The team, which comprises 52 trapeze artists, acrobats, fire dancers and clowns, are appearing at the Royal Albert Hall for two-and-a-half weeks performing their spectacular show Alegria - which is Spanish for elation.

The outift formed 14 years ago in Quebec, Canada, and now includes artists from the UK, France and Mongolia.

In 1998, the run at the Royal Albert Hall had to be extended twice to cope with demand.

Another summer at Slane

Robbie Williams: Played at Slane Castle in 1998

Ireland's Slane Castle will play host to another huge rock concert this summer, the promoters have confirmed.

In 1998 The Verve and Robbie Williams were among the acts who played at the natural amphitheatre next to the River Boyne in County Meath. Names who attended the show included Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam.

Now promoters have officially informed Meath County Council about their plans - but full details and this year's line-up are being kept under wraps until later in the year.

McDonald's overdue secret

Trevor McDonald: Hard upbringing in Trinidad

News At Ten anchorman Trevor McDonald has admitted he stole a library book when he was a child - because his family could not afford to buy books.

The 59-year-old presenter - who will front ITV's new early evening bulletin later this year - said he still cannot set foot in a library years after his childhood in Trinidad.

He told TV Times: "We were very poor. A lot of food was on tick. Clothes were too. When my father needed new trousers it was always a few months before we could settle up.

"He was forever dreaming up schemes just to send us to school, but we couldn't always afford school books. I can't forget the time I took a physics book from the library and didn't return it.

"That's why I never go to libraries - I buy the books I want."

Paltrow in song for Duets

Gwyneth Paltrow: Was due to star with Brad Pitt

Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow is brushing up her singing skills in Los Angeles karaoke bars as she prepares for her next fim Duets.

The film, about a travelling band of karaoke singers, was orginally supposed to star Paltrow and her then-boyfriend Brad Pitt, but Pitt dropped out of the project when their relationship broke up.

The film's director is still hunting for a male lead, but he is sure to make sure Paltrow has a suitable co-star - the film is being made by Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth's father.

Her latest film, Shakespeare in Love, is already being tipped for an Oscar.

Making plans for Nigel

Kennedy: The artist formerly known as Nigel

Violin virtuoso Kennedy - he has stopped using his first name, Nigel - has switched record labels and started work on his next album.

No longer with EMI Classics, his next release for Sony Classical will feature arrangements of music by rock legend Jimi Hendrix.