March 17:

I scanned the photo from the March 26 issue of Us Weekly. Click on thumbnail for larger version.

Reuters reports on Charity Comic Relief:

''Comic Relief Set To Raise Record Amount''

LONDON (Reuters) - Charity Comic Relief looked set to raise a record total as last night's television marathon has already raised more than 20 million pounds. With counting continuing on Saturday, organisers said the amount raised so far was 23.5 million pounds. The final total will not be known until May, but organisers said they already knew this year was the most successful yet. The last show, in 1999, raised 35 million pounds. More cash will be raised when the script of the 500th episode of Coronation Street is auctioned online at www.eBbay.co.uk. Bidding will close at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The eight-hour show saw a host of comedians and stars perform special sketches and shows to raise money to help combat poverty and social injustice in Africa and the UK. Deadpan comedian Jack Dee emerged from a camera-filled house into the pouring rain on Friday evening as the winner of the Comic Relief Celebrity Big Brother challenge. "It feels great to be out," Dee said after winning the final round of voting against Brookside actress Claire Sweeney. Boyzone's Keith Duffy was booted from the Big Brother house earlier in the evening. The fly-on-the-wall show raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.

Other highlights of last night's extravaganza included Scottish comedian Billy Connolly dancing naked around London's Piccadilly Circus before 40 naked dancers wearing Connolly wigs joined a startled-looking Lenny Henry in the studio. The world's largest G-string was draped across the Body Shop in Oxford Street to crown its fund-raising efforts, which involved asking people to write messages about poverty on large sized pairs of pants. Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and her footballer husband David Beckham were interviewed by chat show host Ali G in his renowned tongue-in-cheek style. The Duchess of York also made an appearance in an interview with camp TV host Graham Norton. Pop star Robbie Williams, chart-topping band Westlife, actress Kate Winslet, TV chef Jamie Oliver and opera singer Lesley Garrett were among those who lent their support by appearing the show, screened on BBC One.

Viewers were able to pledge money by phone or over the internet and across the country thousands of Britons raised cash for the charity with their own Comic Relief events.

Thanks to Josie for sending me a description of Kate's appearances on the program:

''I saw the comic relief thing. It was hilarious, though she just sang the line 'near, far, where ever you are... etc.' The 'where ever' was soooo bad!! She sang so high and out of the right tone it hurt your ears. She also slapped a guy called Cassius in his face when he was singing 'baby hit me one more time'!! *lol* Kate came up, said: 'OK!'. And her face! The expression on her face! Now that so funny! Also, there was a more serious clip in which Kate told about the devastating things that happen, like child prostitution, abuse and other things that need money.''

BBC News also has a report today on the Comic Relief program:

''Comic Relief A Roaring Success''

Britain's TV charity marathon Comic Relief looks set to raise a record amount after an extravaganza of laughter which has already seen more than £23m raised for good causes. A naked Billy Connolly, Posh and Becks grilled by Ali G, camp TV host Graham Norton chatting with the Duchess of York - the 2001 Comic Relief produced many highlights as well as millions of pounds for charity. As money was still being counted, the latest figure at 8.50am on Saturday was £23.5m - £10m ahead of the last show in 1999 which led to a final campaign total of £35m. The eight-hour show attracted more than 12 million people to watch a host of comedians and stars perform special sketches and shows to raise money to help combat poverty and social injustice in Africa and the UK.

Star-filled night -- Pop superstar Robbie Williams, chart-topping band Westlife, actress Kate Winslet, TV chef Jamie Oliver and opera singer Lesley Garrett were among those who lent their support by appearing on BBC One's Friday night show. The show was hosted by TV stars Ant and Dec, comedian Lenny Henry and presenters Zoe Ball and Jonathan Ross. Viewers were able to pledge money by phone or over the internet. One of the most bizarre moments of the night was when Scottish comedian Billy Connolly danced naked around London's Piccadilly Circus before 40 naked dancers wearing Connolly wigs joined a startled-looking Lenny Henry in the studio.

Fergie chat -- Cast members of the soap opera EastEnders appeared in a pretend behind-the-scenes look at the show - also featuring funnymen Mel Smith and Harry Enfield. And gay Channel 4 chat show host Graham Norton - who is soon to export his show to America - interviewed the six celebrities who took part in celebrity Big Brother as well as the Duchess of York. Pop star Robbie Williams featured in a Fast Show comedy sketch as well as sequences filmed in Africa to highlight the problems that Comic Relief is hoping to help solve. And on Saturday Williams was holding an auction of some of his most prized possessions to raise yet more cash for the Comic Relief cause. Hundreds of people lined up alongside the River Thames in London for a fun run which was launched by a host of celebrities, including comedian Richard Blackwood and presenter Melinda Messenger.

