Innholdsfortegnelse for 23 March 2020 i New Idea

Explosive documents unearthed during Harvey Weinstein’s trial reveal the convicted rapist told his publicist “Jennifer Aniston should be killed” - after the Friends star allegedly reported he had sexually assaulted her. According to the National Enquirer, Jen told a friend that Weinstein pressed up against her back and grabbed her buttocks during filming for the 2005 movie Derailed. This was relayed to Weinstein in a 2017 email, to which he replied with the chilling threat. The allegations of sexual assault were never made public and Jen’s reps denied she’d been sexually assaulted by Weinstein.…

Walking alongside her daughter Trixie while carrying baby Daisy and pushing a pram, radio star Fifi Box certainly had her hands full while out and about in Melbourne last week. Sporting a radiant smile and shades, the popular radio star was spotted with her gorgeous girls and a friend shortly after interviewing pop singer Katy Perry for her radio show, The Fifi, Fev & Byron Catch Up. Fifi welcomed Daisy in June last year. And despite her constant social media updates, it’s been 120 days since we last saw the single mum out in public. But on Monday, the 43-year-old proved she doesn’t let work get in the way of spending quality time with her “two little loves”, opting to take them to meet the ‘Roar’ hit-maker too. “Daisy preparing…

In her podcast Divorce Story, Cassandra Thorburn spoke candidly about the painful process of separating from ex-husband Karl Stefanovic. The former ABC journalist, 49, revealed in the third instalment of the show that divorce can have a negative effect on almost every aspect of your life. “At the end of the day, it affects people in their jobs, it affects people in their lives, how they're  living ...” Cass said. “You have to think about your children; they have rights too, in the relationship.” Cass also listed the things a divorcee must remember when going through a separation – particularly around money. “The list goes on and on. Don’t get overwhelmed and try and tackle too much at once,” she advises. “Not all of us may have been in the…

Prince Harry and Meghan’s last UK outing as senior royals was always going to be a show-stopper. But when it came to farewelling palace life, Meghan did it with her trademark confidence and style. Now body language expert Judi James tells New Idea the duchess’ wide smile and assured appearance was a glimpse of the real Meghan. “We were seeing Meghan exert her own power and personality, unencumbered by the restrictions of being just Harry’s wife or the royal newbie. She oozed star status and her styling and body language reflected that look,” explains Judi. Judi adds that attending their last royal events would have required some “formidable acting skills” from Meghan, who was returning to the country that has shown her increasing hostility over recent months. Meghan’s body language…

Prince Harry apparently fell victim to hoaxers pretending to be climate protester Greta Thunberg and her father, Svante. In the audio recording initially posted to YouTube, a male voice described as being Prince Harry’s proclaims how he and Meghan are “completely separate” from the rest of the royal family. A transcript of the royal’s telephone conversations, said to have taken place several months ago, reveals why Harry chose to step down as a senior royal. He said from his Vancouver Island home: “This decision certainly wasn’t the easy one but it was the right decision for our family, the right decision to be able to protect my son.” He also claimed the media are unfairly targeting him and his wife. “From the moment that I found a wife that was…

The bitter child custody case between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie returned to an LA courtroom last week – with a source revealing the stubborn exes are miles off reaching a settlement. “Brad and Angie are so far apart on what they think is reasonable, but they’re both digging in and refusing to budge or compromise,” the source reveals. According to published reports, the case returned to Los Angeles County Court, with the source confirming that “private mediation has, thus far at least, failed”. The A-listers have filed a request that the proceedings remain private. But the privacy request appears to be the only thing the former couple are in agreement on, with the source revealing Brad, 56, and Ange, 44, are prepared to “fight to the death” over the…

KELSEY GRAMMER “The fact that he even knew who I was was the first thing that was crazy. I didn’t know that his sister was murdered years ago, or that his wife had suffered a miscarriage. Both the souls of his sister, and the soul of the child, came through and each brought the gift of healing. It was one of my most emotional readings I’ve ever done – a reading that really touched me. It was incredible.” BARBARA EDEN Barbara’s only son, Matthew, had died from a heroin overdose in 2001. “I had no idea that her son had died,” Theresa says. “He came through and told me about their special relationship, the amazing experiences they had together, and he apologised for the hurt that his death had caused.”…

