Alba's Relationship Ruined by Marriage Differences, Say Pals

Jessica Alba split with Cash Warren because he was terrified of commitment, according to the pair's pals. The actress reportedly ended her two-year relationship with the production assistant last week, after months denying the romance was on the rocks. Now friends reveal the break-up was relatively amicable, but prompted by differences in the couple's long-term aspirations. One tells the New York Daily News, "He (Cash) wasn't ready for marriage, and Jessica is. It's simple as that. It's kind of cold that the press is saying she was just finished with him, because it isn't like that." And pals cite close friend Eva Longoria's recent French nuptials as the event that finally pushed her: "Seeing Eva get married made Jessica wistful. That was the reason Jessica seemed to be in a terrible mood in Paris."

No More Cash for Alba?

Sexy Jessica Alba is single again after reportedly splitting from longtime boyfriend Cash Warren. The actress split from her beau by phone recently while promoting new film Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer in Europe, according to USmagazine.com. Alba started dating the production assistant after meeting him on the set of the original Fantastic Four in 2005. Despite fighting reports the couple split a month ago, Alba reportedly ended the romance on July 22.

Longoria's Generous Guest Gifts

Newlyweds Eva Longoria and Tony Parker presented all the female guests at their Paris wedding on Saturday with 18 karat gold bracelets. The Desperate Housewives actress, 32, and French basketball ace, 25, wed in civil ceremony on Friday, before celebrating their union in a religious service and a reception in the 17th century Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte the following day. The female guests at the wedding, which included Longoria's Desperate Housewives castmates Teri Hatcher, Nicollette Sheridan, Felicity Huffman and Brenda Strong, actress Jessica Alba and singer Sheryl Crow, received the delicate bracelets from Van Cleef & Arpels' Sweet Alhambra range as a thank you for flying across the Atlantic for the French wedding. The wedding party included Longoria's actor pal Mario Lopez - who served as an usher - and Parker's French pal, soccer ace Thierry Henry, who was a groomsman. Lopez tells America's People magazine, "It was so great - such a fun wedding. It's been one event after another. I'm tired."

Hilton Nominated for Teen Choice Awards

Newly-released former jailbird Paris Hilton is celebrating after receiving two nominations for the 2007 Teen Choice Awards, including Best Female Reality/Variety Star for TV show The Simple Life. Hilton is one of many stars to receive more than one nomination ahead of the August awards ceremony. Among the others are Jessica Alba, who is up for awards including Best Movie Actress: Action Adventure for the role in Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer and Female Hottie, and Justin Timberlake, whose nominations include Best Male Artist. Others to receive multiple nominations include Jessica Biel, Shia LaBeouf, Katherine Heigl, Steve Carell and Orlando Bloom. The 2007 Teen Choice Awards ceremony takes place on August 26.

Alba Learned Violin for Movie

Actress Jessica Alba spent half a year learning to play the violin so she would be convincing as a blind soloist in upcoming horror movie The Eye. The 26-year-old had no classical music knowledge before she signed up to star in the remake, and struggled to learn how to play the violin like a master. She says, "I don't know much, or anything really, about classical music - unfortunately - and I had to learn in six months to play Beethoven and Mozart. It was so hard, I practiced for hours."

Alba Dresses Down at Premieres

Hollywood beauty Jessica Alba prefers to dress down at movie premieres because she hate seeing herself in the newspapers the next day. Despite topping a poll as the sexiest woman in the world by British men's magazine, FHM - Fantastic Four star Alba prefers to hide away when she promotes her movies on the red carpet. She says, "I try not to make headlines. I'm self conscious about this. I try to make my presence not known. I have my own fashion style and do not try to fit in. I don't have my breasts under my chin, I'm not showing my butt cheeks not much legs. I don't go for the trendiest look."

