The Realest Housewives

Bravo TV in the US masterminded a truly unique format of reality show when they created the Real Housewives of Orange County many moons ago. Loosely based on the antics of the fictional Desperate Housewives characters, the ladies featured were more typically representative of their wealth and social stature living in sunny California.

The show was hugely popular and stemmed a dominant reality TV franchise which spanned many cities in the US including New York, Miami and New Jersey to name a few. Most of the women cast in the shows were discovered through networking affluent socialites within their cities and few castings were held.

These women were outrageous, often wealthy and totally shameless in their bid for attention, which you could tell often was at the expense of their spouses or children who were roped into appearing.

The death of Beverly Hills cast member Russell Armstrong due to suicide last week, poses the question, is reality TV to blame?

The troubled star of the hit show was the husband of main cast member Taylor Armstrong, whose marriage troubles were clearly highlighted in last years first season of the show. Taylor described her marriage to Russell as 80% business and 20% romance, and appeared sad and crying in several scenes.

Russell's family has since spoken out, blaming Bravo for his death, claiming that the show had pushed his relationship with his wife to breaking point, with him seeing no way out.

Has reality TV really driven a man to suicide?

I have to say no. Every choice in life that we make as human beings affects us in some ways. We all make good and bad choices in our lives, which we often regret, but it is important to know that there is a way out.

While the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may not have portrayed Russell as an angel, he himself signed up for the show, not once, but twice. Now Bravo bosses face the difficult task of deciding how to re-edit the popular show which is due to hit screens next week.

When it comes to reality TV, participants need to ask themselves if airing their dirty laundry to an entire nation is worth the fame and fortune. Or should private matters remain private.

My thoughts are with Russell's children, and of course, Taylor Armstrong.

Beyonce works it out

I'm sure many of you have come across the mega cool video of Beyonce rocking up to a school in Harlem, unbeknown to the kids who were dancercising to her one of her songs, and joining in with the festivities. If not, take a look...

Beyonce visited the school in support of raising awareness of childhood obesity in the US, under a scheme where children are encouraged to exercise at school - and you have to hand it to her, she sure makes a dance workout appealing.

My slightly cynical eye slowly drew upon the sweet nature of the video. While it is 100% commendable to participate in promoting such an important issue whilst also giving the kids an experience that they will never forget, I remembered that her new single Rule The World (Girls) has just been released last week... Curious.

A fun, impromptu dance video is something that PR specialists know will go viral as soon as Beyonce graces the camera with her presence. Especially as many websites are dubbing the video as in the style of a flash mob - something which it really isn't.

I don't mean to sound as if I am criticising Beyonce - it's  something that every artist does when the time calls. After all they need the column inches in order to create a buzz. I've even given the title of her single a shout out in this post.

I suppose I am pointing out the mutual benefits of a lot of what we see in the media. What may seem like a selfless act of giving will more often than not be more beneficial to those who have given. Rightly so...?

To balance things out slightly, here is a great video that went viral a couple of years ago, of Beyonce giving up her time to sing to sick kids in a hospital in Singapore. And she sounds great.

Cutrone revolutionises my life

Kelly Cutrone's new book, Normal Gets You Nowhere, was released in the US this week to the fanfare of the many girls and gays who worship the ground she walks on. The cool fashion PR guru is a New York Times bestseller following her first book If You Have to Cry Go Outside, which gained cult status amongst the kids in the know.

Normal Gets You Nowhere - available at Amazon.co.uk

Kellys unique style of speaking her mind is beyond refreshing and has a rare authenticity which speaks volumes to many young people. She candidly shares experiences in her life, the insight she has gained and the firm beliefs that shape her philosophy.

Her brutal honesty has gained her notoriety on shows such as the Hills, the City and her own show Kell On Earth - a behind the scenes look at the fashion PR industry and Cutrone's own firm, People's  Revolution.

Cutrone advises readers that normalcy is not something to aspire to, and that the traditional roles that society puts upon us should be shaken off, as we decide on our own paths in life. She also speaks strongly on the topic of humanity and what it means to truly care for others, from homeless people on the street to our own best friends.

She also talks about life, death, sex, the law, and pretty much everything in between. Her books are genuine lifestyle bibles which should be read by all and the wisdom that Kelly encompasses - the vibe which manifests, is something that has spoken to me in a way that no other books have. There is something magical and true about what she says.

FIVE FUCKING STARS.

Be sure to check out KellyCutrone.net to read some awesome quotes from her book, and buy the book at Amazon.co.uk and the audio version of the book is available now on iTunes.

Cheryl lands the job / Syco PR team take a break

So after much deliberation between Simon Cowell and Fox  executives, it was finally revealed today that Cheryl Cole has signed on the dotted line to become the third confirmed judge on the US version of the X Factor.

She will be joined by former Def Jam record executive Antonio "LA" Reid, the ringmaster himself Simon Cowell, and most likely - Paula Abdul.

The selection of the judging panel has been hyped in the entertainment media beyond belief, with Syco throwing out so many red herrings to keep the public talking. Anyone and everyone has been put in the frame for the coveted job - from Katy Perry to Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson and even Gloria Estefan, who reportedly showed up unexpectedly at recent auditions to ... er, lend a hand.

The Syco PR machine - spearheaded by the delectable Ann-Marie Thomson, is the best in the business when it comes to control and manipulating the media. The X Factor brand is hugely powerful due to its epic following in the UK, which naturally transcends to the US public in this age of instant communications.

Simons reported 'talks' with big name celebrities for various roles on his flagship show have to make you wonder - how many of these talks actually took place? Was relative newcomer on the scene Nicki Minaj really considered for a judging role? Will Nicole Scherzinger be taking her rightful place on our screens as the host of the show? And I would personally be delighted if Mariah Carey did take part in some form, after she has settled into her new full time job as a mother of two.

It was reported in the media as early as 2009 that Simon would be adapting the X Factor for US audiences, and Cheryl's name was the first to be put forward as someone who Simon wanted on his coveted judging panel. Since then Cheryl has won the job, lost the job, gone into a depression, starting dating a dancer, lost weight, got a divorce, gained weight, was happy, was sad, and finally got the job again. Confused? I am.

I'm guessing that she had the job in the bag from the word go - and that we have been kept guessing in a bid to promote the show, building excitement for the US launch. Ann-Marie at Syco will finally be able to take that vacation she's been hoping for after achieving one of the best ongoing promotional campaigns in recent times.

Ann-Marie Thomson

Cheryl is one of the most sellable celebrities in the UK, the fact is magazines make more money when she is on the cover. Is this something likely to change in the near future? With her debut in the US imminent, and an apparent Glee cover of her hit Parachute in the pipeline, it's  doubtful.

Cheryl is here to stay - and for the record, she was always the perfect candidate for the job.