Nice work if you can get it: Simon Baker will be paid £280,000 per episode for The Mentalist, eclipsing Hugh Laurie's £258,000 per episode for U.S. show House
Actor Simon Baker will shoot to the top of the highest paid actors on U.S. TV with a new deal that will net him an estimated pds280,000 for each episode of The Mentalist.
The Australian star will eclipse Hugh Laurie in House and Laurence Fishburn in CSI as the top paid actors in a drama series.
Baker had been receiving £180,000 for each episode of the hit crime series in which he plays a psychic with unusual powers of observation.
As well as solving crimes he is also hunting for a serial killer called Red John who killed his wife and family.
Hollywood insiders said the new deal is worth up to £20m and guarantees Baker will stay with the show for another three seasons.
Pay rise: The Australian actor had been receiving £180,000 for each episode of the crime series in which he plays a psychic with unusual powers of observation
As part of the new pay package being negotiated with Warner Bros television Baker will get a producer credit on the show.
He will also get a slice of any profits from syndicating the show to other TV stations in the U.S. and worldwide.
The Mentalist, which began in 2008, is one of the most popular shows on US TV and is also screened on Channel Five in the UK.
Hit show: British actor Laurie in the American drama series House
Top comedy earner: Charlie Sheen earns £800,000 per episode for Two And A Half Men
The new deal will see Baker,41, on an estimated £6.5m a year.
It means British star Hugh Laurie has lost his place at the top of the list of highest paid TV dramatic actors.
The 51 year old was the top paid TV star earning just over £258,000 per episode of House.
All three TV actors have a long way to go before they can surpass top comedy earner Charlie Sheen who makes £800,000 per episode of Two and a Half Men.
Baker,who owns two homes in Australia but spends most of his time in Los Angeles with his wife, Rebecca Rigg and three children, began his career on the soap Home and Away.
He also appeared in LA Confidential, but The Mentalist marked his breakthrough role on U.S. TV.
A merry little Christmas: Katherine Jenkins, left, guest stars in the Doctor Who Christmas special alongside Michael Gambon, centre, and Matt Smith, right
It's become as much a part of the celebrations as pudding, opening presents and the Queen's Speech - and now the cast of this year's Doctor Who Christmas special have revealed a sneak peak of just how festive it gets behind the scenes.
The Doctor himself Matt Smith, 28, plus Karen Gillan, 23, who plays sidekick Amy Pond, belt out Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas accompanied by Arthur Darvill, 28, who plays Amy's husband Rory Williams, on piano.
The bit of backstage silliness will be screened on BBC3's Doctor Who Confidential, on at 7pm after the main event on BBC1 - and proves that red-headed Amy has a quite an impressive set of lungs, even if she doesn't manage to quite hit the high notes.
On song: Doctor Who's Karen Gillan, Matt Smith and Arthur Darvill (on the piano bottom right) belt out their rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas in a sneak peak of this weekend's Doctor Who Confidential on BBC Three
In fact, the trio pretty much murder the festive favourite, made famous by Judy Garland in the musical Meet Me In St Louis - but it's all part of the fun of the Christmas Confidential special.
As well as the seasonal singsong, it's set to show all the behind-the-scenes merriment of a good old-fashioned Doctor Who Christmas, which makers are promising will be extra-special this year.
Called Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol, it's based around the Charles Dickens classic and guest stars 20-year-old opera diva Katherine Jenkins as Abigail Pettigrew and Harry Potter star Michael Gambon, 70, as Kazran.
Seasonal scenes: The Doctor Who special is based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Katherine has said of the
In Doctor Who Confidential, Matt and the cast are to show fans around the show's Cardiff sets and go backstage with the stars of the Dickensian Christmas special.
Michael Gambon meanwhile will also talk about swapping his wizard's wand for a taste of the Doctor's time-travelling magic, Katherine Jenkins waxes lyrical about her acting debut, plus there are interviews with show writer Steven Moffat.
Special guests: Katherine Jenkins joins the cast as Abigail Pettigrew, joined by Michael Gambon as Kazran
Katherine has said of the show: 'This Christmas special is the most Christmassy Doctor Who that they've ever had.
'It has all the brilliant scientific and all the excting parts of DW that it normally has, but there is also running through it a quite emotional heartbreaking story and it's very closely linked to a Christmas Carol.
'People will be moved and relate to it. We've not set out to make people cry over their Christmas dinner, but it's heartwarming.'
'The Doctor is going pretty wild on Christmas day 'cos he's excited. As a Christmas treat, it would be pretty high on my list!'
