Despite being the highest grossing film of all time, James Cameron’s Avatar was beaten at the Oscars by his ex-wife’s low budget war drama The Hurt Locker.

James Cameron beaten at Oscars by his ex-wife

The highly acclaimed film Avatar, which thrilled audiences worldwide with its 3D effects, only managed to claim three of the gold statues at last night’s Oscars ceremony.

Best Director surprisingly went to Kathryn Bigelow, James Cameron’s ex-wife, for her drama The Hurt Locker about a US bomb disposal unit in Iraq.

On hearing the announcement, James Cameron patted his ex on the back, as he was sitting directly behind her in the auditorium. He also pretended to strangle her before giving her a big hug.

On winning the award, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman in history to win an Academy Award for Best Director.

The Hurt Locker scooped six Oscars last night, including Best Picture, while Avatar won only three gongs in minor categories.

Avatar, having already taken $2billion worldwide is the highest grossing film ever at the box office, only won awards for art direction, cinematography and visual effects – failing to match Cameron’s other epic masterpiece Titanic which scooped 11 Oscars.

Other winners were Best Actress Sandra Bullock – for her role in American football drama The Blind Side, and Best Actor Jeff Bridges – for his Crazy Heart role.

James Cameron’s Avatar fails to match Titanic as it’s beaten at Oscars by ex wife’s The Hurt Locker is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

In a desperate attempt to secure credit, around a million customers have turned to sub-prime lenders charging 60% interest on outstanding credit card debts.

Credit card debt problems set to soar

The reported 2,700 people applying daily for sub-prime Provident’s Vanquish card will typically have a poor credit history, and may have experienced debt problems in the past.

Average interest rates on credit card debts with the company’s cards are 39.9 per cent – but those worst off will be charged up to 59.9 per cent on their outstanding balances.

As the economic crisis has left many household budgets shattered, desperation has taken hold and many families have relied on personal loans, overdrafts and credit card debts to make ends meet.

Recently released Bank of England Figures showed that UK consumers owed a huge £61.5 billion on credit card debts in January – up 15 per cent on the previous year.

Many highstreet lenders are still refusing credit to customers, as they tighten their lending criteria and reduce their exposure to “higher risk” consumers.

Even sub-prime lender Provident admitted that around 830,000 applications for their credit cards had been rejected, prompting concerns amongst debt advice organisations that they may be forced into the hands of unscrupulous lenders.

Ivan Cooper, chairman at debt help specialists Chiltern, said: “Some doorstep lenders and pay-day loan companies charge eye-watering rates of around 3,000 per cent, which can trap people into an ongoing cycle of debt problems.

“When people are refused credit or when they are struggling to maintain finances, they need to seek impartial debt advice – as there may be spending problems that can be addressed with some simple debt help.”

Former Treasury minister, Lord Higgins, said: “The recent increase in the interest charges on credit cards, when the cost of capital for these credit card companies is probably at the lowest level ever, is unjustified.”

UK credit card borrowers are paying around £30 million a day in interest payments.

60% interest rates on credit card debts fuels debt problems is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

People who are struggling with their debt problems look set to find it more difficult to relieve their debt management, as the cost of bankruptcy is set to rise by £90.

Bankruptcy costs to increase

From April 6 the Government-backed Insolvency Service is raising its bankruptcy petition fees, from £360 to £450.

There will also be an extra court fee of £150 (which can be avoided if the person trying to get out of debt is on benefits), bringing the total cost of going bankrupt to around £600.

The Insolvency Service claimed that it is raising its bankruptcy fees due to the economic downturn, particularly the fall in property prices, as it has meant that they are unable to recover enough money from debtors to cover the costs of allowing debtors to go bankrupt.

A spokesperson for the Insolvency Service said: “The economic downturn has reduced asset values especially property which means a greater proportion of cases don’t generate enough money to cover the fee.

