Veteran singer Leonard Cohen has accused Sony of exploiting his early records to “maximize profits”.

The record giant has announced plans to reissue Cohen’s first three albums from the late 1960s and early 1970s.

But despite boasting never-before released tracks among the package, Cohen insists the new songs are merely an attempt to mask the company’s greedy motives.

Hollywood legend Paul Newman is to retire from acting - as he has “lost confidence” in his movie star skills.

The veteran actor, 82, who has appeared in more than 50 films including Cool Hand Luke, admits his elderly years are behind his decision to withdraw from Tinseltown.

Scrubs star Zach Braff is anticipating a visit from his hero Steven Spielberg after learning he owns one of the movie mogul’s former homes.

Braff has discovered his Hollywood home has housed a host of Hollywood stars, but he can’t wait for Spielberg to drop by unannounced.

Barbra Streisand has cancelled the opening date of her European tour in Rome next month following international criticism over ticket prices.

Organisers have been forced to scrap next month’s opening show in Rome, Italy, originally slated to take place on 15 June at the city’s Stadio Flaminio, delaying the start of the month-long tour.

Consumer groups in Italy protested against the show due to the expensive price of the tickets, which range from $200 to more than $1200, calling it “absurd and shameful”.