Showbiz gossip

Aug 8 2006 By The Evening Chronicle

La: She is rumoured to be single again, but it looks like Jennifer Aniston intends to keep herself busy by taking on her first directing gig. The 37-year-old will direct a short film as part of Glamour magazine's Reel Moments short film series, based on inspiring true stories sent in by the magazine's readers.

Jennifer has made no secret of her desire to branch out, announcing recently: "I plan to direct. In fact, I'm taking a course now. You have to be multi-skilled."

And it's also a way for her to rectify her "big beef" with Hollywood over the small number of prominent female directors in the industry.

UK: DON'T mess with GUY RITCHIE - or his pop superstar wife.

The director got all gangster after one of his pals labelled MADONNA "a bloody nutter". While attending a premiere party, actor DANNY DYER criticised the singer's devotion to Kabbalah and complained about the £150 she charges for concert tickets. When Guy heard on the grapevine he reportedly demanded an apology.

A source said: "Danny and Guy know each other from the Britpack scene and they've always got on well, so Dan was happy to apologise for any offence taken."

NY: He's hardly your archetypal American pin-up, but GORDON RAMSAY has proved so popular in the States that he's going to guest star on the Simpsons.

The famously volatile kitchen-maestro is set to voice an episode in which he teaches hapless Homer Simpson how to cook, though it's not yet confirmed whether any of his signature bad language will make the final cut

"I was really honoured," said the chef. "I don't know how they're going to do it but I hope they keep the swearing in."

UK: WEDDING wars have hit the families of CHANTELLE and PRESTON.

The Celebrity Big Brother winner and Ordinary Boys frontman are due to marry later this month but certain relatives have been struck off the guest list.

Her mum Vivian, 47, has allegedly banned her sister Jackie and two cousins from going to the Essex bash on August 25. Other relatives are also off the list after criticising the couple for getting engaged too quickly.