In brief: Zadie Smith presents Today

Novelist Zadie Smith has had to pull out of the Royal Shakespeare Company's London production of Hamlet due to a back injury. As reported here, Tennant missed the first night and was replaced by his understudy Edward Bennett, who received standing ovations on Monday and Tuesday, and will continue in the role. Mindful of this, perhaps, Tennant said yesterday: "I want to get back on stage as quickly as possible." Of his condition, he added: "My back problem has progressed to the point where it is currently impossible for me to carry on without surgery." It is hoped that he will be able to get back on stage sometime in the New Year. The RSC said refunds would not be issued "because the company has a fully rehearsed understudy policy"…………. The contents of Michael Jackson's ranch Neverland are to be auctioned off. Up for grabs are a glittery white glove worn by the 50-year-old singer in the video for Billie Jean ………… Robbie Williams has said that he would like to rejoin his original group, Take That. The 34-year-old singer said that he had cleared the air with his former band mates and was thrilled by the success they had enjoyed since reforming in 2006. "The thing that struck me the most was how much fun they're having. It's more rewarding when you're a gang. Ever since I left Take That I've wanted to be in a band" ......... ·