US punk icons Bad Brains  are planning a major comeback with Beastie Boys star Adam Yauch.

Yauch, aka MCA, has produced the group’s untitled new album.

“The Brains are one of most powerful and unique bands in the world,” he says. “They have been a huge influence on me, and it was an honour to work with them on this record.”

George Michael is to play the first live show at the new Wembley Stadium when it opens later this year.

The former Wham! frontman, who recently revealed that his mother came from a Jewish family, will perform at the north London venue on June 9 as part of a European tour.

The stadium’s managing director Alex Horne said it was “fantastic” that Michael would be playing there.

Notes Of A Scandal director Sir Richard Eyre is desperate to cast Scarlett Johansson on the London stage.

Eyre, who used to manage Britain’s National Theatre, has worked with acting veterans including Dame Judi Dench, but would like to work with younger stars.

“All the work I’ve been approached about lately seems to feature leading roles for older women,” he says. “I’d actually rather like if it somebody suggesting something involving Scarlett Johansson. She’s wonderful.”

Cancer survivor Marianne Faithfull is desperate to give up her lifelong smoking habit now she’s been given a new lease of life.

The singer and actress was forced to postpone her world tour when she was diagnosed with the disease last September - but was given the all-clear from doctors at the end of 2006.

However, she’s worried that continuing to smoke cigarettes could jeopardise her new-found health.