Ozzy Osbourne on writers’ blacklist

Ozzy Osbourne, the apparently brain-dead rock star, has been black-listed by Hollywood screenwriters. His crime? Allegedly refusing to pay the scribblers the going rate for their services for his forthcoming comedy-variety show, The Osbournes: Live and Dangerous, which is hosted by himself and his wife, Sharon (pictured).

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has written to all of its members telling them they could be subject to a fine if they accept work on the series because the Guild is refusing to work with the show's production company Fremantle over claims that it underpays staff. "Any members who perform writing services on that show do so at their own peril," the WGA says.

A Guild spokesman said they believed that Ozzy and co will be forced back to the negotiating table when they realise they can't get writers for the show; they will finally see "the wisdom and creative advantages of signing a WGA contract".