People in the news

Amy Winehouse reportedly arrested

London – Amy Winehouse was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of attempting to interfere with a court case involving her husband, according to several British media reports.

Authorities said a 24-year-old was arrested during an appointment at a police station as part of an investigation into “perverting the course of justice,” an offense similar in American law to contempt of court or obstruction.

Several British media outlets – including Sky News, Times Online and the Press Association news agency – reported that the woman was Winehouse. Police would not confirm the reports.

Winehouse, 24, recently canceled all concerts and public appearances for the rest of the year on doctor’s orders. Her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, was ordered held in custody in London last month on charges of perverting the course of justice stemming from a case in which he is accused of assaulting a male bartender in June.

Fielder-Civil allegedly tried to interfere with a witness’ testimony, according to court documents.

Hulk Hogan to lead Mardi Gras parade

New Orleans – Hulk Hogan will reign as celebrity king when the annual Bacchus parade rolls through New Orleans on Feb. 3, two days before Mardi Gras.

Each year the Krewe of Bacchus’ king visits Children’s Hospital to meet the patients. In a statement released Tuesday by Bacchus officials, the celebrity wrestler said one reason he accepted the offer was Bacchus’ relationship with the hospital.

“Hulk is also excited about being a part of Mardi Gras 2008 when New Orleans will show the world that our city is rebounding from the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina,” said Owen “Pip” Brennan, captain of the Krewe of Bacchus.

“But I think that the chance to visit Children’s Hospital is what clinched the deal when we asked him to serve as Bacchus XL,” Brennan said.

Hogan, 54, has autographed 1,000 copies of a special lithograph designed by artist Michael Hunt. Profits will be donated to the hospital.

Custody battle continues for Spears

Los Angeles – The custody fight between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline will go another round next year.

A Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner made no changes to the couple’s custody arrangements Tuesday after their attorneys spent 90 minutes behind closed doors. Commissioner Scott Gordon also moved back a scheduled hearing from January to February.

Neither Federline nor Spears, 26, were in court while their attorneys argued the case.

The couple have been wrangling for months over the custody of their sons, 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James.

Federline attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said the court considered a motion to continue various matters, allowing more time for “some of the discovery that we weren’t able to start last week” because Spears called in sick to her court-ordered deposition.

A representative from the celebrity Web site TMZ.com submitted to the court video of Spears driving with a friend on the same day that she called in sick to her court-ordered deposition. Gordon did not view the tape.

Federline, 29, has temporary custody while Spears is allowed monitored visits with her children.

Jamie Lynn Spears pregnant at age 16

New York – Another Spears baby is reportedly on the way – and it’s not Britney’s.

Jamie Lynn Spears, the 16-year-old “Zoey 101” star and sister of Britney, told OK! magazine that she’s pregnant and that the father is her boyfriend, Casey Aldridge.

“It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected,” she said. “I was in complete and total shock and so was he.”

Spears is 12 weeks along and initially kept the news to herself when she learned of the pregnancy from an at-home test and subsequent doctor visit, she told the celebrity magazine, which hits stands this week.

What message does she want to send to other teens about premarital sex? “I definitely don’t think it’s something you should do; it’s better to wait,” she told the magazine. “But I can’t be judgmental because it’s a position I put myself in.”

Nickelodeon released a statement: “We respect Jamie Lynn’s decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn’s well being.”

Rachael Ray adds vacation series

New York – The Food Network has ordered extra helpings of Rachael Ray.

A new prime-time series, “Rachael’s Vacation,” will premiere Jan. 12, the network announced Monday. Viewers will follow Ray as she discovers cities, countries, foods and lifestyles around the world.

Ray, 39, signed a two-year deal for the series.

There will also be 60 new episodes per year of Ray’s daytime show, “30 Minute Meals,” said Food Network President Brooke Johnson.

“Rachael is the quintessential example of the homegrown stars we create at Food Network,” said Johnson in a statement. “She has been with us since 2001, and we have built a strong partnership that will continue for years to come and bring more new and exciting projects.”

Ray also hosts a syndicated daytime talk show, “Rachael Ray.”