Britney Spears In Final Talks To Be New 'X Factor' Judge

Britney Spears In Final Talks To Be New 'X Factor' Judge

Is Britney Spears headed back to TV? The pop superstar is reportedly nearing the deal to become the new judge on Simon Cowell's "X Factor," reports The Hollywood Reporter.

According to a THR inside source, Spears' fiance Jason Trawick is negotiating the final contract, which could be signed as soon as next week.

In January, "The X Factor" axed judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones from Fox singing competition series.

With Spears joining Cowell and LA Reid at the judges' table, that leaves one more seat to fill for Season 2 of the struggling singing competition. LeAnn Rimes is reportedly in judging "The X Factor," while Janet Jackson has officially declined her participation in the show.

Scherzinger recently told "Access Hollywood" that she was completely committed to the show. "Well, all I know is that I gave 110 percent to that show," she said. "I know everybody's talking about it. They're saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can't say is that I didn't give it my all."

Scherzinger and Abdul served on the judges panel alongside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid. Scherzinger was originally tapped to co-host the series alongside Jones, but when British singer Cheryl Cole was abruptly fired as a judge, Scherzinger took her place at the table, and Jones was then left as the lone "X Factor" host.

"I loved being a part of my ‘X Factor’ family," Scherzinger said. "Nothing could obviously prepare me for everything I had to go through, all the emotions and stuff, but I have no regrets."

'Britain's Got Talent' launch date confirmed by Alesha Dixon

'Britain's Got Talent' launch date confirmed by Alesha Dixon

Alesha Dixon has confirmed the launch date for the next series of Britain's Got Talent.

As previously predicted, the latest edition of the ITV talent show will begin on the same day as its new BBC rival The Voice has been tipped to debut.

Alesha Dixon at the 'Britain's Got Talent' auditions at the Hammersmith Apollo London, England - 06.02.12 Mandatory Credit: WENN.com

Speaking on Daybreak today (March 8), Dixon said that she was having an "incredible" time on the contest, which is also judged by Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and David Walliams.

"It's incredible, it's good fun," she declared. "It's going to be on March 24, so it's coming soon."

Dixon also confirmed that the auditions stage is now complete, adding: "We have our final 45. It's very exciting, you will be happy. I'm very happy."

Britain's Got Talent has traditionally launched in mid-April, prompting accusations from BBC insiders that it has been deliberately brought forward to clash with The Voice.

"This is typical of ITV, parking their tanks on our lawn just as we launch a major new format," a source at the corporation said this week. "They are smarting because they didn't get the show, although they bid £10 million more than us."

Cowell admitted to Digital Spy at the beginning of Britain's Got Talent auditions in January that he recognised The Voice as a threat.

"The BBC must be confident because they have put it up against this show," he said. "They want to make a competition out of it. So we've got to make [Britain's Got Talent] better. Everyone benefits because of that."

Dixon's announcement of Britain's Got Talent's launch date comes hours after the BBC released a behind-the-scenes clip of The Voice.

'Survivor: One World' recap: Bum-Puzzled... and dumbest move ever?

'Survivor: One World' recap: Bum-Puzzled... and dumbest move ever?

So, the men have only just got rid of Matt but they're already planning who is next on their hit list. It seems Troyzan and Tarzan are worried that Bill's "charm" and "beguiling character" has the potential to break up their five-man alliance, so he's the target. Michael isn't safe either, though, but apparently it's okay to let him float around for a while before wielding the axe.

Over at the women's camp, meanwhile, they're enjoying the finer things in life: the satisfaction of winning a challenge, not having to vote anyone out, and a feast of rice, coconut… and snails. Before they can enjoy it, however, along come the men hoping for a favour. Jonas wants to borrow their fishing net because, after all, he's from Hawaii and knows how to use it. The men offer to take the net and go fishing and then split their haul with the women.

Oh, how the tables have turned, notes Chelsea. "It's crazy how much the roles have reversed in nine days." Sorry, boys. The women think it would be crazy to feed their enemies. The boys seem baffled by their logic. "They can suntan on the beach while we go fish and bring them half of the food," reasons Troyzan. "Hello? Is anybody home?"

Maybe a reward challenge can distract everyone. The first tribe to knock out five targets in a row with a coconut will win one of three prizes: a tarp (which the men already have), pillows and blankets, or coffee, sugar and donuts.

The women's winning streak continues; that's three challenges in row now! Tarzan calls it "pure luck", the women disagree. They choose the tarp.

Back at camp, an already disgruntled men's tribe is about to get another blow. Michael spies Leif and Bill chatting on the beach (where Leif lets slip to a stunned Bill that he was on the chopping block last week) and immediately tells Colton, who seems to be acting like King of the Camp as he fans himself under the tarp. An outraged Colton demands to speak with Leif. "That little munchkin is about to get knocked back to Oz," he fumes.

Leif dutifully comes to speak with Colton and admits he did, in fact, reveal details to Bill. "You pretty much sealed your fate," sneers Colton, who now presumably wants both Bill and Leif out soon. "Bill is more sneaky but Leif is more stupid," he muses. "He's turning into an annoying little Oompa Loompa."

Back with the women, they take delivery of a puzzle which signals the upcoming Immunity Challenge - and also causes a bust-up between Alicia and Kat when the former thinks the latter has insulted her by suggesting she isn't smart enough to partner with.

Players are tied up in pairs and have to race across obstacles before solving a puzzle. Once one pair has finished, the next pair will go, until they have collected the three keys rewarded when a puzzle is completed. The keys can then open a box which will let them raise their tribe flag for victory.

Jonas sits out for the men, who go on to have a surprisingly easy win. "That was a blow out that barely qualifies as a challenge," says Jeff to the girls. He points out that Alicia and Chelsea were still working on the first puzzle when the men had nearly finished. Alicia agrees it wasn't her finest moment, so Jeff wonders why she looks like she is laughing.

So, back to camp for everyone, where the women have to figure out who is going home. Christina's disgusted by Alicia's "repulsive" attitude to losing the challenge and thinks she has to go, although Kim still thinks Christina is the one to vote out.

But - it seems like the women won't have to deliberate on the next casualty any longer, because something very unexpected is going on over at the men's camp.

Bill's approached Colton to try to smooth things over but the latter isn't interested, preferring to lay in the sun and be left alone. Bill pushes. Colton snaps. "You're wishy washy and going home next!" he declares.

An infuriated Colton is now in his stride: "I absolutely hate Bill. I hate his voice. I hate his jokes. He is not funny. You're a stand up comedian? Shut up and get a real job. I want his head on a platter. I want him gone."

Colton runs off to tell Troyzan what just happened, and for good measure throws in Leif's earlier talk with Bill. Then, he comes up with one of the most bizarre ideas in Survivor history: how about the men go to Tribal Council instead of the women? He wants to go to the merge with numbers but if those numbers aren't loyal then what is the point?

Jonas thinks that plan is just insane but he doesn't want to go against Colton, who is "calling the shots". One by one Colton gets the men on his side - even Bill and Leif, who are obviously the two biggest targets. Tarzan is most eager about the plan, but he clearly thinks Leif is the one to go, rather than Bill.

