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Donna Demaio's Gossip: February 11

Posted by: Donna Demaio | 11 February, 2010 - 7:46 PM
Lucy Durack and Amanda Harrison

PRIZE FOR THIS WEEK'S DONNA'S COMPETITION (scroll down for how to enter): DVD of Andre Rieu - I lost my heart in Heidelberg and DVD of Cliff Richard and the Shadows: Live in London 2009 (Madman)

Eric Bana has sheepishly admitted that he has knocked back American film roles in order to participate in his other major passion: car racing. The admission is made on Top Gear, which after being snaffled from SBS, will make its Nine network debut next Tuesday.

"I needed to hang up my hat and broomstick," says Amanda Harrison, the green-skinned Wicked Witch from Wicked the Musical. Harrison announced she needs 'rest and reflection' after 13 months in the role.

Acclaimed director Fred Schepisi hopes his new film will go into pre-production next week. His latest project is based on the Patrick White novel THE EYE OF THE STORM starring Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling. Interesting that while the book is based in Sydney, the movie will largely be filmed in Melbourne. Good news for our local industry.

Channel Seven sports commentator Sandy Roberts surprised viewers by lopping off his trademark locks. He's revealed his wife suggested the style update by sending him to her heavily piereced and tattooed stylist. Roberts agreed to the haircut after the stylist asked him: "Would you like to look 20 years younger?"

Musical theatre darling Marina Prior is heading an impressive guest list as Mamma Mia the musical prepares for yet another opening night as it celebrates ten years on the touring circuit. Other notables heading to the Abba - drenched show are performer Sylvie Palladino, tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, news great Mal Waldon, former footy star James Hird and Underbelly’s Steve Bastoni.

As former Tiger Matthew Richardson is touted as another name in the mix for Channel Seven's new footy show, the program's host Peter Hellier is doing a stand-up gig for the first time in two years on February 10th at the Sandbelt in Moorabbin. Should be a laugh!

Former teen idol Rick Springfield, now based in the US, has some revealing early memories of living in Australia. "I don't have a lot of fond memories of growing up there. A lot of hard knocks while growing up but my start in music was there and that’s important," he says. "Everything I am was formed in Australia."

Paul Kelly and Judith Lucy are supporting another great cause with a spot of storytelling at a gala fundraiser for the Indigenous Literary Program to be held at the new five million dollar Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas. The centre opens this weekend next to the State Library.

THIS WEEK'S ONLINE COMPETITION: IN 20 WORDS OR LESS –  What is the most outrageous excuse for being late you've heard?

Last week's winner of  double passes to the Sunset Drive-In Cinema at the Rooftop Carpark South Melbourne Market (Coming up Baz Lurhman week) and DVD of the feature film Jonathan Creek ( Madman entertainment) is Miranda of Fitzroy: "A family member decided to apply for a Myki public transport card. The letter arrived in the post addressed to none other than BaraCk Obama.

EMAIL: ddemaio@3aw.com.au

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