual moment and then she all but disrobes, giving us undisguised views of her slender figure.

She's really sexy and grown up in this film, with or without the shots of her derriere.

Anyway, Hotel Chevaliar sort of paves the way for the tale of three brothers - Schwartzman, Adrien Brody and Owen Wilson - in The Darjeeling Limited, which is the closing movie for the Times BFI London Film Festival on November 1. (It goes on general release on November 23.)

In that picture we see how Schwartzman's character is still obsessed with his ex (Portman).

The story has the three brothers on a spiritual (kinda) quest in India. Actually, the film has some really lovely, cool moments and I particularly liked the way the locals aren't depicted in that patronising, subservient way we often see in movies.

Instead, they lay down the law and I liked Waris Ahluwalia's chief steward on the train and Amara Karan as his assistant (she'll be seen next in St Trinian's).

Their encounters with the brothers are sometimes hilarious.

So far, Hotel Chevaliar has been shown with The Darjeeling Limited at film festivals and wasn't going to be shown with it on general release, but I hear there has been a change of heart and the plan is for this little treat to be shown with the big guys.

Wow factor: Natalie Portman gets steamy in new film Hotel Chevalier

Sealed with a kiss: Natalie with ex-boyfriend Josh Schwartzman

Well heeled: Natalie in the 13-minute short-film

Baring all: Natalie keeps her feet warm, wearing nothing but socks

Natalie Portman

Revealed: The raunchy past haunting George Clooney's new girlfriend

She's landed the hotly sought after title of 'George Clooney's Girfriend,' but new pictures have emerged serving as a reminder of Sarah Larson's racy former life.

Before she became the Hollywood star's favourite red carpet companion, the 28-year-old worked as a scantily-clad cocktail waitress at Las Vegas's Moon nightclub at the Palms Hotel.

She has also been photographed posing provocatively with a female friend during a 2005 trip to Amsterdam during a stint as a as a promotional model.

Clooney's girl: Hollywood star George Clooney's girlfriend Sarah Larson's modelling past is revealed in this set of provocative photos

Companion: Attractive Larson poses with a female friend during a 2005 trip to Amsterdam during a stint as a as a promotional model.

Larson, who briefly appeared on US show Fear Factor, last month abandoned her bar job - and the skimpy bikini uniform that went with it - to travel the world with 46-year-old George.

The Sexiest Man Alive met Sarah at the Ocean's Thirteen premiere party in the hotel in June and since then she's been enjoying the high life with her new superstar companion.

Bikini-clad waitress: Sarah, in 2005, worked at the Las Vegas’ Palms Hotel for three years before quitting to travel with her new boyfriend George Clooney

Life before George: Sarah (left) worked her charm on the bar's clientele

So far, Sarah has been welcomed by his crew, with a source telling American magazine People: "She's really nice and generally liked by George's friends."

Earlier this week the Sarah suffered the toe injury when she and George were struck by a turning car while riding a motorcycle through New Jersey.

Boot it: Sarah (second from right) looked more garish than glamorous during her days as a promotional model in 2005

George also suffered a hairline fracture of a rib and road rash, but the pair put on a brave face as they arrived for dinner yesterday in New York just 48 hours after the incident.

Later, they headed to the premiere of George's new movie Michael Clayton.

Love hurts: George Clooney and Sarah Larson show their injuries in New York yesterday after their motorcycle accident in New Jersey. Clooney had broken a rib and was sporting an arm bandage, while Sarah broke her foot and was very bruised around her eyes

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Life's a beach for the new curvier Nicole

She was held up as the poster girl for the Size Zero trend, but it seems that Nicole Richie's pregnancy has given her formerly rail-thin frame some womanly curves.

Last December, the 25-year-old - who is 5ft 1in tall - told police officers who pulled her over for a driving offence that she weighed just 6st 1lb.

However pictured on holiday in Hawaii with her fiance, heavily tattooed rock musician Joel Madden, Richie appeared much more healthily rounded.

There's a lot more to Nicole Richie these days: The reality TV star is five months pregnant

The extent of her new found body confidence was apparent from her choice of bikini.

A tiny top with tie-side bottoms would be a brave choice for any woman, never mind one who is five months pregnant.

The reality TV star also seemed to be enjoying the peace and quiet of the island, well away from Los Angeles, where she is habitually surrounded by hordes of paparazzi.

However, just in case the pleasures of a day at the beach began to pall, both she and Madden had stocked up on gadgets to keep them amused. Richie brought along her iPod, while Madden brought a laptop and mobile phone.

Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden is on towel duty for his girlfriend

In her skinniest days, Richie was associated with the 'Zoebot' look - a name given to the dress sense of several starlets advised by super-stylist Rachel Zoe, including Keira Knightley and Lindsay Lohan, who accessorised their slender limbs with oversized bags and other accessories.

Even though Richie publicly fell out with Zoe over claims both women were promoting an unhealthy body image to young girls, it seems she has held on to her trademark bug-eyed sunglasses.

As a further protection against the heat - and perhaps mindful that long periods of sunbathing are not recommended for pregnant women - Richie soon retreated under a canvas awning.

Earlier Nicole was seen in a red bikini relaxing on the beach in Hawaii

While Richie and Madden are delighted to be expecting a baby, it seems they have no plans to get married just yet.

"Obviously, marriage is in our future," the Good Charlotte singer told American radio show host Ryan Seacrest last week.

"I don't know when or where or how, but right now our priority is our family and is the baby. That's all we've been thinking about."

Friends of Richie, who gained notoriety from her appearance in reality show The Simple Life with Paris Hilton, hope that her relationship with Madden and impending parenthood will help her settle down.

The troubled star previously suffered a slide into drugs and driving-related offences which saw her spend a short time in prison.

Nicole Richie

Charlotte's a mum: Church gives birth to a baby girl

Charlotte Church has a little Angel of her own after giving birth a 6lb 12oz girl at her farmhouse in Wales.

The 21-year-old singer and TV presenter bought a birthing pool for the delivery, which was attended by two midwives.

Charlotte - once known as the Voice of an Angel - had been determined to give birth at home in her new farmhouse in St Brides Major, Glamorgan, which she moved into last month.

Looking swell: The former party girl has spent most of her pregnancy living quietly in the country

She and boyfriend Gavin Henson, 25, wept tears of joy at the the baby's arrival at 10.30pm on Thursday night, according to reports.

The rugby player was present for the labour - which happened during as Wales vs Japan game - only because he had been left out of the national squad. A friend said: 'Maybe it was a blessing Gavin wasn't picked for Wales in the World Cup.'

New parents: Charlotte with her rugby player boyfriend Gavin Henson, who was present at the birth

It is not yet known what the baby will be called. Charlotte was keen on Ava, but may have reconsidered after fellow singer Myleene Klass chose the name for her baby girl.

A friend said : "I think they will make good parents and this will be good for Charlotte. She is more mature now and her partying days are in the past."

A message posted earlier today by the webmaster of the singer's internet site, www.charlottechurch.com, said: "Gavin has informed us that Charlotte gave birth to a beautiful baby girl at home on Thursday night.

"Gavin was there at the birth. He has told us that mother and baby are doing just fine.

"We have no further details yet, but we expect to be able to bring you an exclusive announcement from the couple some time on Monday.

"I'm sure everyone will agree that this is fantastic news and will want to join us at CC.com in wishing them our very best."

Charlotte Church

The diva has landed: Jennifer Lopez's extraordinary list of hotel demands

If proof were needed that multi-millionaire singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is no longer resident on the block - unless you're talking Park Avenue - her list of diva demands would be all that's needed to convince.

The designer clad diva partied with billionaire retailer Sir Phillip Green at West End club Annabel's last night following her arrival in London for a whistle-stop promotional tour for the launch of her new Spanish-language album and forthcoming single.

J-Lo made sure to fit in a party last night during her whistlestop tour of London to promote her new single

Wild thing: Jennifer looks ready to go wild in her leopard print one-shouldered dress

And as is standard for most celebrities, Lopez made sure to send her hotel, The five-star Dorchester, a detailed two page list of everything needed to ensure she enjoys her reported two-day stay.

According to a source, it included requests for the usual bottled water, soft drinks, lilies or red or white roses. Plus Grapefruit and Lime Blossom candles from the celebrity's favourite beauty guru, Jo Malone.

Jennifer and husband Marc Anthony, right, hit the London party scene with billionaire pal TopShop owner Phillip Green

No doubt heads will roll if she gets peanut instead of the requested plain M&M's. And she clearly has a sweet-tooth as she's included a request for baked cookies.

Demanding diva: Jennifer Lopez has landed in London for a two-day promotional tour with a long list of diva demands

The diva is back: Critics have hailed her new single as a return to form

If recent speculation which centres on a possible pregnancy are to be believed, the absence of alcohol, apart from a request for low-calorie beer, could be seen as significant.

But she took time out at the launch party at Kensington's Amika nightclub last night to quash reports that she is expecting her first child, shaking her head, she said: "No, that's not right."