Though he added darkly: 'There is a shark involved though, yes.'
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol, BBC One, 6pm, Christmas Day Doctor Who Confidential Christmas Special, BBCThree, 7pm, Christmas Day
Doctor Who cast sing a Christmas carol - Doctor Who Confidential - BBC Three
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol - Christmas Special 2010 trailer - BBC One
Hitting the right note: Cheryl Cole performed live twice for her appearance on Alan Carr's Chatty Man, which was screened on Channel 4 last night
She caused controversy after miming for two years running on the X Factor.
But last night, Cheryl Cole gave her vocal chords some exercise - with two live acoustic performances as she made an appearance on Alan Carr's show, Chatty Man.
The 27-year-old star began with a pared down rendition of her No.1 single Promise This, which she performed this year on the X Factor.
Looking good: She started with a acoustic version of Promise This, left, wearing a black cut away dress split to the thigh and, right, singing her new song The Flood in a white gown
She was heavily criticised at the time, after it appeared she was lip-syncing large sections of the track during the high-energy dance routine.
It also emerged that the performance was pre-recorded, with X Factor chiefs saying it would have been logistically problematic to have done it live within the show. This time round, however, Cheryl was clearly singing every word as she stood centre stage in a stunning cutaway black dress.
Feeling festive: The X Factor judge said she was looking forward to spending some time off this Christmas
After being interviewed by Carr, she then finished off with another live performance of her new track, The Flood.
Having earlier changed into a stunning white gown, the Girls Aloud star was accompanied by a couple of backing singers who helped her hit the high notes during the chorus.
The interview itself was punctuated with a series or awkward moments, when Cheryl was subjected to Carr's crude questioning style.
Taken aback: Cheryl was full of laughter and shock as she was subjected to Carr's crude questioning style
That's got a good kick: The host gave the star her favourite drink to sip on during the interview, a Martini with passion fruit
The singer is planning to spend some time out over the festive season, saying Christmas is her favourite time of the year.
'I'll be taking some time out with my doggies, [spending some time with the] family, [eating] Christmas pudding and turkey sandwiches,' she said.
In 2009, Cheryl was criticised for seemingly miming huge chunks of Fight For This Love which she performed on the X Factor.
Oh dear! Cheryl came over all bashful and embarrassed when Carr questioned her about the sexual chemistry between herself and Simon Cowell
Stolen kisses: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev kiss after being crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
They have been caught spending the night at each others houses and set tongues wagging with their obvious chemistry on the dance floor.
And after taking the crown last night, Strictly Come Dancing 2010 winners Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev appeared to confirm the romance their fans have been hoping for.
While celebrating their win last night, the excitement appeared to get the better of Artem, who dropped his guard and planted a kiss on his 27-year-old dance partner.
Winner: Kara Tointon and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev were tonight voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
The pair have hinted at their affection for each other, but have remained coy on whether they are an item throughout the series.
Last night Kara said that now that the competition is over, they can concentrate on the future.
'Fingers crossed,' she said. 'We will see what happens.'
'We get on brilliantly and it will be nice to do normal things like go to the cinema or for a meal because we spend all our time in the studio.'
But the former EastEnders star won't be venturing too far for a little while, after it emerged she was taken to A&E this morning for an arm injury suffered during training.
Emotional: Kara, who recovering at home today with a wrist injury, spoke of her affection for partner Artem after winning
Kara was forced to dance through the pain last night to victory, but after the show she was whisked to hospital where it was revealed she had torn ligaments in her lower arm.
She is now recovering at her parents' house in North London with her arm in a sling, giving 28-year-old Artem the opportunity to take care of her.
'I think we are going to literally not go anywhere today. It'll be quite nice,' she said this morning.
'He's going to cook for me in my mum and dad's kitchen. They've met him and they all get on so well.'
And it seems Artem's family feel the same about Miss Tointon.
Welcome to the family: Artem's family have told how they approve of the former soap star for their son
Victory: Kara and Artem are congratulated by former contestants including Scott Maslen as they hold their trophy high
Celebration: Goldie holds Artem over his head as the Russian-born dancer celebrates his win
In an interview with the News of the World, his mother Anna spoke of her happiness about her son's new love interest.
Speaking from their home in Izhevsk, Mrs Chigvintsev, 60, said of Kara, who she has not yet met: 'She looks really great. They make a beautiful couple which fills my heart with pride and joy.