“This has meant that within the overall fee structure, we have had to ensure that more cash is realised earlier in the process. This has led to increases for some but will ensure that the cost of the regime is paid partly by the debtor and partly by creditors.

“Over the last year, the average unsecured debt in debtor petition bankruptcies has been around £33,000. Even with the new higher petition deposit cost, it is not unreasonable to expect those getting the benefit of writing off this debt to pay a proportion of the cost.”

Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt advice specialists Chiltern, said: “The most important thing to establish is whether bankruptcy is the right option in the first place, hence the need for some impartial and truthful debt help.

“Reputable debt advice organisations, such as Hamilton Locke and Chiltern, are members of leading trade body DEMSA – the ONLY organisation within the debt sector to have received code approval from the Office of Fair Trading.

“This ensures that people who are trying to get out of debt can be certain that they will receive the best standard of service available, and that the advice they receive will be the most appropriate for them.”

Cost of bankruptcy to increase by £90 is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

In an increasingly familiar tale, The Bank of England has kept interest rates on hold again for the 12th successive month.

Bank of England keeps interest rates on hold

Economists anticipated the decision to keep the base rate of interest at the historic low level of 0.5%, as it was widely expected to maintain its record low to aid the struggling economic recovery.

There were no surprises either, when it was announced that the bank would not be pumping any more money into the economy under its quantitative easing (QE) programme, at least for the time being.

The QE programme was halted last month, following £200bn of money being injected into the economy to try to stimulate growth and put the recession behind us.

Following the QE programme, the Bank has attempted to encourage commercial banks to boost lending to individuals and businesses – by buying assets.

However the full effects of the QE venture may take further time to filter fully into the economy.

Many financial experts have argued that banks have yet to increase their lending as the economy recovers.

Banks argue that customers are currently more interested in taking control of their debt management by paying down loans rather than risking further debt problems by taking out new ones.

The Bank of England must also be aware of the effects of inflation following the QE programme, which resulted in the Bank’s governor Mervyn King writing directly to chancellor Alistair Darling to explain the fastest rise in inflation for 14 months.

A letter from the governor is required if inflation levels are over one percentage point above or below the government’s 2% target.

Bank of England keep interest rates on hold…again! is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Another claims management company, Cartel Client Review, are being investigated by the Ministry of Justice, following reports that their advertised debt management claims are misleading.

Ministry of Justice investigates misleading claims management companies

The company’s alleged misleading claims were highlighted following an investigation by the BBC’s Money Box programme, where it was reported that customers who had paid hundreds or thousands of pounds to write off debts within 6 to 12 months were still waiting in limbo two years later.

The company uses phrases such as: “You may have a claim to have your outstanding credit card debt completely written off!” in its advertising, however firm evidence of such claims being successful remains in doubt.

Today, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice’s Claims Management Regulator said: “The Claims Management Regulator is investigating Cartel Client Review Ltd. and associated businesses.

“We are not able to comment on the specific issues we are investigating as to do so could jeopardise the progress and outcome of these investigations.”

Consumer groups have targeted claims management companies (which attempt to exploit loopholes in lenders’ small print to write off debts), as they have come under fire for their misleading advertising and huge upfront fees.

In an interview for The Times newspaper online, the chief executive of consumer group “Which?”, Peter Vicary-Smith, advised people to avoid claims management companies and recommended people who are struggling with debt management problems to seek free debt advice or to speak directly to lenders for debt help.

A spokesperson for Cartel blamed poor reporting from “a certain radio programme” for prompting the investigation by the Ministry of Justice.

Reputable debt advice organisations have also spoken out about the misleading claims of some claims management companies.

Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt management specialists Chiltern, said: “Some of the most vulnerable people in society are being lured in with false or misleading advertising claims from some claims management companies, which is outrageous.

“Reputable debt advice organisations, like Hamilton Locke, The Debt People or Chiltern, recommend seeking impartial debt help before agreeing to any debt solution.”

