The Sun reported they were concentrating on solo projects, with band member 3-D telling BBC Radio 1: "It's a relief to be honest. We are three people who have very different ideas. We have to give each other more room and respect."

But a statement issued by the band said 3-D, Mushroom and Daddy G were joking, with the remarks made in response to "cliched and tired" questioning about the "so-called 'depressing'" nature of their album Mezzanine.

The group, who won Best Album for Mezzanine at the recent Q Awards, start a UK tour in Glasgow on 2nd December.

Blair's children Boyzone's guests

Ronan Keating: Playing live proved credibilty

The children of Prime Minister Tony Blair were among the audience at a Boyzone concert at Broadcasting House in London on Tuesday night.

Euan, Nicholas and Kathyrn were part of an enthusiastic crowd of 250 who watched the concert, which was also broadcast live on Radio 1.

Boyzone's lead singer Ronan Keating, sporting a new short haircut, told the audience that playing live proved the band did have musical talent.

Hopkins back on Broadway

Sir Anthony Hopkins: First appearance on US stage in 15 years

Sir Anthony Hopkins is to return to the US stage for the first time in 15 years.

The British star is to appear with Jessica Lange in Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

Hopkins is also working with Lange on-screen in a version of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, currently being filmed in Rome.

Hopkins' last Broadway appearance was in a production of Equus.

Jagger's lucky genes

Mick Jagger: No drinking on tour

Rolling Stones star Mick Jagger says clean living, exercise and "lucky" genes are what have helped keep him a Jumpin' Jack Flash at the age of 55.

Jagger, famed for his sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle in the 60s, told the French daily Liberation: "I drink a bit, but never when I'm on tour. It's the same as far as drugs are concerned.

"I think I've been lucky with my genes, but I carefully look after my body and my mind although I still like to have fun."

Sting: Radio star in the US

Sting, Elton and Chumbawamba honoured

Sting, Sir Elton John and Chumbawamba were among the British acts honoured for notching up huge amounts of radio and TV airplay in the United States.

The awards were given by Broadcast Music Inc, the American performing rights organisation, at a ceremony in London's Dorchester Hotel.

Sting's Every Breath You Take and Elton's Your Song both broke through the five million plays barrier, while Chumbawamba's Tubthumping was honoured as the most played college song.

Ken Loach film premiered

The acclaimed new film by British director Ken Loach was given its UK premiere on Tuesday in the city where it was made, Glasgow.

My Name Is Joe stars Peter Mullan, who appeared in Braveheart and Trainspotting, and Louise Goodall - who was in Carla's Song.

The film is described by the director as "basically a love story. It's about the nuances and subtleties of falling for someone."

Kilmer in trouble with feminists

Val Kilmer has fallen foul of feminists for declaring that women should stay at home instead of pursuing careers.

"So many women feel obligated to work out a career," said Kilmer, who is divorced from actress Joanne Whalley.

"They don't look to the amazing power of marriage as something that might be even more gratifying than a career."

His views were called "old-fashioned" by the US National Organisation of Women.

Van Damme denies blocking writer

Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme has denied in a Los Angeles court that he tried to keep a writer's name off the credits of the film The Quest.

A martial arts expert, Frank Dux, is accusing Van Damme of not paying him $1.5m in profits from the 1996 movie.