However, J-Lo's actions did little to back her claim later that night. While her husband Marc Anthony swigged on bottles of beer, she stuck to the water, while dancing to her own tunes in the main room of the club after shunning the white VIP area which was decked out with lilies and plush Jo Malone candles especially for her.

The singer and actress needs candles, flowers a microwave and plain M&M's among a two-page list of requests to ensure she enjoys her stay

Despite staying in one of London's top hotels, home to several restaurants and dining rooms including Kate Moss's favourite restaurant China Tang, Lopez's list includes a request for a distinctly unglamorous microwave, coffee maker, toaster and an oven.

Clearly third-time married Lopez is quite the little home-maker.

But with her sixth studio album 'Brave' due for release in October, she's obviously not ready to hang up her dancing shoes just yet.

Which is fortuitous as critics have hailed new single 'Do It Well', released in the UK October 1, as a return to form for the latino superstar.

A radiant J-Lo has officially denied the speculation surrounding a possible pregnancy

One American reviewer, the Billboard Review, has described the new single as "a satisfying, flamethrowing pop-urban pearl befitting top 40 hits from Rihanna and Kat DeLuna."

And new pictures released from the video, directed by acclaimed photographer David LaChapelle, see the star in a series of stunning outfits including a tight black ra-ra number and canary yellow mini-dress.

Speaking about the album, Jennifer Lopez told MTV: "I'm really excited about it. The first single will be out this summer. And, you know, it's very different from my Spanish album.

"My Spanish album was kind of an opportunity to get away from what I do on my English albums, to kind of express a different side of myself.

But judging by the long list of demands, it's business as usual for the forthright diva.

Jennifer Lopez

Voluptuous Nigella almost spills out of her dress

Curvaceous television cook Nigella Lawson looked dangerously close to having a wardrobe malfunction, as her low-cut velvet gown struggled to adequately contain her Rubenesque figure.

Her ample chest looked in danger of spilling over the top of the corseted creation from her preferred designer, Vivienne Westwood, as she appeared on the red carpet at an event last night.

Overspill: Nigella gets a little help from a seat belt to stay securely in her wayward frock

Nigella, 47, has become the poster-girl for the Rubenesque figure which was idealised for centuries until the fashion world decreed an absence of curves was more desirable.

Thankfully Nigella has ignored the current wisdom and held fast to her voluptuous shape which has won her many fans, male and female alike.

Nigella attended the event, which was organised by Alexandra Shulman the editor of British Vogue, to mark the official launch of the museum's autumn exhibition, 'The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957'.

The exhibition, which opens to the public on Saturday, features more than 100 dresses from Paris designers Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, Balmain and Balenciaga and their London counterparts Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies.

Danger: Nigella clambered awkwardly into a waiting taxi last night at the gala event which marked the climax of London Fashion Week

The television cook was later pictured clambering into a waiting taxi as she left the gala event.

And it was then that she looked most in danger of spilling out of her designer midnight blue gown.

Nigella recently returned to TV screens with a show that promotes fattening "fast food".

The BBC series, Nigella Express, is aimed at busy working parents. It features calorific meals such as Irish cream tiramisu, coconut rice, sweet potato and bacon hash and cheese fondue, all of which are intended to be conjured up quickly.

Voluptuous: Nigella Lawson's midnight blue corseted gown struggled to contain her curvaceous figure

However, Lawson admitted that, unlike the fare whipped up by Jamie Oliver for his School Dinners series: "The recipes aren't particularly healthy."

And Nigella, along with revered TV cook Delia Smith, recently came under fire for writing cookery instructions that are too difficult to follow.

A Government study concluded that female celebrity chefs are harder to understand in print than their male counterparts, peppering their books with complex language.

Fine form: Nigella's Rubenesque figure has won her male and female fans alike

It found almost half of Nigella's were too tough for someone to understand without GCSE standard reading and numeracy skills.

Whereas some of Gordon Ramsay's recipes are so simple they can be followed by a seven-year-old.

Nigella's new show marks a professional renaissance for the "domestic goddess", whose TV career appeared to have stalled after her attempt to become a mainstream presenter with a daytime chat show for ITV1 flopped in 2005.

A one-off special for BBC2 last year, Nigella's Christmas Kitchen, secured record ratings and led to the commissioning of Nigella Express.

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Posh tries out her new 'Ninja Turtle' look in Malibu

As a high-profile fan of Versace, Cavalli, and Dolce and Gabbana, Victoria Beckham has shown her taste for Italian style.

Now it seems she is extending her patronage to Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael.

