Suzanne Shaw’s over the moon at signing a year’s contract to star in ITV soap Emmerdale. She starts February 15th and will commute ooop north from London to work in the Dales. Speaking at the Vauxhall Ice Skate event, where Paloma Faith, George Lamb, Coco Sumner and Mr Hudson span the tunes, Suzanne told me: “It’s brilliant news to have got the role. I haven’t got my scripts yet but I hope that my character will mix things up a bit. I’m hoping the commute isn’t too difficult but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”
The blonde also admitted it made her laugh that former bandmate Kym Marsh was the Queen of Corrie and she’s just getting going in Emmerdale. “Who’d have thought it eh,” she said. “There’s no competition between us though – before everyone makes assumptions.” I didn’t say a word, Suze!

New year, new start for George Best’s ex-wife Alex who I can reveal has split with her businessman boyfriend of six years, Howard Kruger.
I’m told the pair, who were engaged to be married, have simply grown apart but have vowed to remain good friends. Alex has moved out of her former fiance’s Surrey mansion and back to her home in south west London. A source said: “It’s very sad but things just weren’t working.
“Both of them are very busy and were living separate lives towards the end. They decided to split before they lost their friendship and the split is amicable. They’ll always be friends. Alex is really upset about the split and feels like she’s very much back to square one – but she’s keeping her chin up. She just needs to get her life back in order.” That one won’t be single for long – she’s a great lass!

*Ronnie Wood ought to work on how he tempts the young ladies! I was chatting to Fearne Cotton when the Rolling Stone walked by and literally growled at her whilst looking her up and down in a pervy old man stylee. Fearne, who immediately blushed in horror, looked at me and said: “Did that really just happen?” Yes Fearnie, it sure did. The star tells me she’s busy training for a cycling challenge in aid of Sport Relief. She said: “I’m doing it with a few people and it’s like a tag team race but we’re cycling a blooming long way. Davina McCall’s doing it with me and we are both suffering down below. Davina calls hers a noo noo and she says she can barely walk. I’m not far off – and I have a padded saddle and everything. Eeeek!

*Peaches Geldof troubled me at the after show bash. She squealed: “Oh my God have you seen how fit Jarvis Cocker is. He’s so fit I can’t breathe.” Naturally I asked if she was joking and she replied: “Erm, no. I’d leave any man for a night of passion with him.” Eeeeew.
And talking of romance, it sounds like Peaches has a new beau on the scene – but she won’t reveal him. She said: “I have this one guy who’s nice and he’s my man. But I’m not telling you his name. Because then it’s out there and there’s pressure. It’s my secret.” Dish it next time Miss G!

*I know celebrities are teeny tiny in real life but I was genuinely shocked by Rachel Weisz up close. She’s so tiny – and I told her so. She laughed and said: “What? Did you expect me to be a big fat heifer?” Rachel flew into town to pick up the award with cast members for her play A Streetcar Named Desire at the Donmar Warehouse.

*Vicky Christina Barcelona Rebecca Hall said she was over the moon to finally be enjoying a break after wrapping her latest movie starring alongside Ben Affleck, The Town. “I’ve been working back to back for two years on films and theatre so I’m enjoying finally taking a break before this film comes out,” she said. “Ben directs this film too – he was great to work with – and has a finger in every pie during filming.” I bet!

Kelly Brook may be a tad on the dim side but at least she can laugh at herself. Preparing for the release of new film Piranha 3D – which looks horrendous – she laughed: “I’m looking forward to Piranha coming out. Bruno Tonioli’s just seen it and he told me: “Put it this way Kelly, you’re not going to win an Oscar Kelly but it made me laugh out loud!”” Hmmmm.
The star also says she’s becoming increasingly broody at the minute – but it doesn’t sound like her toy boy Danny Cipriani is. “I am feeling broody at the moment so who knows what will happen,” she said. “But Danny’s told me to be content with my little dog Rocky for the moment.”

