REEL NEWS:The Oscars have been thrown into an unprecedented state of confusion following the resignation of Brett Ratner, the show's producer, and Eddie Murphy, its presenter.

Ratner had been under pressure following remarks made at the press junket for his film Tower Heist. Asked about his strategy regarding rehearsal time, he joked: "Rehearsal? What's that? Rehearsal's for fags."

Ratner realised his mistake some days later and offered a reasonably energetic mea culpa. "It was a dumb way of expressing myself. Everyone who knows me knows that I don't have a prejudiced bone in my body."

This seemed to pacify the head honchos at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But Ratner, known for having a big mouth, then reignited the furore by making a number of lewd comments on Howard Stern's show. Still, many observers were taken aback when Ratner removed himself on Tuesday evening. "Having love in your heart doesn't count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted," he rather grandly commented.

A day later, Murphy, star of Tower Heist, announced that he would be following his pal through the out door. "First and foremost," he commented, "I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony."

At least Anne Hathaway and James Franco turned up.

"Sean is a good actor. It’s a pity I can’t understand what he’s saying”

Sir Roger Moore comments on his old friend and successor as James Bond