Poor Leif looks like a kid being ganged up on in the playground as Tarzan declares: "What you did was egregious and we're voting you out at Tribal Council. You have betrayed us all and that means you will not be trusted." Hmm… not if Colton has anything to say about it. After all, he tells us, he's the one running the show and Bill is still his number one target.

For their part, the women are totally fine about the plan. They think the men have "lost their marbles" but are happy for them to fall apart if it means the women get a boost.

"In 24 seasons and some 400 Tribal Councils we have never had a tribe arrive a Tribal Council after winning immunity," says Jeff as the men trundle in.

Leif kicks things off by saying he plays with his heart on his sleeve, although Jeff points out that doesn't mean he should share alliance secrets. Leif knows that wasn't the best strategic move and he's resigned to going home, although he hopes the fact he agreed to come to Tribal Council proves he has integrity.

Jay is still stunned by the decision but says he had to go along with the majority to avoid being a target himself. For his part, Bill agrees with Jeff this could be "the single dumbest move" in Survivor but he won't know until it plays out. Plus, he reasons, there is no point in going to merge with someone who can't be trusted.

Time for Colton to speak. He launches into his reasons for disliking Bill: "He's obnoxious, loud and a struggling stand up comedian." What? How is the latter point a reason? "Well, he should get a real job," says Colton, or at least have a back up plan.

Bill thinks he and Colton just come from very different backgrounds, although he doesn't want to make it about race. He's been on his own since he was 17 and poor all his life. Yes, he doesn't make money in his job and has to sleep on friends' couches, but why should Colton tell him to give up on his dreams? Especially, as he points out, Colton hasn't done a day's work in his life.

Colton comes from Alabama, he tells us, a town of 3,000 and yes, he did go to a private all-white school, but he "does have African American people" in his life. "Who?" queries Jeff. "My housekeeper… but she's like a member of the family," replies Colton. "A paid member?" asks Jeff. "Yes, she doesn't work for free," says Colton. But his problem with Bill isn't because of race, it's because of his attitude.

Jeff wonders if Colton has been judged for being gay. Colton says he's sure people do judge him but the people he associates with are more open and accepting; the people who have a problem are probably the ones who "go home to their trailers at night".

Finally Tarzan speaks up. He thinks this conversation has "devolved into a number of social platitudes unfair to both guys" and he's also tired of race being talked about; everyone should be judged on how they behave and their merits. He also throws in the fact Colton has been painted in an unfair light tonight.

Enough talk. Is it Bill or Leif going home? Jeff tallies the votes and with five votes Bill becomes the latest casualty of Survivor: One World.

'Dancing on Ice' Matthew Wolfenden in agony after whipping groin

'Dancing on Ice' Matthew Wolfenden in agony after whipping groin

Dancing on Ice star Matthew Wolfenden has been left in "serious pain" while training for this week's show after repeatedly whipping himself in the groin.

The Emmerdale actor is performing as a lion tamer in Sunday's (March 11) circus-themed special, but has been struggling to keep the prop under control.

"Matthew loved getting into character as a lion tamer and really cracking the whip," an insider told The Sun. "But the whip's quite long and he accidentally caught himself between the legs.

"It would have been all right if it had just happened once, but after three times he was in serious pain. It's really knocked his confidence and he's very embarrassed."

Wolfenden has since addressed the reports on Twitter, telling one fan who asked him if he was still having trouble: "Just a bit! It's got a life of its own!!"

The 31-year-old previously suffered a back injury and caused concern by dropping his partner Nina Ulanova while competing in Dancing on Ice.

Other more serious accidents to have occurred during the show include Jennifer Ellison stabbing herself in the head with a skate and Jorgie Porter slashing the face of her partner Matt Evers.

'Entourage's Jeremy Piven in talks to star in ITV's 'Mr Selfridge'

'Entourage's Jeremy Piven in talks to star in ITV's 'Mr Selfridge'

Jeremy Piven has started negotiations with ITV to star in upcoming drama Mr Selfridge, it has been revealed.

Announced last week, the series will centre around the founder of Selfridges, Harry Gordon Selfridge.

Deadline reports that the Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role as Ari Gold in US comedy Entourage, is in talks to play the American entrepreneur.

Written by Andrew Davies and set in 1909, the period piece is based on the book Shopping, Seduction And Mr Selfridge.

Production on Mr Selfridge, the idea for which emerged last year, is due to begin in April.

Expected to air sometime in 2013, Mr Selfridge has been commissioned for ten episodes.

'Fashion Star' - Meet designers Kara Laricks, Lisa Vian Hunter

'Fashion Star' - Meet designers Kara Laricks, Lisa Vian Hunter

We brought you introductions to Fashion Star hopefuls Barbara Bates and Edmond Newton yesterday, and now it's time to meet another two designers hoping to win the multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America's largest retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Kara Laricks used to be a fourth grade teacher before taking a leap of faith and pursuing her fashion dreams. The Manhattan resident sells her designs at a Saturday market in Soho, and thinks it's sexy when a woman can take masculine-inspired clothing and make it her own.

Lisa Vian Hunter is a mother of two who graduated fashion school when she was 40 years old and hopes to provide women with "gorgeous, affordable clothing made in the USA". The 46-year-old says that she is inspired by vintage and hopes to expand her boutique Vian Hunter House of Fashion.

'Celebrity Apprentice' George Takei: 'Clay Aiken is a backstabber'

'Celebrity Apprentice' George Takei: 'Clay Aiken is a backstabber'

George Takei has blasted his former Celebrity Apprentice co-star Clay Aiken as "catty".

Aiken was critical of Takei's turn as project manager in last Sunday's living window task, eventually blaming the Star Trek actor for Team Unanimous's loss in the boardroom.

Takei - who was ultimately fired by Donald Trump – has now accused Aiken of "backbiting" in order to get ahead in the competition.

"I pegged him immediately as the catty one, despite that molasses sweet accent," Takei told Zap2it. "He is determined to win, and he will do it with little snide snipes."

Takei also singled out three of his former competitors as top contenders to become the next Celebrity Apprentice.

"Penn [Jillette] is the one. Arsenio [Hall] is a smart savvy guy, and he would be a good candidate as well," he revealed. "And I love Lisa [Lampanelli]."

Takei joked earlier in the week that he's sad he "did not live long and prosper" on the reality series.

The Celebrity Apprentice airs on Sunday at 9/8c on NBC.

Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie join new music show 'Duets'

Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie join new music show 'Duets'

Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie, Robin Thicke and Jennifer Nettles will headline ABC's new music competition Duets.

The four artists will each search across America for their protégé, ultimately choosing two singers who will perform duets with them each week on the programme.

Hello... is it me you're looking for? Lionel Richie beams on the red carpet.

At the end of the competition only one artist and their protégé will be left standing, with the amateur singer scooping a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

Casting information is available at www.abc.com/casting.

Clarkson said: "The simple fact that I get to go out and find two people that I believe in, sing with them every week, and help them accomplish their dream is an amazing thing that I can't wait to be a part of!"

