HARRY POTTER AND THE THEME PARK

Harry Potter has become a cash cow !

A Harry Potter theme park is opening in Florida, it has been reported.Fans of the popular children's book series will soon be able to step into the young wizard's magical world as Universal Studios is reportedly close to making a deal to build 'Harry Potter World' in Orlando.The theme park will feature a host of rides, including roller coasters,based on events and plots from JK Rowling's blockbuster books.The Harry Potter brand has already proved a major money-spinner. The books have sold 325 million copies worldwide, while the four films have earned $4 billion. Rowling has gone from being an unpublished struggling writer to a global household name and is now ranked among the richest women on Forbes' magazine's rich list, worth an estimated $1 billion. Universal Studios Florida is also planning a themed ride based on hit animated series 'The Simpsons'.

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HARRY POTTER'S JK ROWLING HEARTBROKEN

JK Rowling

JK Rowling is "heartbroken" after finishing the final Harry Potter book.The author, who recently announced she had completed 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', says she has been in mourning since concluding the series.Rowling wrote on her website, www.jkrowling.com : "I always knew Harry's story would end with the seventh book, but saying goodbye was just as hard as I knew it would be."Even though I'm in mourning, I feel an incredible sense of achievement. I can hardly believe I have finally written the ending I've been planning for so many years."I have never felt such a mixture of extreme emotions in my life, never dreamed I could feel simultaneously heartbroken and euphoric."Rowling, 41, says there is one thing that stopped her from "collapsing in a puddle of misery on the floor" - knowing the book is the best one yet. She explained: "While each of the previous Potter books has strong claims on my affections, 'Deathly Hallows' is my favourite, and that is a wonderful way to finish the series."If it comes as any consolation, I think that there will be plenty to continue arguing about, even after 'Deathly Hallows' come out. So do not despair."Rowling, who became the world's first billion-dollar author after the series sold an estimated 325 million copies worldwide and were adapted for the big screen, has revealed at least two characters will die in the final instalment. 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' will be released on July 21.

FINAL 'HARRY POTTER' HITS STORES IN JULY

The final Harry Potter book will hit shops on July 21.Publisher Bloomsbury made the long-awaited announcement yesterday confirming 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' - the seventh and final book in series - will go on sale this summer.The book will be available to buy from midnight and huge queues are expected as Potter-mania sweeps the nation again. One fan Laura Simons, 26, said: "I was planning to go on holiday at the end of July but as soon as I heard the last Harry Potter is out I changed my mind."Ever since the first in the series - 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' - was released ten years ago, subsequent books have been met with frenzied excitement. Author JK Rowling has warned fans to expect some sinister shocks, including the deaths of two main characters. She said: "We are dealing with pure evil here. They don't target extras, do they? They go for the main characters - well, I do."Thousands of fans are already placing orders for the book online, even though there are still six months to go. Christopher North, head of books at www.amazon.co.uk said: "Demand is already incredible for the final book. July 21 will be Harry Potter day all over the world."

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OPRAH AND JK ROWLING ARE RICHEST WOMAN IN ENTERTAINMENT

Oprah Winfrey is the richest woman in entertainment with a staggering $1.5 billion fortune.The US chat show host topped the Top 20 Richest Women in Entertainment list, compiled by Forbes magazine, leaving 'Harry Potter' author JK Rowling, who is worth an estimated $1 billion, in second place. US TV domestic goddess Martha Stewart came third with $638 million, followed by Madonna's $325 million fortune. Singer Celine Dion claimed fifth spot with $250 million, closely followed by Mariah Carey, who reportedly is worth $225 million. Janet Jackson, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lopez took the seventh, eighth and ninth positions respectively. Jennifer Aniston rounded off the top ten with a fortune of $110 million. No one with a fortune below $45 million qualified for a position on the rich list, which doesn't take into account non-working celebrities who essentially live off their royalties.The youngest stars on the list are the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, who came in at number 11 with a combined fortune of $100 million.The richest actress is the eighth placed Julia Roberts, followed by Cameron Diaz, who was placed at number 15, and Nicole Kidman, who claimed 18th spot.

Harry Potter's JK Rowling