Not-so ‘Simple Life’ for reality show

“The Simple Life” may get a little complicated this season.

The stars of the reality series — former best friends Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie — have had a falling out, and a source says that the producers of the show are trying to figure out how they can proceed even though the two aren’t speaking to each other. “They’re trying to figure out ways to do it where Paris and Nicole don’t appear in any scenes together,” says the source. “They’re really having to think outside the box.”

The source also says that producers “weren’t very happy” when Hilton suggested that her new best friend, Kimberly Stewart, the 25-year-old daughter of rocker Rod Stewart, replace Richie on the series. Says the source, “They were like, ‘Uh, Paris, Nicole has a contract.’”

Clooney puts money where his mouth is
George Clooney put his house up as collateral for his latest flick.

The “Ocean’s Twelve” hunk has made his second movie, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” which is about famed newsman Edward Murrow. Promoting the film at the Venice Film Festival, Clooney revealed, “The financiers didn't want to bond the film, so I said we'll put my house up because I wasn't going to be told I couldn't do it!”

Notes from all over
Looks like Britney Spears has a new rock. Hubby Kevin Federline bought her a new six-carat engagement ring. “[He] made a promise to himself when he did get some money he would buy her a ring that was bigger and better than the one she bought for herself” when the couple got married, a source told The Star, and adds, he can afford it now, mostly because he got a producer credit for the UPN reality show Britney and Kevin: Chaotic.” What about the original ring Spears bought for herself? Says the source: “Kevin now wears that first engagement ring on his pinkie.” ...Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards are rumored to be considering a renewal of their wedding vows.  ...Jessica Simpson is moving away from her Bible Belt Baptist background. “Me and my family got out of that and came to L.A.,” she said, reports World Entertainment News Network. “To see all forms of meditation and prayer made me less judgmental.”