EdGArS

Fox duo to star in Madonna's film Real-life father and son James and Laurence Fox are to play royal relatives after being cast in Madonna's new film about Wallis Simpson. The duo will play King George V and his son, Bertie in the film W.E. which began shooting this week, directed and co-written by the music superstar. Madonna has cast Andrea Riseborough - best known for her role as Baroness Thatcher in The Long Walk To Finchley - as Simpson, whose relationship with King Edward VIII led to his abdication. The historical episode was famously portrayed in the 1970s TV series Edward And Mrs Simpson which starred Edward Fox - brother of Performance star James and uncle of Billie Piper's husband Laurence - in the title role as the king. In Madonna's film the part will be played by James D'Arcy, known for his roles in Secret Diary Of A Call Girl and Master And Commander. The new movie will tell two parallel love stories with the 1930s royal drama seen alongside the 1998 tale of Wally Winthrop who becomes obsessed with Edward's abdication as she handles artefacts from the couple's estate while working at an auctioneers. Wally is to be played by Australian actress Abbie Cornish, with her psychiatrist husband played by former Coupling star Richard Coyle, recently seen in Prince Of Persia: The Sands of Time. Madonna co-wrote the script with Alek Keshishian, director of her 1991 documentary In Bed With Madonna, and filming takes place in the UK and France. She made her directorial debut with the poorly received Filth And Wisdom.

Artistic Differences Force Actress to Quit Madonna's Movie Actress Margo Stilley has quit work on Madonna's upcoming film "W.E." over "artistic differences". The "9 Songs" star had signed up to play Lady Thelma Furness in the new movie which tells the story of Britain's King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne after falling in love with American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The "Material Girl" will take the director's chair for the second time to tell the story of the former British monarch, but she is now looking for a new star to take over Stilley's role after the actress dropped out. Stilley tells Britain's Sunday Telegraph, "I had the role, but we had artistic differences. She (Madonna) is really something. I wish the cast luck because they are all really talented." The film, which stars Abbie Cornish and James D'Arcy, is slated for a 2011 release.

Paris Hilton arrested at World Cup on drugs charges Paris Hilton was held at a World Cup game last night for allegedly smoking dope. The socialite, 29, appeared in court hours later after being hauled from the Brazil-Holland clash in Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay stadium and taken to a police station. There she was fingerprinted along with her close pal, freelance photographer Jennifer Rovero, 31. At a special World Cup court at around midnight local time, Rovero, a former glamour model, was ordered to pay a 1,000 SA rand fine – about £80 – or face 30 days’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis. But all charges against Hilton were dropped. South African police said that officials were last night considering deportation proceedings against Rovero, who is an American citizen.

Lady GaGa Beats Madonna In Rich List... But she's no match for Oprah... American artists Britney Spears and Lady GaGa has beaten the Queen of Pop, Madonna, in the Forbes Celebrity 100 Power list. In the past year, Madonna has 'only' earnt £38 million, falling behind the likes of Beyoncé, Britney and GaGa in the poll. Lady Gaga heavy touring schedule has contributed greatly to her recent riches, reports claim. Beyonce Knowles - £57 million Britney Spears - £42 million Lady GaGa - £41 million Madonna - £38 million None of these singers could beat the money machine Oprah Winfrey however, who earned a staggering £208 million!

Madonna Shows Her Masculine Side At the Diane von Furstenberg & Claridge Launch Party in London on Wednesday, Madonna showed up in a black two piece suit, fedora and pinstripe button-down. Her masculine female approach was pulled off flawlessly, but it’s probably because this trend isn’t new to the icon. In the 80’s, Madonna sported a similar look in her music video for “Express Yourself.” It’s always great seeing women in such empowering silhouettes, especially when they go all out like Madonna did last night! Her appearance definitely proved that you don’t always have to wear a slimming designer dress to look sexy at red carpet events. Hopefully we’ll see her masculine style come forward in her new fashion line, “Material Girl,” with her daughter Lourdes. Set to launch exclusively at Macys, Material Girl will be available Aug. 3. Don’t forget to check it out!

