SEE PHOTOS - Top Irish entertainment stories of 2010

Here is a look back at some of the top entertainment stories from the past twelve months. With some people making the headlines for the wrong reasons, IrishCentral recaps on the stories that sent tongues wagging around the world.

1. Conan O’Brien lands new show!

The popular talk-show host made the dramatic move to the cable network TBS this November when his now show “Conan” premiered.

Conan left his long-time running show on NBC with a golden handshake after a shake up over the covered 11pm slot on the television network.

READ MORE- Conan O'Brien joins TBS in shock move

2. Kathy Griffin gets booed for poking fun at Bristol Palin

The red-haired comedian looked fantastic recently when she stepped onto the stage to host the “Salute the Troops concert” wearing only a camouflage bikini.

The Irish-American television personality provided many of laughs but her audience was not impressed by her jibes at Bristol Palin’s stint on “Dancing with the Stars”.

READ  MORE- Kathy Griffin wears camouflage bikini for troops concert - SEE PHOTOS

3. Death of Brittany Murphy

The death of Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy caused wide spread shock this time last year. The “Clueless” actress died from cardiac arrest at the young age of 32.

The actress’s husband, screenwriter Simon Monjack was also questioned in the new year about the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, but six months later, he was also found dead in a the same home where the actress was discovered.

READ MORE- Brittany Murphy husband quizzed over star's death

4. Bill O’Reilly lashes out at Jennifer Anniston


The famous Fox news anchor hit out at the “Friends” star Jennifer Anniston this past summer, claiming that she was destroying the notion of parenthood in America through her new film.

In one of Anniston's film’s this year, she played a single woman seeking a sperm donor in “The Switch”. “She's throwing a message out to 12-year-olds and 13-year-olds that, 'Hey you don't need a guy. You don't need a dad,' he ranted on his FOX News show

READ MORE- Bill O'Reilly says Jennifer Aniston is destroying America

5. Susan Boyle breaks records with best selling albums

Proving the durability of her talent, the Scottish born singer’s success sky rocketed this year with best selling albums on both sides of the Atlantic.

After the release of her second album, “The Gift”, the 49-year-old became the first ever female artist to simultaneously hold the U.S. and UK no1 spots twice in less than 12 months.

READ MORE- Susan Boyle: first female to smash chart records both sides of Atlantic - SEE VIDEO


6. Mary Byrne

The former Tesco check-out worker made her way into homes throughout the world when her powerful voice made her a You-Tube sensation after auditioning for Simon Cowell’s British talent show “X Factor”.

Despite not winning the overall prize, the single mum from Ballyfermot walked away with a recording contract which she intends to start working on in the New Year.

READ MORE- Mary Byrne signs record deal- SEE VIDEO

7. Charlie Sheen’s bust up in New York

Not the best year for the “Two and a Half Men” star who thrashed his plush New York Plaza Hotel room after a night of drinking.

What was supposed to be a family holiday was transformed into a media circus with his Irish American escort, Christina Walsh, claimed that while in his hotel room, she feared for her life.

READ MORE- Inside story on Charlie Sheen’s porn star Christina Walsh


8. Lindsay Lohan sentenced to jail

Another bad year for the troubled child-star who served time in prison for DUI offences. After a short stint in prison the actress was sent to the Betty Forde rehab clinic for a court ordered stay. But her troubles haven’t ended there with the latest reports suggesting that a staff member is accusing her of battery.

READ MORE- Lindsay Lohan suspect in battery investigation- SEE VIDEO

9. Jane Lynch wins Emmy for role of Sue Slyvester

Coach Sue Slyvester is fast becoming one of “Glees’s most popular characters. The Irish American actress won an Emmy this year for her character in the hit comedy musical series.

In more good news, the star married her long-term partner Lara Embry.

READ MORE- Irish American stars win big at the 2010 Emmy Awards - SEE VIDEO

10.  The Rubberbandits become an Internet sensation

The Limerick comedy duo may only have shot to fame in recent weeks but they are fast becoming a global hit with their viral single “Horse Outside”.

With stage names Blindboy Boat Club and Mr Chrome, their true identity was revealed last week as the two ordinary middle class gents, Dave Chambers and Bob McGlynn

This is one entertainment story that Ireland needs right now, reminding us of the importance of laughter in times of hardship.

READ MORE- Irish Rubberbandits becoming a global cult hit- SEE VIDEO