Princess Dis killer, Burt Reynolds is a killer, and a killer milkshake, in this weeks dubious tabloids

Its a fresh and shiny New Year filled with hope and possibilities, but the same ol exaggerations, fantasy and fact-challenged nonsense as ever proliferates in this weeks tawdry tabloids. And as ever, they dig deep into the past for "news" weve seen many times before.

This Man Killed Diana in Paris Tunnel! screams the National Enquirer cover story about the death of a Princess, naming Parisian limo driver-bodybuilder Le Van Thanh. But Thanh was identified as the driver of a Fiat Uno that possibly clipped Dianas limousine at least as far back as 2007, has been photographed numerous times, and to this day being at the scene of the 1997 accident. So much for its World Exclusive.

Burt Reynolds Murdered This Man and got away with it! proclaims the Globe cover, accusing the late Smokey and the Bandit star of battering to death business manager David Whiting in 1973. The coroner ruled the death a drug overdose, but tabloids speculated at the time that Reynolds may have killed Whiting in a love battle over British actress Sarah Miles. Whats new 45 years later? Only that Reynolds is now dead and cant sue. So much for its World Exclusive.

You want up-to-the-minute news? Julia Roberts has abandoned long-suffering hubby Danny Moder and has run straight into the arms of old friend George Clooney, claims the Enquirer. For the TV-viewing millions who watched Julia Roberts cuddling, laughing and kissing with Danny Moder at Sundays Golden Globes Awards, we can only assume that it was actually George Clooney in disguise. Read the rest