Julia's ex trampled by a bull

The former husband of Julia Roberts, country singer Lyle Lovett, is in hospital today after being trampled by a bull.

Lovett was said to be in a comfortable condition after emergency surgery on his right leg, which was broken in the accident at his uncle's farm in Klein, near Houston, Texas.

According to friends, Lovett, 44, and his cattle farmer uncle Calvin Klein, 67, were charged by a bull while they were in a pen.

The animal first attacked Mr Klein, tossing him into the air, and Lovett was trampled as he rushed to his aid.

The Grammy-winning singer suffered two broken bones in his right leg, just below his kneecap, and a fractured thumb. His uncle was treated for minor rib injuries and released from hospital.

James Gilmer, Lovett's tour manager, said today that the bull is "one they've raised from a calf ".

Lovett, who has won three Grammys, met Roberts - 11 years his junior - on the set of the 1992 Robert Altman film The Player.

They were married for less than two years before announcing their divorce.