Biel Beats Johansson in Sexy Women Poll

Jessica Biel has beaten her reported one-time love rival Scarlett Johansson to the top of a new Sexiest Women poll. Both actresses were romantically linked to Justin Timberlake at the beginning of 2007, although Johansson, who appeared in the pop star's steamy "What Goes Around, Comes Around" video, has recently denied she dated the singer. But, if the rumors were true, Timberlake was dating the two top women in the world, according to men's magazine Stuff. Biel finished first and Johansson second in the publication's 100 Sexiest Women list. The two women, who were recently spotted shopping together in Paris, France, beat off challenges from Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria and American Idol star Katharine McPhee. The top 10 is: 1. Jessica Biel 2. Scarlett Johansson 3. Jessica Alba 4. Eva Longoria 5. Katharine McPhee 6. Sienna Miller 7. Olivia Wilde 8. Angelina Jolie 9. Malin Akerman 10. Christina Aguilera

Alba Taught To Act by Macy and Huffman

Movie beauty Jessica Alba was taught to act by husband-and-wife Hollywood stars William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman. Before finding fame, the Sin City star enrolled on an intensive six-week long course at the Atlantic Theater Company that Macy founded with writer David Mamet. And Alba has mixed memories of the grueling experience. She tells PageSix, "Felicity was very hard on me. She's a tough cookie, that one. I just remember her making me cry because I didn't prepare a scene right, or I didn't talk loud enough."

Alba Refused To Strip for 'Sin City'

Jessica Alba refused to bare all while playing a stripper in Sin City, because she was too nervous to show her naked body. The 25-year-old was given the option to appear naked by the film's directors Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez, but decided to pass up the offer. She tells Elle magazine, "I don't do nudity. I just don't. Maybe that makes me a bad actress. Maybe I won't get hired in some things. But I have too much anxiety." Alba was furious when Playboy magazine bosses published a photo of her wearing a bikini in their March issue, which she claims suggested she had posed naked inside. She adds, "It was against who I am and what I represent. I've been working so hard to be somebody else, and it just wasn't cool." Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner apologized and made undisclosed donations to two charities Alba supports to help make amends.

Alba Alters Religious Beliefs

Jessica Alba decided to leave her born-again Christian church after religious leaders accused her of being too promiscuous. The Fantastic Four star insists her multi-ethnic appearance stopped her from being accepted in the Latin community she grew up in, so she turned to the church looking for comfort. After four years as a born-again Christian, Alba backed away from religion because "older men would hit on me and my youth pastor said it was because I was wearing provocative clothing, when I wasn't. It just made me feel like if I was in any way desirable to the opposite sex, that it was my fault, and it made me ashamed of my body and of being a woman." Alba also vehemently disagreed with the church's condemnation of premarital sex and homosexuality and was bothered by the lack of strong female role models in the Bible. She tells US Elle magazine, "I thought it was a nice guide, but it certainly wasn't how I was going to live my life."

Aniston Named Best Dressed

Rumor Has It star Jennifer Aniston has nabbed the top spot on American publication People's annual Best Dressed List. Aniston, who recently appeared in summer hit The Break-Up opposite Vince Vaughn, won in landslide, with 54 per cent of readers voting her the best-dressed, citing her "impeccable taste" and brand loyalty. Follow-up winners included Catwoman star Halley Berry, Fantastic Four babe Jessica Alba, and Dreamgirls actress-singer Beyonce. The Best Dressed winners are as follows: 1. Jennifer Aniston; 2. Halle Berry; 3. Jessica Alba; 4. Beyonce; 5. Eva Longoria; 6. Charlize Theron; 7. Kate Moss; 8. Christina Aguilera; 9. Jessica Simpson; 10. Kate Hudson.

Alba Replaces Lohan

Fantastic Four star Jessica Alba has snatched up Lindsay Lohan's role in the new movie Bill, after the teen actress abruptly quit the film because the first-time directors weren't well known enough. The movie, which also stars Aaron Eckhart and Amanda Peet, began production yesterday. Lohan, 19, pulled out of the film on Tuesday, claiming she only wanted to work with big-name directors. Alba recently worked with the producers of Bill on the movie Awake. Lohan is already working on her next project, Georgia Rule, starring Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman.