Comic Relief started in 1985 and had raised over £174m ($250m) before Friday night's show. Two thirds of that has been spent on projects in Africa, with one third spent in Britain. You can make a donation by calling 08457 910 910 or logging on to the Comic Relief website.

From the UK Independent:

''A Ship By Any Other Name… The Man Who Pays His Way,'' by Simon Calder

Surely it must be a film sequel featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, or an ill-timed piece of April-foolery? No: Titanic II is the latest plan to cash in on the growth of cruising. This luxury ship, sporting the four familiar funnels, is set to be built at the Harland & Wolff yard in Belfast, where the original was completed in 1912. In the wacky world of passenger shipping, naming a vessel after a liner that sank with the loss of 1,503 lives is just the tip of the iceberg. Titanic II will take her place on the cruise circuit beside Celebration, Sensation and Ecstasy. With the trio of Don Juan, Princesa Amorosa and Paul Gauguin, joining the flotilla, can the good ship Orgasm be far behind? Faced with the multiple problem of what to call its many ships, Renaissance Cruises settled on R One, R Two, etc, which is fine until they clear the century mark and name the next vessel after Britain's disastrous airship, the R101.

March 16:

Here are the 'Celebrity Popsters' program notes from the Comic Relief site:

8:30-10:00 PM - Lenny Henry & Zoe Ball take over for the second slot featuring Popsters, the brilliant Popstars spoof with Rowan Atkinson as Nasty Neville and Lenny Henry as hopeless Jamal, and other hopefuls Kate Winslet, Anthea Turner, Robbie Williams and Emma Bunton.

I found another Ananova Entertainment News item that mentions Kate:

Thanks to Rebecca for sending me news from the Glamour magazine site: 'It seems 64% of people polled are in favor of Kate's SAG awards dress.'

I have added a section to the site today about Kate's new project 'Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch'.

Thanks to Moritz for contacting the Munich Intermedia office regarding release dates for 'Enigma'. As you may recall, the German 'Internationalmedia' site had posted a release date of March 29 for Germany. Then, that date was removed and there has been no update. Moritz was told, 'we don't know yet of any specific release date of this movie… Right now, together with our London office, we're working on a new web presentation.'

Amazon.com has updated information about the 'Quills' DVD release, scheduled for May 8. It will include these features:

Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dolby; Theatrical trailer(s); 3 Featurettes: "Marquis on Marquee," "Creating Charenton," "Dressing the Part"; Commentary by Screenwriter Doug Wright.

'Celebrity Popsters' airs tonight on BBC. Here's an excerpt from a preview on BBC News:

TV Plus has this preview of the Comic Relief program:

Comic Relief campaigners are hoping to raise more than £35m from tonight's events around the UK. The show begins at 7pm and runs through to 3am to be hosted by Jonathan Ross, Ant and Dec, Zoe Ball and Graham Norton. Ross told TV Plus: "You can expect all the usual mad stuff and I have some cracking suits lined up, too." But for many, the two highlights will be Big Brother and Ali G. More than £174m has been raised since the first Red Nose Day in 1988.

In tonight's charity marathon, Ali G conducts a spoof interview with Posh and Becks in which he gently ridicules the superstars. And the winner of the Celebrity Big Brother will be announced. Brookside actress Claire Sweeney is favourite to be the last person left in. As reported this week, Chris Eubank will try to break back in tonight.

Ananova Entertainment News has this item today:

''Winslet Britain's Number One Celebrity Mum''

Kate Winslet is Britain's number one celebrity mum, according to a new survey. Posh Spice came seventh in the survey, despite husband David Beckham recently topping a poll of good fathers. The Duchess of York, Mel B and Carol Vorderman came behind Posh. Kate Winslet was followed by Cherie Blair, Zoe Ball, Madonna, Jerry Hall and Catherine Zeta Jones in the survey for Currys electrical stores.

March 15:

The Mirror has an item about Kate's appearance on 'Celebrity Popsters', to be broadcast Friday night on BBC:

''Red Nose Day 2001: Kate's Grate! - Titanic Star's Wail Off Key In Pop Slot''

Movie star Kate Winslet makes a Titanic fool of herself in Comic Relief's version of the hit TV show Popstars. The twice Oscar-nominated actress plays talentless Hopeful, who is auditioning for a place in the spoof band ''Popsters''. Hopeful chooses to sing the theme from her favourite movie - Titanic. Kate, who gave birth to daughter Mia five months ago, clearly enjoyed getting into character. Unfortunately for Hopeful, her tuneless rendition of Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On ensures that she sinks without trace.