Sugarland singer Nettles called the show's concept "fresh" because it will allow her to actively mentor her contestants. "Most of my greatest learning was from singing and playing with other performers throughout my life and career," she said.

"To have had the opportunity to perform with an established artist would have been so incredible when I was up and coming."

Richie said he was excited to start working with his newfound talent, saying his goal is to "develop true artistry and give them the tools necessary to be creative artists instead of created artists".

He added: "I am eager to pass along a few of the nuggets of wisdom that I have received throughout my 40-year career from my own mentors, such as Marvin Gaye, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder."

Thicke said: "I'm truly excited to be a part of Duets. The format is unlike anything that's out there right now, and the opportunity to work with such talent, both the other artists and contestants, is definitely going to make for an exciting competition."

Duets premieres this summer on ABC.

Rosie O'Donnell to move OWN talkshow from Chicago to New York?

Rosie O'Donnell to move OWN talkshow from Chicago to New York?

Rosie O'Donnell is reportedly planning to move her OWN talkshow from Chicago to New York City.

O'Donnell apparently wants to return to her native New York because it has proved difficult to get high-profile guests to fly to Chicago.

An insider added to The Huffington Post: "It was a mistake to take the show to Chicago just because Oprah's old studio was sitting there empty. Rosie loves New York. This is where she grew up, goes to the theater and has dinner with her friends.

"No-one was more part of this city. But instead of standing up for what she knew in her gut, she agreed to film out of Chicago and even work with Oprah's old staff rather than hire her own."

O'Donnell has apparently already put her $2.5m Chicago home up for sale.

The presenter insisted last fall that she was not worried about The Rosie Show's lagging ratings and added that OWN's CEO Oprah Winfrey is content with the show's viewership.

The Rosie Show airs weeknights at 7/6c on OWN.

Giuliana Rancic, Andy Cohen to host Miss USA pageant

Giuliana Rancic, Andy Cohen to host Miss USA pageant

Giuliana Rancic and Andy Cohen will host this year's Miss USA pageant.

Miss USA organizers have said they are pleased to welcome Rancic and Watch What Happens Live host Cohen back to the pageant for the second year in a row.

Giuliana Rancic on the red carpet at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards

"Andy and Giuliana's charisma and energy are a great fit for us, and it was obvious they had a lot of fun together at Miss USA last year," pageant spokesperson Paula M Shugart commented. "We are happy to have them back."

Miss USA is to hold this year's star-studded competition live on June 3 from Las Vegas's Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Donald Trump, who owns Miss USA, has promised that the event will be a night viewers will never forget.

"The city of Las Vegas, one of the most exciting cities in the world, will once again set the stage for the Miss USA competition, giving 51 of the most beautiful women in the country a chance to win the coveted title of Miss USA," Trump said in a statement.

"Planet Hollywood has consistently rolled out the red carpet for our contestants and it is natural for us to host the pageant there."

Miss USA 2012 will air on June 3 on NBC.

Last year's Miss USA winner was 21-year-old model Miss California Alyssa Campanella, who admitted her jaw dropped when she received her crown.

'Skins' Laya Lewis: 'The show should end on a high'

'Skins' Laya Lewis: 'The show should end on a high'

Skins star Laya Lewis has revealed that she thinks the show will go out on a high.

Yesterday, it emerged that the E4 programme will come to an end after its seventh series next year.

The final run will feature appearances from former cast members.

Lewis, who plays third generation character Liv, has now told Digital Spy that she always expected to leave the show after two series.

"It's kind of weird because I've geared myself up - as soon as I got [the role] I geared myself up because I knew I only had two years," she said. "I think once episode ten comes out, we're already prepared that it's ended for us.

"I didn't know what kind of direction they were going to take it in, but there's always that thing hanging over Skins of how much more can you do with another generation of teenagers? So I think it's nice to end on a high note."

Lewis added: "I think our last series has really done the show justice. I think it's been just as good as previous series, and I think they should end on a high."

Asked if she thought it was the right decision to end the show, Lewis replied: "Definitely," and continued: "I think the idea of a series seven to wrap things up is really brilliant, and I think it's going to go down really well."

Lewis admitted that she has "no idea" if she will be one of the cast members who is asked to return but said: "It would be amazing, but it's all about what they write and who they want to be involved. I guess it's just wait and see."

Lewis also revealed that she personally has some favourite Skins characters that she would like to see again.

"I was going to say Chris [Joe Dempsie] but then I realised that he died!" she said. "I don't know - I'd love to see Nicholas Hoult back in it. I mean, Tony is Skins. I don't know what he's doing, if he's off making big massive movies now, but that would be amazing."

The sixth series of Skins continues on Mondays at 10pm on E4.

'Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens: 'I really need to star in a comedy'

'Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens: 'I really need to star in a comedy'

Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens has revealed that he would love to star in a comedy.

The actor is currently filming the third season of Downton Abbey as well as appearing in the dramatic film Summer in February, a story of scandal in an Edwardian artist colony.

In an interview with The AP, Stevens admitted that he'd like his next role to be more light-hearted.

"I would like to do something modern and possibly funny," the actor revealed. "I seem to have not had many laughs for a while, so that would be nice."

Stevens went on to say that he's enjoyed reprising the role of Matthew Crawley for Downton Abbey's next series and especially loved working with new castmember Shirley MacLaine.

He and Dame Maggie Smith have been rumoured to be considering leaving Downton Abbey following the third series, but producer Carnival recently denied any contractual issues.

Marcus Collins: 'I could have used sob story on X Factor'

Marcus Collins: 'I could have used sob story on X Factor'

Marcus Collins has explained why he decided not to use a "sob story" during his stint on The X Factor.

The Liverpudlian singer, who finished runner-up on last year's series of the talent show, believes that the public would have been sceptical about his revelations.

Collins told Attitude magazine: "I knew if I said, 'I grew up in a council flat, just me and my mum, we had nothing, my mum's had cancer, I thought I was going to be orphaned and out and on my own', people would be like, 'So what? Sob story, he's just making it up'."

The 'Seven Nation Army' star added: "I didn't want to do that. It had nothing to do with anything.

"Yeah, it just made me work harder, but so what? Everyone works hard. So I was very conscious not to do a big sob story."

His debut album is released next Monday (March 12).

JWoww sued by landlord for filming 'Jersey Shore' in rental property

JWoww sued by landlord for filming 'Jersey Shore' in rental property

Jersey Shore's Jenni 'JWoww' Farley has been sued by her former landlord.

The reality television star, who appears in the MTV show alongside Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, has been taken to court by Stuart Levine for filming episodes of the show inside his Long Island apartment that she was renting from him.

According to TMZ, Levine has demanded $150,000 (£95,000) in compensation from JWoww, and insisted she never warned him she planned to let 495 Productions shoot scenes for the first season of Jersey Shore inside the property.

Levine claimed that he had no idea JWoww had even allowed the shoot to take place until he saw footage on TV. He also argued that she never had authority to use the house for commercial filming.

He has demanded compensation from the show's production company.

JWoww and Snooki recently agreed to be monitored by police officers at all times while filming their new reality show. Snooki has said that she is "very excited" to be branching out and filming a spin-off with her co-star.