'Wedding Crashers' Storms MTV Movie Awards

Matrimony mayhem movie Wedding Crashers was the big winner at Saturday night's MTV Movie Awards - picking up three prizes, including the coveted best film trophy. Funnymen Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson were lauded for their comic pairing in the film with a best On-screen Team award, while newcomer Isla Fisher was recognized with a Breakthrough Performance honor at the star-studded Los Angeles ceremony. Brokeback Mountain heartthrob Jake Gyllenhaal was a double winner when his role in the gay cowboy romance earned him a Best Performance accolade, as well as Best Kiss for his sizzling smooch with Heath Ledger in the epic. He told fans, "This is a real honor, not just for me and Heath but for all of you, that you picked this movie and this kiss over all the other ones." Meanwhile, the show's host Jessica Alba wowed the Sony Studios audience with mini-movie parodies of blockbusters The Da Vinci Code, Mission: Impossible III and giant ape adventure King Kong. She later picked up Sexiest Performance for her sultry part in Sin City. Other winners included Spike Lee and Jim Carrey, who was awarded the MTV Generation Award for his impressive range and volume of movies. Presenting the award, Will Ferrell claimed, "This man's versatility makes Thomas Jefferson look like a big fat idiot." The full list of winners is as follows: Best movie - Wedding Crashers Performance - Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) Comedic performance - Steve Carell (The 40-Year-old Virgin) On-screen team - Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers) Villain - Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge Of The Sith) Breakthrough performance - Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers) Hero - Christian Bale (Batman Begins) Sexiest performance - Jessica Alba (Sin City) Fight - Angelina Jolie vs. Brad Pitt (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) Kiss - Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain) Frightened performance - Jennifer Carpenter (The Exorcism Of Emily Rose) MTVU student filmmaker award - Joshua Caldwell (A Beautiful Lie) Silver Bucket of Excellence - Spike Lee (Do The Right Thing) MTV Generation Award - Jim Carrey

Longoria Tops Hot List

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria has scored the top spot in Maxim magazine's annual Hot 100 list for the second year in a row. The list names the most successful women in film, TV, music, sports and fashion who have "a tremendous amount of buzz surrounding them, undeniable beauty and a promise of greater things to come." This is the first time Maxim has bestowed the number one honor back-to-back. Longoria says, "I was actually really shocked last year when I made the list and then to get it a second time in a row - I just couldn't believe it." Jessica Alba claimed the number two spot, followed by Lindsay Lohan, Angelina Jolie, Stacy Keibler, Scarlett Johansson, Cameron Diaz, Kate Bosworth, Keira Knightley and Christina Milian. The list also includes Longoria's Desperate Housewives co-stars Nicollette Sheridan, at number 48, and Teri Hatcher, at number 73. Longoria adds, "I would have voted all of our Housewives on the list." The actress claims boyfriend Tony Parker is thrilled saying, "He's very proud. He thinks he's with a beautiful girl every day, so for him, it's you know, someone else solidifying what he already thinks."

Alba To Host MTV Movie Awards

Hollywood beauty Jessica Alba will host the 2006 MTV Movie Awards on June 3. The 25-year-old star is herself nominated for three awards for her performances in Sin City (Sexiest Performance) and Fantastic Four (Best Hero and a member of Best On-Screen Team). She says, "The MTV Movie Awards is like a three-ring circus, and I'm thrilled they asked me to be this year's ringmaster." The MTV Movie Awards will be filmed in Culver City, California, and airs on June 8.

'Wedding Crashers' and 'Virgin' Land Five MTV Nominations

Zany comedies Wedding Crashers and The 40-Year-Old Virgin have topped this year's MTV Movie Awards nominations with five gongs apiece. The two films will compete with King Kong, Sin City and Batman Begins for the Best Movie Prize, while Virgin's Steve Carell will fight for the Best Performance honor with Jake Gyllenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Rachel McAdams and Terrence Howard. Batman Begins' Christian Bale, Jessica Alba (Sin City), Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire), Kate Beckinsale (Underworld: Evolution) and Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith) will fight it out for the Best Hero prize while the Best Villains race is between Harry Potter bad guy Ralph Fiennes, Darth Vader Hayden Christensen and Batman foe Cillian Murphy, among others. In other categories, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo star Rob Schneider will compete with Beyonce Knowles (The Pink Panther), Alba, and Jessica Simpson (Dukes Of Hazzard) for the Sexiest Performance honor. And parents-to-be Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are favorites to claim the Best Fight for their rumble in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The 2006 MTV Movie Awards will air on June 8.