Madonna launches clothing line for girls Is Madonna too cool - or not cool enough - for school? That’s the question teen girls will decide when shopping the pop icon’s debut clothing line this summer. The Material Girl collection, a design collaboration with Madonna and daughter Lola, will hit Macy’s in August. But sketches released yesterday give a first glimpse into how Madge thinks girls should express themselves. The line, so says the press release, is intended for the “spontaneous and fearless individual who invents her own fashion trends and is never afraid to make a bold, creative statement.” But will middle-schoolers - and their moms - declare the midriff-baring top back in vogue? Yikes. Material Girl, with items retailing from $12 to $40, is about “piling on the layers.” In other words, buying more Material Girl. In addition to clothes, the label will include shoes, handbags and jewelry. But it’s hard to imagine Macy’s selling the pendants and earrings with religious crosses sketched in these early images.

Madonna Bulks Up Her Manhattan Townhouse According to city plans, the pop icon is adding a new floor (mostly for gym space) to her $32 million townhouse on East 81st Street in New York. The expansion adds 1,614 square feet to the home, bringing the total square footage to 13,847. Madonna is also planning to replace the existing bedrooms and baths with her own design of 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. The property, which already includes an elevator and 3,000-square-foot garden, is also expected to get a wine cellar and playroom. Renovations are estimated at $1.7 million, according to filed building permits.

Madonna boost for Lawnfest event at Sevenoaks school Madonna dropped in to a charity music event at a Kent school, organised by the daughter of Mohamed Al Fayed. The Lawnfest fundraiser was held on Friday night in aid of The New School at West Heath, Sevenoaks. Pop star Lemar was the headline act at the event to boost the school's bursary fund, organised by Camilla Fayed. Madonna's appearance was to help publicise the event, which also included an art exhibition, although she did not perform. The New School aims to rebuild young damaged lives through education. Principal Christina Wells said: "This fundraiser will help grant a bursary for those young people whose lives have been damaged by abuse, bereavement, bullying or other trauma." Madonna did not perform at Friday night's event but was in the audience

Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow dont speak Former close friends Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are not on speaking terms, it has been claimed. The celebrity pals, who have been close since 1999 and once shared trainer Tracy Anderson, are said to have clashed. "They don't speak," an insider reportedly told Us magazine. "I can't tell you exactly why they had the falling out, but Gwyneth can be jealous and competitive." But Madonna's 2008 divorce from husband Guy Ritchie is said to have contributed to the demise of the two women's relationship. Both Americans had lived in the UK with their British husbands - Gwyneth has been married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin since 2003. But after the Material Girl's marriage ended, the pals were left ”with less in common”, the source told Us. A representative for the singer has reputedly denied any “break-up”. In a May interview with British Vogue, Paltrow intimated at a quarrel with someone close to her, saying: "I can be mean. I can cave in to gossip. I can ice people out and I can definitely harbour revenge ... In fact, I'm having a situation right now with a friend where I'm feeling pretty angry. But revenge is corrosive and it doesn't make me feel good."

Madonna thanks fans for helping free gay couple from Malawi prison Madonna is celebrating the release of a gay Malawian couple who were locked up over their homosexuality, according to reports. The Material Girl had launched a vocal campaign to free the couple after she heard the news of their imprisonment. Madonna - who has adopted two children from Malawi and is currently building a school for girls in the country through her Raising Malawi charity -said she was “shocked and saddened” by the Malawi government's decision and called upon people all over the world to oppose the ruling. Homosexuality is still illegal in the African country and Steven Monjenza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga were sentenced to 14 years hard labour for gross indecency and unnatural acts. However, following Madonna's plea for fans to sign a petition calling for their release, they were freed on Saturday by the President of Malawi on “humanitarian” grounds. Shortly after, Madonna took to her blog to thank the thousands of people who had joined her campaign to release the two men. She wrote: “In the last week, over 30,000 of you added your name to mine calling for the release of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalangal - the Malawi couple sentenced to 14 years hard labour for the ‘crime' of homosexuality. “With incredible joy, I am writing to share with you that Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has ordered their release." Although Monjeza and Chimbalanga are out of prison, activists are still working to find a safe haven for the couple. "Though they are free from prison, sadly their safety and future in Malawi is still unknown. I hope this is just the beginning of our work together," Madonna added.

