Pop star makes hilarious cameo, playing himself, on "'Extras' finale

BUSHWHACKERS: George Michael, left, Ricky Gervais on HBO’s “Extras.

When George Michael makes his cameo on the series finale of "Extras," you'll need to consult a British slang dictionary.

Beleaguered sitcom player Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) leaves a "serious acting" audition when his tummy-flattening girdle has a wardrobe malfunction. To walk off his frustration, Andy strolls through a London park and rests on the "waiting bench" where dudes cruise for "cock." Enter George Michael smoking a joint and eating a sandwich.

George asks if there's been any action. He's only got 20 minutes since he's on a lunch break. George is doing community service for a new offense.

It seems he got busted for "fly-tipping" (Brit slang for "illegally dumping waste"). Annie Lennox had called George to help her get rid of an old fridge-freezer. George told Annie there was a "skip" (a dumpster) at the end of his block, and they could deposit it there.

While committing the dirty deed at 2:30 a.m., it turns out that the skip was the property of Police drummer Stewart Copeland. So Copeland called Sting about the offense, and Sting "a fucking do-gooder" alerted the police. So George and Annie are picking up litter in the park.

Since his lunch break is about to end, George asks his bench buddies to keep an eye out for paparazzi: He's going to check out another set of bushes for a quickie.

Clive Owen and Gordon Ramsey also make guest appearances in the 80-minute episode.

Premieres Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. on HBO.


"Top Design" coming back for more

Bravo's freshmen reality competitions "Top Design" and "Shear Genius" have been renewed for second seasons. This Yahoo! article also confirmed Jaclyn Smith will return to host the second run of "Shear Genius," in which hairstylists compete for $100,000. It's not clear whether gay design guru Todd Oldham, pictured, or any of the judges are returning on "Top Design," in which interior designers, architects and artists vie for $100,000.



Orman lends financial expertise

Suze Orman, pictured, who officially came out as a lesbian this year, has a new "financial hour of power" on CNBC.

Whether you're trying to get out from under massive amounts of debt, coping with the subprime squeeze, or struggling to save for your retirement, Suze Orman has the answers you need to get on the road to wealth. Orman gets up close and personal with her audience, taking questions and providing answers and actionable strategies to put each and every person on his or her road to wealth and financial freedom.

"The Suze Orman Show: Your Money, Your Life" airs Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on CNBC.



This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 14, 2007