'N Sync star still dreams of space

'N Sync singer Lance Bass says he still wants to go into space despite the shuttle disaster in February.

Bass, 23, was hoping to be the third space tourist, but sponsors failed to come up with the funding needed to secure his seat last September.

However, the pop star told AP Radio that he was confident the funding could be found. "Somebody's going to want to do a documentary about it," he said.

"We'll put that all together in the next couple of years."

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Fry voices new Potter book

Comedian Stephen Fry is to record the next Harry Potter audio book this summer.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book about the teenage wizard written by JK Rowling.

The publication of the book later this year will mean the Harry Potter series has sold over one million audio books - a record for the UK.

Fry has described recording the books as like "swimming in chocolate".

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Comedian Foxx arrested

US actor and comedian Jamie Foxx has pleaded innocent to misdemeanour charges that he fought with police officers at a New Orleans casino.

The 35-year-old was arrested on Saturday and charged with trespassing, disturbing the peace, battery and resisting arrest.

It is alleged that Foxx and his sister refused to show casino staff identification and fought with police who arrived to remove them.

He was released on $1,900 (£1,200) bail while police decide whether to prosecute.

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Tritt honoured for veterans work

Country singer Travis Tritt has been handed an award for supporting veteran servicemen and women.

The Public Service Award, handed out by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), was given to him at a ceremony in Washington.

The award is for his long support of veterans and veterans issues, and for raising the public's awareness of the VA.

Tritt recently visited troops and their families in Kansas and North Carolina before they headed to Iraq.

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Reality TV gets own channel

The popularity of reality television in the US has led to the creation of a channel devoted to the genre.

Reality Central, which is due to launch in January 2004, will show re-runs of shows such as Survivor and The Real World 24 hours a day.

The channel is the brainchild of E! Entertainment founder Larry Namer, who has sought funding and support from a number of former reality TV show contestants.

The channel will offer a mix of re-runs of US shows, imported international programmes, and Where Are They Now? features devoted to the lives of former participants.

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Elton John cancels gig over Sars

Sir Elton John has cancelled a concert in the Canadian city of Toronto amid fears about the Sars virus.

The gig with US singer Billy Joel was due to take place on Monday and tickets for the concert were sold out.

American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and Lisa Marie Presley also cancelled appearances in Canada.

Toronto auditions for TV talent series Canadian Idol could also come under threat due to the Sars epidemic.

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Jackson set to lose Neverland tax break

Michael Jackson can no longer qualify for tax breaks on his Neverland ranch, Santa Barbara officials have ruled.

The singer currently pays $13,000 (£8,200) annual tax on his $12m (£7.6m) ranch, located in California's Santa Ynez Valley.

But his tax could rise significantly after officials said not enough of the property - which includes an amusement park - was put to agricultural use.

A review of the property is due to take place on 2 May.