Ben Affleck was "never very good" at dating. The 36-year-old actor - who had relationships with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez before marrying Jennifer Garner - admits starring in the new romantic comedy "He's Just Not That Into You" was a challenge because he hasn't always been lucky in love.

He said: "You're asking me for dating advice? I can't give any - I was never very good at it, I don't think anyone should follow my advice."

Gwyneth Paltrow agreed to star in a TV show to prove she isn't uptight. The Hollywood actress wanted to show the public her true character and so decided to team up with U.S. chef Mario Batali on "Spain ... On the Road Again."

He said: "I'm sure the reason she did it was because people thought she was kind of uptight. But she's not. She's natural. She's accessible - and it gave her a chance to show that."

Gwyneth Paltrow has formed a Hollywood book club to cheer up her friend Madonna. The "Iron Man" actress has asked some of her closest friends to meet and discuss their favorite tomes to help shift their winter blues and to help the "Give It 2 Me" singer get over her impending divorce from Guy Ritchie.

Gwyneth, 36, said: "I feel a bit swallowed up in January, the days are so short, the sky is so close and grey."

Gwyneth Paltrow has bought Madonna racy underwear and sex toys from luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur. The "Iron Man" actress is desperate to cheer up her close friend - who announced she was divorcing Guy Ritchie, her husband of almost eight years, in October - and decided the X-rated gifts would be perfect.

A source said: "Gwyneth just wants to see a smile on her face. She has even bought Madonna some sexy Agent Provocateur underwear and toys."

Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow serenaded Cheryl Cole over the phone. The couple had called each member of Girls Aloud - Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts and Sarah Harding - individually to convince them to support Chris' band Coldplay.

But when it came to persuading "The X Factor" judge Cheryl, the pair decided they needed to make an extra-special effort and sang a rendition of the girl group's hit "Sound Of The Underground."

Gwyneth Paltrow has embarked upon a post-Christmas detox. The "Iron Man" actress - who is married to Coldplay star Chris Martin - is taking drastic measures to shift the excess pounds she gained over the festive period.

In the most recent email from her GOOP.com website, Gwyneth wrote: "I need to lose a few pounds of holiday excess. I will be suffering along with you to kickstart my year a bit lighter - good luck to us all!"