Ministry of Justice investigates “misleading” claims management company is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

As golfing legend Tiger Woods tries to rebuild his life, following his serial cheating on wife Elin Nordegren, it is claimed that President Barack Obama and Bill Clinton called to offer wishes.

President Obama called Tiger to offer support

President Obama, a keen golfer, is believed to have contacted 34-year old Woods after his public apology on TV for his multiple extra-marital affairs.

Ex-president Bill Clinton, who is also no stranger to public humiliation following an affair with Monica Lewinsky, is also said to have contacted Woods to offer his support.

Tiger’s wife, Elin Nordegren, did not attend the televised confession which was filmed at the Professional Golfers’ Association in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and has been watched by millions around the globe.

In the apology Woods admitted to cheating on his wife and confirmed he was undergoing treatment for his addiction to sex.

His affairs have said to have costed him around £50m in lost sponsorship deals, as sports drink Gatorade join telephone giant AT&T and razor blade manufacturers Gillette on the list of companies who have dropped celebrity endorsement deals with Woods.

Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton call Tiger Woods to offer support is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Portsmouth Football Club have become the first Premier League club to enter administration, after their debt problems proved too much to difficult to manage.

Lights finally go out at Fratton Park as Portsmouth's finances dry up

With debts of around £60m, the move will almost certainly seal the south coast club’s relegation from the top flight, as an automatic nine points will be deducted from their current tally.

Reports that four interested parties were considering purchasing Pompey ultimately failed, so the club had to seek debt help and enter administration in a bid for survival.

As well as struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, Portsmouth have needed ongoing debt advice after facing a winding-up order and suffering from a number of ongoing debt management problems.

Premiership players, such as David James and Nwankwo Kanu, have had wages paid late on four separate occasions this season, whilst a separate dispute with former owner Sacha Gaydamak rumbles on over whether Pompey have missed a deadline to repay £9m of the £28m debt that they owe him.

The Premier League also withheld transfer payments worth around £2m and diverted £7m worth of TV revenue to Chelsea and Watford to cover the signings of Tommy Smith and Glen Johnson.

Ex England defender Sol Campbell is also suing the club for £1.7m in unpaid image rights.

This on top of Portsmouth having their fourth owenr in the season, after owner Ali Al Faraj defaulted on loan payments.

Pompey face fellow Premier League strugglers Burnley this weekend before facing Birmingham in next month’s FA Cup quarter final tie.

Portsmouth’s debt problems mean first Premier league club enters administration is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

According to Tiger Woods’ caddie and close friend, Steve Williams, the golfing legend may be back on the course sooner than first thought.

Tiger may be playing competitive golf sooner than first thought

In an interview with an Australian newspaper, caddie Williams hinted as much. This was also intimated separately by another of Woods’ close friends.

During a now famous TV and press interview last week, where the golfer apologised for his misdemeanours, he did not give indications as to a return date when he would be back playing competitive golf on the tour.

In a vague statement he simply said: “I do plan to return to golf one day. I just don’t know when that day will be.”

He then went on to say: “I don’t rule out that it will be this year.”

However experts on the type of therapy Woods is currently undergoing treatment for, spoke out claiming it might be longer than he thinks until he is back swinging clubs on the pro tour.

An expert on this method of counselling said during a TV interview that in the United States this sort of therapy can take between three and five years.

Butch Harmon, Woods’s former coach, said that he did not expect Tiger Woods to be playing competitive golf again during 2010.

Tiger Woods back playing golf sooner than first thought is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole is potentially facing a £400,000 fine for cheating on wife and Girls Aloud star Cheryl, after reports that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is furious with the club’s reputation being dragged through the mud.

Ashley has been on his knees to prevent Cheryl from leaving him

Allegedly there is considerable anger from Mr Abramovich and the rest of the Stamford Bridge board over Cole’s alleged behaviour,with threats of a record club fine for breach of discipline.