The special Red Nose Day edition of Popstars also stars Anthea Turner, Lenny Henry, Bad Girls actress Debra Stephenson and Sarah Alexander of The 11 O'Clock Show. Like the other wannabes, Kate is on the receiving end of cruel comments from judge Nasty Neville Logo, played by Rowan Atkinson. An insider said: "As Hopeful, Kate attempts to sing My Heart Will Go On in front of the judges and then sidles off. Nasty Neville's response is to repeatedly bang his head on the table in front of him. "Kate really enjoyed taking part in Popsters and it is extremely funny when she murders the Titanic theme. But she also had a serious part to play for Red Nose Day as she made some very moving films to highlight the work of several charities."

In the nasty Nigel Lythgoe role, Rowan Atkinson relishes being rude. He says: "I'm pleased with the line-up we've chosen, though some of them are a bit fat if you ask me. I've been stunned at how so many of these youngsters are utter crap. It beggars belief why they felt they had a chance in hell of getting into the group in the first place. We were looking for people with talent, not total arses who can't dance, sing like the Archbishop of Canterbury on acid and look like old pork pies. Quite a lot of the girls have big t**s though, and that's always nice."

Thanks to Gemma for the tip that an interview with Kate would be broadcast on National Public Radio this afternoon! I have done a transcript of the interview and posted a link to the interview on Real Player - GO HERE. BTW - Kate did confirm the USA story below - she begins shooting 'Iris' in 'about a month' and will play the young Iris!

I'll begin developing a page on Kate's next film asap. In the meantime, to learn more about Dame Iris Murdoch, follow these links: 'Iris Murdoch Internet Resources'; 'Iris Murdoch Resources on the Web'; 'Books and Writers - Iris Murdoch'.

A quick search of various UK news sites has turned up this November 2000 BBC News article about the film:

A film charting the life of late writer Iris Murdoch, and set to star Dame Judi Dench, has jumped film companies after concerns over the picture's budget. 'Elegy for Iris' is moving to Paramount after being offloaded by Sony's Columbia Pictures.

The novel on which the film is based is available at Amazon.com. Here is the review, which reveals a bit more about the story:

In one of literary history's ghastlier ironies, Iris Murdoch, the author of such highly intellectual and philosophical novels as A Severed Head and Under the Net, was diagnosed in 1994 with Alzheimer's disease, which slowly destroys reasoning powers, memory, even the ability to speak coherently. Her husband, English literary critic John Bayley, unsparingly depicts his wife's affliction in prose as elegant and accessible as hers always was. Readers may wince at the spectacle of Murdoch glued to the TV watching the Teletubbies program, unable to perform tasks as simple as dressing herself and prey to devastating anxiety as the world becomes less and less comprehensible to her. We understand Bayley's occasional fits of rage when his caretaking chores overwhelm him. Yet in the end his memoir is touching, even inspiring. As he recalls their first meetings and marriage in the 1950s, it becomes clear that theirs was always an unconventional union, in which solitude was as important to each of them as togetherness and Bayley was content to let Murdoch keep her inner life to herself. He loves Iris, the woman, not the intellect, and he conveys an essential sweetness about his wife that endures even as her mental faculties deteriorate. This totally unsentimental account of their life and her illness is nonetheless a heartbreaker. -- Wendy Smith

USA Today reveals Kate's ''next project'' is ''Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch'' with Judi Dench:

''Winslet's not starving for svelte image'' -- Don't look for Kate Winslet to join the pencil-thin crowd any time soon. Despite recent reports that the Titanic actress was going on a diet, she says she is not caving in to the image of what size an actress should be. "I'm not giving in," Winslet said. "It's such a load of absolute rubbish. I was talking to a journalist about how I was going to shed the weight after having the baby, and it was completely twisted." Winslet, who is married to director Jim Threapleton, gained 55 pounds while pregnant with daughter Mia, who was born in October. At Sunday's Screen Actors Guild Awards, she looked as if she had lost every bit of it. Winslet's next project is Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch. Judi Dench stars as the author, who had an amazing career and later struggled against Alzheimer's disease.

More from Rebecca on Kate being featured in a couple of new magazines:

''I finally got to see the US Weekly issue. Kate was indeed featured in the post-pregnancy weight loss section (a part of the cover story). They used a rather huge picture of her at the Bafta's and quoted her saying something about her having to lose the weight to keep the variety in her roles. Other people chipped in, saying nice things about Kate, calling her sensible, etc.