In August 2013, Renae Marsden from Sydney took her own life after the break-up of a fake ‘catfish’ love affair. An inquest into the 26-year-old’s death found she had fallen for a fake persona called ‘Brayden Spiteri’ and planned to marry him when he was released from jail. The pair had exchanged thousands of messages but on August 5, she received a brutal break-up text and Renae was found dead later that day. It was alleged the fake account was a creation of Renae’s ex, Camila Zeidan, but no criminal charges have been laid because catfishing is currently not an offence. Camila also claims the pair both made up the character of ‘Brayden’. “That there is no apparent criminal sanction available … is truly the deepest insult to the family…

Roasted Honey Peaches with Coconut Pistachio Crumble Serves 6, Prep and Cook: 45 mins 50g unsalted butter, melted ½ cup honey, plus extra to serve 2 tsps rosewater essence 6 medium, firm yellow peaches (150g each), halved, stones removed Vanilla ice-cream, to serve COCONUT PISTACHIO CRUMBLE ¼ cup plain flour ¼ cup brown sugar 50g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ¼ cup pistachio kernels chopped ¼ cup rolled oats ¼ cup shredded coconut 1 To make crumble, combine flour and sugar in a large bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips until combined. Add nuts, oats and coconut. Rub in lightly. Spread over a large oven tray lined with baking paper. 2. Cook in a moderate oven (180C), tossing halfway through, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until…

Raspberry White Chocolate Brownie Serves 15, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 15 mins 200g dark cooking chocolate, chopped 125g unsalted butter, chopped 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 3 eggs ¹/ ³ cup cocoa powder ½ cup plain flour ¼ cup self-raising flour 180g block white cooking chocolate, coarsely chopped 1½ cups frozen raspberries 1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edges. 2 Combine dark chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove. Cool slightly. Whisk in sugar, then eggs. 3 Sift combined cocoa powder and flours over chocolate mixture. Stir until smooth. Fold in white chocolate and raspberries. Spoon into prepared…

The forged knives in the Cangshan TN1 Series eight-piece Swedish Sandvik Steel Block Set are crafted with only the best materials and workmanship. With a unique all metal structure and ergonomic handle, they are practical, efficient, and beautiful to look at. The sleek hollow handles are designed to sit comfortably in your hand for effortless cutting. For further information on the range visit cangshancutlery.com.au • To easily cut a pineapple into pieces, use the 12cm serrated utility knife to top and tail the pineapple on a chopping board. Stand the pineapple upright then slice in half lengthways. • Slice each half into three to four long wedges. Place wedges, flesh-side down, then slice the core from the middle of each one. • Turn wedges over, skin-side down. Remove the flesh by cutting between…

Until the recent devastating bushfires, most of us probably didn’t give a lot of thought to air pollution. Then suddenly we were all talking about P2 masks and choking on the hazardous levels of smoke, which led to a 10 per cent rise in hospital admissions, according to a BBC report. So how harmful was the exposure to bushfire smoke and what precautions do we need to take in future? We asked the experts. WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION, EXACTLY? “Clean air consists mostly of nitrogen and oxygen with a small amount of carbon dioxide and other gases. Any particles or noxious gases that are added to this clean air are considered air pollution,” says cardiologist Arnagretta Hunter, a member of the Climate Change Institute at the Australian National University (ANU)…

A few years ago I went to see a career coach. I know what you’re picturing - a dude in trainers with a whistle round his neck demanding I repeat platitudes. 10 x “Everything happens for a reason”. 12 x “It is what it is.” You get the picture. Actually, one of the first things Mike did was put a sheet of paper in front of me with a list of values printed on it. My task was to pick out the ones which resonated. Several seemed lame: Obedience. Collaboration. Power. Influence. But there were some that jumped out immediately. Energy. Optimism. Purposefulness. Authenticity. Integrity. Adventure. Mike explained that if I wanted to be genuinely happy in my career I needed to align my purpose with my values. For me,…

