Liza prepares for star-studded wedding extravaganza

Liza Minnelli is taking her fourth trip down the aisle as she marries producer David Gest at a star-studded New York wedding.

The Cabaret star will crown a comeback from years of battling with alcoholism and two hip replacements with the city's biggest party of the year so far.

Guests including Elton John, Michael Douglas and Anthony Hopkins will

rub shoulders with Donny Osmond, Graham Norton and Joan Collins.

But there was last minute disappointment for Minnelli, 56, and lifelong bachelor Gest, 48, when Whitney Houston abruptly pulled out of singing The Greatest Love of All as Michael Jackson - who is also the best man -gives away the bride.

Instead Minnelli will walk down the aisle in white to the sound of Natalie Cole singing Unforgettable, with her matron of honour, eight-times married Elizabeth Taylor waiting at the front the altar.

Minnelli told the New York Post: "I have no idea what Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson are wearing."

Observers have quipped that Jackson's notorious poor timekeeping may leave Minnelli stranded at the top of the aisle waiting for him.

Behind her in the church will be bridesmaids, all dressed in black, including ex-EastEnder Martine McCutcheon, actresses Claudia Cardinale and Mia Farrow, and Chaka Khan, while the other best men and groomsmen will include the rest of the Jackson Five - Tito, Jackie, Randy and Marlon Jackson.

Among those watching the wedding ceremony from the pews will be Kirk Douglas, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Liam Neeson and wife Natasha Richardson and property tycoon Donald Trump.