Alba Forgives Playboy

Jessica Alba has forgiven Playboy founder Hugh Hefner for putting her on the March 2006 cover of the soft-porn publication, after he pledged to donate substantial sums to charities of the actress' choice. The Fantastic Four star threatened legal action after the magazine allegedly 'tricked' Colombia Pictures into allowing them a promotional shot from Into The Blue - after she had already refused to pose for a fee. But the legendary lothario made amends with a personal letter of apology and as-yet undisclosed donations. In the letter Hefner apologizes for "any distress unintentionally caused by the publication of your photo." He adds, "What was intended as a tribute to your tremendous popularity has been misinterpreted by some as something else for which we are truly sorry since we are among your biggest fans." Alba says, "In light of Mr. Hefner's personal apology for Playboy's unauthorized use of my photo on their cover, I have decided to discontinue my claims against them."

Johansson Tops Sexy List

Lost in Translation actress Scarlett Johansson is the world's sexiest woman, according to a new poll in men's magazine FHM. Readers voted the actress ahead of last year's number one, Mr. and Mrs. Smith star Angelina Jolie and two Jessicas -- Jessica Alba and Jessica Simpson -- on the annual 100 Sexiest Women in the World list. Flattered Johansson says, "One of the best things for a woman to hear is that she is sexy. I'd like to thank FHM's readers for the huge compliment." Jolie came in second, while Alba and Simpson, recent Oscar nominee Keira Knightley and Oscar winner Halle Berry also made the top 10.

Playboy Hits Back at Alba

American men's magazine Playboy has fired back at Jessica Alba's claims they implied she had posed naked by placing her on their front cover, insisting many A-list stars have graced the page without appearing nude in the publication. The Sin City beauty's lawyers sent Playboy a threatening letter last Month after the mag published an promotional image of a bikini-clad Alba from her 2005 movie Into The Blue on the front of its March issue. Alba claims the choice of front cover insinuates she appears nude or semi-nude in the magazine. She said, "Playboy has violated my personal rights and blatantly misled the public, who might think I had given them permission to put me on their cover when I didn't." However, Playboy insists they placed her on the cover because she won a readers poll as being the "sexiest star of the year" and she is among other stars who grace the cover, but do not pose naked. Playboy spokeswoman Lauren Malone says, "Many celebrities have appeared on the cover of Playboy, but not nude, including Claudia Schiffer, Paris Hilton, Goldie Hawn, Raquel Welch, Barbra Streisand, Brooke Shields and Donald Trump."

Alba Wants To Sue Hefner?

Actress Jessica Alba has reportedly threatened Playboy lothario Hugh Hefner with legal action, insisting the March issue of his magazine suggests she poses "nude or semi-nude." The Fantastic Four beauty shot off a legal warning to the magazine mogul after realizing her image had been placed on the cover of the soft-porn publication, without her knowledge or consent. The letter demands Playboy immediately stops distributing the offending issue, and Alba insists a "monetary settlement" is appropriate. Alba's lawyer Brian Wolf claims the actress had previously turned down a substantial payment to be a Playboy cover girl and accuses the publication of tricking Colombia Pictures into allowing them a promotional shot from forthcoming film Into The Blue. Colombia Pictures have also written to Hefner, slamming the "outrageous, unethical behavior utilized by Playboy personnel to obtain" the racy shot.

Lachey Looking for a Jessica Alba Who Loves Sport

Jessica Simpson's estranged husband Nick Lachey is narrowing down his search for a new woman after splitting from the singer last year - he wants a Jessica Alba look-a-like who has bedded fewer than 10 guys. The former 98 Degrees star is on the hunt for his next great love, even though he admits "Jessica is the hottest woman I've ever seen". But speaking to Elle magazine, Lachey reveals he desires a sexy Latina lover. He says, "Jessica Alba's beautiful. So is Eva Mendes." He also has fixed ideas about his next woman's sexual history: "I'm all for 10 (sexual partners) and under, but, of course, as you get older, that number becomes less realistic." Lachey also expects his new lady to understand his love of sports - unlike Simpson - and appreciate his musical career. He adds, "I hope that she'll at least respect my music. If she didn't like it, I could live with that."