Lady GaGa looks like Madonna in steamy video for new single Alejandro Saucy Lady GaGa is getting hot and heavy as she lies back and thinks of... Madonna. In the vid for her new single Alejandro, GaGa looks suspiciously like her idol Madge back in her Erotica days. But GaGa doesn't just think of her own pleasure. She told off security staff for trying to bar fans wearing Telephonelike cans from her Manchester gig. Atta girl...

'I may look like Madonna when I grow old' Singer Lady Gaga thinks she may look like pop diva Madonna when she grows old because her mother looks like the pop superstar. The 'Poker Face' singer finds her comparison to the Queen of Pop funny and more of appearance based rather than performance, reports contactmusic.com. 'We're compared to each other, whether we're blonde, brunette, black, white, straight, gay. But on another level, it's kind of funny, because my mother actually looks sort of like Madonna. And the older I've gotten, I look more and more like my mother. So sometimes I just want to say, it's not my fault that I look like her,' she said. And they both are great!!! I luv Madonna I luv Gaga

I'M SO FREAKING HAPPY CUZ MADONNA'S BATTLE AGAINST THE INJUSTICE IS NOW A VICTORY THX TO ALL OF YOU WHO SIGNED THE PETITION : ) THE PROGRESSIVE PPL, LIKE ICONERS, REALLY CAN MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE WITH LIL ACTIONS...WE DON'T NEED TO BE SUPERHEROES...WE JUST HAVE TO BEALIVE IN LOVE AND PEACE, AND FEEL NO FEAR TO DEFEND EM THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU MY BROS AND SISTERS FOR THE AMAZING RESPOND FOR THIS CALL TO ACTION!!! THE LOVE PRAVAILED <3 PEAS & LUV

Report: Madonna 'American Idol' creator's top replacement choice Madonna is reportedly at the top of it of American Idol creator Simon Fuller's wish list of possible replacements for departing judge Simon Cowell. Simon is going to leave a gaping hole. Not only is he an expert, he's also a big star in the States," a source told the U.K.'s The Sun newspaper in a Tuesday report. "Everyone agrees Madge would be great and they want her as a full-time judge. But if that fails they'd at least like her as a mentor." Cowell's potential replacement has been a hot topic of conversation ever since he inked a January deal to end his American Idol role and launch an American edition of his British The X Factor reality competition series for Fox in Fall 2011. He subsequently described Madonna as an unlikely replacement since the show requires a serious time commitment and the singer is busy recording, touring and caring for her four children. WE'D LOVE THAT!!!

Madonna at work: Another day at the office as singer strips off for photoshoot There aren't many 51-year-olds who would be happy stripping down to their underwear in front of an audience. Let alone striking a provocative pose with a younger man. But after years of outrageous outfits it was just another day at the office for Madonna. The singer was surrounded by a team of helpers as she shot the advertising shots for her new MDG sunglasses collection. Just another day at the office: Madonna was perfectly relaxed as she was photographed to promote her new sunglasses range The range, designed in collaboration with her close friends Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, is set to be launched this month. Madonna wore fishnet stockings, a black leotard and a crucifix for the advert. But while the outfit may be racy, it pales in comparison to some of her other costumes. Revealing outfit: Madonna wore a crucifix with fishnets and a leotard Over the years Madonna has posed nude for her book Sex, and appeared on stage in front of thousands with her modesty barely preserved. As well as her new sunglasses range, Madonna has been named as a possible contender for the vacant position as judge on American Idol. Simon Cowell is set to leave the show following tonight's final, and his replacement has yet to be appointed. New product: Madonna designed her MDG sunglasses range in collaboration with her close friends Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana A source at Fox, which produces the programme, said she would be a great option, along with Lindsay Lohan and Justin Timberlake. 'American Idol was our top show and a lot of that had to do with the love-hate relationship between Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell,' they told the Sun. 'Then Paula left and now Simon's going, too. 'We want a regular explosive dynamic between the judges.' Younger model: The ever-youthful Madonna cavorted with a younger man