The England left back looks set to be punished severely after reports in the press that he deliberately misled senior Chelsea officials into covering-up one of his sexual liaisons whilst on last summer’s pre-season tour to the US.

Ron Gourlay, the club’s chief executive will meet with Cole regarding an incident in Seattle, where it is alleged that he sneaked an American government worker, Ann Corbitt, into his hotel room but then denied it to keep it from his pop star wife.

There have been other ladies who have claimed affairs with Ashley Cole, including Alexandra Taylor, Aimee Walton, glamour model Sonia Wild and Liverpool club secretary Vicki Gough, but it is the affair with Ann Corbitt which is the most serious and has left club officials fuming.

This is because the latest indiscretion meant that Cole, 29, has been accused of lying to his employers to cover his philandering tracks.

Under agreed rules with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the maximum that a player can be fined by clubs for a disciplinary breach is two weeks’ wages.

Cole looks set to be faced with several fines, which could total as much as £400,000 after he is accused of a number of indiscretions, although it isn’t expected to reduce him to worry about debt problems – he apparently earns £6m a year!

His wife, Cheryl Cole is currently working in America and has reportedly been considering the implications of Ashley’s actions, and a possible divorce suit.

Abramovich furious as Ashley Cole faces £400,000 fine by Chelsea for cheating on Cheryl is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Repossessions and debt problems could be around for many years to come, as more homeowners struggle to come to terms with their mounting debts and rising unemployment, according to a new report.

Home repossessions and debt problems will be around for years

A study by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), expects that repossessions will rise to around 53,000 in 2010 – up 15 per cent from 46,000 in 2009. They also predict that people will struggle to keep on top of their debt management, and will have repayment difficulties for long after the recession, as their figures anticipate borrowers with arrears rising to 205,000 from 188,000.

The CML said: “The pattern of the early 1990s — in which the annual number of possessions exceeded 40,000 for seven consecutive years — suggests that we should expect only a slow recovery from the peak of mortgage payment problems in this cycle.”

2009 repossession forecasts from the CML were revised down, after it became clear that low interest rates, increased patience from lenders and government assistance meant that fewer households were struggling with their mortgage repayments.

Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: “The latest figures from the Bank of England show the cost of mortgage finance to be easing. This … should help to continue to push prices higher for at least the next few months.”

Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt advice specialists Chiltern, said: “The last ten yeasr have seen cheap credit and many people developing outstanding debts alongside their mortgages.

“Unfortunately for many people, trying to service their home loans, credit card debts and other borrowings has become increasingly difficult as living costs have increased, the economy has turned and credit isn’t as cheap or freely available.

“To try and avoid repossession and possible bankruptcy, it’s always recommended seeking impartial debt help from a reputable provider – such as Hamilton Locke, The Debt People or Chiltern.”

Repossessions and debt problems will loom for years is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Millions of credit card holders risk developing serious debt problems as interest soars to the highest rate in decades, according to a latest study.

Even though the Bank of England’s base rate of interest stands at a historic low of 0.5 per cent, people with credit card debts are being put at risk by average interest rates of around 18.8 per cent.

The last time interest rates on credit card debts was this high, was back in 1999 when the base rate of interest was 6 per cent.

Experts have blamed the recent rise on lenders passing on the cost of the increased number of defaults and bad debts from people struggling with their credit card debts, caused by rising unemployment.

Higher charges were also a consequence of tighter regulation from the Government.

Michelle Slade, of Moneyfacts, the group behind the research, said: “The UK continues to suffer from a high level of unemployment and providers are worried about the increased risk of customers not repaying their debts.

“This increased risk continues to be passed on to both new and existing credit card customers through higher rates. Other charges such as balance transfers, cash withdrawals and foreign transfer fees also continue to go up, leaving customers paying more across the board.”

Thousands of borrowers saw that their interest rate will virtually double overnight, as holders of US lender Capital One cards received a letter stating that their interest rate would increase from 8.01 per cent to 15.31 per cent.