Q Do you have any good tips for budgeting? I want to take an overseas trip in the next year but I find it hard to not spend most of my pension payment. Even saving $50 a week will make a difference. Any advice? SASHA, VIA EMAIL. A Lock away your credit cards. Make sure you pay your gas and electricity bills on time and receive the discount. If you drive a car, find a service station that offers a good deal on petrol. As a pensioner you are entitled to discounts at most shops and services. Centrelink is helpful and will tell you your entitlements. Don’t be tempted to buy new clothes. Check the sales and start collecting for Christmas presents early. Work out a weekly budget and stick…

From the moment she first put on a tool belt alongside her long-time builder fiancé, Norm Hogan, on the 2018 series of The Block, Jess Eva made one thing clear – love and laughter are key to her happiness. Little wonder that the hilariously candid and staunchly optimistic Jess quickly became a fan favourite on the reality TV juggernaut. These days, Jess is relishing her latest role as co-host of Triple M Sydney’s Moonman in the Morning breakfast show. And when she’s not on radio, the mum of two is the happiest of homebodies - spending every moment she can with 6-year-old son, Freddy, 3-year-old daughter, Matilda, moodle puppy, Denise, and, of course, Norm. The popular star shares her life in 10 pictures. 1 “Appearing on The Block in 2018…

Melanie Zanetti has starred in television comedy The Bureau of Magical Things and feature films including Tracks and The Leisure Feature. But her most famous role is perhaps as the voice of Chilli the dog in the hit children’s series Bluey. Here she chats to New Idea about the latest episodes. What can we expect this season? We’re going to have heaps more of the same  imaginative play and the same loveable interaction between Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli and their friends. There are a few more Chilli-centric episodes than in the first season. I think with the second season, they [decided to] share the focus a bit more with mum (Chilli), who is a wonderful dog parent as well. Bluey has had an amazing response; how does it feel…

It’s been a tough time for George Clooney, who has been struggling with loneliness and stress in recent weeks. The 58-year-old father of twins Ella and Alexander has been bunkered down in his Italian home during the coronavirus epidemic and is full of anxiety as his 60th birthday gets closer, sources say. An insider reveals: “He’s very down and stressing out about his marriage, work woes, his fears over coronavirus while living in Italy and the fact he’s about to turn 59 is putting him over the edge. “George is said to be lonely and grumpy, and [his friend] Rande Gerber is trying to lift his spirits while dealing with his own [family issues].” According to our source, George and Rande have even devised a plan to help the Ocean’s…

Ben Affleck has been seen getting cosy in Cuba with actress Ana de Armas, the star of the new James Bond film, No Time to Die, with sources saying the couple are dating. The on-screen pair play a married couple in the movie Deep Water and have filmed several sex scenes together. “They are definitely dating,” the source told People. The lovebirds enjoyed a romantic dinner after filming on set and were seen looking very loved-up at the airport. They were later spotted ‘making out’ as they boarded a jet. Ana divorced her husband Marc Clotet in 2013. This would be the second relationship Ben has had since divorcing Jennifer Garner. He previously dated SNL producer Lindsay Shookus. We wonder what Jen and the children think about Ben’s new girlfriend?…

Preparations are well underway for Sharna Burgess’ debut on The Bachelorette Australia – and that includes a $16,000 surgery makeover! Leading plastic surgeon Dr Laith Barnouti believes the Dancing with the Stars judge - who looks remarkably different to her baby-faced photos as a teen – has had a handful of procedures. “She seems to have had cheek filler in the form of a dermal or fat injection,” Dr Barnouti tells New Idea. “Her cheekbones are high and well-defined.” Dr Barnouti says Sharna’s “chiselled” cheeks could also be down to buccal fat pad extraction. “[The procedure] narrows the lower half of the face and defines the jaw lines. Her chin also looks more projecting. This can be achieved by chin implant or filler.” “The ‘before’ photo shows a round face.…

THE HEY DAD! STAR IS RELIEVED HER ABUSER WILL STAY IN PRISON Former child star and survivor advocate Sarah Monahan is relieved convicted sex offender Robert Hughes has been refused parole after serving six years behind bars. The 42-year-old, who helped jail Hey Dad! star Hughes, 71, in 2014 for sex offences against children, says she is glad her abuser isn’t walking free before serving his entire sentence – and believes he should stay in prison for the remainder of his term. Speaking exclusively to New Idea, Sarah says the daunting parole hearing last week brought back a fresh batch of traumatic memories. “The other girls and I are all living a life sentence, and I don’t feel like he should serve a couple of years in jail and then…

