"It was crazy," says an insider. "Penelope and Rebecca were going to be working very hard and it wasn't acceptable that Scarlett would be having to come in from that distance every day, most likely turning up late and it would have thrown schedules into a lot of confusion."

"Also, I think, while Woody's terribly fond of Scarlett, he was a little upset that she wasn't being a team-player." Bad Johansson.

Bad Kirsten Dunst, too, it seems.

The unfortunate Dunst is reportedly sliding right back into the booze. It's only just over a month since she got out of rehab, but it doesn't sound as if things are going all that well. Kirsten was apparently seen gittin' down to some alcohol-fuelled clubbing recently.

According to the American Star mag's source: "She got worse as the night went on. She started out pretty chilled, but hours later she was dancing and jumping like a crazed animal. She indulged in any guy who would have her attention. She also went up to several guys and started flirting with them hardcore."

"She was just completely out of it. It was obvious that whatever happened in rehab didn't stick." Reminds me of what Dunst said years ago in an interview, to the effect that she would never follow her mother's example and push any offspring of hers into show business while they were still just a kid.

Trouble is, you practically have to be a kid to get any attention in Hollywood — especially if you're a girl. That way all your hot-young-thing years are still ahead of you and the studios are all too happy to cash in. And, hey, if you can actually act — bonus!

But, lack of ability is no real obstacle, kids. (Cough) Hillary (cough) Duff. I think I've said enough.

I do think that what Gwyneth Paltrow has to say is worth noting, though. Gwynie, of course, committed a cardinal sin by taking time out from putting on shiny, designer gowns, having affairs with hot, famous men and starring in back-to-back blockbusters. And she gave it all up just to bond with her two young children and enjoy her marriage. Sacrilege!

"Jodie Foster was right, especially if you are a woman and especially if you are not 25. Hollywood is pretty cutthroat, and everybody has a short memory. There is always someone who is younger or hotter or prettier," remarked Gwyneth recently.

"I was very realistic of that fact there would not be room for me… I definitely knew I had lost my place." Man, I'd be heartbroken not to have Gwynie on the big screen again. Surely the aforementioned Duff — or, say, Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson — could swear off films for a while to make room? Come on, guys; you know it's the right thing to do.

Not so right — hiring a pair of top voice coaches and then arriving with an entourage of 30 people.

Yup, that's how many hangers-on voice-gurus-to-the-stars Carrie and David Grant say Mariah Carey turned up with when they had the good fortune to work with the Queen of Glitter.

But, wait — there's more! "There was a woman that held her drink with a straw," said the stunned coaches. "That's all she does, flies around the world as a drinks holder. It's like the old monarchs and food tasters. She has a drinks holder so she doesn't smudge her lipstick." Sweet jumpy sock puppets! That's one of the craziest ass things I've ever heard.

More out and out star insanity — in next week's Bitch and Famous!