KIRSTIE ALLEY - ALLEY TO SUE TABLOID OVER WEIGHT ALLEGATION

Actress-turned-weightloss queen KIRSTIE ALLEY is taking legal action against an American tabloid that claimed she was fired from dieting company Jenny Craig because she was too fat. The Cheers star resigned as the spokesperson for Jenny Craig after three years of service last week (ends17Feb08). Just days later, she announced plans to launch her own diet firm in 2009. But Alley has taken exception to claims in the 25 February (08) edition of the National Enquirer which allege Jenny Craig bosses dismissed her for being overweight - and now plans to sue the publication. Alley says, "(It's) hurtful and harmful to me. I'm going to litigate. It's chronic and has been chronic for the last three years. This one (false report) is extremely damaging."