Depp Tops IMDb Star Search

Hollywood hunk Johnny Depp was the most searched name in movies for 2005, by users of internet film bible IMDb.com. More film fans searched for the Pirates Of The Caribbean hunk's biography and filmography on the internet database, which receives 30 million visitors a month, than any other celebrity. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt followed close behind thanks to their high-profile relationship and their film Mr. And Mrs. Smith, up from number five and number eight in 2004 respectively. The Notebook beauty Rachel McAdams and Fantastic Four star Jessica Alba were newcomers to the 25, landing at numbers 17 and 6, while Napoleon Dynamite star Jon Heder and Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria entered at 19 and 22. IMDb.com managing editor Keith Simanton says, "The STARmeter reflects actual public interest in an individual celebrity. This list captures a snapshot in time of just how much attention these stars attracted. It's also interesting to see who tumbled out of the top 25 this year - a list that includes Jennifer Garner, who was on maternity leave for a good portion of the year; Viggo Mortensen, who needed more than A History Of Violence to keep his Aragon standing of No. 23 last year; and Halle Berry, whose Catwoman turn last year kept her in the spotlight at No 19 but who is at No. 63 this year."

Alba Fears Whore Typecast

Movie beauty Jessica Alba fears she is being typecast, because she only gets offered role as whores and sexy maids. The Sin City actress is grateful for the opportunities she has been given in Hollywood - but would kill for the parts offered to rival actress Natalie Portman. She tells gossip site PageSix.com, "The scripts I get are always for the whore, or the motorcycle chick in leather, or the horny maid. I get all those screenplays that start, 'Tawnya is in the shower. The water streams down her naked, perky breasts.' Somehow, I don't think this is happening to Natalie Portman."

Movie Reviews: 'Into the Blue'

Critical reaction to Into the Blue is about as low-key as the reaction to The Greatest Game Every Played. Consider the comments of Roger Ebert (who awards the film three stars): "Into the Blue offers modest pleasures. It is not an essential film, but if you go to see it, it will not insult your intelligence, and there's genuine suspense toward the end." If that's not the kind of review that will send you racing to your local multiplex, consider this one by Roger Moore in the Orlando Sentinel: "Into the Blue is a brutally competent thriller, decently cast, adequately acted and magnificently photographed." He especially likes the photographs of star Jessica Alba. So does Bob Longino in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Here's what you need to know about Into the Blue," he writes. "The Bahamas looks like a great place to go scuba diving, and Jessica Alba, tanner than you've ever seen her, mostly wears a skimpy bikini." Bob Strauss in the Los Angeles Daily News gives the film favorable marks for: "Buff bods. Fantastic fish. Silly thriller twists, trolled along at a leisurely but increasingly suspenseful pace. Some funny lines and a shark attack or two. Did we mention there are buff bods?" That's precisely the appraisal of Peter Howell in the Toronto Star, who comments: "Into the Blue exists primarily to show beautiful female and male bodies in the water, with a bit of buried-treasure drama tossed in to make this seem like a movie rather than a strip show." Philip Wuntch in the Dallas Morning News is also impressed by the photography. "In its favor, the treasure-hunt adventure has some modestly good underwater scenes, complete with interesting fish," he writes. "Still, a trip to the aquarium would probably be livelier."

'Housewives' Stars Build Houses for Charity

Desperate Housewives stars Doug Savant and Jesse Metcalfe were up before dawn yesterday helping to build homes in Burbank, California. The stars of the hit Us TV show were among the celebrity volunteers helping erect homes for charity Habitat For Humanity. While the actors were banging and sawing in California, Jessica Alba, Cynthia Nixon and Brooke Shields were on hand in New York for another Habitat For Humanity building project. The celebrities who take time out to help build the new homes for the homeless families, who work alongside them, are being asked to sign the walls they put up.

Alba To Launch All-Action Video Game

Sexy actress Jessica Alba is developing her own videogame. The gaming fan and Sin City star has co-created new 'X-Game sports' technology, which is being launched on mobile phones in Korea. Alba reveals she first became interested in the idea when she realized it wouldn't feature any violence - and now she hopes to use the unnamed videogame to show potential movie directors the types of action films she wants to be a part of. She explains, "It's something that relates to anybody, anywhere in the world and basically you use the city as your playground. It's really really cool. In Korea, what they're doing is people can basically play the games all the time on their phones. It's gonna be like an interactive thing. This is the kind of action that I wanna do when I do an action movie."

