LILLY ALLEN ATTACKS NEW YORK TIMES FOR SELLING HER HOME PICTURES

British pop star LILY ALLEN has launched a scathing attack on the New York Times - after executives allegedly sold exclusive photos of her home without permission. The Smile hitmaker recently agreed to an interview and photoshoot with the publication, but was devastated when the paper's shots, taken in her London residence, turned up in British magazine OK. And Allen has accused newspaper bosses at the New York Times of taking advantage of her decision to let their photographer into her private rooms - and selling the pictures on for a profit, cutting her out of the loop.

She writes on her MySpace.com blog, "It is unusual for me to allow photographers into my home, but these seemed like special circumstances and after all TNYT is one of the most respected news publications in the world. "I was mortified (when I saw the pictures in OK), in fact I was in tears, six photos of inside my home for everyone to see, and a made up interview that was very misleading. All this because I'd let the NYT photographer into my home. I was furious and got on the phone immediately.

"I got an apology from OK, but the NYT refuse to accept what they have done is morally wrong. Everybody assures me this is completely unheard of for the NYT to act in such a cheap and disgusting way." Allen also published an email response from bosses at the New York Times, in which they claim there was no contract in place to prevent them syndicating the pictures. But the star criticised the publication's reply, adding: "So patronising, and gross. I think the NYT have behaved really badly. It's one thing posing for a picture from TNYT and wholly another letting OK into your house, and I didn't even get paid."

BREAKING NEWS INDEED: LILY ALLEN SAYS SHE DOES NOT SUPPORT DRUG USE!

Under-fire LILY ALLEN has backtracked over her controversial comments about drugs - insisting she does not condone substance abuse. The Smile singer sparked criticism from anti-drugs campaigners this week (begs05Jan09) after she was quoted as saying the issue is "sensationalised" and that she knows people who "take cocaine three nights a week and get up and go to work everyday, no problem".

But the British star has now issued a statement insisting it "terrifies" her to see people high on drugs. A spokesman for the singer says, "Lily Allen would like to state unequivocally that she does not condone illegal drug use and has every sympathy with individuals and families whose lives have been blighted by drugs.

Aww Lily! Come on, that's like saying I hate Republicans and voted for McCain in the last elections. The cancer stick in her hand in the left picture is a DRUG! I was a pharmacist for 20 years....now retired. LOL!

ALLEN IN LEAD FOR DR WHO ROLE?

Pop star LILY ALLEN has been linked to a starring role in iconic British sci-fi series DR WHO. The British singer was namechecked as one of the possible stars BBC bosses are considering to play the Doctor's sidekick when the show returns to U.K. screens in 2010. Unknown actor Matt Smith was named as David Tennant's replacement after it was announced he would step down from the role - one of the biggest parts on U.K. TV - last year (08). BBC executives are now hoping to fill the role of the Doctor's female companion, and have their sights set on a well-known face after former British pop star Billie Piper's successful turn on the show.

And the show's executive producer Piers Wenger hinted that Allen would be a great asset - insisting he would be "delighted" to see the Smile hitmaker at an audition. He tells Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper, "Having got the casting of the Doctor out of the way, the companion role is where we will be looking next. Someone terribly exciting like Billie Piper, who was at the beginning of her acting career but who had a profile for other reasons, would be great. We are looking for someone whose light can burn brightly.

"We would never cast anyone on the basis of their celebrity, but if Lily wanted to audition we would be delighted. It would be a lot of fun." Other stars who are reportedly being considered for the role include actress/model Kelly Brook and British singer Rachel Stevens.