It’s not just Gavin and Stacey star James Corden who has a new girlfriend on his arm.
I can reveal Matt Horne has found a brand new play thing to enjoy private time with after splitting from his last love towards the end of last year. And it seems he’s met a right little cracker this time around!
Matt’s been quietly dating pretty pixie-blonde events girl Charlotte Bilverstone for the past few weeks. A source close to Matt tells me it’s early days but they met under particularly amusing circumstances. “He saw Charlotte in a coffee shop just before Christmas when he was out shopping with his mother,” says my snitch. “He immediately thought she was pretty and spotted her across the room – his mum was chuckling as he slipped his number to her on a napkin and she called him after a few days of playing hard to get. He was thrilled she called and thinks they have a real connection. He actually seems quite smitten by her.”
Matt, who I’m told has yet to meet Charlotte’s parents, was last linked to actress Miranda Richardson’s PA Sabilla Findlay but their union was short lived and they parted towards the end of last year. Charlotte’s a cracking looking girl – and I’m told a great influence on Matt. The source adds: “Charlotte’s been cautious with allowing him into her life – but they’re getting on really well. They’re certainly not rushing into anything but Matt’s being proper romantic about the entire union. He’s been sending her bouquets of flowers and they have been sharing romantic lunches at Borough Market of a weekend.”
It was only this week that Gavin and Stacey star James Corden stepped out with his latest flame, TV producer Julia Carey. Now both the boys are feeling the love!

*Stephen Fry couldn’t help but take a funny pop at Piers Morgan at the NTAs. He said: “I heard Piers Morgan was in the same travel category as me for his documentary on Dubai. He’s quite similar to that place…shiny, vulgar, garish and embarrassing.” And the sarcasm continued to flow when it came to discussing Jedward. Stephen, who says he’s planning to reunite with his comedy partner Hugh Laurie to mark their 30th anniversary later in the year, added: “I’m so excited that I will be able to tell the grandchildren I will never have that I was here with Jedward tonight.”

*Kym Marsh says she’s loving being on new show Popstar to Operastar. She told me: “It’s an amazing show to be involved with and great to be singing again. I’m learning a lot being on the show.” Meanwhile Kym’s former Hear’Say bandmate Myleene Klass spent time with me joking around with breadsticks in the ITV private box. Don’t ask!

*What does one buy a notorious drinker like Carol McGiffin for her 50th birthday? Erm, wine. Coleen Nolan revealed: “I’m getting her a case of vintage wine – because like wine, women get better with age.” Erm, not everyone, Coleen.

*James Corden’s excuse for sporting a beard at the awards was just done to being lazy! He laughed: “I’m growing a beard out of sheer laziness, I’ve not been taking advice from the Brian Friedman school of grooming. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to even get out of bed.”

*Watch out Jedward – don’t try and get in the way of Ant and Dec’s career! Ant quipped: “We’ll have Jedward killed if they try to steal our thunder.” The boys did get one compliment from Dr Who though. I spied David Tennant pointing at Ant and Dec and saying: “Why have those boys from the telly got such big hair?” Because they’re so wee, David!

*Sugababe Heidi Range tells me she’s thrilled to be engaged to XFM’s Dave Berry. She tells me: “It’s the best start to the New Year and he picked the ring out all by himself. It’s exactly what I’d go for so he did well. I’m literally over the moon and the happiest I’ve ever been. Now we need to start planning a wedding. This year’s going to be a big year for the band so we’ll have to see when we can fit a wedding in.” She’s going to be one gorgeous bride.

*Lady Victoria Hervey has given Gossip Girl stud Ed Westwick a present he will rely on for those long transatlantic flights. I spied Vic passing on one of her Smokestick Royale ‘healthy’ ciggies in LA last week. The new product is causing quite a stir in the celebrity world – it’s basically a plastic cigarette with a diamond at the end that gives you a nicotine hit. Rhys Ifans has been puffing away on planes – and now Ed Westwick’s joined the club. Smoking’s very naughty kiddies – but check out www.smokestikroyale.com.

*Up In The Air star Melanie Lynskey told me she wasn’t fully comfortable on the red carpet – despite starring opposite Hollywood hotties George Clooney and Matt Damon recently. She joked: “I’m so bad at red carpet. I don’t mind doing chats with intelligent people who have good questions but I get uncomfortable with photographs. I need to be taught. I guess at least I have a light load on my shoulders and don’t have to go to all the awards.
The poor thing was even nervous about meeting other fellow film stars at the Critics Choice Movie Awards. She laughed: “I didn’t meet anybody I wanted to because I’m too shy but I stood next to Meryl Street and Quentin Tarantino.”

*Remember this name – Luke Evans. He’s the hot new Welsh hunk taking Hollywood by storm. He’ll be seen in new blockbuster Clash of the Titans playing Apollo (Liam Neeson plays his father Zeus). He’s charming and told me he’s loving life at the Bafta LA British Tea Party last week: “Clash of the Titans was my first film venture. So it’s been crazy. Liam’s playing my father which is so funny. I was acting even better because I was alongside him and Sam Worthington and Ralph Fiennes.
“I was literally terrified on the first day. Once you see a reflection of yourself in the mirror and you have 22 carat gold armour on and you look mean you relax a little.”
After Clash Luke has four movies coming out. Blitz with Jason Statham, the Stephen Frears flick Tamara Drewe opposite Gemma Arterton not to mention  Sex & Drugs and Rock & Roll and a cameo in the Russell Crowe Robin Hood movie.

