Paris Hilton's inheritance to go to charity

U.S. hotel heiress Paris Hilton's potential inheritance dramatically diminished after her grandfather Barron Hilton announced plans on Wednesday to donate 97 percent of his $2.3 billion (1.16 billion pounds) fortune to charity.

That wealth includes $1.2 billion Barron Hilton stands to earn from both the recent sale of Hilton Hotels Corp. -- started by his father Conrad in 1919 when he bought a small hotel in Cisco, Texas -- and pending sale of the world's biggest casino company, Harrah's Entertainment Inc.

That money will be placed in a charitable trust that will eventually benefit the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, raising its total value to about $4.5 billion, the foundation said in a statement.

Barron Hilton, chairman of the foundation, intends "to contribute 97 percent of his entire net worth, estimated today at $2.3 billion, including the created trusts, at whatever value it is at the time of his passing," the foundation said.

Paris Hilton was not immediately available for comment on her grandfather's plans for his fortune.

Jerry Oppenheimer, who profiled the Hilton family in his 2006 book "House of Hilton," has said Barron Hilton is embarrassed by the behaviour of his socialite granddaughter Paris and believes it has sullied the family name.

Barron Hilton, who is 80, has not commented on Oppenheimer's remarks.

The foundation supports projects that provide clean water in Africa, education for blind children, and housing for the mentally ill. Its aims, based on Conrad Hilton's will, are "to relieve the suffering, the distressed and the destitute."

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David Gest in hospital after heart scare

US music producer David Gest has been rushed to hospital after experiencing severe chest pains early on Wednesday morning. The star, friend of Michael Jackson, was at his London home when taken in and was rushed to a nearby private hospital. The 54-year old is said to be in a stable condition. The illness comes just days after his ex-wife Liza Minnelli was hospitalised after collapsing after appearing on stage in Sweden.

David Gest is putting together a stage musical autobiography of his life entitled DAvid Gest Is Nuts. It is due to tour the UK early in 2008. Tickets can be bought - here -

Lily Allen to be a mum

British singer Lily Allen has announced she's expecting her first child. Friends have said she is thrilled and could not be happier at the news. Her partner is one half of the dance duo The Chemical Brothers, Ed Simons.

Lily has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Alternative Music category, and is still expected to release her second album in 2008, following on from her huge selling debut album Alright, Still.

Keira Knightley becomes a reindeer on Christmas Day

British actress Keira Knightley is to turn into a reindeer this Christmas, and it's all in the name of charity. She has lent her voice to Em, a reindeer in the popular UK Christmas animation Robbie The Reindeer, who returns to the BBC for his third festive adventure this year. Other famous voices to be heard during the episode, entitled Close Encounters of the Herd Kind, include Ardal O'Hanlon, Jane Horrocks and Michael Palin. Written by Love Actually, Blackadder and Four Weddings and A Funeral writer Richard Curtis, all proceeds from the sales of the DVD go to UK charity Comic Relief.

Here's Keira's character Em:

Joe Calzaghe wins sports personality 2007 award

Welsh boxing champ pips Lewis to Sports Personality Award

There was a surprise in store for famous faces from the world of sport gathered at Birmingham's NEC arena on Sunday night for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Welsh boxing champ Joe Calzaghe took home the top award, putting the night's favourite, Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, in second place.

"I'm shocked. It's a massive honour and it caps off a great year for me," said Joe, who's currently world super-middleweight champion, and undefeated in 44 fights. He was speaking from Las Vegas, where he received the trophy from Lennox Lewis, the last boxer to win the prestigious, public-voted award in 1999.

Leading the star arrivals at the glitzy ceremony was last year's winner Zara Phillips, elegant in a knee-length fuchsia gown. She was accompanied by rugby star boyfriend Mike Tindall, who together with his England team mates, picked up the team of the year award for their remarkable achievement of reaching the World Cup final.

Others honoured on the night included England football manager Sir Bobby Robson, who received a lifetime achievement trophy from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The night's youngest winner was 13-year-old Tom Daley, who took home the young sports personality of the year title for his triumphs in diving, which include becoming the youngest-ever national men's platform champion.

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Amy Winehouse's family slam claims of neglect

Amy Winehouse's father has apparently slammed claims that the singer has been abandoned by her family.

Mitch Winehouse, 57, was responding to an open letter written my Amy's mum Jan in the News Of The World.

"It is absolute rubbish to suggest that no-one has been in touch with Amy," the Daily Mirror quoted him as saying. "I've seen her five times myself last week. We're getting sick of the sight of each other, we are seeing each other that much."

Jan wrote in the letter, responding to pictures on Amy in the early hours of the morning in the street: "Come home to me. We were terrified after we saw those pictures."

"Amy is monitored all the time," Mitch insisted. "She is with trusted people who care for her and look out for her. We are all encouraging and helping Amy at the minute and that is what is most important."

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