Top 10 career nosedives

They're the stuff of tabloid dreams but when a celebrity career takes a nosedive it's generally a 'bad news' story. We take a look at some of the most spectacular falls from grace

They're the stuff of tabloid dreams but when a celebrity career takes a nosedive it's generally a 'bad news' story. We take a look at some of the most spectacular falls from grace

Michael Jackson

As the undisputed king of pop and one of the most famous faces on the planet, Jacko had a long way to fall.

When allegations of sexual abuse were made against him in 1993 there was a media frenzy, the case eventually being settled out of court.

However, further allegations were made in 2003 and he was charged with child molestation.

Jackson was acquitted on all counts but, amid reports of severe financial problems, he struggled to command the popularity he once enjoyed.

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Angus Deayton

As the presenter of popular satirical panel show Have I Got News For You, the former actor and comedian became known for his witty and cutting remarks about public figures - more often than not about misdemeanours in their personal lives.

However, the tables were turned when in 2002 The News of the World published allegations of an 'encounter' with a prostitute and use of cocaine.

After a final, and painful show, he left Have I Got News For You and spent some time out of the limelight.

He has since managed to re-build his career and now presents a number of shows and has also enjoyed some small acting roles.

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OJ Simpson

Orenthal James Simpson shot to fame in the US as a successful American Football star and later as an actor, mainly in comedy films such as Naked Gun, the US public taking him to their hearts as a clean-cut, all-American boy.

However, he was cast in a very different light when, in 1994, he was charged with the murders of his estranged wife, Nicole Brown and her friend Ronald Goldman.

Following one of the most controversial trials ever to be televised, Simpson was found not guilty.

Two years later a civil jury unanimously found him liable for the wrongful death of Ronald Goldman and of battery against Nicole Brown.

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Michael Barrymore

Comedian and game show host Michael Barrymore was a prime-time fixture on British TV, known for his hyperactive personality and zany sense of humour.

However, in 2001 he was questioned in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock following a party at his home in Essex.

Despite being summonned by police for a second time in 2007, he was never found guilty of any offence relating to Lubbock's death.

Barrymore managed to piece together a semblence of a career - with an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, among other things - but has failed to regain the status that made him a household name.

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Gary Glitter

Glam rocker Gary Glitter - real name Paul Gadd - was a massive star who attracted an enormous and passionate following over a 30-year period.

Regarded as a natural showman, he was well known for his spangly jump suits, platform shoes and wild hair, not to mention his extravagant performances.

But, in 1999, he was sentenced to four months in prison after images of child pornography were found on his computer's hard disk.

Following his release, he moved to Cambodia, and then Vietnam where he was convicted of the sexual abuse of two Vietnamese girls and jailed.

He has reportedly claimed he is considering a singing comeback.

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Leslie Grantham

Grantham, best known for his portrayal of east-end publican 'Dirty' Den Watts in Eastenders, returned to the soap amid a flurry of publicity in 2003, 14 years after the character was supposedly killed off.

However, once the fuss had died down, a tabloid newspaper published compromising pictures of the actor apparently engaging in an intimate 'exchange' with an undercover reporter via a webcam.

Reports also alleged he aimed insults at fellow cast members, prompting a hasty apology.

Grantham left the show for good in 2004.

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Glenn Hoddle

Hoddle's appointment as England football manager in 1996 was widely welcomed, and opinion swayed further in his favour when he led the team to qualification for the 1998 World Cup.

However, following an interview with a journalist in 1999, it was reported that Hoddle held the belief that disabled people were being punished for their sins in a previous life.

His comments prompted uproar and calls for him to resign while some defended his right to freedom of speech.

His contract as England manager was terminated in February 1999.

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John Leslie

Leslie first shot to prominence as a presenter on popular children's TV show Blue Peter and later went on to host ITV's This Morning while enjoying a high-profile relationship with Catherine Zeta Jones.

However, in 2002, TV personality Ulrika Jonsson wrote in her autobiography that she had been raped by a TV presenter some years previously.

Another presenter, Matthew Wright, later mentioned Leslie as the alleged person and soon afterwards a number of other women came forward alleging indecent assault against him.

His TV career in tatters, Leslie faced several charges in subsequent years, and was cleared in every case.

However, he was unable to break back into TV and moved into property development in his native Scotland.

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Richard Bacon

Bacon hit the headlines in 1998 when he became the first ever Blue Peter presenter to be sacked after The News of the World published reports that he had taken cocaine.

Following his departure the head of BBC children's programmes, Lorraine Heggessey, appeared on Blue Peter to explain the situation to viewers.

Bacon successfully rode out the scandal and went on to present shows such as The Big Breakfast and Top of the Pops as well as DJ slots on Xfm and Radio Five Live.

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Phil Spector

As a producer and songwriter for the likes of the Beatles, John Lennon and Tina Turner, Spector is widely regarded as musical royalty.

However, more recently he has been in the news for the wrong reasons, having been charged with the murder of nightclub hostess and B-movie actress Lana Clarkson in 2003.

In 2007, Spector became embroiled in a complex and highly publicised court case where the judge eventually declared a mistrial.

He is set to be tried again at a later date.

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