*St Trinian’s star Talulah Riley has moved out to LA full time to try and carve a movie career – but she misses cheese! She revealed: “I live here now and I’m bereft of all English people. I miss Cheddar cheese so much – it’s plastic and rubbish out here.” That it is!
Talulah added that she hopes for another St Trinian’s film sometime in the future. “It’s great to have had so much success with the films,” she said. “It was a great film to hang out with the girls on. I think they’re plans for 20 more.” I have to say another one of those movies is a hellish thought!

*Step aside Johnny Vegas – Maggie Gyllenhaal could replace you as the face of PG Tips if you don’t watch it. She tells me: “I love PG Tips. I love that tea so much. I was in the UK for four months shooting the new Nanny McPhee in the summer and I loved it.” The star was elegant as usual and said it didn’t take her long to dress for the plush Bafta event. “This time for the Globes I got one dress and that’s what I wore but if I’m nominated it’s different ball game and I’ll literally try 30 dresses on,” she added.

*The Young Victoria star Emily Blunt is backing fellow Brit Carey Mulligan all the way when it comes to awards glory. The star, who sadly failed to be nominated for a Lead Actress Bafta this week, said: “I think it’s a good year for the Brits and we’re thrilled. It’s tough for young British actresses to come over to the US and be in a film and be appreciated and for the role to do well. So I’m pleased for people like Carey Mulligan – she took my breath away in An Education.”

*Irish The Lovely Bones star Saoirse Ronan kept it real on the red carpet in LA. “I’m wearing a Warehouse dress actually,” she said despite being the toast of Hollywood with her Critics Choice win. “It’s crazy out here – I got to meet people like Meryl Streep – that’s been the highlight.”

*Precious star Gabourey Sidibe remains calm about her chances of an Oscar nomination for her role in the flick that everybody’s talking about! She told me: “For this film to have been recognised means so much to me. I’m enjoying going to all these shows and meeting people. I’m not even thinking about the Oscars yet – it’s just too much to handle.” I reckon she’ll lift the famous statuette on Oscar night!

The celebrity world lives in fear of him. High-powered Hollywood agents despise him and more than a few A-list stars would love to clobber him.
But this is what you have to contend with when your name is Perez Hilton and eight million people log onto your website every day for the sharpest, hottest celebrity gossip available.
But Perez, the controversial stateside celebrity blogger is a pal of mine so I was dying to catch up with him on a recent trip to LA. Despite his huge following, he modestly describes himself as a C-List celebrity. “I’ve just about gotten above D-List. I call myself a C minus,” he quips as we meet in an up market coffee shop in Los Angeles.
Perez’s success is all down to hard work. He works long hours, and has never slipped into a pattern of partying hard and messing with the Hollywood druggie crowd.
“I’ve watched so many people fall into the trap of becoming a hot mess. I get scared that it’s going to go away – and I don’t want my life to go away,” he says, over a cup of green tea.

And why would he? The former drama student from Miami is reportedly worth millions, lives in a stunning apartment in LA with his beloved dog Teddy and is just breaking into the music industry in a big way with a little help from Spice Girls creator Simon Fuller. The pair, along with Madonna’s choreographer Jamie King, are on the hunt for a five-piece boy band to rival the success of N-Sync around the Globe. “It’s the right time for a new boy band super group,” says Perez.

But it’s not all work – there’s another thing that’s a priority for him now. Having lost five stone in weight via having healthy meals delivered to his home and working out six days a week he’s now half the size he used to be and wants to settle down.
“I want to be the gay Angelina and have four children,” he jokes. “I definitely want to have kids. Whether I have a man in my life or not. I want kids.  I am going to get a boyfriend this year I hope. And a good one. I feel like I’m finally ready for a man.
“For a long time I didn’t want to date or get naked with anyone. I was so fat. But I changed every part of my life to lose weight and have a better life.

“I got a dog, I’m working out six days a week, and I only drink once or maybe twice a week. I was fat and ugly and never wanted to hook up – for a gay guy that’s unheard of. I was like a monk or a priest. Actually not like a priest – they make out all the time,” he jokes.

