Skinner signs six-figure book deal

Comedian Frank Skinner has signed a six-figure deal to write a "warts and all" autobiography.

Skinner said: "I feel strongly that autobiographies should be about the truth. I'm going to tell the reader things I haven't even told my best friend."

The book, published by Random House, is expected to be in shops this autumn.

Publisher Mark Booth said: "Frank Skinner is an extraordinarily gifted writer as well as a wonderfully well-loved personality."

Skinner - real name Chris Collins - signed an multi-million pound deal with ITV at the end of 1999.

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Green light for new UK film studio

A private property company MEPC has secured backing from the Department of Culture and the Film Council to build a new film studio at the old Leavesden aerodrome, near Watford.

The scheme, part of a £400m film and media business park, will establish a new studio replacing the current Leavesden studio, where the Harry Potter film is being shot.

It will also have a 50-acre back lot to attract blockbuster Hollywood movies.

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Stars turn out for movie memorabilia sale

Stars from the film industry have gathered for a preview of a charity auction of film and TV memorobilia in London.

Ralph Fiennes and Richard E Grant and were among those at Sotheby's to see 100 items set to be auctioned on the internet to raise money for Unicef Ireland.

Items include Mel Gibson's sword from Braveheart, Liam Neeson's lightsabre from The Phanton Menace and Ralph Fiennes' shirt from The English Patient.

The online auction takes place on 7 March.

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James Taylor weds for third time

Singer James Taylor has married his longtime girlfriend Caroline "Kim" Smedvig in Boston.

Smedvig, an executive with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was given away by Hollywood composer John Williams.

The marriage is Taylor's third and Smedvig's second.

Sir Andre Previn and Yo-Yo Ma performed at the wedding.