This rise was put down to the poor “economic environment”, and the rate charged on outstanding balances will increase from April this year.

Ivan Cooper, Chairman at debt advice specialists Chiltern, said: “Credit cards can be a useful way to pay for items, as they can be repaid over a number of months – however if they aren’t repaid in full each month or very soon then they can take many years to clear.”

UK Payment Association figures found that around fifty per cent of all credit card applications were rejected last year.

Millions with credit card debts risk debt management problems as interest soars is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Victoria Beckham wearing an Alexander McQueen dress

Tributes have flooded in for Alexander McQueen, one of the most well known designers in the fashion industry.

Alexander has made dresses for some of the most famous people on the planet in including Cheryl Cole who has this to say:

“My heart goes out to Alexander’s family and friends at this unbelievably sad and tragic time. Fashion has lost one of its most talented and inspirational figures.”

Niomi Campbell who has been described by McQueen as his muse had this to say:

“I am truly devastated to lose my close friend,” she said. “His talent had no boundaries and he was an inspiration to everyone who worked with him and knew him. This is a sad day for all who loved him around the world and my condolences are with his family. I will miss him so much, he will never be forgotten.”

Kate Moss has simply put it that she is shocked and devastated by the news.

Whilst Victoria Beckham, who has worn many dresses designed by McQueen said in an interview with the Mirror:

“We have all lost a true great, McQueen was a master of fashion, creative genius and an inspiration. Today the fashion industry has lost a true great. An icon of all time. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed. My heart is very much with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in tribute to Alexander McQueen is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Katie Price

Katie Price has been paid thousands of pounds to go to a party according to sources.

Also known as Jordan the thirty something year old model turned business woman spent the night poking her tongue out at Austrian Royalty and every camera she could find. As only Katie can, she stood out from the crowd and made every situation into a great photo opportunity. The party is widely renowned as one of the poshest dos you can be invited too, with guests al in designer black tie or ball gowns, Katie’s dress was some how reminiscent of her wedding dress – when she married Peter Andre not Alex Reid, though vastly less elaborate thankfully.

Lindsey Lohan or Katie Price – you decide

Lindsey Lohan was offered $150,000 to attend the party as the date of Richard Lugner an Austrian tycoon, who is famous for paying different celebs to be his date every year. He had invited Katie Price to be his date, however, she was ‘un-invited’ after she broke told the media about her invite prior to his official announcement on January 20. Unfortunately, Lohan missed her flight from Los Angeles and was unable to attend.

Instead, Austrian entrepreneurs Irene and Alexander Mayer stepped in and invited Katie Price as their guest.

Katie Price at the Opera Ball in Vienna is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

John Terry

Following further allegations this weekend about the extra-curricular activities that Chelsea and ex-England captain John Terry has ben up to, it now emerges that the millionaire Premiership footballer could be struggling with his debt management problems.

Questions about the debt problems of disgraced Ex-England captain John Terry emerged over the weekend, following revelations that the footballer’s mortgage on his Surrey mansion is almost double the value of the property than when he bought it.

The Chelsea captain purchased the Oxshott property in July 2003 for around £2.25 million pounds, but Terry took out a mortgage on the property last year to the value of £3.95 million.

Experts have raised eyebrows at the “unusual” financal move, as someone who earns in excess of £170,000 per week should be in a more stable financial position.

Mr Terry’s agent dismissed rumours of any debt management issues insisting that the Premiership football star was simply taking advantage of a generous rate of interest to support his other property deals.

Rumours have grown that the player’s gambling problems may have caused the need to re-mortgage and release equity from his home.

Sources quoted in the press who are believed to be close to the defender have said that he “doesn’t bet on the scale he did in the past”.

Mr Terry does still have an account with a specialist bookmaker that handles wealthy private clients, although friends insist that he pays off in full every month.