Madonna blasts Malawi judge for giving 14-year jail term to homosexual couple Queen of Pop Madonna has blasted a Malawi judge for sentencing a couple to 14 years of hard labour in prison for homosexuality. Madonna who was shaken by the conviction and harsh sentencing of Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, and Steven Monjeza, 26, expressed her shock and disappointment. "I am shocked and saddened by the decision made by the Malawian court, which sent two innocent men to prison," the New York Daily News quoted her as saying in a statement posted on her website on May 21. "Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support out basic human right to love and be loved. "I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi — and around the world — to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all," she said. The two men were arrested under Malawi law after throwing an engagement party at the hotel where Chimbalanga worked. The duo was taken into custody on December 27, convicted on May 18, and sentenced on May 20 to the maximum term. Their lawyer said the two men will appeal against the conviction. PLEASE, SUPPORT THESE TWO INNOCENT MEN, SIGN THE MADONNA'S PETITION www.raisingmalawi.org

Madonna Reprimands Malawi Court Madonna below, said she was “shocked and saddened” by a court in Malawi’s decision to sentence a gay couple to 14 years of hard labor in prison, Agence France-Presse reported. After their engagement party was announced on the front page of a newspaper in December, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza were arrested. Last week they were convicted of unnatural acts and gross indecency, and given the maximum sentence. In a statement on the Web site of her foundation, Raising Malawi (raisingmalawi.org), Madonna, who has adopted two children from that country, said two innocent men were being sent to prison. She wrote: “As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. This week, Malawi took a giant step backward.” She asked that the progressive people in Malawi, and around the world, “challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all,” by adding their names to her statement. ADD YOUR NAME, PLEASEEE!!! IT TAKES ONLY ONE MINUTE LOVE IS NOT ONLY FOR STR8 PPL

A MADONNA'S EMAIL Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga will spend the next 14 years in a Malawi jail, sentenced to hard labor. They aren't murderers. They didn't steal. In fact, they didn't commit a crime. They were convicted of homosexuality. I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi -- and around the world -- to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all. Please add your name to mine in a pledge of support for the freedom to love: http://www.raisingmalawi.org/FreedomToLove I am shocked and saddened by the recent decision made by the Malawian court. As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. This week, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved. I will not sit back and be silent while two men are sentenced to 14 years hard labor simply for loving each other. I hope you will add your name to mine, and speak out to your friends and family on this issue: http://www.raisingmalawi.org/FreedomToLove Love, Madonna PLEASE SIGN THE FORM...IT JUST TAKES 1 MINUTE

Madonna Speaks Out in Support of Jailed Gay Couple Madonna is speaking out in support of two gay men who were handed a 14-year jail sentence in the African nation of Malawi, the same country where two of her children were born. According to the Associated Press, two gay men, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, were sentenced to 14 years in prison, including hard labor, simply because they are homosexual. The men were arrested in December after they celebrated their engagement with a party, the AP reports. Madonna, whose two youngest children, David and Mercy, were adopted from Malawi, spoke out harshly against the Malawian court's decision, saying, "I am shocked and saddened by the decision made today by the Malawian court, which sentenced two innocent men to prison. As a matter of principle, I believe in equal rights for all people, no matter what their gender, race, color, religion, or sexual orientation. Today, Malawi took a giant step backward. The world is filled with pain and suffering; therefore, we must support our basic human right to love and be loved. I call upon the progressive men and women of Malawi - and around the world - to challenge this decision in the name of human dignity and equal rights for all." Also Thursday, U.S. President Barack Obama's Press Secretary released a statement, which read, "The United States strongly condemns the conviction and harsh sentencing of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi. The criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity is unconscionable, and this case mars the human rights record of Malawi. We urge Malawi and all countries to stop using sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for arrest, detention, or execution."