But more exciting is the fact that Kate is also featured in the new issue of Movieline magazine. The April issue to be exact, with Heath Ledger on the cover. It's called the Young Hollywood edition, and they were basically talking about young stars who've graced their covers in the past and have gone on to do better things and maintained their star status - Cameron Diaz, Keanu Reeves, Drew Barrymore, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, etc. Flipping through, I knew Kate had to be one of them. I was so estatic when I got to the middle and there she was opposite Leo DiCaprio's page, in a very rare picture, looking fabulous as usual. They talked about a quote she stated years ago and has lived up to. 'I care nothing about being a movie star.' They also praised her choice of film roles.''

Thanks, Rebecca! Neither magazine was available at my local book store yesterday - but I'll keep checking!

Kate 'drops out' of attending Oscar ceremony! I found this news in an article in today's Dallas Observer about the producer of the show, Gil Cates:

[Cates:] ''The truth of the matter is, I enjoy doing the show. I don't enjoy reading bad reviews, and I don't like it when people don't like something, but I do enjoy doing shows I enjoy..." His voice trails off, as Cates is interrupted by an assistant who hands him a note bearing bad news: "Someone we thought was going to be on the show is not," Cates says, in a tone of voice that suggests it's a problem he can deal with. "My colleague likes doing this to me in the middle of a conversation. Thank you very much."

So, who dropped out?

"It's Kate Winslet," he says, referring to the Titanic star. "She couldn't come in from Europe."

Winslet's failure to appear is the least of Cates' concerns; Bob Dylan's inability to attend and perform "Things Have Changed," his best song nominee from Wonder Boys, is far more problematic. (Dylan will be on tour in Australia, and word is he will perform via satellite.) What most concerns Cates is putting on a show that congratulates Hollywood--indeed, one that revels in its sheer, galling fabulousness--without knocking it to the floor by patting it too hard on the back.

Actually, I'm not surprised that Kate has decided not to travel to L.A. again just two weeks after being here for the SAG awards ceremony. It certainly would have been nice to see Kate present an award at the Oscar ceremony, though!

Thanks to Celine for translating these articles about Kate's recent trip to Berlin that appear in European magazines!

From Bunte Magazine:

If there was a genuine international star in the major German city, it was Kate Winslet, leading female in 'Quills', a dark drama about the Marquis de Sade. She spent five days in Berlin and moved into the prestigious Four Seasons hotel. Apart from her official appointments, she drew up a really different program: in private life she has seen the film ''Disco Pigs'' at the Zoo Palast, has gone for shopping in the most stylish shops in Friedrichstrasse, and, in a tavern with a big picture window, has eaten with her husband Jim Threapleton (salmon for her, frankfurter with sauce for him). And at the premiere party for ''Traffic'', starring Michael Douglas, at Rive Gauche on the shore, Kate Winslet told of her last experience: ''Yesterday, I bought for my daughter Mia this cereal with this funny English name: Hipp!''

From Gala Magazine:

''Who Is Really Cool? Kate Winslet At Parties''

Of course, Hollywood stars were some of the guests. The first megastar appeared on the second day. It was Kate Winslet. First, she received an award at the Golden Cameras. Then, she went into (by the kitchen) the club 'Rive Gauche' where the German boss of Twentieth Century Fox, Vincent de la Tour, invited her in private. She sat in the VIP room, opened her handbag and rolled up a cigarette. Winslet didn't pay attention to champagne, TV cameras and photographers.

I have always thought, without finding an answer, how can we illustrate the idea ''to be cool''? Kate Winslet is the answer. Then, a man sat beside her. He's not her husband, but she embraces him and he doesn't take his arm from around her shoulders. This man isn't tall, has a moustache. His name: Bill Mechanic, President of the Berlin Film Festival jury and the ex-boss of Twentieth Century Fox in Hollywood. He produced ''Titanic''. Thanks to him, Kate Winslet has become famous.

After an hour, at nearly midnight, Kate leaves. Baby daughter Mia must be breast-fed.

The UK Times has an article today about the appeal of European actresses:

''New Babes In The Woods'' - Tinseltown is turning to Europe for the next generation of screen goddesses

The received opinion is that our Hollywood wannabes are great big glaring advertising lightbulbs for themselves. And they are. Tara Fitzgerald will forever be Melvyn Bragg’s tubby squeeze; Kate Winslet will turn into a Titanic sandwich; and Catherine Zeta-Jones is one of the most unlikely action heroes ever to crawl off a page. They are all, however, voluptuous, consistent and on hand. There is a lot of pride among the Europeans.