Married John Terry was recently exposed as having an affair with team mate Wayne Bridge’s partner, Vanessa Perroncel, along with a string of other mistresses.

His wife, Toni Terry, is currently escaping the furore relaxing in Dubai.

Terry lost the England captaincy last week, following a showdown meeting with England manager Fabio Capello.

Does disgraced former England captain John Terry have debt problems? is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management

Vanessa Perroncel

At this stage it is difficult to know for sure where the truth lies in the stories that have been published, however, the allegations are that Vanessa Perroncel had an affair with John Terry and a child was conceived from this. John Terry has been stripped of his England Football captaincy due to the public perception of his honesty being damaged. Wayne Bridge, who had also played for Chelsea with John Terry is Vanessa Perroncel’s ex.

The situation became even more interesting last night when Vanessa Perroncel declared that she was still in love with Wayne Bridge and wanted him back, despite the drama which has unfolded in the last few weeks. The couple have a three year old son, whom Vanessa wishes them to continue to bring up together.

Vanessa told a friend: “He must be hurting and it must be horrible for him, but I still love him with all my heart.

“I wish we’d never broken up in the first place. I don’t know what Wayne is thinking but if I could have him back it would be amazing, for me and Jaydon.

“I know how painful it’s been for me to read all the stories this week about all these men I am supposed to have slept with so I can only imagine what it’s been like for him. After all the lies written I can’t imagine he’d want me back.”

In an interview with the Mirror, close friend Antonia Graham said: “Vanessa has never stopped loving Wayne but she doesn’t know if he feels the same.

“When they split up in the summer it was because of a number of things, not some big bust-up. She was engaged to him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and nothing’s changed.

“He is the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with, not John. She just hopes it is not too late.”

“John would go round to see her to offer support, just to check she was ok.

“It was like two friends having a chat. He would take DVDs round, have a cup of tea, that type of thing. It wasn’t like he had a spare set of keys. He was very supportive and said he hoped that one day Wayne and Vanessa could get back together.”

“Wayne rang her when he heard the rumours she was seeing another footballer and asked for her to tell him the truth.

“He never said John’s name but he’d obviously heard who it was meant to be. She just explained it was gossip.”

Vanessa then had to break the news to Wayne that Terry had been photographed leaving her home in Oxshott.

Antonia continued: “Vanessa told him it was all going to come out in the press but explained it wasn’t true.”

When the affair became public knowledge, Vanessa received a phone call from Terry’s wife Toni, 28.

Antonia said: “Toni called her before she left for Dubai. It was actually quite amicable. They were civil to one another.

“Vanessa feels bad for what Wayne is going through, what his family is going through and what John’s family is going through. She doesn’t wish harm on anyone and she’s not there to ruin people’s lives.

“She says she hasn’t done anything wrong and hopes John and Toni can patch things up too. They love each other and have two kids.

“Vanessa wishes life could go back to how it was before the summer.”

Bridge has refused so far to talk publicly about the accusations.

Vanessa is believed to have told friends she is planning to talk to him at length once the public scandal has died down.

Antonia added: “They see each other every time he comes to collect or drop off their son Jaydon.

“It’s pretty casual, there are no custody arrangements set in stone because of Wayne’s career.

“Vanessa told us she has only said a few words to Wayne since this all blew up. He’s not the kind of person to talk about his emotions, he usually tends to bottle things up.

“Nobody knows what he’s thinking but I know Vanessa still loves him dearly and always has.

“The distance, one in London and the other in Manchester, really affected their relationship. It’s never good to be so far away.

“She really wanted it to work, she wanted a family, she was with the man of her dreams.

“We knew she was friendly with John but that was all it was to us, a friendship.

“I don’t think this scandal has changed anything for Vanessa and Wayne, they could still get back together.”

Vanessa Perroncel loves Wayne Bridge, despite affair with John Terry allegations is a post from: Chiltern Debt Management