The Spice Girl stepped out in Los Angeles at the weekend in a satin frock which might have taken its inspiration from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Victoria and David turn up at Japanese restaurant Nobu in Malibu last night

The lurid green was a similar shade to the skin of the cartoon heroes - named after the four Italian masters and famous for the phrase "cowabunga, dudes" - while its segmented design offered a nod to their armoured shells.

One onlooker said: "Victoria's dress was obviously couture and massively expensive. It was exceedingly well cut and fitted her like a glove.

"But the green satin tiles gave it a turtle-like, body armour feel. Sadly, the only things marking her apart from being the fifth member of the Ninja Turtles were the lack of a coloured eye mask or a samurai sword."

Victoria Beckham and fashion icon Raphael from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Mrs Beckham, 33, also shunned another Ninja Turtle tradition - pizza. She and her husband David, 32, instead dined on sushi at the Ivy restaurant in Malibu.

Since moving to LA two months ago, the singer has made quite an impact with her fashion sense. Though her eponymous jeans range sold out in department stores, she has been mocked for her overly made-up look and formal taste in clothes.

Perhaps the latest outfit was an attempt to come out of her shell.

David Beckham , Victoria Beckham

Naked Sienna enjoys a new summer of love

A flouncy skirt, strappy top and floppy hat usually give Sienna Miller her hippy chick look. This time, however, she managed it with a lot less.

In fact, save for a garland of daisies in her hair, Miss Miller captures the Swinging Sixties feel wearing absolutely nothing at all.

Happy in her own skin: Sienna Miller bares all as a free-loving hippy in her movie set in the Swinging Sixties

The 25-year-old actress is starring in the movie Hippie Hippie Shake, playing a free-loving flower child alongside American-born actress Margo Stilley and Cillian Murphy.

With filming already under way, Miss Miller has had to grow her hair long and dye it from blonde to brunette.

Waves of emotion: Sienna feels the groove

It is understood directors have also asked her to cut down on her exercise regime to develop a more rounded physique, in keeping with the less gym-honed women of the era.

And with so much bare flesh, it is to be hoped she is slapping on the suncream to avoid becoming burnt Sienna.

Sienna goes for the flower-in-the-hair look on the set of her latest film, Hippy Hippy Shake - only this time with clothes

Sienna sporting the same look weeks ago while out with close pal Rhys Ifans

"She is not shy when it comes to stripping off and it is little wonder," said an onlooker.

"She has always been praised for her distinctive boho look and even without clothes, she pulls this off."

The movie, to be released next year, is based on the hedonistic memoirs of the Australian journalist Richard Neville.

Zen no more: Sienna's hippy chick calm was nowhere in sight last night after the actress lost her cool with a photographer outside London's Groucho Club

Sienna Miller

Kelly 'The Belly' Brook unveils her exotic new look for TV dance show

Actress Kelly Brook puts on a bold front as she unveils her taut midriff in an exotic costume as she was confirmed as one of the celebrity contestants in top TV dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

Professional model and actress Kelly sparkled in a bellydancer style two-piece outfit, which showed off her tight stomach.

Clearly her dance practice has begun to have her positive effect on her already enviable figure.

The Belly: Actress Kelly Brook unveils an enviably taut midriff as she was confirmed as one of the contestants in TV dance show Strictly Come Dancing

Kelly Brook joins ex-EastEnders Letitia Dean and sports presenter Gabby Logan on the hit show Strictly Come Dancing

Fiance Billy Zane may have some cause for concern as gorgeous Kelly has been paired with the show's lothario Brendan Cole who split with his fiance, dancer Camilla Dallerup, when he got too close to newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky in the first series.

Brook joked of her dance partner's reputation as a Lothario: "So far so good. He hasn't really played up too much. He hasn't met Billy (Zane, Brook's fiance) yet, we'll have to wait and see.

"He seemed quite shy on the first day and he couldn't think of any steps. I don't know if I was intimidating. He had to go away for 10 minutes.

"He seems to be more confident now. I'm actually learning something. I'm looking forward to it. I haven't seen that side of him just yet."

The fifth series features seven women and seven men, with Brian Capron, best known for his role as Coronation Street's serial killer Richard Hillman, Matt di Angelo, who plays Deano Wicks in EastEnders, Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones, One Show reporter Dominic Littlewood and professional snooker player Willie Thorne completing the male line-up.

The other stars joining Kelly include Rod Stewart's wife Penny Lancaster, singer Alesha Dixon, ex-footballer John Barnes, GMTV host Kate Garraway, former EastEnders actress Letitia Dean, actress Stephanie Beacham and snooker player Willie Thornton.

BBC sports presenter Gabby Logan and her husband rugby star Kenny are Strictly Come Dancing's first married couple.

