News Brief

Los Angeles Daily News: You woulda had to be a real Grinch not to get caught up in the holiday spirit at the Hollywood Santa Parade on Sunday night, being held for the 76th time along the streets of Tinseltown. Melody Thomas Scott, Nikki Newman on "The Young and the Restless" for 28 years, was riding in the parade for the first time, but as a child she was a regular along the parade route.

Showbiz Spy: Having a mentally challenged sister has helped Eva Longoria get life into perspective, says the "Desperate Housewives" star. It means that the 32-year-old actress hasn’t got time to worry about the petty things of Hollywood - like losing a big movie role. She says: “Liza is mentally challenged. She was my hero growing up.
“It was a blessing to watch her overcome every obstacle - tying her shoes, putting on a shirt, getting out the front door.

PR Newswire: Featuring hot young stars, daring athletics and high-impact competition with just a dash of romance, "Bring It On: In It to Win It" leaps onto DVD December 18, 2007, with all the spunk, attitude and fun you won't want to miss. Presented by Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family Productions and Beacon
Pictures, this latest installment of the hugely successful cheerleading franchise stars Ashley Benson ("Days of Our Lives"), Cassie Scerbo ("Slumber Party Girls"), Jennifer Tisdale ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody"), Michael Copon ("One Tree Hill") and Kierstin Koppel (Sydney White).

Toledo Blade: The decor at Cindy's Diner is all stainless steel, chrome, and porcelain, and the retro atmosphere is bolstered by the jukebox consoles full of '50s and '60s tunes that are spaced along the counter. On the wall near the grill is an autographed photo of Fort Wayne native Drake Hogestyn, an actor who has starred for more than 20 years on "Days of Our Lives" and who drops in for a bite whenever he's home for a visit.

Crawley Observer: SOME fed-up residents missed the switching on of the town's Christmas lights on Saturday after Crawley Council brought forward the lazer show finale by 20 minutes. Eastenders star Kellie Shirley sported newly dyed black hair as she switched on the Christmas lights in the County Mall earlier that day.

Glasgow Daily Record: A wreath reading "Nana" was carried on the horsed rawn hearse taking "EastEnders" actress Hilda Braid to her funeral yesterday. The RADA-trained star - loved by millions for her role as Nana Moon - was cremated in Brighton. Her friend and co-star June Brown, the BBC1 soap's "Dot Branning", was among the 100 mourners. Hilda died on November 6 after a battle with dementia. She was 78.