Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has been left out of pocket after losing a legal battle with his former real estate broker.

Seinfeld opted not to pay Tamara Cohen her commission after buying a $3.95 million New York townhouse in 2005 - because she refused to show up on Shabbat - when the comic and his wife Jessica visited the home.

Veteran actress Maureen Lipman is to face Sir Alan Sugar as one of the celebrity contestants in a charity version of The Apprentice.

No-nonsense Sir Alan, who founded the electronics giant Amstrad, and is known for his ‘you’re fired’ catchphrase, will be giving Lipman and other stars, including Jo Brand, Rupert Everett and Ross Kemp, tasks to see how well they cope in a competitive business environment.

Death Wish director Michael Winner has blasted suggestions he may be forced to have his leg amputated.

The 71-year-old British filmmaker, who is currently fronting a TV advertisement for insurance company eSure, is being treated in a London hospital after suffering blistering to his leg while on holiday in Barbados earlier this month.

There were fears he would have to have the limb removed - but Winner has laughed off the claims.