Ally's gong show

Sun TV reviewer Ally Ross's threat to quit his column has obviously paid dividends as he was packed off to the Oscars on Sunday on an all-expenses-paid trip and given an invite to Elton John's party. The acerbic critic wasn't impressed though, slating the event in today's paper. Ross's buddy Simon Cowell wasn't that happy either. The X Factor judge also stuck the boot into forthcoming ITV1 reality TV show-inspired drama Rock Rivals. Surprising, given he was a consultant on the series. "I haven't seen any of the films, know nothing about movies, don't care who wins and I've no real idea why I'm here," Cowell told Ross. "It'll be good though not to be in Britain when Rock Rivals starts." Cowell went on to say that he watched a preview of the show "through closed fingers, it was so awful". Which will be a boost for ITV, given that Cowell is one of its biggest stars and the fact that it is pinning its hopes on the new Shed-produced show to revive its drama standing.