NICOLLETTE Sheridan WAS slapped by Marc Cherry but only as he showed her how to stage a scene

NICOLLETTE Sheridan WAS slapped by Marc Cherry  but only as he showed her how to stage a scene.The actress  who has filed a lawsuit against the Desperate Housewives creator, alleging he hit her and she was sacked from the show after complaining  has had her allegations corroborated by an unnamed member of the cast, though the insider insists the incident “didn’t merit” legal action.

“Marc did slap Nicollette; I was there and I saw it,” the source said. “Nicollette was trying to slap somebody for a scene, and she couldn’t get it right.”Marc intervened to show the actress what to do, demonstrating “a slap” on her.“But I have to say it was his hand barely on her head; it sure didn’t seem to me to merit the suit she has filed,” the source added.

Last week, Eva Longoria Parker admitted she is “confused” by the legal action being taken by 46-year-old Nicollette, who is seeking $20 million in damages.“Marc is funny and sweet and probably couldn’t harm a fly,” she said. “He’s just so sweet. I do know they had a thing on set. I guess it was a couple of years ago.“Nicollette’s a sweet girl, too. I’m really confused about this whole thing.”

Nicollette who portrayed maneater Edie Britt in Desperate Housewives filed a lawsuit against Marc at Los Angeles Superior Court last Monday which alleged assault and battery, gender violence and wrongful termination.The 46-year-old actress’ departure was announced in February 2009, and she was killed-off from the show in series five, when her alter-ego died in a car accident.

LILY Allen doesn’t plan to return to music for five years

LILY Allen doesn’t plan to return to music for five years.The Not Fair singer is getting ready to take a planned hiatus and insists it will be a long time before she releases another album.“I’m not making another album for a bit,” she said. “Maybe in five years.”The 24-year-old pop star has decided to step away from the music business because she doesn’t want to go on tour because she is considering starting a family.“It’s a really big commitment to do an album these days,” she said. “People don’t buy music anymore, they download it and want their content for free — the thing that makes you your money is touring and I don’t really want to tie myself down to being on the road for three years. I’ve got a boyfriend and I’ve got a house and I’d quite like to have children soon. So it doesn’t really work into those plans.“It’s not retiring. I’m just doing a different job for a bit. I’m having a career change. I just want to stay in London for a while. It’s not a particularly healthy lifestyle being on the road.”

Lily who is dating builder Sam Cooper has also revealed she intends to start her own charity as well as the record company and fashion label she has planned.“I’m setting up a record label and a music charity and website and I’m also doing a vintage clothes shop with my sister, it’s amazing stuff that would be really expensive but we’re renting it out for a fraction of the price, so girls can come and get dressed up for a night out and have a laugh!” she said.Lily announced at the end of last year she was taking a break from the music business.“I’m just going to concentrate on doing some behind the scenes sort of stuff,” she said at the time. “My last concert is in March. That’s the last thing I’ve got planned.”

MISCHA Barton is hoping her new hair style will help her get her career back on track

MISCHA Barton is hoping her new hair style (not the one in the picture) will help her get her career back on track.The former O.C. star has gone blonde and is now telling pals her luscious locks will aide her sensational comeback from her troubles with drink and drugs.“Mischa is starting over and her new look is part of that,” reveals a source close to the star. “She is in talks over a number of acting projects including one major movie.

“She’s convinced being blonde is the key to changing her fortunes because not only does she feel more positive but she’s found people to be more positive towards her — guys especially!”Following the cancellation of Mischa’s show The Beautiful Life, her friends spoke out about the star’s fears over her career.“She has been insecure about where her career was going and feels she may be a has-been at 23. She hasn’t been overwhelmed with offers since The O.C. went off the air,” a source said in October.“She needs to feel she’s still employable. Right now, that’s her deepest fear. That no one will hire her again. It’s not true, but that’s how insecure she can get sometimes.”