Kylie Minogue has been known to tear a page out of Madonna's book, but now it looks like she's even borrowing a look from her closet, donning Gaultier's famous conical bra (which first appeared on Madonna in 1990) in a promotional shot for her new album, Aphrodite. The 41-year-old looks just as sexy as Madonna did when she wore the slightly more scandalous version at 32. Course, it looks as if she's had plenty of help from a little friend called "Photoshop!" Still love her, though!

Graham Norton: I want Madonna! Graham Norton has confessed he would love to meet Madonna. The camp comedian promised if the Queen of Pop agreed to be a guest on his chat show he would dedicate an entire episode just to her. Graham said: "She's my Holy Grail of chat show guests. Why the hell would she do it though? But, if we're on the air long enough, hopefully there will come a day when she'll come on." He added: "Essentially it's because I'd like to meet her, it's as simple as that. I've never met her and I'd like to. "In her case I think you'd do a special, I think you'd have to do a special just with her, maybe with other people along the way but it would be the Madonna show. If Glee can give up their show for her then I'm sure I can." Recent interviewees on The Graham Norton Show have included comedy hero John Cleese and Hollywood A-lister Jennifer Lopez. He said: "We always aim to have good people on, that's our plan. Some weeks are easier than other weeks. It does help to have that star power to kickstart the evening." The Graham Norton Show, which is in its seventh series, is not as smutty as Norton's previous fayre and he's pleased to have moved on from double entendres. Graham declared: "You know what? I really don't miss it. If I missed it I would still do it, and that was the point, we took it as far as we could and now the show's still fairly irreverent and it's still fairly out there, but it's not that rude."

VOTE FOR MADONNA ON SPIN’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY READERS POLL! Madonna is nominated in 3 categories: Best Solo Artist Best Song (for Like A Prayer) and Hottest Sex Goddess Vote for Madonna here: http://www.spin.com/spin25/readers-poll-spin-25

Lady Gaga does a Madonna after collecting seven music gongs Lady Gaga was awarded with seven Echo music awards in Berlin but she looked more like she was taking part in a wacky Madonna lookalike contest. The Poker Face singer attended the Platinum Award Ceremony in Germany where she was given seven music gongs – so many she could barely carry just two of them. Lady Gaga collected an armful of trophies in Germany Later that day she then performed a concert for her fans looking eerily like reigning pop Queen Madonna. Donning a yellow-blonde cropped curly do with a corset-style dress, she could have been Madge wearing that cone bra performing her famous Like A Virgin routine. She fames herself for her unique style but there's a hint of Madonna in her However, it was the after party that got gossips talking as she was spotted with her former boyfriend Matthew Williams suggesting they are back together. The pair have been on/off for the last year but they were closer than ever after Gaga had performed her gig.

Like M.I.A., Joanna Newsom isn't buying into the Lady Gaga hype. In a recent article in The Guardian, the indie singer-songwriter-harpist had some choice words for the world's most fashion-forward pop star: "I'm mystified by the laziness of people looking at how she presents herself, and somehow assuming that implies there's a high level of intelligence in the songwriting. Her approach to image is really interesting, but you listen to the music, and you just hear glow sticks. Smart outlets for musical journalism give her all this credit, like she's the new Madonna [...] Although I'm coming from a perspective of also thinking Madonna is not great at all. I'm like, fair enough: she is the new Madonna, but Madonna's a dumb-ass!"

Madonna plants 'thousands' of hedges at horse ranch Madonna has planted thousands of hedges at her summer horse ranch - to keep prying eyes away, it has been claimed. The Material Girl is said to have demanded more privacy at the property in the posh Hamptons resort on New York's Long Island, so gardeners have been hard at work planting. Neighbour Benny Graboski estimated that "a couple of thousand" hedges - each about eight to 10 feet tall - had been put into the ground. He told a US newspaper: "They'll take a couple of years to fill out nicely, but they'll make a nice border. It'll help out a lot. She'll have lots of privacy." He also claimed that a new electric gate had been installed on the property in Bridgehampton. Madonna recently bought the land in two lots - the agricultural rights on 24 acres for $2.2 million, and the farm next door, for $5 million, Newsday reports. WELL DONE MADONNA...U R A GREEN ECO QUEEN = )