The March 16 issue of OK! magazine has a couple of pics of Kate - 1) There is a small pic of her at the Bafta's in the ''Eight Days A Week'' fashion column. The pic caption is: ''Kate Winslet looked wonderful in Dolce & Gabbana.''  2) The OK! ''News In Focus'' section features the Vanity Fair cover pic (on two pages). Unfortunately, the center of the mag cuts along Kate's left shoulder.

Thanks to Rebecca for sending me this news:

I just found out that Kate is featured in the New US Weekly, in their cover story about weight issues.  But I've yet to see the magazine itself.  I'm told that Kate is quoted in it and they used her Bafta 2001 picture.

March 14:

I happened to catch the beginning of 'The View' this morning - and the Vanity Fair cover was discussed. Co-host Joy Behar held up the (three-panel) cover and criticized the editor's choices for 'legends'. She mentioned a couple of the actresses by name (but not Kate), and wondered why they are considered legends. She did say, ''they're all wonderful, wonderful actresses…I love the British…But I don't buy it.'' Co-host Meredith, on the other hand, seemed to defend the choices, noting that a ''Hollywood legend'' means different things to different people.

It's strange to me that these ladies (and others) have not noted the editor's comments that some of the ladies on the cover are legends, and she feels the younger actresses will become legends. It's a nice mix.

Thanks to Rebecca for sending me the text of the Vanity Fair article!

Hollywood may have expected Kate Winslet, after her Oscar-nominated performance as the spirited, corseted Rose in Titanic, to step regally into her assured status as an Opener of Blockbusters - but that held little appeal for the resolutely unpretentious 25-year-old. "Hollywood can more than take care of itself," Winslet tartly noted, and she followed Titanic with more delicate, idiosyncratic films, such as Hideous Kinky, in which she played a hippie mom in Morocco, and Jane Campion's Holy Smoke!, in which she played a cult member opposite deprogrammer Harvey Keitel. Indeed, low-budget, arty fare has paid off richly for Winslet: it was on the set of Hideous Kinky that she fell in love with assistant director Jim Threapleton, now her husband and the father of their baby daughter, Mia. Her current films are Philip Kaufman's Quills, in which she plays a helpful chambermaid to Geoffrey Rush's Marquis de Sade, and Enigma, a British film (produced by Mick Jagger) about code breakers in World War II, which won praise at Sundance and is due out in theaters later this year. -- Bridie Clark, April 2001.

The caption of the picture with Kate and Cate Blanchett is, "Kiss me, Kate (Or Cate)." Above the pic: ''Winslet and Blanchett are ready for their close-up."

Celine reports from Europe that Quills opens in France next week, and she'll be on the look out for more articles. So far, the French critics haven't been kind to the film. That's probably because there is another recent film about de Sade, which happens to be a French film.

From Studio Magazine: ''Geoffrey Rush clowns around, Kate Winslet plays a frivolous chambermaid and Michael Caine isn't believable as the bad character. We don't know if we must laugh seeing this film or maybe cry.''

From Les Cahiers du Cinema: ''The problem in Quills is that this piece can't be adapted for the big screen. It's too theatrical.''

From Premiere: ''Philip Kaufman brings us an impersonal film.'' Kate's, um, attributes are appreciated, though - ''But we can see Winslet's still lovely and very appreciated bust.'' [LOL]

From Cine Live: ''It's a good film, but something misses.''

Morgan emailed me with news of photos in two magazines:

I found two new Kate pics! Well one is sorta new - she's in People mag, with Matt Perry on the cover. It's the pic at the BAFTA's and she hugging Christina Ricci. The other one is a rare one of her at the airport, wearing that pink shirt, with the white skirt and a blue jacket, but this time she's facing the camera, it not a side view. It's the Star mag, with the Grammy fashions on the cover. The article is on Kate...and her weight…again, but the pic of her is sooooo pretty!

Celebrity Popstars is certainly getting a lot of promotion (as it deserves). This is from Ananova:

''Celebrity Popstars Spoof Screened For Comic Relief''

Kate Winslet and Robbie Williams are among celebrities performing a mock Popstars audition for Comic Relief. Rowan Atkinson plays talent-spotter Nasty Neville Logo in TV spoof Popsters. Hopeful Kate Winslet performs a rendition of Titanic tune My Heart Will Go On. Anthea Turner tries to convince judges she's under 24. Judges tell Lenny Henry they are disappointed with his singing. Emma Bunton also appears in the show. It is being screened on BBC1 on Friday as part of Red Nose Night between 8.30 and 10pm.

