The king, who succeeded his father King Hussein after his death on Monday, even had his aides arrange for him to make a cameo appearance in Star Trek: Voyager in 1995.

The then-Prince Abdullah bin Hussein got on so well with the show's stars Ethan Phillips and Robert Picado he invited them to visit him in Jordan.

When they arrived, they were delighted to find their host had not only arranged tours of the country's historical monuments, he had also laid on a mini-convention of the programme's fans.

Phillips recalled: "He's just about the friendliest, easy-going guy. Very engaging, very warm."

Babe star fights for pigs

Babe: Star James Cromwell is a vegetarian

Babe star James Cromwell, who plays the farmer in the films about the cute pig, has joined animal welfare campaigners accusing a US pig farm of cruelty.

Cromwell has narrated a video film which shows employees at the farm in North Carolina beating pigs and killing them illegally. In one scene, a worker kills a lame hog by dropping a cinder block on its head.

He told a press conference: "Pigs are sensitive, intelligent animals. If you are moved at all by this film, please do your part. Stop eating pigs."

Management at the farm say the film is a distortion, and insist they follow strict and humane practices.

Madonna set for cinema comeback

Madonna: Last seen in Evita in 1996

Pop superstar Madonna is returning to the big screen in a new romantic comedy, according to reports from the US.

The singer-turned-actress, last seen in successful musical Evita in 1996, will star in Ton 80.

In it she will play a hungry tabloid reporter sent to dig the dirt on a reclusive author of self-help books - but she falls in love with him instead.

She is also making The Next Best Thing with British star Rupert Everett.

Bringing up baby - the Posh way

David Beckham and Victoria Adams: Their baby is due soon

Spice Girls singer Victoria Adams has said that she and footballer David Beckham will not be employing a nanny to look after their baby, which is due later this month.

Posh Spice told Vogue magazine that the couple want a big family but plan to look after their children themselves.

She said: "I have the kind of job where I can do that - I'll just take it into the studio with me in a back-pack."

The baby is set to be delivered at the Portland Hospital, London.

Adams also told the magazine how she deals with fans when she is out shopping.

She said: "If anyone wants an autograph I say 'Not until we've finished' and then I get all the children to line up and tell them that if they don't say 'please' they're not going to get one."

"David and I want children who are very well behaved," she added.

Cruise aide sues couple

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise: Being sued over sacking

A former assistant to Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman has sued the couple for allegedly firing her without cause in July last year.

Judita Gomez claims she received "good or excellent" evaluations during her five years with the couple, doing chores and helping them select clothes.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, stating that Gomez "is now unable to obtain employment-related benefits at the same salary she was earning".

Three-year order on Brad Pitt fan

Brad Pitt: Ronaldo had broken into his home in the Hollywood Hills

A Los Angeles judge has put a three-year restraining order on a woman who had allegedly been harassing Hollywood star Brad Pitt.

Pitt had previously been granted a temporary restraining order against 19-year-old Athena Marie Rolando.

Rolando was charged with a trespassing offence after being found in Pitt's home last month while the actor was away.

The judge said Rolando had caused - "terrible intrusion".

After the hearing Ronaldo said she had lost respect for Pitt because he had not attended the court hearing.

"After holding a man in high regard, I have a little bit different opinion of someone who can't defend themselves or even show up for their own hearing. Now, he's not even worth my breath," she said.

Mayall back at home

Rik Mayall: Planning to go back to work

Comedian Rik Mayall has left hospital in good spirits three days after collapsing at his London home.

The 40-year-old actor, who suffered severe head injuries in a quad-bike crash last year, went into hospital for further tests on Monday but has now been allowed to go home.