Cheryl Cole's ex-husband Ashley Cole begged a lingerie model to send him a nude photo just days before the couple reunited.

Adele and P J Harvey lead a strong roll call of female artists on this year's Mercury Prize shortlist, which aims to recognise originality and individuality in contemporary British music.

George Michael has revealed his first crush was Debbie Harry.

Ashdown Forest is one of Britain's many literary haunts, writes Robert McCrum.

Press baron's real danger lies in his blatant influence on politicians and global economic policies, writes Bryan Gould

Two New Zealand wines have been deemed fit for a queen - the Queen of England in fact.

Rebekah Brooks, Rupert Murdoch's former British newspaper chief, was arrested this morning on suspicion of phone hacking and bribing police, while Britain's top cop also quit as the scandal deepened.

Tom Mockridge is no stranger to answering SOS calls from his boss, besieged media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Some great names stand out on the path to the sport's 2000th test, a journey that NZ began unpromisingly.

Cricket's 2000th test starts at Lord's on Thursday, when England host India.

Rebekah Brooks, Murdoch's loyal lieutenant, resigned last night as chief executive of his newspapers.

Thanks to the Murdoch papers, clever-dick journalism doesn't look so clever any more.

It's the end of the line for the Hogwart's Express and the beginning of a new chapter for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, the stars of 'Harry Potter.'

Rapper Kingslee Daley, aka Akala, is a man on a mission; to get at-risk kids exploring words, from Shakespeare to Jay-Z. Scott Kara reports

Ricky Gervais has defended his new sitcom centred around Warwick Davis, insisting he doesn't rely on the dwarf actor's short stature for the show's jokes.