People: For him, it’s ‘Hobbit’ forming
Bilbo lives!
After publicly feuding for more than a year, “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema have agreed to make a movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s “The Hobbit.”
Jackson will serve as executive producer for the planned two-film prequel to the blockbuster “Rings” trilogy.
A director has yet to be named. Depending on what happens with the Hollywood writers’ strike, production is tentatively set to begin in 2009, with releases planned for 2010 and 2011.
Late last year, acrimony between the 46-year-old Jackson and New Line became public, with the studio announcing it would move forward with “The Hobbit” without him.
Jackson sued New Line over the amount he was paid – including DVD payments – for “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first installment of the trilogy. That suit has been settled as part of the “Hobbit” deal.
“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line,” Jackson said. “We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth.”
K-Fed still in custody
The Britney Spears-Kevin Federline custody battle will go another round next year.
A court commissioner made no changes to the couple’s arrangements after a 90-minute closed-door hearing Tuesday and postponed a scheduled January hearing to February.
Federline has temporary custody of 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James. Spears has limited visitation rights.
She flat-out lied
A woman who accused “Lord of the Dance”-meister Michael Flatley of sexual assault has been ordered to pay him more than $11 million for attempted extortion.
Tyna Marie Robertson claimed Flatley raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2002 and threatened to sue unless he agreed to pay a “seven figures” settlement, according to court papers.
Flatley insisted the sex was consensual, and police declined to press criminal charges.
An attorney for Flatley said he plans to donate any money he receives to charity.
More dishing for Rachael
The Food Network has ordered extra helpings of Rachael Ray.
A new prime-time series, “Rachael’s Vacation,” will premiere Jan. 12. Viewers will follow Ray as she discovers cities, countries, foods and lifestyles around the world.
Ray’s “30 Minute Meals” also will continue.
What is ‘get well soon’
“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek is spending the holidays at home with his family as he recovers from a heart attack.
Trebek, 67, was hospitalized last week with what was described as a minor heart attack. He plans to return to the “Jeopardy” studio Jan. 14 to tape the program’s “Teen Tournament.”
The birthday bunch
Country singer Little Jimmy Dickens is 87. Actress Cicely Tyson is 74. Singer Maurice White (Earth, Wind and Fire) is 66. Actress Jennifer Beals is 44. Magician Criss Angel is 40. Actress Kristy Swanson is 38. Actress Alyssa Milano is 35. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 27. Actress Marla Sokoloff is 27. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 22.