The 9 0'Clock News – Fri 9 Jan

Ronaldo writes off £200k car in terrifying crash
He'd only picked up the keys two days ago, but last night footballer Cristiano Ronaldo had to kiss good bye to his brand new Ferrari, after he lost control and crashed it in a tunnel. The Manchester Utd player, who miraculously walked away from the wreckage without a scratch on him, was on his way to a training session when the collision happened. His red Ferrari careered into the side of the tunnel wall, before spinning around and hitting the other side. A wheel was torn off in the impact, and the front end of the swanky motor completely caved in. Luckily, there were no other vehicles in the tunnel at the time, and police say the footballer himself was extremely lucky to avoid serious injury. Cristiano passed a breathalyser test at the scene, but it is thought police will continue to question him as they investigate what happened. The car had set Cristiano back a whopping £200k, but then with his £110k-a-week wages, we guess he can soon buy himself a new one. What a relief nobody was hurt.

X Factor acts get £100 a show
This is very interesting. It would appear that landing a slot as an X Factor finalist doesn't necessarily mean you're going to go on and make millions. In fact, it's emerged today that some of the acts will be getting as little as £100 each per show when the X Factor live tour starts next month. Even winner Alexandra Burke, whose hit Hallelujah is still flying off the shelves, is said to be on the same wage as fellow contestants such as Diana Vickers and Laura White, getting as little as £250 per show. It may sound like a fair amount, but when you discover that the acts also have to cover most of their own expenses, you realise they will actually be taking home very little. As well as some living costs, the acts must also pay tax on their earnings, as well as at least 20 per cent to their agents. Sales for the 25-gig tour are going well, with the London show expected to rake in £600,000 in ticket sales alone. A source revealed, "Some of the acts know they can get a lot more money elsewhere trading off their own backs. But they are tied into this deal and there's nothing they can do." As well as ticket sales, it is expected that the sales of specially branded merchandise will also be huge, and every artist has also signed over their image rights, even though they will see a very small return from any sales. Still, we suppose doing the tour is the best way for these acts to reach a wide audience, and they do all have the show to thank for their success. What do you think? Should Cowell and co cough up more cash, or does it all sound fair?

BB embarrassment for Nikki
Embarrassment for Celebrity Big Brother last night, as all housemates failed to recognise Nikki Grahame. Nikki, an ex housemate, appeared in the garden, yet not one of her supposed fellow celebs could actually work out who she was. Perhaps most embarrassed was Nikki herself, whose catchphrase on BB7 was "Who IS she?" *snigger* BB bosses have been sending in "celebs" for a task in which the housemates must work as paparazzi, but Nikki was left shocked when no one recognised her. A show source said, "Nikki was mortified. She knows she's not exactly a big star, but she thought she'd be recognised in the BB house. Fair enough that Coolio had no idea who she was, but you would have thought some of the others might recognise her."

Jade loses her hair
Sad news for Jade Goody – she's lost all her hair as a side effect of her chemotherapy. The BB star has been recieving treatment for her cancer over the last few months, but the latest bout has meant that her hair started to fall out. "It's a tough time. Jade knew it would happen, but nothing really prepares you," says a close friend. "Her hair had started to thin, but all of a sudden it just came out and gave her a real shock. She feels very unwell due to the treatment and is generally low." However, Jade is battling on and wearing a head scarf as she continues to carry on working. "I hate letting people down, but I have to be careful not to get too ill as my immune system is so low," she says. Get well soon, Jade.


- heatworld.com