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle came face-to-face with Prince William and Duchess Catherine at the Commonwealth Day service last week – the pair’s first public meeting since the shock announcement the Sussexes were stepping back as senior royals. But when the one-time ‘fab four’ reunited at Westminster Abbey, it was plain to see that relations were frosty. Royal pundits noted that Wills and Kate barely acknowledged Harry and Meghan inside the church, with body language expert Judi James admitting the interaction was “sad”, adding that Harry was “looking distant and reflective” and “largely unsmiling” throughout the time his brother was present. The cold encounter has apparently quashed any hopes that Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will make amends with Kate and Wills any time soon. However, according to an insider,…

With just a couple of weeks to go before Harry and Meghan officially step away from life as senior royals, debate still rages over who will pay for their multimillion-dollar security needs. Now an insider tells New Idea that a Hollywood security firm, better known for keeping A-list celebrities safe, has been named as the company who will soon be responsible for the huge task. The royal couple have reportedly offered a seven-figure sum to Kris Herzog from the Beverly Hills-based Bodyguard Group. “One of the reasons Meghan hired Kris is because of his in-depth knowledge of protecting celebrity children, including working with the Saudi Royal family,” explains the source. “Meghan made it clear she felt targeted and said money was no object when it came to their security –…

For more than a decade, Terri Irwin has concentrated on Steve’s legacy and working alongside their children to build Australia Zoo into a huge success. But it appears a new man could be stepping into her orbit and providing some special support to the wildlife-loving family. An insider tells New Idea that Steve Maraboli, the American inspirational speaker and author, is becoming increasingly close to Terri. “Terri has been leaning on Steve more and more in recent months, and he’s definitely putting a smile on her face,” says a source. “Terri and the kids have become really close to Steve and she’s loved having such a positive, inspiring man in their lives.” Terri and her kids are a frequent feature on Steve’s Twitter account. For International Women’s Day, Steve retweeted…

Angelina Jolie has just revealed that two of her and Brad Pitt’s daughters have recently undergone surgery. The actress made the surprise admission about Zahara, 15, and Shiloh, 13, in a Time magazine essay in honour of International Women’s Day. “I have spent the last two months in and out of surgeries with my eldest daughter and days ago watched her younger sister go under the knife for a hip surgery,” the 44-year-old wrote. “They understand that going through medical challenges and fighting to survive and heal is something to be proud of.” Angelina also revealed that her other daughter Vivienne, 11, was a great support to her sisters during the trying time. “My youngest daughter studied the nurses with her sister, and then assisted the next time,” she wrote.…

As toilet paper flies off the shelves and the hysteria over the coronavirus epidemic sets in, one Australian mother has been prepared for months. Sydney woman Dianne Regan, 50, has a fully stocked pantry and an enviable supply of cleaning products, bog roll and tissues after buying in bulk since the disease was first identified in Wuhan late last December. Speaking with New Idea, the mum of six revealed the reason behind her vigilant stockpiling skills. “I’m definitely not a crazy doomsday prepper!” Dianne explains. “I just have unusual family circumstances. My mum is 83 with a weaker immune system, and my 23-year-old daughter has asthma. “So when this virus hit, I took note of it more than the average person would, because it’s a respiratory one.” Dianne, who says…

Cheesy Lamb Potato Bake Serves 4 to 6, Prep and Cook: 1 hour 1 large red onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 500g lamb mince 1 tsp mixed spice 400g can diced tomatoes 350g jar Leggo’s Stir Through Roasted Vegetables sauce ½ cup Greek yoghurt 1 egg 1 cup grated pizza cheese 600g packet McCain frozen scalloped potatoes Mixed salad leaves, to serve 1 Heat an oiled, large frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add lamb. Cook, stirring to break up mince for about 5 minutes, or until browned. Add mixed spice. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. 2 Add tomatoes, sauce and ½ cup water. Bring to boil. Gently boil, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until…