The 'Style File' by Helen Stewart column in The Scotsman mentions Kate's Glamour shoot:

Style File Health and beauty file - Sheer Gloss lipstick in Nuance Beige, as worn on the cover of Glamour magazine by none other than the glorious Kate Winslet. Nuance Beige is one of those fantastic sheer shades that flatter absolutely everyone. The range has been created by Tom Pecheux -make-up artist to the likes of Madonna and Kate Moss - and is as notable for its stunning eye, lip and nail colours as it is for its amazing 50 different foundations.

The InStyle site has a brief mention of Kate looking 'bewitching' at the SAG's. (Thanks to Jeanne for emailing me the tip.)

''Beautiful Ghouls'' - They may not have realized it, but a bunch of Stars at the Screen Actors Guild Awards paid an haute-mage to one of the sexiest ghouls ever: Morticia Addams. Sure, Morticia had that je ne sais quoi (Tish! We spoke French!) thing going but much of her sensual voodoo came from her gown: black, clinging and flaring into a train. These SAG stars' outfits did pretty much the same, with some variation: there was the low-back model (Joan Allen), the strapless (Juliette Binoche) and the leather (Kate Winslet). Still, the effect remained the same: bewitching.

The caption of the pic is: ''Kate Winslet in a Jasper Conran leather gown.''

March 13:

The entertainment news programs broadcast last night highlights of the SAG awards. 'E! News Daily' included a clip of Kate arriving for the ceremony. 'Entertainment Tonight' focused on the weight issue:

ET co-host Bob Goen (in studio) at beginning of program: We'll tell you about Kate Winslet's post-pregnancy weight loss.

Co-host Mary Hart (voice-over of clip of Kate on the red carpet): The SAG awards also marked the first public appearance [I guess she meant first public appearance in America] of new mom Kate Winslet, who has lost weight since giving birth to her daughter last October.

Kate (talking to ET reporter Jann Carl): It's nice to be able to get back into a dress, for a start. So, I thought, if I'm gonna to wear a dress, why not wear a really daring one?

Access Hollywood, oddly, didn't include clips of Kate during their SAG segments of celebrity arrivals. She was seen briefly, however, talking to Julia Roberts:

Rachel has allowed me to edit and post her great story about the SAG ceremony and party. GO! (Great talking to you, Rach! What a fab time you've had here in So Cal!)

I found another article promoting the Popstars for Comic Relief program that airs Friday in the UK:

Robbie Williams and Ronan Keating have recorded a star-studded version of TV show 'Popstars' for Comic Relief, which will be screened on Friday (March 16th). The real life pop singers are joined by Kate Winslet, Joanna Lumley, comedian Rowan Atkinson and 'Billy Elliot' star Jamie Bell, who all audition to be in the manufactured band.

The sketch sees Robbie perform an overly dramatic rendition of his hit 'Angels', which is hailed as "pathetic, really pathetic" before he is ordered from the audition. Winslet performs a version of 'My Heart Will Go On' from the soundtrack of 'Titanic', while Lumley rattles through a version of Simon And Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' as her 'Absolutely Fabulous' character Patsy. During the charity skit the young Jamie Bell tries to impress the panel of judges with a dance routine and gets told: "The voice wasn't bad, but the dancing he should be a coal miner, not a dancer!"

To see the hilarious sketch, tune in to BBC 1 on Friday evening.

The UK Telegraph has an article in its health section about ''whooping cough'' and mentions Mia. I'm posting the entire article here as it has interesting info about the disease that may be helpful:

How to avoid the '100-day cough' - Thea Jourdan reports on whooping cough, the rare but dangerous childhood illness

It has been a worrying week for actress Kate Winslet and her husband, Jim Threapleton. Their five-month-old daughter, Mia, was rushed to a London hospital last weekend [?] with suspected whooping cough. The notifiable disease, which clogs the lungs with mucus, can kill very young children. Fortunately, Mia is making good progress and is now recovering at home.

If Winslet's daughter is confirmed as having contracted the bacterial infection, she is one of only a handful of babies who suffer from whooping cough in Britain. Once widespread, pertussis (as it is also known) is now extremely rare. In 1999, there were just 303 reported cases in England and Wales among children under the age of one. In 1982, there were 5,887 cases.