Gabby said: "At the moment we're trying not to talk about it at all because the first time we did there was a small heated debate.

"Kenny was trying to teach me a waltz after two lessons, which I thought was a bit premature on his part."

Kenny said of his wife: "She can win it."

Ex- EastEnders star Letitia Dean and Darren Bennett , right, Rugby star Kenny Logan (husband of Gabby) and Ola Jordan

Singer Alesha Dixon will put her rhythm on show with Matthew Cutler and right, sports presenter Gabby Logan joins James Jordan

TV presenter Dominic Littlewood and Lilia Kopylova , right , actor Brian Capron better known as Coronation Street's Richard Hillman with last year's winner Karen Hardy

EastEnders actor Matt Di'Angelo, better known as Deano Wicks in the soap and Flavia Cacace, right, actress Stephanie Beacham will be dancing with Vincent Simone

GMTV presenter Kate Garraway is set to team up with Anton Du Beke and right, former footballer John Barnes will put his fancy footwork to the test with Nicole Cutler

TV presenter Gethin Jones is partnered with Camilla Dallerup and right, snooker player Willie Thorne will hit the dancefloor with Erin Boag

High-kicking model Penny Lancaster with has signed on to take a spin on Strictly Come Dancing

Penny Lancaster who is following in the footsteps of her husband's ex, model Rachel Hunter who wowed audiences in the American version of the show, Dancing With the Stars, in 2005.

Penny, who married 62-year-old Rod in Italy three months ago, was today named for the BBC1 series, with 13 other celebrities, at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel.

"I'm nervous but excited," said Penny, 36.

"Rod has been very supportive, he's been along to one of my practice sessions so far. I can't wait for the show to begin, I just hope I don't get voted out in the first week."

Penny and Australian model Rachel famously fell out after Penny dropped from her £200,000 deal as the face of lingerie brand Ultimo, only to discover Rachel was signed up in a £1million deal.

Last year more than 12 million people tuned in to see England cricketer Mark Ramprakash clinch victory with dance partner Karen Hardy.

Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth will again front the programme which starts in October.

Rivals: Penny dances with Strictly Come Dancing dancer Brendan Cole, and Rachel shows off her moves with Brendan during the TV show's 2005 Christmas special

Kelly Brook

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens strips off again

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens has been caught stripping off again - but this time looked a lot more covered up in a little black bikini as she relaxed poolside in Los Angeles.

The 18-year-old star stripped down to a sexy studded bikini to work on her tan, seemingly unconcerned by the nude photo storm which threatened to scupper her successful career.

Cover up: Embarrassed High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens seems to have learnt her lesson from the nude photo scandal which dented her squeaky clean image

Bikini babe: The teenage star has been supported by Disney who are in negotiations with Hudgens to star in a third money-spinning film

Following an initial denial, the star of Disney film High School Musical admitted it was indeed her in the candid snap which appeared on several Hollywood websites.

It appears the resultant publicity has begun to work in her favour. Disney chiefs have stood by the star and are currently negotiating a deal with Hudgens to star in the third film of the successful High School Musical films.

Hudgens was forced to apologise to fans over the photos that she said were "taken privately".

She said: "I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends."

Staying power: Hudgens appears to have weathered the storm which threatened to scupper her career

She did not reveal when the shot was taken or where, but there are rumours it was for her boyfriend and co-star Zac Efron.

The admission came as a major embarassment to Disney chiefs who had hoped to build on the wholesome image of the young star.

The photo is rumoured to have been taken for her boyfriend, High School Musical co-star Zac Efron

She and Efron are the stars of High School Musical and its sequel which, when shown in the US last month, attracted a record audience.

"High School Musical" is Walt Disney Company's most successful show over the last two years generating profits to the tune of 1 billion U.S. dollars.

'Squeaky clean' Vanessa could be dropped by Disney

A Disney Channel spokeswoman said: "Vanessa has apologised for what was obviously a lapse in judgment.

"We hope she's learned a valuable lesson." Disney said negotiations were ongoing to land all the actors for a "High School Musical 3" feature film — including Hudgens.

School shocker: the nude picture as it appears on a satirical website, superimposed on to a montage

Hudgens portrayed sweet-voiced Gabriella, the brainy love interest of Efron's basketball star, in the first two Disney Channel movies.

'High School Musical 2' attracted more than 17 million viewers for its US TV premiere in August, the most watched show of the summer. It is scheduled for a September 21 showing in the UK.

Disney hopes to launch the next film in the franchise on the big screen next year.

Vanessa Hudgens