Cajun Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Coriander Sour Cream Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 35 mins 6 mini sweet potatoes (1kg), washed, scrubbed 2 tblsps olive oil 1½ tblsps Cajun seasoning ²/ ³ cup sour cream 2 tblsps chopped fresh coriander Lime wedges, to serve Fresh coriander sprigs, to garnish 1 Place potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with damp absorbent kitchen paper. Microwave on High (100%) for 5 minutes. Remove. Stand, covered, for 5 minutes. 2 Make deep diagonal cuts across potatoes, about 1.5cm apart, without cutting all the way through to the base. Transfer to an oiled, large roasting pan. 3 Lightly flatten potatoes with the back of a large spoon. Drizzle with combined oil and seasoning. 4 Cook in a very hot oven (220C) for about 20…

Since we were exposed to unprecedented levels of bushfire smoke, the long-term effects on our health are not yet known. But there are some precautions you can take. • “If you’re feeling uncomfortable with smoke or air pollution levels, wearing a P2 mask, which filters out and captures the fine particles in the air is a good idea,” says Professor Bridgman. • When there are dangerous levels of air pollution (check levels on apps like AirVisual), reduce your exposure. “Stay inside for a good part of the day,” says Professor Bridgman. • Consider an air purifier for indoors, such as the Dyson Pure Cool Me ($499, dyson.com.au), which captures VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from products such as hairsprays, furniture, aftershave and carpet dust. • Think about next bushfire season. “Ensure your windows and doors…

Easter is the ideal time to pack up the car and discover our magnificent country on a camping trip. There’s a four-day break, and the weather is cooling down, perfect for discovering the great outdoors. And this year there’s even more reason to pitch a tent; the Holiday Here This Year campaign is urging Aussies to stay local to support our communities with our tourism dollars. Don’t forget to pack an #emptyesky too to bring home some fresh goodies from local producers. Here are camping tips from the experts at Anaconda. DO A TRIAL RUN If you’ve got new gear, set up all your equipment in your backyard before you leave as a trial run. Take photos and videos on your phone so you have a handy reference. ARRIVE IN…

The blazes might be out, but the impact of summer’s catastrophic bushfires is still being felt across the NSW South Coast, with many businesses feeling the pinch due to the lack of tourists. But this stunning pocket of Oz is a family favourite for good reason – it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful, there’s plenty to do, and the locals are some of the friendliest hosts you’ll ever meet. So whether you have a day or a month to explore, add these gems to your itinerary. GO ON A GRAPE ESCAPE The South Coast’s temperate climate is ideal for growing grapes, so head to Berry to stock your cellar with a stellar selection of locally produced wines. At boutique vineyard Two Figs Winery you can sample their award-winning 2013 Barrel Select Shiraz or…

THE PRICE OF FAME I often read of Judy Garland’s life and each time I am overwhelmed by the life she led. She certainly was overworked as a child. I remember well her movie The Wizard of Oz. I once made an outfit identical to the one she wore in this movie and won a prize at a fancy-dress party wearing it. I feel Hollywood took a great toll on its actors and actresses. It’s so sad. ELAINE RICHARDS, SALT ASH, NSW. FIGHTING WORDS I was beginning to think my two great nieces were finally getting over their huge sibling arguments when the younger one made her sister a beautiful birthday card … that was until I read the inside: “I love you even though I don’t like you!” PAULINE…

Portraying a drowning-in-sorrow Jasmine has been an emotionally charged experience for Sam, who has revealed she had to “dig deep and bring out grief of my own that I’ve been through personally”. The actress, whose compelling performance over the past few weeks has left an indelible mark on the hit weeknight series, reveals she couldn’t wait to find out what happens next when told about this latest chapter in Jasmine’s journey. “I thought ‘Oh wow!’,” she says. “Shortly before Robbo died, he and Jasmine had made the decision that they did want to start a family together, so this possibility is so bittersweet. “On the one hand, if it is true, it means Jasmine will be keeping a part of Robbo alive through this baby, and maybe she will get…

TIM FRANKLIN (COLBY THORNE): THE LAST MOVIE I SAW WAS… Parasite. I absolutely loved it. It was really inspirational. THE LAST BOOK I COULDN’T PUT DOWN WAS… The Name of the Wind, The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss. It was incredible. If you’re into a bit of fantasy, treat yourself. THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last weekend when I said goodbye to a very special person. THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED? Literally just now on the set! THE LAST HOLIDAY I TOOK WAS… To Japan. THE LAST ITEM OF CLOTHING I RECEIVED WAS… From a friend when we did a shirt swap. THE LAST PERSON I SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO WAS… A close friend. THE LAST SONG I LISTENED TO WAS… ‘Moonshine Got Me’ by Daniel Norgren.…