No Dreams of 'Jeannie' for Alba

Hollywood beauty Jessica Alba has laughed off reports she is donning oversized pants and slippers to star in the film remake of I Dream Of Jeannie. After big-budget movies The Fantastic Four and Sin City, Alba has just signed up to appear in a low-budget film and is baffled by reports she is set to take over Barbara Eden's cult TV role. Alba tells the New York Daily News, "I just signed on to an independent called The Wake for Miramax, actually, with Sigourney Weaver and Hayden Christensen. "(So playing Barbara Eden...?) not that I know of, no."

Alba To Dream of 'Jeannie'?

Sin City star Jessica Alba has beaten a host of Hollywood stars to land the coveted lead in the I Dream Of Jeannie movie. The Fantastic Four actress will join Fever Pitch funnyman Jimmy Fallon for the latest revamp of a classic TV series, after reportedly beating Kate Hudson, Lindsay Lohan and Alicia Silverstone to the role. According to internet site Movieline.net, Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha is interested in taking charge of the project.

Alba Credits Blonde Hair for New Relationship

Sin City beauty Jessica Alba credits her blonde hair with attracting new boyfriend Cash Warren, because it gives her a softer, more approachable image. The Latina actress began dating the director's assistant in January, after meeting him on the set of the much anticipated comic book adaptation, Fantastic Four. The 23-year-old star - who is naturally brunette - dyed her hair blonde for her role as Sue Storm to match the original fair-haired superhero and believes this was the major factor that sparked Warren's interest. Alba says, "I thought he was wonderful the moment I set eyes on him. Fortunately he returned my feelings. Would he have felt the same way had I still been a brunette? I like to think so of course. But I know I'm much more approachable as a blonde, so I think it worked for him and me."

Alba To Act Unpaid for AIDS Foundation

Sin City star Jessica Alba has displayed her generous side at the Cannes Film Festival by offering her acting talents for free - to raise money for AIDS charity Amfar. The French industry event, which finished on Saturday, held a benefit for the US research foundation and raised a staggering $3.2 million. Organizers attribute the huge amount to the backing of a galaxy of stars - including Benicio Del Toro, Paz Vega, Mickey Rourke, Brittany Murphy, Clive Owen, Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek. But Alba caused the greatest stir by vowing to star unpaid in one of The Lord Of The Rings producer Bob Weinstein's movies, if he agreed to bid $100,000 for tennis lessons with sports stars Monica Seles and Boris Becker. Weinstein was happy to honour Alba's proposal, writes website Pagesix.Com.

Jessica Alba Engaged?

Sexy actress Jessica Alba has sparked speculation she's planning to take a trip down the aisle, after she was photographed wearing a sparking ring on her wedding finger. The former Dark Angel star, 23, and her boyfriend Cash Warren, 25, have been dating since January, after meeting on their set of her upcoming movie Fantastic Four. And while she was doing reshoots for the movie in the Canadian city of Vancouver, Alba was spotted walking with Warren on April 8, wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring. But the actress' representative insists there's a simple explanation amid all of the fuss, stating, "She is not engaged. She's had the ring for a while, usually wears it on her right hand, but it was swollen (from flying), and she switched it." Alba says the ring is "a gift", but refuses to reveal who handed it to her.

Alba Takes Stripping & Lasso Lessons

Shy actress Jessica Alba was so terrified about stripping off for revealing scenes in new comic book adaptation Sin City she got drunk and visited strip clubs to prepare. The sexy Dark Angel star was supposed to strip completely in select sequences but insisted on peeling off to a revealing bikini instead. But Alba did promise director Robert Rodriguez she'd pull off the dance routines despite her shyness - and her no-nudity clause. She says, "I'm not someone who likes to go onstage and be a star. So, I just went to a bunch of strip clubs to do research. I would have to get a little tipsy, though, because it's kind of intimidating talking to these women with incredible bodies who are writhing in front of you. I hit about four strip clubs in LA, two in New York, and two in Texas." And Alba decided to add a lasso to her stripping routine in the film after teaming with a rope trick expert. She adds, "I had a rope guy teach me how to twist it around like a lasso and stuff. I just spent every night in Texas in The Four Seasons (hotel) in my underwear, knocking over lamps trying to lasso things."

