Veteran actress Cloris Leachman has challenged theatre star Mel Brooks to a fight so she can prove she is healthy enough for a role in his forthcoming Broadway musical Young Frankenstein.

Leachman, 81, was devastated to learn she had been snubbed for the part of Frau Blucher, Dr. Frankenstein’s household servant - a role she originally played in the 1974 movie version - despite having reportedly breezed through the audition process.

Socialite Paris Hilton’s troubles with the law have reportedly inspired an animated series by comics legend Stan Lee.

The Marvel maestro is in talks with MTV to develop the project, according to U.S. reports.

It is believed Hilton’s ex-boyfriend Paris Latsis is also on board the venture, which has been likened to the Stripperella cartoon developed by Lee in 2003 for Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson.

Veteran rocker Bob Dylan has been honoured with Spain’s prestigious Prince Of Asturias award in recognition of his contribution to the arts.

The 66-year-old follows in the footsteps of movie directors Woody Allen and Pedro Almodovar, both of whom have previously won the award.

Eight Prince Of Asturias awards are handed out annually to achievers in the arts, science, sports and humanities.

The Mummy star Rachel Weisz has beaten a host of Hollywood’s leading ladies to land a coveted role in the big screen adaptation of Alice Sebold’s 2002 masterpiece The Lovely Bones.

Oscar winner Weisz will play the mother of a young girl who disappears in the movie, which will shoot in Pennsylvania and New Zealand later this year.

Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg has declared his support for Hilary Clinton’s 2008 presidency campaign.

The director is backing Clinton because he believes she is best suited for the top job at the White House and will bring America “back together”.

Reformed drug addict Robert Downey Jr will reportedly play fellow Jewish entertainer Peter Sellers in a production in London’s West End next year.

The Zodiac star will take on the role as the legendary English comic - famed for his Inspector Clouseau roles in the Pink Panther - in a stage adaptation of his life.