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People in the news

By United Press International
British singer Amy Winehouse watches American rapper Nas and Jamaican reggae artist Damian Jr Gong Marley perform at Hammersmith Apollo in London on July 20, 2010. UPI/Rune Hellestad
British singer Amy Winehouse watches American rapper Nas and Jamaican reggae artist Damian Jr Gong Marley perform at Hammersmith Apollo in London on July 20, 2010. UPI/Rune Hellestad | License Photo

The latest news on today's hottest celebrities ...

AMY WINEHOUSE: Suzanne Greenaway, the London coroner who handled the inquest into singer Amy Winehouse's death, has resigned, officials said.

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Greenaway ruled Winehouse, 27, died from accidental alcohol poisoning and returned a verdict of misadventure at her inquest.

Camden Council told the BBC Greenaway had been appointed "in error" to the post by her husband Andrew Reid, the coroner for inner north London. His actions are being investigated by the Office for Judicial Complaints.

Greenaway resigned this week after it was made public she didn't meet the requirement of practicing as a lawyer in the United Kingdom for five years, even though she had qualified as an attorney in Australia since 1999.

Reid told the British broadcaster he is "confident that all of the inquests handled were done so correctly," but apologized "if this matter causes distress to the families and friends of the deceased."

"The Winehouse family is taking advice on the implications of this and will decide if any further discussion with the authorities is needed," the Winehouse family said in a statement issued to the BBC.

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TARAN NOAH SMITH: Former "Home Improvement" co-star Taran Noah Smith was arrested in Los Angeles for alleged driving under the influence and possession of marijuana, TMZ said.

Smith, 27, appeared on the U.S. sitcom from 1991 to 1999. After the Tim Allen-led show wrapped, Smith gave up acting and has since 2005 owned a food manufacturer and restaurant specializing in vegan and organic foods.

TMZ said Smith was arrested early Thursday after police saw his car parked haphazardly in front of a fire hydrant, then detected the smell of marijuana when they stopped to talk to the retired actor.


KATY PERRY: Pop star Katy Perry has been booked to perform at the 54th annual Grammy Awards show in Los Angeles, organizers said Wednesday.

The ceremony honoring the previous year's best in music is to take place Feb. 12. It will air live on CBS.

Dierks Bentley, Drake, Miranda Lambert and Gwyneth Paltrow were the first presenters announced for the event.

LL Cool J is to serve as host of the show.

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Perry has been staying out of the spotlight since she and her husband, comedian Russell Brand, confirmed they had split up.


TAYLOR SWIFT: U.S. country music star Taylor Swift won't be playing Eponine as planned in the upcoming movie musical "Les Miserables," EW.com reported Wednesday.

Although Swift had been in talks for the part, Samantha Barks, a contender on the British singing competition series "I'd Do Anything," has instead been cast as the tragic waif, the celebrity news Web site said.

Barks played the role of Eponine in the West End production of "Les Miserables" from 2010 to 2011.

"Most incredible moment of my life!!!!" Les Miserables also stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter," Barks said via Twitter about her upcoming big-screen debut.

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