'I respect my son's choice. He's very fond of her, and she seems to like him too.'
The tension mounts: Kara and Artem and Matt and Aliona wait to find out who has won the competition
'I have made the most wonderful friend for life and this has been the most special experience of my life.
He returned the compliment, adding: 'Thank you, Kara, you're amazing.'
When she found out she and Artem had won, the former EastEnders star burst into tears before hugging Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani.
Despite falling at the final hurdle, finalist Matt said he was thrilled with the result, saying: 'It's been graet. I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight, and Kara and Artem are worthy winners. If I was at home, I would be voting for Kara as well.'
Winner: Kara Tointon and dance partner Artem Chigvintsev were tonight voted the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010
After winning the trophy, Kara said: 'It's the most special thing that I have ever achieved and thank you to this man, who has been absolutely wonderful. I'm a bit embarrassed but I've made the most fantastic friends for life.
Artem added: 'Thank you Kara, you're amazing.'
Despite falling at the final hurdle, finalist Matt said he was thrilled with the result, saying: 'It's been graet. I have absolutely thoroughly enjoyed tonight, and Kara and Artem are worthy winners. If I was at home, I would be voting for Kara as well.'
And as well as winning the Strictly glitterball trophy, Kara also walked away with another prize - in the form of a date with Artem.
The pair have been rumoured to have been dating throughout the competition, but tonight furthered speculation after appearing more than a little touchy-feely on the programme.
Kara Tointon was voted the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2010 tonight, despite battling a wrist injury.
Victory: Kara and Artem are congratulated by former contestants including Scott Maslen as they hold their trophy high
The 27-year-old former soap star and her partner Artem Chigvintsev wowed the judges with four incredible performances, including the American Smooth and their energetic show dance.
When she found out she and Artem had won, the former EastEnders star burst into tears before hugging Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani.
Celebration: Goldie holds Artem over his head as the Russian-born dancer celebrates his win
Stunning: Pamela Stephenson was the first to be voted off the show this evening
Speaking about being paired with Artem, Kara struggled to control her emotions and tears as she described her relationship with the Russian-born dancer.
And, in a VT ahead of their final performance, Kara said: 'I have made a friend for life and it has been a magical experience.'
While Artem added: 'When she's laughing, I find it adorable and irresistible.' Kara's win was all the more impressive considering she had been battling a wrist injury following a back flip during her show dance.
The actress was seen backstage after the performance struggling not to cry while holding an ice pack to the wrist, telling the camera: 'I haven't done a back flip since I was about 11 and it really hurts now.'
Pamela Stephenson was the first contestant to be voted off the final tonight.
Ready to go: Kara wore a tight, low-cut jumpsuit as she and Artem performed to I Like The Way You Move
And Len, who also gave them a nine, said: 'What you've done, a little element of waltz, salsa and foxtrot - you've used all the skills you've learned and I thought it was charming. Well done.'
After the performance, Pamela said: 'It really has been the time of my life and I'm so appreciative to the women and men who have helped me get to where I am.'
And James cheekily added: 'Nobody puts Granny in the corner!'
Tonight's finale was opened by an energetic performance from the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, who danced to Eye Of The Tiger, with the girls sporting boards featuring the names of the three finalists.
Kara and Artem, Pamela and James, and Matt and Aliona were then welcomed to the dancefloor wearing boxing gowns and gloves ahead of the competition.
Head judge Len Goodman also kept the boxing analogy going as he introduced the show with a microphone hanging from the ceiling.
Presenter Tess Daly looked stunning in a full-length white gown with a sparkly silver asymmetric top, while Bruce Forsyth wore a black tuxedo with white waistcoat.
Gymnastic genius: Matt Baker used his gymnastic skills for the show dance
The first show of the evening saw the three finalists bring back their top-scoring dances, as well as unleashing their final show dance.
Up first were Matt and Aliona, who performed the Samba to Young Hearts Run Free , complete with a lot of hip movement and even some back flips from Matt, which earned him a series of cheers and applause from the audience.
Speaking about being in the final, Matt said: 'It's just such a special feeling to know that you're there - last weekend was such an emotional weekend.
'Initially I thought Strictly would be quite fluffy - a bit of glitter here and there, could it be that intense? But believe me, it can - it's just you, your partner and the floor.'
'Simply brilliant': Pamela and James received a standing ovation from the audience, which included Pamela's husband Billy Connolly
And as well as his natural dancing talent, it is Matt's chemistry with dance partner Aliona which has seen him get through to the final.