Snooki recently confirmed both her pregnancy and her engagement to boyfriend Jionni LaValle.

Stephen Lang calls 'Terra Nova' cancellation 'myopic'

Stephen Lang calls 'Terra Nova' cancellation 'myopic'

Stephen Lang - star of Fox's sci-fi adventure Terra Nova - has spoken out about the show's recent cancellation.

The actor, who played Commander Taylor on the programme, expressed his dismayed at the news in a statement posted on Deadline.

Lang compared the show to the Hubble Space Telescope, which he describes as having had a "serious flaw" but still "delivered images of transcendent beauty".

He went on to say: "So too Terra Nova. Even in its flawed first season, each episode was full of marvelous moments and beautiful images. With correction, and given the chance, Terra Nova can and will deliver seasons of transcendent images and story-telling.

"Failing to renew Terra Nova is shortsighted, as myopic as it would have been to scrap the Hubble. Terra Nova is the Hubble Telescope of television."

Other Terra Nova stars including Jason O'Mara and Naomi Scott have expressed their feelings via Twitter, thanking fans for their support of the show and expressing sadness over the end of the series.

Star Allison Miller has signed on to join Matthew Perry's upcoming television comedy Go On.

The final episode of Terra Nova aired on December 19, 2011 on Fox, although it has been reported that the show is being shopped to other networks.

'Desperate Housewives': Nicollette Sheridan's Attorney Calls Surprise Death Revelation 'Tactical'

'Desperate Housewives': Nicollette Sheridan's Attorney Calls Surprise Death Revelation 'Tactical'

"Desperate Housewives" Spoiler Alert: A major character will be killed off Sunday. Don't keep reading if you don't want to know who.

Thursday's courtroom revelation that a major character on "Desperate Housewives" will be killed off on this Sunday's episode was a calculated ploy to undercut his client's case, Nicollette Sheridan's attorney claimed.

"They're very tactical at ABC and Disney," Mark Baute told reporters outside the courtroom. "James Denton being killed off was designed for the defense ... so it could be brought into evidence.

Exec producer George Perkins said on the witness stand during the afternoon session that Denton's character Mike Delfino will be killed off on this Sunday's episode of the show.

Denton had testified just moments earlier at Los Angeles Superior Court for the defense in Sheridan's $6 million wrongful termination suit against the show's creator Marc Cherry and ABC.

Sheridan claims that Cherry killed off her character in retaliation after she reported the September 24, 2008 incident, which she characterized as a "nice wallop."

Sheridan's attorney Patrick Maloney asked Perkins if there have been any other important characters killed off on the show besides Sheridan's Edie Britt.

'No," Perkins replied, "but now we have. This Sunday we're killing off Mike Delfino."

After some jurors and courtroom spectators gasped at the news, Maloney jokingly asked the judge if she wanted to impose a gag order on the reporters covering Sheridan’s suit.

“I can’t order that,” Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Ann White said.

The revelation came moments after Denton had left the witness stand following testimony that he was not surprised that Sheridan's character was killed off in a scene "because characters get killed so often" on the show.

Under questioning by defense attorney Adam Levin, Denton said that he first learned about the death of Sheridan's Edie Britt character by reading it in the script.

"Did you ever think your character was going to die?" Levin asked.

"Always," Denton replied.

When Maloney continued grilling Perkins about whether he and Cherry discussed doing away with other characters in that same fifth season as a way to save money, the producer asked, "Do I have to answer?"

When the judge said he did, Perkins said he and Cherry had discussions along those lines, and that Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman were seen as "safe," but that Teri Hatcher's character had been "under discussion."

In earlier Thursday afternoon testimony, Larry Shaw, a director on the set on the day Sheridan claims Cherry struck her, characterized Cherry's contact with the actress as "a brush" and demonstrated with a tap to the side of attorney Levin's head.

'American Idol' Contestant Phillip Phillips Fine After Health Scare

'American Idol' Contestant Phillip Phillips Fine After Health Scare

"American Idol" contestant Phillip Phillips is back and ready to be judged, after a health scare earlier Thursday, an individual close to the production told TheWrap.

Phillips, known for performing with his guitar on the singing competition, received emergency medical treatment Thursday morning after complaining of severe pain in his abdomen, TMZ reported.

But rest easy, PP aficionados; the six-string strummer is fine, and is currently at "Idol" awaiting Thursday night's Top 13 results show, the individual close the the production said.

While the exact nature of Phillips' illness was not revealed, TMZ suggested that it could have been gallstones, an affliction that sent him to the hospital earlier this year.

This season of "Idol" has been marked by medical maladies: Last month, auditioner Symone Black caused hearts to skip a beat when she fell from the stage after appearing to faint following her performance of Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay." Contestant Imani Handy also collapsed twice in one episode, causing her to be eliminated by the judges, while contestant Christian Lopez was seen vomiting into a trash can during one episode.

Yet another aspirant, Skyler Laine, was sent to the hospital for dehydration.

TV Tonight 9th of March 2012

TV Tonight 9th of March 2012

The daily list in alphabetical order, of all the new episodes airing.