LOLLY In the first episode of the dog grooming show, the stylists had to undertake a ‘family dog’ makeover on pooches that were donated by their owners. Lolly’s family were thrilled after Alicia and Michaela gave her a picture perfect ‘do. NIMBUS In one of the most stand-out looks yet, Brad and Annie had to style Nimbus using a shape, and they chose ... you guessed it, balls! Expect even more fabulous styles as the season goes on. RUPERT Also in the ‘family dog’ makeover challenge, Rupert’s almost unrecognisable look is the work of Prue and Caitlan. The adorable pup went from scruffy to fluffy and fabulous! THU. 7.30PM, SYD., BRIS., PERTH. 7TWO ELSEWHERE…

Jackie O recently gave her dad the shock of his life when she called him up to announce she was going on TV reality dating show Married at First Sight. “Wanna tell you something. You know the show MAFS? You know MAFS?” said Jackie: “I’m gonna go on it this year”. Her father burst into laughter: “You’re joking aren’t ya? You are joking?” “They promised that they will edit me really well,” teased Jackie. ”This is desperation stuff,” he replied. But, could this be a sign Jackie is ready to find love after splitting from her husband, Lee Henderson?…

Abbie Chatfield has a stern warning for the new girls on Locky Gilbert’s season of The Bachelor. The 24-year-old told New Idea she’s “worried” about how the fresh batch of ladies will be treated. “I already am worried about how the edits are going to go. I’ll definitely be DM’ing a few of them,” Abbie says. “Once the cast is out I’ll DM them and be like, ‘Hey, if you need anything message me because I had the absolute worst time’.” Abbie will also be offering advice on her new podcast, It’s a Lot.…

“[Harry] says to Meghan: ‘He just said Hello Harry to me and that was it’,” Camilla Tominey said on This Morning, referring to what the Telegraph’s lip reader revealed. Camilla also revealed what the lip reader thought of Will and Kate’s chat. “When William sat down, he turned to Kate and said: ‘This whole handshaking thing is weird. We’re going to have to put a load of hand gel on after this’.” Body language expert Judi James says of the event: “I suspect fans have been hoping for one final display of affection and forgiveness from the brothers but, apart from some cool signalling, there was nothing to suggest they might even see one another again.”…

Royal fans were disappointed when Harry and Meghan left their son Archie in Canada while they undertook their last events as senior royals in the UK. The only hint of how Archie is getting on came from a fan who briefly spoke to Meghan at the Endeavour Fund Awards and was told that the 10-month-old was “into everything”. The couple have released photos of Archie to coincide with significant dates, such as his christening and Christmas so it’s possible fans won’t catch another glimpse of him until he celebrates his 1st birthday on May 6. It’s likely however that his celebrations will be a private affair and other members of the royal family won’t be in attendance. It was recently reported by a US magazine that the Queen was devastated…

He seems to have hit the jackpot on Married at First Sight, appearing smitten with his bride Elizabeth Sobinoff. But it’s not the first time Seb Guilhaus has had a stroke of good luck. A source tells New Idea that three years ago, the former AFL player won more than $500,000 on the pokies while he was living in Darwin. “He played the pokies regularly,” a close friend dishes. “He was making good money working in the mines in Darwin, so he had a huge disposable income, but even by his standards, it was a crazy amount of money to win.” After winning all that cash, Seb quit his extremely well-paying job and began living the high life. “He’s always loved to party, but he partied a lot more after…

She’s one of the most famous psychics in the world, with a fan base including some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Kim Kardashian to Kelsey Grammer. But Theresa Caputo, star of TV series Long Island Medium, believes her abilities are far from rare. Indeed, the renowned medium says that each and every one of us is psychic to a certain degree. “There are little things that happen to us that there are no explanation for,” the 53-year-old Long Island native tells New Idea. “You might get a sudden smell of cigarette smoke – and your dad or grandfather smoked – or you might smell the perfume that your mum or grandmother used to wear. These are all signs that our loved ones are trying to communicate.” The big personality (with…

