Dan Gross | Fattahs bash rumors

"IT'S DISCONCERTING that my political opponents would stoop so low," says U.S. Rep.

Chaka Fattah

about rampant and untrue rumors that he and wife

Renee Chenault-Fattah

are separated.

"I think that the city is going to love Renee as the first lady of Philadelphia," a confident Fattah says of his NBC 10 anchor bride.

A source close to the couple laughed off the rumors. "It's crazy. You should hear them talk to each other. So lovey-dovey."

"We are very much in love," Chenault-Fattah said yesterday.

"Since this campaign, my love for him has increased tenfold. I've seen how passionate he is about the city," the anchor told us.

The couple wed in April 2001 in what the Daily News called the "Wedding of the Century."

They have two daughters.

Whatchu gawkin' at, Willis?

Todd Bridges stayed sober but entertained for a couple of hours Tuesday night at Crazy Horse Too (2908 S. Columbus). The "Diff'rent Strokes" star was a big hit with the dancers at the gentlemen's club. The actor, who has battled substance abuse in the past, had no alcohol but enjoyed the eye candy from 11 p.m. till the club's 2 a.m. close, we're told.

Bridges, who will always be remembered as Willis on the 1980s sitcom, toured the city yesterday encouraging voter turnout on Election Day on behalf of the One Step Closer PAC. Bernadette Stanis, who played Thelma on "Good Times," also came out to represent the group.

Bridges spoke of his experiences at the One Day at a Time (2532 N. Broad) rehab clinic. The actors dined Tuesday at Warmdaddy's (Columbus & Reed) with a group including Shawn Fordham, a consultant to One Step Closer and a top aide to Mayor Street.

Fox shooter slugged in Fisttown

The work of TV news photographers is a difficult and often thankless job. Take Fox 29's David Edwards, for example. Edwards was punched in the face and knocked to the ground April 29 in Fishtown by a man who didn't think the media should be covering a memorial vigil for Lacey Gallagher.

Lacey, the 18-year-old senior at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, was killed in an SUV crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike that injured six other teenagers. Edwards has footage of the man who assaulted him outside Holy Name Church (Gaul & Berks) that has been turned over to police.

Police Chief Inspector Bill Colarulo says police have the footage and it's under investigation.

"Our primary concern is always for the safety of our employees. We thank Dave for his professionalism," Fox 29 said yesterday.

* In other Fox 29 news, Phil Metlin has been named vice president and news director of the station, general managerMike Renda announced yesterday. He's been with Tampa, Fla.'s Fox 13 since 1997. We reported in January that news director Holly Gauntt had left the station.

WPVI moves closer to its world

6ABC/WPVI is about to begin construction of its new headquarters adjacent to its longtime home at City & Monument avenues.

Wiener war

Royersford's "Humble" Bob

Shoudt will face off with Sonya "Black Widow" Thomas in a qualifying event for the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, on July 4 at Coney Island. Shoudt and the Wing Bowl's only female champion will compete May 26 at the Independence Visitors Center. Interested parties (age 18 and older) can register at NathansFamous.com. *

If you have something you'd like to share with Dan, call 215-854-5963, or e-mail grossd@phillynews.com. To read Dan's recent columns, visit http://go.philly.com/dangross.