    20/20 S34E29: "Season 34, Episode 29"
    7 Days (NZ) S04E04: "Season 4, Episode 4"
    Alaska Wing Men S02E09: "Fire Fight"
    Amagami SS S02E10: "Episode 10"
    America's Most Wanted S25E15: "Season 25, Episode 15"
    Ancient Aliens S04E05: "The NASA Connection"
    Antiques Road Trip S04E20: "Series 4, Episode 20"
    Benidorm S05E03: "Series 5, Episode 3"
    Bering Sea Gold S01E07: "Bad Vibrations"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E18: "Del 18"
    Black Rock Shooter S01E06: "The Hope From When It Shouldn't Have Existed"
    Blue Bloods S02E17: "Reagan V. Reagan"
    Cleverdicks S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Coach Trip S09E30: "Series 9, Day 30"
    Come Dine With Me S18E47: "Series 18, Series 40"
    Come Dine With Me S18E48: "Series 18, Come Dine With Me"
    Coronation Street S53E50: "Fri Mar 9, 2012 [Episode 2]"
    Coronation Street S53E49: "Fri Mar 9, 2012 [Episode 1]"
    Countdown with Keith Olbermann S10E47: "Season 10, Episode 47"
    Dateline NBC S21E28: "Fr2125"
    Days of our Lives S47E85: "Ep. #11795"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E180: "Episode 1860"
    Degrassi S11E35: "Can't Tell Me Nothing (2)"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E69: "Series 8, Episode 69"
    Doctors S13E216: "Firestarter"
    EastEnders S28E41: "March 9, 2012"
    Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers S03E02: "Series 3, Episode 2"
    Emmerdale S41E59: "March 9, 2012"
    Flikken Maastricht S06E06: "Season 6, Episode 6"
    Four Weddings (2010) S03E31: "Clip Show"
    Gardeners' World S45E01: "March 9, 2010"
    General Hospital (US) S49E239: "#12513"
    Ghost Adventures S06E02: "TBA"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E135: "Season 22, Episode 135"
    Grimm S01E14: "Plumed Serpent"
    Guilty Crown S01E20: "Recollection: A Diary"
    High School DxD S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Hollyoaks S18E50: "March 9, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E35: "Episode 5470"
    House Hunters S48E49: "TBA"
    House Hunters International S25E52: "Common ground in Cannes, France"
    House of Anubis S02E90: "House of Freedom"
    House of Anubis S02E89: "House of The Chosen"
    House of Anubis S02E88: "House of Captives"
    House of Anubis S02E87: "House of Missions"
    Inu x Boku SS S01E09: "The Promised Day"
    Jeopardy! S28E125: "Show #6330"
    Jessie (2011) S01E14: "World Wide Web of Lies"
    Kill Me Baby S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Live From the Artists Den S04E06: "Iron and Wine"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E139
    Mastermind (UK) S40E22: "Series 40, Show 22"
    Melvyn Bragg On Class And Culture S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries S01E03: "The Green Mill Murder"
    Moordvrouw S01E08: "Vermoorde Onschuld"
    Neighbours S28E45: "Episode 6355"
    Nytt På Nytt S26E10: "Season 26, Episode 10"
    Persona 4 The Animation S01E22: "It's just like Heaven"
    Pointless S06E20: "Series 6, Episode 20"
    Portlandia S02E10: "Brunch Village"
    Real Time With Bill Maher S10E08: "Season 10, Episode 8"
    Romanii au Talent S02E04: "Auditii #4"
    Room 101 S12E08: "John Prescott, Micky Flanagan, Rebecca Front"
    Safari Vet School S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta S03E14: "Falling in Love"
    Senhime Zesshou Symphogear S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Shark Tank S03E08: "Season 3, Episode 8"
    Spartacus: Blood and Sand S02E07: "Sacramentum"
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) S04E22: "Revenge"
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) S04E21: "Brothers"
    Stella (UK) S01E10: "Episode 10"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E247: "Ep. #6277"
    The Chase (2009) S05E29: "Series 5, Episode 29"
    The Culture Show S16E06: "Series 16, Episode 6"
    The Dead Files S02E01: "Alcatraz - San Francisco, CA"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E122: "Unusual Syndromes and Fears"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E118: "David Arquette, Robin Thicke"
    The Graham Norton Show S10E19
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E125: "March 9, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E45
    The Mad Bad Ad Show S01E04: "Episode 4"
    The Mentalist S04E18: "Ruddy Cheeks"
    The Real Hustle (UK) S11E07: "Celebrity Chancers: Episode 7"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E40: "Season 1, Episode 40"
    The Ultimate Fighter S15E01: "Season 15, Episode 1"
    The View S15E123: "Vera Wang, Bone Hampton"
    The Young and the Restless S39E246: "Ep. #9861"
    Thuis S17E140: "Season 17, Episode 140"
    Tracy Beaker Returns S03E11: "Series 3, Episode 11"
    Undercover Boss S03E07: "Oriental Trading Company"
    Who Do You Think You Are? (US) S03E05: "Jerome Bettis"
    WWE Friday Night SmackDown! S12E76: "Season 12, Episode 76"
    Байки Митяя S01E18: "Season 1, Episode 18"
    Байки Митяя S01E17: "Season 1, Episode 17"
    Байки Митяя S01E20: "Season 1, Episode 20"
    Байки Митяя S01E19: "Season 1, Episode 19"

Exclusive: Kiefer Sutherland on '24' movie: 'I'm still hopeful'

Exclusive: Kiefer Sutherland on '24' movie: 'I'm still hopeful'

Kiefer Sutherland has insisted that a 24 movie is still in the works.

The actor - who played Jack Bauer on the Fox drama - told that he is "still hopeful" that the project will reach the big screen.

"We have a fantastic script that I'm very excited about," he said. "We have phenomenal filmmakers that are interested in working with us, as well."

However, Sutherland admitted that it may prove difficult to schedule filming dates for the movie around his new drama series Touch.

"It's a question of trying to put that package together in time, for us to do it in the break between when Touch finishes and when we would potentially start again," he explained.

Sky1 will air Touch in the UK - the show premieres on Tuesday, March 20 at 8pm. In the US, the show's first season resumes on March 22 on Fox.

'Mad Men' Star Elisabeth Moss on Fred Armisen: He's Not a Normal Person

'Mad Men' Star Elisabeth Moss on Fred Armisen: He's Not a Normal Person

"Mad Men" star Elisabeth Moss is chatting publicly for the first time about her 2011 divorce from "Saturday Night Live" star Fred Armisen, and she takes a swipe at her ex-husband while revealing the reason for the split.

"One of the greatest things I heard someone say about him is, 'He's so great at doing impersonations. But the greatest impersonation he does is that of a normal person,'" Moss says in the new issue of Page Six Magazine. "To me, that sums it up.

"And I think that's … that's it," Moss continued. "I've never told anyone that. And I don't want to waste any more of my life talking about it."

Asked if she keeps in touch with Armisen, Moss replies: "Oh, God, no."

Moss and Armisen met in 2008 when she was visiting "Mad Men" co-star Jon Hamm while he hosted "SNL." The couple married in October 2009.

As for the fifth season of "Mad Men," which premieres on AMC March 25, Moss is typically cryptic, except to say she is "ecstatic with what happens this season."

"I think the audience is going to be surprised," says the actress, who posed for Page Six Magazine in some decidedly un-Peggy Olson-like outfits (see photo at left). "For me, it was very meaningful with what happens to Peggy."

Apprentice Margaret Mountford to reunite with Nick Hewer on Countdown

Apprentice Margaret Mountford to reunite with Nick Hewer on Countdown

Apprentice star Margaret Mountford will be reunited with Nick Hewer on Channel 4's Countdown, it has been confirmed.

Hewer and Mountford became cult TV stars after working together for five years as Lord Alan Sugar's "eyes and ears" on The Apprentice.

However, Mountford departed the show after the fifth series to focus on her Ph.D studies at University College London.

The duo will be reunited on the daytime quiz this weekend, when Mountford films a number of episodes as a guest in Dictionary Corner. Hewer took over from Jeff Stelling as the host of Countdown earlier this year.

Writing about the news on Twitter, Hewer said: "Glad tidings! Margaret has agreed to join Susie Dent in Countdown's Dictionary Corner for a whole week. Soon. More later."

Co-presenter Rachel Riley added: "We're filming Countdown this weekend with Margaret Mountford. Hoping to get the insider gossip on Nick Hewer.... what would you ask?"

When asked by Digital Spy if he thought Lord Sugar would ever join him on Countdown, Hewer said: "I'll ask... but I'm not going to hold my breath on that one."

Countdown airs on weekday afternoons on Channel 4.

'The Voice's RaeLynn: 'I almost cried when I met Miranda Lambert'

'The Voice's RaeLynn: 'I almost cried when I met Miranda Lambert'

The Voice contestant RaeLynn has shared her excitement at being mentored by her idol Miranda Lambert.

The teenager came face-to-face with Lambert on Monday night's (March 5) episode of The Voice when the country singer appeared as a guest mentor for husband Blake Shelton's team.