Lohan in Huge Demand Over New Year's Eve

Lindsay Lohan is so in demand over New Year's Eve - she has commitments at different end of the United States within hours of each other. The ubiquitous Mean Girls actress, 18, who was recently hospitalized for exhaustion, has agreed to host a party at South Beach's Opium Garden in California with Jessica Alba - as well as perform on MTV's Total Request Live late on December 31 in New York city. It is then believed Lohan will fly to Miami, Florida in a private jet. A source says, "She will have to get through all the New Year traffic to Teterboro (Airport), fly to Miami and then drive from the airport. I don't know what she is thinking. No way she'll make it to that club before 4am."

Roberts Is Still Highest-Paid Actress

New mother Julia Roberts has been given an extra reason to celebrate - she's topped The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of highest-paid actresses yet again. The Oscar-winning star, who gave birth to twins Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus Walter late last month, pulls in a salary of $20 million per picture. Others named in the Women In Entertainment issue are Cameron Diaz, who also takes in $20 million, and Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore, who each earn $15 million. The publication also looks at the salaries of "next generation" actresses, with Kirsten Dunst earning $8 million, Lindsay Lohan pulling in $7.5 million and $3 million being paid to Jessica Alba and Mandy Moore. Sarah Michelle Gellar trails the roster with a salary of $2 million.

The top 10 is as follows:

1. Julia Roberts - $20 Million 2. Cameron Diaz - $20 Million 3. Nicole Kidman - $15 Million 4. Reese Witherspoon - $15 Million 5. Drew Barrymore - $15 Million 6. Halle Berry - $14 Million 7. Sandra Bullock - $12-15 Million 8. Angelina Jolie - $12-15 Million 9. Renee Zellweger - $12 Million 10. Jennifer Lopez - $12 Million

Alba Terrified For Her Uncle in Iraq

Sexy actress Jessica Alba is desperately worried about the fate of her uncle who is serving in the American army in Iraq. The Honey star says her relative Nick Stanisci has been in the war-torn nation since January and the entire family fears they will hear the news he is dead every day. Alba laments, "He has three children who are right now in their most formative years - 19, 16 and 15 years old - and at any moment he could be no more. We don't know what kind of food he's getting to eat, if he's wearing the same clothes every day and taking a shower once a week, or sleeping with his machine gun. I just don't have a great feeling about what we're doing in Iraq. I don't know why we're there. Didn't we just give the power back over there? Why are we still there?" Even though Alba is disapproves of US President George W. Bush's actions, she is still unsure of whether to vote against him in the upcoming November presidential elections. She adds, "I don't want to upset my family. My family believes the opposite of what I believe. They're all Republicans."

Wahlberg's Romance Hots Up

Hunky actor Mark Wahlberg's affair with young actress Jessica Alba is getting serious - the pair spent a wild New Year's Eve together in Miami, Florida. The Boogie Nights actor, 32, shocked friends when he broke off his engagement to long-term love Rhea Durham, who he reportedly proposed to as she gave birth to his four-month-old daughter Ella Rae - and was spotted soon after getting cozy with 22-year-old Dark Angel star Alba. The pair began their festive celebrations with a private dinner at the Delano Hotel, and saw in the New Year at Ian Schrager's exclusive Shore Club. An onlooker says, "Mark and Jessica came together. They were very publicly all over each other." Wahlberg's actor pal Adrien Brody also had a good night for romance at the Shore Club - he spent the evening paying attention to a mystery woman, with the source adding, "They were sitting together, but he wouldn't let photographers take any pictures. Nobody knew who she was."

Wahlberg Romances Alba

Movie hunk Mark Wahlberg has a new lady in his life - Dark Angel actress Jessica Alba. The Boogie Nights heart-throb stunned friends last month when he broke off his engagement to longterm love Rhea Durham, the mother of his new baby daughter Ella Rae. But Mark, 32, seems to be back on the dating scene following the painful split, and was seen enjoying the company of freinds including 22-year-old Alba in Miami, Florida's Astor Hotel on Tuesday. One onlooker says, "They were all sitting at the same table, sharing a bucket of champagne. But Jessica was chatting up Mark. They were definitely together. At the end of the night they got in a limo and left together."

