MTV News Round-Up 01/09/2004

*** Dizzee Rascal has announced a UK tour for later this year. The dates are as follows: Glasgow Academy (October 22), Leeds University (23), Manchester Academy (27), Birmingham Academy (28), Brighton Dome (29), Norwich UEA (31), Bristol Academy (November 2) and London Forum(4). Tickets are on sale now.

*** Von Blondies bass player Carrie Smith has left the band. Smith, who played what will be her last gig with the band last night at London's Astoria will be replaced by Yasmeen Smith. "I have spent countless hours thinking about this decision," said Carrie, "but ultimately, it is the right decision for me."

*** Carmen Electra has come top in this year's Bottom Of The Year poll conducted by FHM. Electra, star of MTV's reality show 'Til Death Do Us Part', edged the ass victory by just 1% over Kylie Minogue, while Beyonce's bouncy cheeks came in third.

*** Robbie Williams has written an album of electro tracks and plans to release it under the name Pure Francis, according to tabloid reports. The vocalist has apparently come up with a new name for himself to attach to the release so to escape the baggage that comes along with being Robbie Williams.

*** Lostprophets have added dates in Glasgow and Cardiff to their November UK tour. The full list of dates is now as follows: Glasgow SECC (November 13), Northumbria University (14), Wolverhampton Civic (15), London Hammersmith Apollo (17), Manchester Apollo (20) and Cardiff Arena (21). Tickets went on sale today.

*** Joss Stone is to record a version of Cilla Black's 'Alfie' for a new movie starring Jude Law. "When I go to England, I'm going to put a day aside and go and do it," Stone told Rolling Stone magazine in the US. "Mick Jagger is singing backup and Dave Stewart is producing. It's going to be cool."

DL