RaeLynn had previously spoken about her admiration for Lambert, even singing the star's 'Hell on Heels' track in her blind audition.

Speaking to reporters on a conference call, she said: "I have been talking about Miranda Lambert ever since I first auditioned for this show. She is such an inspiration to me, and for them to bring her out as an advisor, I almost had a heart attack!

"I told myself I wouldn't cry because I didn't want her to think I was being a crazy psycho-fan, but I almost did cry!"

RaeLynn said that she has been listening to Lambert's songs since was 11 years old and meeting her idol in person "was a dream come true" that she will never forget.

"I love her and I love Blake," she said. "I can't believe The Voice let me meet the person I've been listening to my whole life; that was pretty magical to me."

RaeLynn - who said she is flattered people on Twitter have called her "Little Miranda" - was paired against Adley Stump in this week's first battle round, where she triumphed in their performance of 'Free Fallin'' and moved to the next round.

She told reporters that she didn't think being mentored by Lambert had given her any edge on Stump, who was given guidance by Kelly Clarkson. "I think we both did amazing and I love Adley, she'll do great things," she said.

As for being picked by Shelton, she said: "To see somebody you have looked up to your whole life believe in you is amazing. Words can't describe how much I have learned from him because he's an amazing guy and an amazing talent."

At just 17 years old, RaeLynn is the youngest competitor on the show, but she said she doesn't feel at a disadvantage because of her age.

"Being in a competition with amazing singers who have been singing their whole lives is kind of nerve-wracking and scary, but I have to think about the fact the coaches see something special about me that puts me up there with them," she said.

"I have to be confident. I know God has a plan for me on the show and I'm excited to live out that plan and do what He wants me to do.

"Music is my passion and it's what I want to do for the rest of my life, so I can't wait to show America what I can do in the live rounds."

Ellen DeGeneres Foes One Million Moms Drop JCPenney Firing Campaign

Ellen DeGeneres Foes One Million Moms Drop JCPenney Firing Campaign

Ellen DeGeneres can breathe easy -- she won't be joining the ranks of the unemployed for the time being.

One Million Moms, the pro-advocacy group that had been calling for DeGeneres' ousting as a spokesperson for JCPenney, has called off its campaign, the group's director Monica Cole told One News Now.

Cole did claim a small victory in its campaign, however, claiming that many of its members have vowed not to show at the retailer as long as DeGeneres remains affiliated with the company.

"[W]e have heard back from so many of our members," Cole said. "We have heard back from men and women -- not just moms -- saying they will no longer shop there at JC Penney, as long as Ellen DeGeneres is their spokesperson."

The group launched its protest earlier this year, urging the company to drop DeGeneres as its spokesperson because she is gay.

"Funny that JCPenney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of their customers are traditional families," the group wrote on its website. "DeGeneres is not a true representation of the type of families that shop at their store. The majority of JC Penney shoppers will be offended and choose to no longer shop there."

Outside of the group's supporters, however, the protest largely fell on deaf ears. JCPenney firmly stood behind its decision to hire DeGeneres, and even staunchly conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly characterized One Million Moms' campaign as a "witch hunt."

One Million Moms -- which is affiliated with the American Family Association -- has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment, quite possibly because it is busy with its latest campaign: Getting sponsors to pull their ads from the new ABC series "GCB" because it's supposedly anti-Christian.

'GCB': Philadelphia pulls adverts from ABC's drama

'GCB': Philadelphia pulls adverts from ABC's drama

Philadelphia has pulled its advertising from ABC's new drama GCB.

The show, which had an original title of Good Christian Bitches, has been the centre of controversy over its representation of Christians since it premiered to 7.6m viewers on Sunday.

Philadelphia has now confirmed that it will no longer advertise during the Leslie Bibb series, TMZ reports.

"Philadelphia has decided to pull its advertising from GCB," a spokesperson said. "We have received a few complaints from consumers and their opinions about our advertising are important to us.

"We have recently decided to redirect our advertising to other programmes."

New York City councilman Peter Vallone has also criticised GCB, describing it as "yet another outrageous attack on the Christian faith" and calling for a boycott.

However, the show's executive producer Robert Harling has previously insisted that the series is not "disrespectful" to Christians, while star Kristin Chenoweth has said that she would never "make fun of [her] own faith".

GCB continues on Sunday at 10/9c on ABC.

'Sons of Anarchy' to get prequel series?

'Sons of Anarchy' to get prequel series?

Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter has confirmed that he is interested in making a prequel series.

The proposed project would focus on the members of SAMCRO's 'First 9', Sutter revealed at a PaleyFest panel in Beverly Hills.

"I see it as a different show," he explained. "Not a continuation or another version of Sons of Anarchy but a more political and socially historical sort of show."

He added: "I definitely have some interest in doing it. I'd like to explore it in some capacity."

Sutter also claimed that no Sons of Anarchy cast members would appear in the new series.

"Nobody on this stage would be with me," he announced.

Sons of Anarchy was picked up for a fifth run back in October. A sixth season of the FX biker drama was then commissioned before the fifth had aired, with a seventh also under consideration.

Sutter suggested in February that Sons could even continue into an eighth season and beyond.

"If there's more story to be told after seven seasons and if financially it's still a feasible endeavour, I'm definitely open to doing more," he admitted.

The fourth season of Sons of Anarchy concluded on December 6. Thirteen new episodes are expected to air in late 2012.

'The Talk' Renewed for Third Season

'The Talk' Renewed for Third Season

"The Talk" will live to gab another season.

The daytime yakfest has been renewed for the 2012-2013 season, CBS said on Wednesday, with the series returning for its third go-round in September.

"The Talk" -- which features Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood and Aisha Tyler holding forth on pressing topics of the day -- showed modest growth in this year's February sweep, climbing 10 percent among the key demo of women 25-54 and four percent in total viewership.

“We’re proud that 'The Talk' has already established great brand identity in only its second season,” David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios said of the renewal. “Much of the success can be attributed to our hosts’ chemistry and the work of our producers, whose selection of topics and guests are clearly resonating with viewers.”

The hosts' chemistry was altered significantly last year, when former co-hosts Leah Remini and Holly Robinson Peete were shown the door prior to the show's second-season premiere last September.