'Samurai' Cuts a Fine Figure

It was not the conquest that many box-office analysts had predicted, but The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, was the clear victor in the weekend film competition, taking in an estimated $24.4 million. Analysts had predicted an opening of more than $30 million, but a combination of brutal weather conditions in some parts of the country and a slate of popular family films conspired against it. In second place was the debuting Jessica Alba starrer Honey, which despite dreadful reviews took in about $14 million. The big loser was Universal's Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat, which plummeted from first to fifth place, as it drew only $7.3 million, down a whopping 70 percent from the previous weekend. In limited release, the second weekend of Fox Searchlight's In America earned $145,431 in 11 theaters, an average of $13,221 per theater. Sony Pictures Classics' animated The Triplets of Belleville also remained strong in its second weekend as it earned $58,712 in six theaters, an average of $9,785 per theater. Overall, the top 12 films took in an estimated $91.8 million, up 33 percent from the comparable weekend a year ago but down 27 percent from last weekend.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations:

1. The Last Samurai, $24.4 million; 2. Honey, $14 million; 3. The Haunted Mansion, $9.5 million 4. Elf, $8.1 million; 5. Dr. Seuss' the Cat in the Hat, $7.3 million; 6. Bad Santa, $7 million; 7. Gothika, $5.3 million; 8. The Missing, $4.4 million; 9. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, $3.8 million; 10. Love Actually, $3.7 million.

Kournikova Turns 21 With Sexiest Woman Title

Tennis babe Anna Kournikova had an extra special present on her 21st birthday last Friday--she was named Sexiest Woman in the World, on both sides of the Atlantic. Just two weeks after British readers of FHM magazine named the Russian their number one girl, she has been named sexiest woman by the US edition, too. The sexy sports star wasn't even in the top 10 last year when Jennifer Lopez claimed the number one spot in the coveted annual list of pin-ups and she's thrilled with the honor. Kournikova says, "It's extremely flattering, especially because it's voted for by readers. I'm very excited about it." It was also a good poll for Britney Spears, who moved up from number three to number two on the list, and Halle Berry, who rose from seven to three. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise must have been a little upset. His ex, Nicole Kidman, shot up the Top 100 list from 61 to 28, while his current girlfriend, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, could only manage to stumble from 70 on last year's survey to 68. The top 20 girls on the U.S. FHM list are:

1. Anna Kournikova
2. Britney Spears
3. Halle Berry
4. Alyssa Milano
5. Jennifer Lopez
6. Jessica Alba
7. Jennifer Love Hewitt
8. Angelina Jolie
9. Sarah Michelle Gellar
10. Carmen Electra
11. Pamela Anderson
12. Nikki Cox
13. Jennifer Aniston
14. Denise Richards
15. Tiffani Thiessen
16. Charlize Theron
17. Christina Aguilera
18. Jessica Simpson
19. Lucy Liu
20. Ashley Judd

Dark Angel Lovers Defend Relationship

Dark Angel co-stars and lovers Jessica Alba and Michael Weatherly have spoken out in defence of their controversial relationship. Alba stars as genetically-enhanced Max opposite her real-life fiance Weatherly as cyber-journalist Logan in the hit Fox show. The second season of the sci-fi program shows Logan unable to touch Max, due to a virus that will kill him, which luckily for Weatherly isn't reality. He enthuses, "I'm up for it. Because I know at the end of the day, I get to go home to the real thing." Alba, 20, admits her parents were not amused when she first got engaged to 33-year-old Weatherly in May of this year. She explains, "I'm like their baby girl. I mean, my dad was the man in my life, you know? And now he's not." The couple has had to fight age stereotypes from the media and public, as they found many disapproved of their 13 year age difference. Weatherly says, "People always have to make it sound so titillating. 'She's a minor!' No? Well, she's almost a minor. It's like people think my interest in Jessica could only be of a sexual nature, that it couldn't be emotional or intellectual. I find that really childish and mean-spirited."

Jessica Alba Started Dieting At Age Of 12

Dark Angel star Jessica Alba has been on a diet since the age of 12. The slender TV star admits she comes from a fat family and it's taken years of self-control to get her body in trim. Alba says, "Everyone in my family is overweight. I wanted to be healthier, so I started cooking for myself when I was 12." And Alba has even dropped a few hints for anyone wanting to follow her example. She adds, "I don't eat desserts or red meat. I stick to egg-white omelets, poultry, fish, vegetables, salads and fruit."