MTV News Round-up 18/10/2004

*** Kylie Minogue is allegedly planning to invite her ex Jason Donovan to join her on tour. According to the tabloids, insiders said: "Kylie is going all out to make sure her greatest hits tour will be talked about for years. She knows that her duet with Jason propelled her into the big time and she'd like to perform it with him again."

*** Michael Jackson has lost one of his longest-serving lawyers. Steve Cochran, who's worked on Jacksons child-abuse charges defence case from the beginning, has chosen to leave the singer's defence team. Jackson faces 10 charges related to child abuse. His trial is due to begin in January.

*** Marc Almond is apparently fighting for his life. The Soft Cell singer was reportedly involved in a motorbike crash in central London. The eighties star suffered severe head injuries after being thrown off the back of the bike. The 45-year-old underwent surgery at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

*** Geri Halliwell is reportedly dropping her surname. The ex-Ginger Spice will lose Halliwell and will now be known as just Geri, suggest the papers. The singer is also now dotting the 'i' in her name with a star - all to promote her new album. Geri will releases her comeback single, 'Ride It', next month.

*** U2 will not be headlining Glastonbury 2005, it has been revealed. Organizer Michael Eavis has explained: "U2 are not doing it. We heard last week. They are doing a tour with 'Clear Channel' and it would get in the way of their schedule. But their manager said they will do it at some point in the future."

*** Robbie Williams is reportedly dating a probation officer. Robbie has been seen out on with single mum of two Lisa Brash reports the tabloids. A source said: "Lisa's job is far from glamorous. She's blonde, tall, slim and attractive but a far cry from the high-maintenance models and actresses Robbie is normally seen with."

HK