Development Update: the 9th of March

Development Update: the 9th of March

1600 PENN (NBC) - Amara Miller ("The Descendants") has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about a dysfunctional First Family where the out-of-control oldest son Skip (Josh Gad) returns home and becomes not only it's biggest liability but also the glue holding everyone together. She'll play Marigold ("direct and tough - but with the soul of a poet"), the youngest daughter of President Dale Gilchrist (Bill Pullman). Andre Holland and Brittany Snow also star in the 20th Century Fox Television-based project, from co-creators Gad, Jon Lovett and Jason Winer. (Deadline.com)

666 PARK AVENUE (ABC) - Mercedes Masohn ("The Finder") and Robert Buckley ("One Tree Hill") have both landed roles on the drama pilot, based on Gabriella Pierce's novel about a young couple (Rachael Taylor, Dave Annable) who accept an offer to manage one of the most historic apartment buildings in New York City where they begin to experience supernatural occurrences. They'll play two of their tenants - playwright Brian Leonard ("33, handsome, disheveled hipster") and his photographer wife Louise ("35, stylish, intellectual"). Masohn's casting is in second position to the FOX drama. Terry O'Quinn also stars in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, from director Alex Graves and writer David Wilcox. (Deadline.com)

ALL-AMERICAN MUSLIM (TLC) - The cable channel has passed on ordering a second season of the much-ballyhooed reality series, which follows the daily lives of five American Muslim families in Dearborn, Michigan. The show's eight-episode freshman run averaged 984,000 viewers and a 0.4 rating among adults 18-49. Dan Peirson, Jennifer O'Connell and Nick Emmerson were the executive producers for Shed Media. (Detroit Free Press)

AMERICAN JUDY (ABC) - Ken Marino ("Childrens Hospital") and Erica Ash ("MADtv") have signed onto the comedy pilot, about Judy (Judy Greer), a cosmopolitan woman who gets married and becomes a fish out of water in the suburbs having to juggle stepkids (Jadon Sand, Madison Lintz), her mother-in-law (Mimi Kennedy) and the ex-wife (Elaine Hendrix) of her husband, who also happens to be the town's sheriff. Marino will play said husband, Dean Jennings, a very handsome airline pilot; with Ash as Judy's L.A.-based friend Claire, "who doesn't understand what her life in the 'burbs entails." Beth McCarthy-Miller is directing the ABC Studios-based half-hour from a teleplay by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan. (THR.com)

THE AMERICANS (FX) - Keri Russell ("Running Wilde") has booked the female lead on the pilot, a period drama about the complex marriage of two KGB spies posing as Americans in suburban Washington DC in the early 1980's. Said hour follows "the arranged marriage of Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings (Russell) - who have two children who know nothing about their parents' true identity - as it grows more passionate and genuine by the day, but is constantly tested by the escalation of the Cold War and the intimate, dangerous and darkly funny relationships they must maintain with a network of spies and informants under their control." Gavin O'Connor is directing the hour from a script by Joe Weisberg. DreamWorks Television, Fox Television Studios and FX Productions are producing. (Deadline.com)

APPLEBAUM (CBS) - Rhys Coiro ("A Gifted Man") is set to star opposite Rachelle Lefevre in the drama pilot, about Juliet Applebaum (Lefevre), a former public defender who becomes a private investigator to keep from being bored to death as a stay-at-home mom. He'll play her husband, Peter Wyeth ("30s, handsome nerdy"), in the CBS Television Studios-based hour, from director Chris Columbus and writer Ayelet Waldman. Coiro, who was upped to series regular for "Man's" final three episodes this season, like Lefevre is being cast in second position. James Hiroyuki Liao and Marlowe Peyton also star. (Deadline.com)

ARROW (The CW) - Colin Salmon ("Resident Evil: Retribution") has landed a role on the drama pilot, a modern retelling of the story of DC Comics character Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell), better known as Green Arrow. He's on board as Walter Steele, a family friend who married Oliver's mother (Susanna Thompson) and oversaw Queen Consolidated while he and his father (Jamey Sheridan) were presumed dead following a boating accident. Colin Donnell, David Ramsey, Katie Cassidy, Paul Blackthorne and Willa Holland also star in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, to be directed by David Nutter. Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg penned the teleplay off a story by Greg Berlanti and Guggenheim. (Deadline.com)

ELEMENTARY (CBS) - Aidan Quinn ("Prime Suspect") is the latest addition to the pilot, a drama which envisions Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) in the present day as a former Scotland Yard consultant who solves crimes for the NYPD alongside Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), his personal recovery assistant. He'll play Tobias "Toby" Gregson ("early 50s, a cop's cop, manicured but Naugahyde tough"), an NYPD Captain who originally crossed paths with Holmes while assigned to Scotland Yard to observe their counterterrorism bureau after 9/11. Robert Doherty is behind the CBS Television Studios-based hour, to be directed by Michael Cuesta. (Deadline.com)

GOLDEN BOY (CBS) - British actor Theo James ("Bedlam") has been tapped for the title role on the drama pilot, which tracks one man's (Phillippe) meteoric rise from uniform cop at age 26 to police commissioner at 34. He'll take over for Ryan Phillippe, who was originally cast as said role, Walter William Clark, Jr. Richard Shepard is directing the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, which comes from creator Nick Wootton and also stars Chi McBride, Kevin Alejandro and Stella Maeve. (Deadline.com)

GUILTY (FOX) - Jay Harrington ("Better Off Ted") has joined the cast of the Cuba Gooding, Jr.-led drama pilot, about William "Billy" Remz, a morally questionable defense attorney who, after being falsely convicted of fraud and stripped of his license, uses unorthodox methods to continue working cases. He'll play Scott Shepherd ("kind; idealistic; gay"), Billy's only remaining friend, who lets him operate out of his practice. Eva Amurri Martino and Julian Morris also star in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, from director McG and writer Marc Guggenheim. (Deadline.com)

MISTRESSES (ABC) - Rochelle Aytes ("Work It") and Jes Macallan ("Justified") have booked two of the principal roles on the upcoming drama, based on the U.K. series of the same name which follows the lives of four female friends and their involvement in an array of illicit and complex relationships. The former will play April ("charming and girlish"), a recent widow raising two daughters and running a high-end linen shop on Robertson Boulevard; with Macallan as Josslyn, "a real estate broker and an unapologetically sensual woman." Aytes previously starred in Lifetime's 2008 attempt to import the series (alongside Camille Sullivan, Holly Maria Combs and Brooke Burns). Cherie Nowlan is on board to direct the K.J. Steinberg-penned hour for ABC Studios. (Deadline.com)

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES (ABC) - Wendi McLendon-Covey ("Bridesmaids") has been tapped for the female lead on the comedy pilot, about two streetwise brothers (John Leguizamo, Dustin Ybarra) and their aging grandfather (Christpher Lloyd) as they concoct outrageous, morally questionable get-rich-quick schemes in their quest to become millionaires. She'll play Ruby Ross, the ex-wife of Leguizamo's character who owns the bar the brothers frequent. The actress had been attached to the HBO pilot "The Viagra Diaries" but was released following the exit of Goldie Hawn. B.J. Bales also stars in the ABC Studios-based project, to be directed by Ted Wass from a script by Brian Bradley and Steven Cragg. (Deadline.com)

THE SELECTION (The CW) - Leonor Varela, Martin Donovan and Peta Sergeant have all been cast in the pilot, a drama set 300 years in the future about a poor woman (Aimee Teegarden) who is chosen by lottery to compete to become the next queen of a war-torn nation. Varela and Donovan will play Royal Family members Queen Amberly ("refined and beautiful") and King Clarkson ("dignified"), whose son Maxon (Ethan Peck) will marry the winner of said contest. Sergeant then is set as Commander Gaia Woods ("gorgeous; raised to be a fierce soldier"), who is spearheading a rebellion against the monarchy. Sean Patrick Thomas also stars in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, from co-writers Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain. Mark Piznarski is directing. (Deadline.com, THR.com)