These days Perez is considered to have the power to make or break many a career in Hollywood. He’s been credited with kick starting the careers of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. “I’ll never take any credit for Lady Gaga or Katy Perry’s success,” he admits. “But I knew within a month that Gaga was going to be huge. And what’s great about the Gaga story is as time goes on she’s carving her own niche. She’s not the next Madonna – she’s the first Gaga. She’s a performance artist in the pop world. She’s made pop music exciting again.”
He’s also voices his opinion on Katy’s engagement to Russell Brand. “I wish them all the best,” he says cautiously. “She’s seen a side of him that’s making her really happy and I’ll encourage love whenever I can. I’d be flower girl if asked! Ha. No seriously, I wish them a long engagement and an even longer marriage”.

There’s no doubting the fact that his years of experience on his website have given him a thicker skin than most. He admits he doesn’t care what people think of him. He says: “I don’t try to please everyone. What matters is what my family and friends think. For all those people who say what I do is trash or awful or that I don’t make a good enough contribution to the world, I’m shining a spotlight on celebrities behaving badly and those that get it right, I’m shining a spotlight on music and I’m shining a spotlight on political issues. I’m making bored people at work or in school happy and entertaining them.
“What’s funny is that these celebrities are so stupid. I’m purposefully trying to goad them, I’m purposely trying to get a reaction from them and they fall into my trap.”
And Perez – long may it continue. Long live the Queen.

WHO IS PEREZ
The self styled, Queen of All Media, the 31-year-old’s real name is Mario Lavandeira. He shot to fame in 2004 after setting up his website Perez Hilton.com – the name a nod to Paris Hilton who was at the height of her fame. He proudly bills it as Hollywood’s most hated website. A larger than character he is famous for his outlandish outfits, his fearless lampooning of celebrities around the globe and has a massive profile. A career highlight was dressing up as the ringmaster for Britney Spears’ Circus Tour.

PEREZ ON…..HIS THOUGHTS ON THE STARS!

Lindsay Lohan
“She will get back to being a success again but only if she wants to. Look at Robert Downey Jnr he’s turned it around. I think Lindsay needs to get 100 per cent sober. I mean no booze, no pills and nothing else. She’s not anywhere near that yet. The problem with her is in addition to her issues to drugs and alcohol she’s addicted to drama. She loves it, craves it, needs it and she creates it.”

Miley Cyrus
“I love Miley Cyrus. She’s going to go off the rails like Britney. She’s totally the next Britney. I love Miley but that doesn’t mean I won’t criticize her. I mean I think she’s brilliant. She’s white trash and a hot mess already.”

Robbie Williams
“Robbie doesn’t want to make it here anymore. He’s happy living here in LA, searching for UFOs and getting married. That’s not going to work out. He’s still a hot mess. Some of his live performances have got me concerned. Looking at his crazy eyes he looks insane.”

Demi Moore
“I criticized Demi for how her daughter was dressed. It was inappropriate for her 14-year-old kid to be dressed like that. I think you need to be at least 17 before you can dress like a ho.”

Britney Spears
“Britney’s back but she’s boring. I still have never met her but that’s OK. If I had a choice of meeting Britney or doing the opening video for her tour then I made the right choice.”

Cheryl Cole
“If Cheryl Cole does X Factor America then that’s pretty much the end of Girls Aloud. How will she be able to do X Factor UK and US and a solo career and Girls Aloud. I don’t think she’ll be able to do that. And nor should she.”

The Beckhams
“They’re still hot here. There’ll be famous forever. Look at Demi Moore. Demi Moore has not been in a hit movie forever. Or Sharon Stone. She’s not done a hit movie forever but she’s still as famous as when she was a movie star. The Beckhams are international superstars and they’re boring. But I love that. It means they’re good parents and they have a normal-ish life.”

Madonna
“Madonna actually managed to star struck me. She’s my ultimate icon and inspiration. I’m A-List in Madonna’s book and that’s all that matters to me. She made a video to me, she dedicated a song in concert to me, she let me sing with her in concert and she’s tweeted to me. It’s every gay boys dream to have Madonna know who you are. It’s unreal.”

Katie Price aka Jordan
“I’m sad that she and Peter broke up. I thought they’d be together forever. They seemed so close. It’s a bummer. I think her moment has passed anyhow. Her and Kerry Katona are over.”

Kylie Minogue
“I worship Kylie. American’s don’t get her. But I get her. Her tour sold well recently. I saw it twice. She put on such a great show that word went around that she was good. I think if she were to come back then she may be able to do more nights or larger venues.”

Taylor Lautner
“Taylor Lautner is an A-Lister of the future. He’s a B+ right now. He just got paid a ridiculous amount of money for a new action movie – something like $10 million. Insane.”