Describing their chemistry, Matt said: 'Aliona and I realised very quickly that we have a very similar outlook - she will dance what I'm feeling.'
Aliona added: 'I have actually been on a real, real journey - it's been a blast.' Before taking to the dancefloor, Matt said: 'To be the last man standing is brilliant - to be the last one standing would be phenomenal.'
It was then time for the judges to pass their judgement on the performance.
All white on the night: Pamela and James stand with Tess as they await the judges' results
Len was first up, giving the couple a 9 and saying: 'We are expecting you to dance to the standard that has got you to this final, and that's what you did Matt. You came out, full on, and did so well - well done.'
Alesha Dixon, who awarded Matt and Aliona a 10, said: 'The last time we saw this dance was in Blackpool and you've done it again. I think it's the perfect way to open the show and I think it's the best samba of the series.'
Ever-amusing Bruno Tonioli, who also gave them a 10, said: 'There's nothing better than a hot Latin samba to cheer up everyone in a cold snap. You're samba was even better this time.'
And Craig Revel-Horwood, who gave them a 9, said: 'All good, I'm afraid. It was more confident than last time, I thought it was fantastic. That hip action is torrid, darling, it works very very well!'
Talking to Tess after the performance, Matt said: 'We wanted it to be a real celebration of everything we've done, and it feels brilliant to go out there and just dance - I'm so happy.'
Emotional: Kara struggled to control her tears as she spoke about her experience on Strictly before taking to the dancefloor to perform the Rumba
Kara and Artem were up next, performing the Rumba to an instrumental number. Before taking to the dancefloor, Kara said she couldn't believe she had made it through to the final of Strictly.
She said: 'To have made it through to the final is one of the biggest achievements of my life. I don't think I'll ever forget when Artem slid towards to me on that first show. I had hoped to be with James or Anton, but I think he's forgiven me.
'It took me a few weeks to come out and let go. The first dance I did well with was the Paso Doble. In Blackpool the emotions were running high, I'd injured my partner, and then we did the best performance we've done in the whole show.'
On-screen chemistry: Matt and Aliona get on incredibly well, which is partly the reason they dance so well together
Eager to win: Matt and Aliona stand with Bruce Forsyth as they await the results from judges (left to right) Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli
Making a big return: All the Strictly finalists returned for a last performance to the soundtrack of Paloma Faith
After their dance, Craig said: 'I would kill to be able to dance like that. I thought it was amazing. I thought you were adorable', and gave them his first 10.
Len, who caused controversy with a seven, said: 'What's great about number is that it's so lyrical and musical. Unfortunately, you're supposed to do a certain amount in hold. But it's still a great number and I think your dancing is brilliant.'
Alesha, who gave them a 10, said: 'I'm quite sad that that's the last dance we will see you guys do. I think you are the most exquisite dancer I have seen on Strictly and together you are first class.'
And Bruno, who also gave them a 10, said: 'Whatever happens, this was an inspired performance. Creatively it was superb.'
After the performance, Kara said: 'That dance has always been my favourite so we just wanted to do it again.
Strictly Come Dancing 2010 Final - Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev are crowned winners
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Chacha - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 1 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Foxtrot - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 2 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Quickstep - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 3 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev - Charleston - Strictly Come Dancing - Week 4 - Long Edit
Kara Tointon & Artem Chigvintsev Win Strictly Come Dancing 2010
Sexy: Pamela Stephenson and her professional partner James Jordan rehearse the Argentine tango ahead of tonight's grand final of Strictly Come Dancing
At 61, she is the oldest contestant ever to reach the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
But Pamela Stephenson says that won’t stop her turning up the raunch on tonight’s show. She has even gone so far as to liken her dancing to ‘full-on sex’.
Miss Stephenson, who is married to comedian Billy Connolly, said she was looking forward to performing the most ‘gorgeous’ and ‘sensuous’ Argentine tango.
She is older than her two rivals combined – Matt Baker is 32 and Kara Tointon is 27 – but said she was a ‘flag waver’ for older women, claiming those of her sex and age are often given the ‘brush off’ and ‘discounted’.
And she said winning the series would make the point that women over 40 are still ‘full of vitality’.
On the floor: The psychologist ends up on the floor during rehearsals with Jordan
Don't look down: Stephenson keeps smiling as she is twirled around by Jordan
Miss Stephenson will only be able to perform the Argentine tango if she gets through to the final two of tonight’s competition.
She said of the Latin dance: ‘I always thought since I saw it that it was the most gorgeous sensuous dance and I am loving it. The Argentine Tango is full-on sex.’