The reason for the dwindling incidence of whooping cough is an effective immunisation programme. Most babies born in Britain are now vaccinated at eight, 12 and 16 weeks against the infection, which has an incubation period of about two weeks and begins like a common cold. Initial symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and a low grade fever. In its later stages, it is characterised by coughing fits punctuated by high-pitched "whooping" gasps for air.

Once a child contracts whooping cough, he or she may be ill for many months. The Chinese name for this infection translates as "the 100-day cough" - with good reason. Antibiotics are usually administered to kill off the bacteria, but the symptoms do not wane for some time. Parents should remain calm and supportive, and try symptom relief, such as paracetamol and steam inhalations.

Elizabeth Williams, of the nutrition centre, suggests easing an inflamed throat with colloidal silver spray, which is mildly antiseptic, and syrup made from black elderberry. Drops of myrtle oil can also be placed on a child's bedding to ease breathing.

The Mirror has a brief item today about the SAG awards:

''And The Grinner Is…'' -- Stars are smiles apart at awards
Two of these stars have something to smile about - while the other one can see the funny side. Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta Jones both picked up awards from the Screen Actors' Guild in Los Angeles. Titanic star Kate Winslet was the odd one out after losing to Dame Judy Dench for best supporting actress. Julia was voted best film actress for her role in Erin Brokovich, while Catherine picked up a joint best film award for Traffic, in which she co-stars with husband Michael Douglas, 54. The biggest shock of the night came when Gladiator, which has been nominated for 12 Oscars, failed to pick up an award. British star Vanessa Redgrave won an award in the TV film category for her part in If These Walls Could Talk 2 and Albert Finney was voted best supporting actor.

The UK Times also has a follow-up article to the SAG ceremony. Follow the link to read the entire article. Here's the part mentioning Kate:

Neither Dame Judi nor Finney was in Los Angeles to collect their awards on Sunday night. Kate Winslet, who had poured herself into a stunning black leather dress, promised to take Finney’s award back to Britain for him. She had been nominated for her role in Quills, about the life of the Marquis de Sade, but lost to Dame Judi.

The Times article is titled 'British Stars Triumph On Way To Oscars', so why was a pic of the Douglases used? Neither one is nominated for an Oscar.

March 12:

Go to the SAG section for screen shots of Kate arriving, being interviewed, presenting, and just being Kate!  

More on the SAG ceremony, from This is London:

A host of British stars emerged victorious after sweeping the honours at the 7th Annual Screen Actors Guild awards in Los Angeles in an evening of surprise winners that threw the Oscar race wide open. In the last acting awards ceremony before the Academy Awards, British veteran Albert Finney beat Willem Dafoe and Joaquin Phoenix to be named best supporting actor for his part in Erin Brockovich by a voting system in which the actors union members decide who wins.

Kate Winslet, in a devastating black dress, was beaten to the best supporting actress prize for her role in Quills by Dame Judi Dench for her performance in Chocolat but promised to carry Finney's statuette back to Britain for him. Dame Judi, who triumphed over Kate Hudson and Julie Walters for the movie award, was pipped to the post by her old friend Vanessa Redgrave in the TV film category.

Update 11 PM -- Kate was interviewed on the 'red carpet' when she arrived for the Screen Actors Guild awards ceremony. Listen to the interview! (Real Player) Here's the transcript:

Patrick Stinson: Welcome back, everyone, to the SAG awards. And we are here with Kate Winslet, who's looking lovely in leather.

Kate: Thank you. I'm wearing leather tonight. Why not? If it rains, I can at least brush the drips off.

Stinson: You said you were a little concerned about wearing something so revealing.

Kate: Well, you know, it's always nerve wracking. Whatever dress you're gonna turn up in, they're either gonna love it, or they're either gonna hate it. But at least I'm comfortable. Leather's a very comfortable material to wear, so there you go.

Stinson: I think they're gonna love it.

Kate: Well, I hope so.

Stinson: How are you feeling tonight? Nominated for Quills…

Kate: Nominated for Quills. I'm feeling really excited. I'm kind of feeling very shocked to have been nominated, to be honest with you, because I haven't received any other nominations for this movie. And this one is really, really special, so it's great to be able to have made it here, even if I have left my little, tiny baby at home back in England with her daddy, and I'm missing her so much.

Stinson: And you've won a SAG award before, correct?

Kate: I have, that's right, that's right. I won Best Supporting Actress for Sense and Sensibility. So, I have that one proudly displayed at home.

Stinson: And what are you expecting tonight inside?

Kate: I'm expecting not to win, and I would have thought that Kate Hudson will win tonight. She should. She's a wonderful actress. Almost Famous is a brilliant film. So, we'll see. I'm here to have fun.

