The week in pictures

From the shocking split of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to the sad passing of Eric Sykes, it's this week's most interesting stories in pictorial form.

By Sian Claire Owen

Playing separation hardball

Katie Holmes has stunned Celebesville by announcing her shock divorce from Tom Cruise. And this dramatic separation - and likely the bitter custody battle of their 6-year-old daughter - will probably get very nasty. She’s up against the powerful Church of Scientology and one of the most highly paid, biggest names in Hollywood (Tom Cruise, in case you were wondering). Watch this space…
Physics is Phun!

Scientists at CERN finally proved the existence of the elusive Higgs boson, AKA ‘God Particle’. This finally proves how matter gets its mass. We would go into more detail, but it’s the particle physics version of the off-side rule. Whatever, it’s a massive leap in science!
Diamond resigns

Barclay’s Bank CEO Bob Diamond has resigned over the interest-fixing scandal that has rocked the financial world. Just another example of high-level corruption in this sordid business. He’ll still receive a whopping pay-off, so even though he’s out of work, he’s not out of pocket (unlike the thousands of people who had their mortgage rates scammed).
The Shard’s cutting edge

The Shard dominates the London skyline. It hasn’t yet been completed and already it has caused controversy. Enthusiasts admire its cutting edge architecture, but critics point out that this posh apartment block is only accessible to the truly wealthy. Plus some people resent London being turned into the set of Blade Runner.
Life imitating art, imitating Lady Gaga

Paris Fashion Week kicks off (in killer heels, no doubt) at the Aura Vu Haute-Couture Show at the Jardin du Palais Royal, Paris, France. Looking at this creation, we can’t work out which came first – off-the-wall fashion (i.e., the chicken) or Lady Gaga (i.e., the egg).
Giz a Kiss!

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the US rock group (sorry, phenomenon) Kiss, give a one-off performance at The Kentish Town Forum, London to celebrate Independence Day and to raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.
Can’t keep a good Queen down

…Meanwhile Elton John tickles the ivories at the Ibiza123 Festival in Ibiza, Spain.
Happy 4th of July!

Americans blow the house down on Independence Day, with the nation celebrating it’s 237th birthday!
Who ate all the pies? (Ahem… hot dogs, actually)

Competitive eaters chomp their way through record-breaking numbers of hot dogs during the International Hot Dog Eating Contest held on Coney Island, New York City. The aptly named Joey Chestnut won this year by eating 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes. It’s a world record, but it’s also really disgusting.
R.I.P Eric Sykes

British comedian Eric Sykes passed away at the age of 89 years. Sykes was much loved for his writing, comedy and radio/screen plays. He was even a voice on Teletubbies!
Summer of sport continues. Bottoms up!

Tennis fans are enjoying Wimbledon, despite the frequent showers and downpours. This particular spectator seems to be enjoying herself – cheers!
Chris Brown back with Rihanna?

Despite beating his ex-girlfriend Rihanna black and blue, the ill-fated relationship is back on track, apparently with Rihanna’s father’s blessing. Of course this will all end in tears (and probably fisticuffs).