Of taking part in the show, she added: ‘There is no reason that anybody my age shouldn’t be able to do it.
Who will it be? Pamela and James eye up the glitterball trophy with dancefloor rivals (L-R) Artem Chigvintsev, Kara Tointon, Matt Baker with Aliona Vilani
Chemistry: Kara and Artem look like they're in the zone as they practice
This is serious: Kara looks like she's struggling to keep a straight-face while Artem looks ready for business
'It is perfectly possible to be athletic and enjoying dancing at this age.’ Her comments come after last week’s X Factor final sparked thousands of complaints that routines by U.S. stars Christina Aguilera and Rihanna were unsuitable for a family audience.
A recent poll suggested Miss Tointon will win Strictly while bookmakers believe Mr Baker will triumph.
Bending over backwards: Countryfile presenter Baker keeps a tight hold of his flexible partner Vilani
King of the swingers: Baker swings Vilani around the dancefloor
Training Week 12 - Strictly Come Dancing 2010 - BBC One
She's back: Anton Du Beke lifts up Ann Widdecombe as they rehearse for the group dance for Strictly Come Dancing's final
Two weeks after Ann Widdecome was voted off Strictly Come Dancing, the former MP is bringing her two left feet back to the dancefloor.
The dancing-challenged star, 63, was reunited with professional partner Anton Du Beke this week to rehearse for a group dance number with all her former Strictly contestants.
Despite vowing to never dance again after she was voted off two weeks ago, Widdecombe is expected to take the dancefloor along with other Strictly evictees, including Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal.
All the celebrity contestants have been reunited with their professional partners to perform a brief dance on Saturday's final before this year's winner is crowned.
Kara Tointon will go up against TV presenter Matt Baker and psychologist Pamela Stephenson for the 2010 glitterball trophy.
Keen to avoid Ann's uncoordinated dance steps, it looks like Du Beke may spend most of his brief sequence on Saturday's final carrying her around.
Getting their groove on: (Front L-R) Erin Boag, Katya Virshilas, Michelle Williams, Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal, with (back L-R) Jimi Mistry, Peter Shilton and Goldie
Reunited: (L-R) Kristina Rihanoff, Goldie, Felicity Kendal, Vincent Simone, Boag, Shilton, Williams and Brendan Cole
Widdecombe managed to survive nine weeks on the show before being voted off in week 10, despite consistently receiving low scores from the judges.
Despite admitting she was having lots of fun on the show, she insisted it was right for viewers to vote her off.
She said at the time: 'I knew we were going out because we were the only two left who weren't up to the standard of the others.
Bookies favourite: Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and Aliona Vilani are favourite to win this year's show with 8/14 odds
Feeling the strain: Kara Tointon, who is said to be battling the flu, rehearses with partner Artem Chigvintsev
Too much fun: Pamela Stephenson and her dance partner James Jordan look like they're having plenty of fun
'I'm a bit disappointed. But you've got very, very, top notch high-performing dancers. For heaven's sake, I'm still trying to do one, two, three.'
Meanwhile, Kara's rehearsals this week have run into difficulty after the actress was struck down with a bout of the flu.
Writing on her Twitter on Wednesday, she said: 'I'm a zombie !!! Lol . Brain shutting down. God damn x.'
Mwah: Vincent plants a kiss on Felicity's cheek as Patsy shows off some good 'armology' with partner Robin
Larking around: Katya laughs as she is lifted up by rugby player Gavin Henson
The ailing former EastEnder, who is rehearsing four dances with partner Artem Chigvintsev, is second favourite to win with 7/4 odds by bookmakers Paddy Power.
But Countryfile presenter Baker and Aliona Vilani are the favourites with 8/15 odds, with Pamela and James Jordan as the outsiders with 15/2 odds.
The Strictly Come Dancing 2010 final airs this Saturday on BBC One at 7pm.
Upside down: Felicity, Patsy and Katya are thrown upside down by their partners
Queen of the dance: Katya looks at home on Gavin's shoulders as the couples dance around her
Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke - Strictly Come Dancing 2010, Week 9 - BBC One
Nice work if you can get it: Simon Baker will be paid £280,000 per episode for The Mentalist, eclipsing Hugh Laurie's £258,000 per episode for U.S. show House
Pay rise: The Australian actor had been receiving £180,000 for each episode of the crime series in which he plays a psychic with unusual powers of observation
Hit show: British actor Laurie in the American drama series House