Opening his emails with his morning coffee, Alec Couros is greeted by messages from three women, all of them strangers. They’re asking him the same, now-familiar questions, and his heart drops as he sends his replies, knowing his answers will crush their lives. For the past 13 years, Alec’s image has been used by online catfishing scammers to defraud women all over the world. With no legal way to stop them, he has been left with thousands of women contacting him, convinced they’re in love, having been in a relationship with him for months. “It started in 2007 when a woman I didn’t know wrote on my Facebook page,” Alec, 49, tells New Idea exclusively. “She was very bitter and accused me of being a liar. She said we were…

Easy Banana Bread Serves 8, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 30 mins 125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature 1¼ cups brown sugar, firmly packed 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs 1½ cups mashed over-ripe banana (about 5 medium) 1¾ cups plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon Softened butter, to serve 1 Grease a 14cm x 24cm x 7cm deep large loaf pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 5cm above pan edges. 2 Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a small bowl of an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Transfer to large bowl. 3 Add banana and combined sifted flour, baking powder, soda and cinnamon. Fold until…

Q What is the best way to cook or soak dried rice noodles (pad thai noodles)? Mine are always too soft and break into small pieces when I add them into the wok and heat them. A For thicker dried rice noodles that are being soaked then added back into the pan or wok to stir-fry with other ingredients, instead of cooking them, soak the rice noodles in a large bowl of cold, tap water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Drain well. They should still be quite firm and not soft enough to eat. Add to pan with other ingredients and allow to cook in the sauce for a few minutes until just tender and still chewy. Add a little extra sauce or water if needed. Serve immediately.…

Some toddlers are cautious little creatures, preferring to spend their time without being too adventurous. And then there’s the ‘Fearless Fred’ types, who don’t seem to understand danger or the concept of boundaries. On the positive side, such energetic, fearless toddlers often achieve highly in life, venturing where others might not dare – these little rascals may just be the inventors, explorers, creators or inspirational designers of the future. Their impulsive, reckless behaviour, however, could also see them getting into trouble. While you may be convinced your toddler is hell-bent on hurting himself, the reality is that tots naturally climb, burrow and explore. A toddler climbing on the lounge isn’t at huge risk of injury, he’s just exploring his surroundings. Research has actually found that toddlers who explore and experiment…

SMITARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 During Saturn’s new 2½ year transit, you’ll be focused on something new you want from life or want to do with your life. This week, a challenging career or personal undertaking will demand resourceful leadership and there will also be some special extra tasks for you to take in your stride. A welcome opportunity to clear up a misunderstanding with someone will take a weight off your mind. LUCKY NUMBERS: 1, 2, 3 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 You’ll spread your wings on the job during Saturn’s new 2½ year cycle, so aim higher and offer to take on more. Alternatively, a change of job, boss or workplace conditions will bring unusual opportunities. This week, going further afield and reconnecting with a distant…

SCOTT AND CHARLENE’S WEDDING, 1987 One of the most defining moments in Australian TV history was when the show’s beloved characters Scott Robinson (Jason Donovan) and Charlene Mitchell (Kylie Minogue) walked down the aisle to the strains of Angry Anderson’s ‘Suddenly’. DAPHNE DIES, 1988 Daphne (Elaine Smith) became the first main character to be killed off when she was critically injured in a car crash. Her final words were, “I love you, Clarkey,” to husband Des (Paul Keane). HAROLD RETURNS FROM THE DEAD, 1996 Who could forget when Harold (Ian Smith) went missing, only to return five years later, claiming he had amnesia and that he thought his name was Ted? KARL AND SARAH’S KISS, 1997 What a betrayal it was when Karl kissed his receptionist. Fans were shocked –…

MONDAY: Justin pledges his love and support to a deeply traumatised Leah. Meanwhile, Ben’s party gets underway – with an emotional John making a surprise appearance at the bash. TUESDAY: John and Marilyn’s marriage hits breaking point, while a panic-stricken Maggie pleads with Marco to keep their dark secret. WEDNESDAY: Colby leaves hospital – and returns home to find an unexpected letter waiting for him. And Dean explodes when he learns that Bella and Nikau stole his car. THURSDAY: Leah feels smothered by a well-meaning Justin, and Jasmine’s guilt prevents her from moving forward.…