Stinson: Well, you go have fun. Thank you very much. You look beautiful tonight.

Kate: Thank you very much.

[Screen captures and a special SAG page coming in the morning!]

Kate will be seen on Friday's Popstars show, according to News of the World and Ananova:

Robbie Williams and Ronan Keating have been taking part in a celebrity version of Popstars for Comic Relief. Kate Winslet and Jamie Bell are also in Friday's show, but they get a tongue-lashing from Rowan Atkinson, who plays a Nasty Nigel character. Robbie's over-the-top rendition of Angels is called "pathetic, really pathetic" and he is ordered out of the hall. Kate Winslet performs a version of My Heart Will Go On, from Titanic, while Joanna Lumley does a version on Bridge Over Troubled Water as her Ab-Fab character Patsy, reports the News of the World. Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell attempts to impress the judges with his dancing and is told: "The voice wasn't bad, but the dancing - he should be a coal miner, not a dancer!" Big Brother housemate Anthea Turner also turns up, but is rejected for being too old. Viewers will see her screaming at the judges: "I am 24, I am! Anyone who says I'm not is a liar!"

Here's the News of the World article mentioned in the Ananova item above:

''Stars Wannabe Popstars''

Pop god Robbie Williams heads an all-star cast who beg Rowan Atkinson 'Let Me Entertain You' in a hilarious spoof of Popstars. We have had a sneak preview of the Comic Relief sketch, which shows Robbie, Kate Winslet, Ronan Keating and Joanna Lumley auditioning for a Hear'Say-style band. The wannabes all come in for a tongue-lashing from Rowan, who plays the nasty Nigel Lythgoe character.

Then Titanic star Kate goes under with a dreadful cover of My Heart Will Go On, Celine Dion's theme for the hit film. But even caterwauling Kate is drowned out by Joanna Lumley, who recreates her Ab Fab character Patsy to warble a woeful version of the Sixties Simon and Garfunkel classic Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The sketch will be shown on Red Nose Day on Friday, but you can listen to the stars and vote for your favourite by ringing the numbers in the highlights bar on the right. Profits from calls, which cost 60p per minute, will go to Comic Relief.

Sarah bitches: "The voice wasn't bad but the dancing!"

And Rowan agrees: "He should be a coal miner, not a dancer!"

Anthea Turner also gets a hard time. She is thrown out for being too old. She leaves, screaming: "I am 24, I am! Anyone who says I'm not is a liar. Stop filming, you nosey b*****ds!"

Rowan nods approvingly and says: "Jamal, if you said that in a real press conference, the very next day you'd be on the front page of every newspaper in Britain, so well done!"

The number to call to hear Kate singing MHWGO is 09063 612283.

Here's more on the Comic Relief charity 'event' from BBC:

Red Nose Night - BBC ONE 7pm, Friday 16th March
16th March 2001 is Red Nose Day, when the whole of Britain will 'Say Pants to Poverty'. From now until the big day, it the nation will get stuck in to all sorts of pant-fuelled pursuits and raise loads of lolly for Red Nose Day 2001. Comedy capers will be televised on BBC ONE’s Red Nose Night, but there will also be plenty more must-watch Comic Relief stuff before then, featuring celebrities you'll definitely want to throw your knickers at... On the night you can watch a TV extravaganza hosted by the likes of Davina McCall, Lenny Henry and Ant & Dec. The show will be crammed with exclusive entertainment from some of your favourite stars. There’ll be special performances from the Fast Show featuring Robbie Williams, an exclusive Comic Relief episode of My Hero - plus specials from EastEnders, Kevin & Perry, Victoria Wood and Billy Connolly. Look out for appearances from some of Britain’s finest comedians including Ali G, The League of Gentlemen and Smack the Pony. With all this and music from some of the world's biggest music stars, the nation is guaranteed to shake its ‘thong’ on the night!

Carole Malone praises Kate in her UK Mirror column today:

''All Hail Kate The Great''

Kate Winslet probably gets embarrassed when people write nice things about her - assuming she ever reads them, which she probably doesn't, which of course makes us like her even more. Having got fame and money at an early age she could so easily have deserted our shores and turned into a Hollywood madam like Catherine Zeta Jones has. But she hasn't. She has remained normal and nice and given glorious reassurance to all women that there really IS life after a Size 14. She adores her baby and she worships her husband (she said of them last week "I wanted to turn myself into a domestic goddess for Jim and Mia") and on top of that she has got her priorities absolutely right. We're lucky to have her.