UNTITLED BEN FALCONE/LARRY DORF PROJECT (CBS) - Emily Rutherfurd ("The New Adventures of Old Christine") and Andrea Martin ("My Big Fat Greek Life") have both been cast in the comedy pilot, about David (Ben Falcone), a single 37-year-old who loses everything he has in the real estate collapse and must move back in with his parents. Martin will play his mother Shelli while Rutherfurd is set as Julie, his former high school crush who now works as a waitress. They joint the previously cast Judd Hirsch and Rachael Harris as David's father and sister. Warner Bros. Television is producing. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED JOSH BERMAN/ROB WRIGHT PROJECT (FOX) - William Forsythe ("Boardwalk Empire") has scored a role on the drama pilot, about Grace Devlin (Jordana Spiro), one of Chicago's top young cardiothoracic surgeons who, to save her gambling-indebted brother (Jesse Lee Soffer), is forced to moonlight as a mob doctor. He'll play Alexander Constantine - the legendary, imposing boss of Chicago Outfit's Southside faction - who has a history with Grace's mother, Maria (yet to be cast). Jaime Lee Kirchner and James Carpinello also star in the Sony Pictures Television-based hour, to be directed by Michael Dinner. (Deadline.com)

YOU KILL ME (Showtime, New!) - Emmy-winners Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely ("The Life and Death of Peter Sellers") are developing a small screen take on their 2007 film, about "a hit man who, after messing up one too many times, is forced to deal with his demons in AA." Ben Kingsley, Tea Leoni and Luke Wilson starred in the project, which was directed by John Dahl. Markus and McFeely will pen the script and executive produce. (Deadline.com)

ZERO HOUR (ABC) - Anthony Edwards ("ER") and Carmen Ejogo ("Chaos") are set to star in the drama pilot, about a skeptical magazine editor who, after his wife is improbably kidnapped, finds himself swept up in a conspiracy dating back to World War II. He'll play said fellow, Hank Foley, with Ejogo as Becca "Beck" Sunjata ("your typical TV FBI chick, but as we shall find, not the case at all"), an FBI agent who gets sucked into his quest. They join the previously cast Addison Timlin, Anthony Edwards and Scott Michael Foster. Pierre Morel is directing from a script by Paul Scheuring for ABC Studios. (Deadline.com)

Marc Cherry: Nicollette Sheridan Was Unhappy Because Her Line Was Cut

Marc Cherry: Nicollette Sheridan Was Unhappy Because Her Line Was Cut

"Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry said Thursday he was suggesting another way that Nicollette Sheridan could play a scene when he took his hand to her head during a rehearsal.

The actress is suing Cherry and ABC for $6 million in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming that he killed off her character in retaliation after she reported the September 24, 2008 incident, which she characterized as a "nice wallop."

Cherry testified that Sheridan was unhappy that her line in the a scene -- "She loved you, yeah, yeah, yeah" -- has been cut over concerns about licensing costs and told him, "I really need a joke here."

"Maybe you don't need a line," Cherry said he told Sheridan, "you could do some physical business with Dave (actor Neal McDonough), maybe pinch him or a thing on the head," and then said he tapped her on the head as an example.

"Nicollette seemed confused," Cherry said, "and then she got a look on he face -- I was like, what was she thinking -- and then she screamed 'You hit me!' and stormed off the set.

Cherry said he was "stunned" and soon followed Sheridan to her trailer to say he was sorry.

"I decided to apologize because we needed to get her back to the set" Cherry said.  "I remember being nervous because of what she had yelled ... I didn't feel comfortable being alone with her in the trailer," he said.

Cherry said that he told her he was demonstrating stage business and "she had a look on her face like she understood what I had said."

"I was trying to indicate playful things she could do," he said.

Cherry said that two then hugged and he went back to the writers room to "write her a funny line."

"When I apologized it was a sincere apology for inadvertently offending her," Cherry testified. "It was not for hitting her, because that was something I had not done."

Steven Seagal Lawsuit: Don't Bring a Tank to a Cockfight

Steven Seagal Lawsuit: Don't Bring a Tank to a Cockfight

Steven Seagal is being sued by an Arizona man over a raid in which Seagal and sheriff's deputies used a SWAT tank and other armored vehicles to bust up an alleged cockfighting ring at his home for the A&E show "Steven Seagal: Lawman."

In the civil suit filed Tuesday -- which also names the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department -- Jesus Llovera claims that the March 10, 2011 raid on his Laveen, Ariz., residence was excessive, and played up for the sake of the show, AZ Central reports.

Also read: Steven Seagal, Arizona Sheriff Use Tank to Bust Up Alleged Cockfighting Ring

It involved a SWAT team, a bomb robot and 40 deputies. Seagal was joined by Maricopa County's self-proclaimed "America's Toughest Sheriff," whose headline-grabbing antics have included making jail inmates wear pink underwear and investigating President Obama's birth.

Deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department said they believed that Llovera, who had earlier pleaded guilty to attending a May 2010 cockfight, had roosters and chickens on his property in violation of his probation, and that he was raising birds to fight, a felony.

Law enforcement discovered more than 100 roosters on the property, some bearing alterations suggesting that they had been bred for cockfighting, authorities said. The birds were subsequently euthanized.

Llovera was charged with raising animals for cockfighting and possession of dangerous drugs, which he allegedly used on the animals. His attorney has requested that evidence in the case be tossed, saying that the warrant was not properly served.

Llovera's attorney, Robert Campos, maintained his client's innocence to TheWrap, saying, "There is no evidence he ever sold a rooster or ever engaged a bird to fight. The sheriff's office did not find any weapons, money, betting evidence, enclosures for cockfighting, trophies for cockfighting, pits or arenas for cockfighting, or any type of razors used for cockfighting."

Regardless of whether one believes Llovera was involved in cockfighting, Campos added, "there was no justification for the sheriff's office to destroy my client's home, to demolish his fence, to destroy his daughter's bedroom, to bring 30 to 40 fully armed SWAT officers, to bring a tank, the entire bomb unit, a bomb robot, canine units, to set off explosive devices for confusing my client and to have Steven Seagal's production company filming to make an exciting reality show at the expense of my client's constitutional rights.

"All the sheriff's office had to do was to call my client and ask him to meet with them," Campos said. "But this common sense does not make for good reality television."

Sheriff's deputy chief Dave Trombi told AZ Central that the raid was standard operating procedure, and was not beefed up for television.

"The search warrant was going to occur with or without Seagal," Trombi said.

"The search warrant was not based at all on the needs of the production company."

Llovera's lawsuit claims that the raid fits a pattern of Arpaio "arresting and prosecuting individuals without probable cause solely for the selfish and improper purposes of achieving personal and political gain through publicity."

Arpaio previously participated in a reality series, "Smile ... You're Under Arrest!" on the Fox Reality Channel.

"Steven Seagal: Lawman" follows former action star Seagal as he performs duties as a deputized officer. The episode featuring the raid on Llovera's home was scheduled to air on Jan. 4, but the A&E Network, which airs the series, has pulled the current season from its schedule.

A&E has not yet responded to a request for comment, nor has a spokesman for Seagal.

Llovera is seeking unspecified damages, to be determined by a jury.