News in brief: Elvis hits the charts

Earlier this year, a re-mix of Presley's A Little Less Conversation hit the UK top spot 25 years after the rock n' roll star died.

Elvis: 30 Number 1 Hits is being tipped to emulate the single's success, and gives a chronological list of his hits, starting at Heartbreak Hotel and ending with Conversation.

Presley notched up six number one albums during his lifetime, the last being a greatest hits compilation in 1977.

Sex scene-cutting sparks legal action

Hollywood directors have asked a court to ban companies from re-editing their movies into family-orientated versions without sex, violence and swearing.

The Directors Guild of America said the practice violates its members' artistic freedom as well as copyright law.

The directors told the court that offering the re-edited versions of the films violates a US law that prohibits trademark infringement, false advertising and unfair competition.

Ozzy tops hellraising poll

Ozzy Osbourne has seen off Sir Mick Jagger and Sid Vicious in being named rock's greatest hellraiser.

The former Black Sabbath frontman and star of MTV documentary series The Osbournes took 31% of the votes in the survey by internet firm Blueyounder.

Rolling Stone Jagger picked up 17% of the votes, with the Sex Pistols' Vicious on 10%.

Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart made up the top five, while Sir Cliff Richard was judged to be the most clean-cut man in pop.

Vorderman recovering from 'routine' op

TV presenter Carol Vorderman is recovering in hospital after a "routine" operation for an undisclosed medical condition.

The Countdown star, who also hosts ITV1's Better Homes, underwent surgery at a London hospital on Thursday and is said to be "fine and well".

A friend said: "She has asked that details of the medical treatment stay private because it's personal, but it is absolutely nothing to worry about.

"She is already up and walking about and she's keen to go home".

Sinatra tops romantic crooner poll

Frank Sinatra is the singer most likely to get people in the mood for love, according to a survey.

Whitney Houston and Barry White made up the top three in the poll to determine the nation's favourite artist to accompany an evening of romance.

Sinatra's songs such as Strangers In The Night and Somethin' Stupid - covered by Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman - have helped maintain his popularity.

A total 1,000 people aged 16 and over were quizzed for the MasterCard survey.

R Kelly attends child porn case hearing

Grammy-winning singer R Kelly has appeared at a court hearing concerning child pornography charges against him.

The 35-year-old did not comment during the hearing, at which it was decided more evidence is required before a trial can take place.

Kelly faces 21 child pornography counts, stemming from a video tape allegedly depicting him engaged in sex acts with a girl police say was 14.

Kelly has denied the charges, which carry a possible 15-year prison term.

Kidman 'lined up' for Bewitched role

Nicole Kidman is in talks to star as a nose-twitching witch in a film version of the popular television show Bewitched, according to reports.

The 35-year-old is in the running to take on the role made famous by Elizabeth Montgomery in the 60s, according to trade newspaper The Hollywood Reporter.

Montgomery played Samantha, who tried to abandon her powers for the sake of her mortal husband, Darren.

Austin Powers star Mike Myers is reportedly top choice to play Darren.

Taylor sells ring for Aids charity

An emerald and diamond cluster ring, donated from screen star Elizabeth Taylor's private jewellery collection, is being auctioned for charity.

The ring, with a 7.40 carat emerald surrounded by 12 pear-shaped diamonds, is expected to fetch up to £40,000.

The sale, at Christie's in New York on Thursday, will benefit The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation (ETAF).

Taylor founded ETAF in 1991 and has raised more than £5m to support people with HIV/Aids and education services.