Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

DEAR STACY: How does Harvey Levin go from being a lawyer and a TV host of legal-themed issues to hosting "TMZ," a show of ambush journalism that presents celebrities being photographed in unflattering situations? — Martin D., Queens, N.Y.

DEAR MARTIN: As was the case with Anakin Skywalker before he became Darth Vader, signs of Levin's future were evident before he went over to "the dark side." While a California attorney reporting on the O.J. Simpson case for local station KCBS in '95, Levin was the center of a major flap involving a video that purportedly showed prosecutor Marcia Clark entering Simpson's home without a warrant. He was forced to retract the story and give an on-air apology. Another step along the way was the indefatigable and controversial Levin's "Celebrity Justice" show, which lasted from 2002-2005.

DEAR STACY: I haven't heard anything about my favorite childhood funny guy, Soupy Sales, in a long time. How about an update? — Lance B., Cleveland, Ohio

DEAR LANCE: The one-time kiddie show fun master, now 82, has been beset by health woes in recent years, including a stroke and a ruptured aorta. In spite of that, he appeared in 2005's "Angels With Angles," an independent movie that marked the final screen performances of Frank Gorshin and Rodney Dangerfield, as well as that year's "The Innocent and the Damned" film. He's still making public appearances at autograph conventions and such.

DEAR STACY: Can you tell me whether "The Bill Engvall Show" is coming back? My family enjoyed it. — Deanna R., Canton, Ohio

DEAR DEANNA: Look for a second season of 10 new episodes of the TBS series starring Blue Collar funnyman Engvall to debut in June. Season one comes out on DVD May 20.

DEAR STACY: Where is Shirley Bassey? I thought I heard her on a commercial. Is she still performing? — Deborah M., Bronx, N.Y.

DEAR DEBORAH: Dame Shirley Bassey — she sometimes goes by DSB, nowadays — Britain's most successful female chart artist of all time, is active and looking great at age 71.

She celebrated 50 years in show business in 2003.

She's reportedly planning to collaborate with Pink, having signed a new contract with Decca Records last year. Her cover of Pink's "Get The Party Started" is included in her 2007 album of the same name. It entered the British charts at No. 6 and was released in the U.S. last month. Among the shows that have used the Welsh diva's tunes are "Nip/Tuck" and "The L Word."

Twice divorced, she's the mother of two daughters (daughter Samantha is deceased; she reportedly jumped from a bridge in Bristol, England in 1985), and an adopted son. Bassey now lives in Monaco.

DEAR STACY: I am 15 years old and I love my grandma. She has had medical problems and needs a new home. I would like the address of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and I'll tell them the whole story. — Matthew D., Amityville, N.Y.

DEAR MATTHEW: Download an application and instructions from the "apply" section of the "Extreme Home Makeover" area on ABC's website — abc.go.com. The 20 pages of forms and explanations there include technical guidelines for using video and/or photos in your nomination. Then, mail your application to Lock & Key Productions, C/O Family Casting, P.O. Box 38670, Los Angeles, CA 90038. The show's producers receive thousands of applications each week, so good luck!

DEAR STACY: I'm a huge fan of Mary-Louise Parker, and I am wondering, when will "Weeds" be returning? — Scott D., Putnam Valley, N.Y.

DEAR SCOTT: The Showtime dark comedy is due back June 16, with 13 new episodes in season four.

DEAR STACY: There is a song ABC has been using to promote its shows, and the lyrics go, "Take me away, the secret place/ Take me away, some other day." Can you tell me the name of that song and whether it's available for purchase? It's really catchy. — J.J., Long Beach, Calif.

DEAR J.J.: You're thinking of Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocket Full of Sunshine," the second single off her album of the same name.

With reports by Stephanie DuBois and Emily Feimster.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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