Innholdsfortegnelse for 08 June 2020 i New Idea

Celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges is reportedly furious after pictures emerged of her ex, Steve ‘Commando’ Willis, and his new girlfriend, Harika Vancuylenberg, in a heated argument with a client at a Sydney park. The 49-year-old single mum is said to be horrified that her 4-year-old son Axel is around such a tense environment, and has given Commando a warning. After her DUI, it appears Michelle is on a mission to set a good example for her son – and New Idea understands she’s worried about Steve and his new girlfriend. During lockdown, Michelle has thrown everything she has into being a good mum and spending time with Axel. But could the former Biggest Loser trainer fear her hard work will be undone by Commando and Harika’s influence? The new couple were…

British songstress Adele has hurriedly sold her lavish countryside estate in West Sussex, UK, due to its proximity to Scientology’s British HQ. The 32-year-old sold the $7.5 million mansion at a loss after being “creeped out” by the church and its Hollywood poster boy Tom Cruise, sources say. When Adele bought the  home in 2017 with her then-husband Simon Konecki, the 20ha 18th century property was a dream come true. However, the singer had no idea she was going to be saddled with the “neighbours from hell”, after church members attempted to recruit her. “She took a $1.8 million loss on the property after they tried to recruit her,” an insider tells New Idea. “Tom Cruise and [church leader] David Miscavige are her biggest fans!” One former Scientologist even claims…

Former Neighbours star Madeleine West has opened up about a traumatic experience that nearly took her life. The 39-year-old shared a shocking photo to Instagram that was taken after she was hit by a bus and nearly killed in 2002. The image shows her with horrific facial injuries, including a bloodied eye and bruises. “Today I’m celebrating 18 years since being hit by a bus in the head ... always wanted to be the kind of girl who stopped traffic. Just preferably not with my face,” she wrote. Madeleine went on to explain the injuries she suffered, writing: “Three skull fractures leaking brain fluid, the cerebral haemorrhage and hematoma, the busted teeth, broken capillaries, the wounds that wouldn’t knit, the endless nights of excruciating pain, the months of therapy to…

THE FORMER SENIOR ROYALS ARE REPORTEDLY AT ODDS FOLLOWING THEIR SHOCK LA MOVE Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took the ultimate gamble by stepping back from royal life and moving abroad. But an insider reveals to New Idea that the Sussexes’ move to LA has completely backfired, and as a result, the pair are struggling to get along behind closed doors. “Things are bad,” the insider tells New Idea. “They fight and bicker constantly.” After openly struggling with royal life, the couple’s highly publicised decision to pursue an independent life was meant to make for a happier existence. But despite now living in the lap of luxury in an $27.5 million Beverly Hills mansion, an insider says the Los Angeles move has caused strain on their two-year marriage. “BEHIND CLOSED…

The new season of The Voice has finally hit our screens and tension is already brewing. “IT’S A VERY EXPENSIVE SERIES … AROUND $5 MILLION TOTAL FOR THE COACHES” But the squabbles aren’t only focused on what’s happening up front and on screen. New Idea has learnt that, as always, the real drama is happening backstage. This time it centres on which star coach is being paid the most money. A production insider has revealed that there’s one star in particular who is coming out on top. “There is a pecking order regarding salaries – and Delta wins!” The Aussie singer reportedly tops the salary rich list with the surprise news that she’s currently on a whopping $2 million, two-year contract. “She isn’t silly as she has done her sums,”…

Australia fell head over heels for Big Brother when it launched way back in 2001. We were glued to the antics of 14 housemates – ordinary Aussies – who became overnight TV sensations. Now, six years since its last incarnation on the Nine Network, Big Brother is back, this time on Channel Seven. But will we be transfixed all over again? Host Sonia Kruger certainly thinks so. “It’s got great heart and soul and I really feel like there’s going to be renewed love for the show,” Sonia, 54, tells New Idea of the reboot. “We’ve kept all the key elements of Big Brother, but we’ve modernised the format, so it’s bit more contemporary.” It’s a very different Big Brother experience for Sonia now – and not just because she’s…

With a nod to the future, Betty also continues to read scripts and consider new projects. The actress recently agreed to star in an as-yet-untitled Lifetime Christmas movie. “Loving what you do for a living makes a difference,” says Betty about staying young at heart. “And I love what I do!” Her fans would probably not be surprised to hear that Betty has even found an upside to the current coronavirus pandemic. “Betty’s message to the world is to slow down and enjoy what you have: family, friends, your pets,” says her friend. “We have come through worse.”…

Family Apple Pie Serves 6, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 15 mins 125g unsalted butter, melted ¼ cup caster sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 1¾ cups self-raising flour 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 tsps cinnamon sugar Thick vanilla custard, to serve FILLING 8 Granny Smith apples (1.2kg), peeled, cored, sliced ¼ cup caster sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 Lightly grease a 22cm ovenproof pie dish. 2 To make filling, combine apples and 2 tblsps water in a saucepan over a medium to high heat. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, or until apples are tender. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar and cinnamon. Spread mixture out onto a tray to cool. 3 Meanwhile, make pastry. Whisk butter, sugar and egg in a large bowl until combined. Add…

PORRIDGE TOPPERS ROASTED RHUBARB AND STRAWBERRIES Trim an 800g bunch of rhubarb. Cut into 4cm lengths. Hull 250g punnet of strawberries. Cut into quarters. Place strawberries and rhubarb in a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with ¹/ ³ cup caster sugar. Add ¼ cup water. Cook in a hot oven (200C) for about 10 minutes, or until just tender. Remove. Serve warm or cold over porridge. APRICOTS IN HONEY SYRUP Combine 1 cup dried apricots, ¾ cup orange juice, ¹/ ³ cup honey and 2 tblsps water in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Gently boil, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, or until thickened. Serve warm or cold over porridge. Sprinkle with roughly chopped pistachios. TOASTED ALMOND AND COCONUT CRUMBLE Combine ½ cup chopped natural almonds, ¹/ ³ cup each of…

A BOLD KNIT IS THE PERFECT WAY TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WINTER WARDROBE TRY A BLACK LOAFER WITH A CASUAL LOOK FOR A MORE POLISHED STYLE…

An overblown tummy can feel uncomfortable and nosedive your confidence when you want to wear a dress. Accredited practising dietitian nutritionist Marika Day shares her tips on›how to minimise it. 1. CHEW YOUR FOOD WELL Aim for as close to a smooth paste as›possible in your mouth before you›swallow. 2. DRINK PEPPERMINT TEA It’s also quite soothing for stomach cramps if you have those alongside the›bloating. 3. GO FOR A WALK For the extended belly, the best thing to›do is walk it off and wait for the gas›to›clear.…

We’re all spending more time in our home office than ever before. When was the last time you gave it a makeover? It can be surprising how inspirational a newly renovated space can be, making it more conducive to working and studying. Here are some easy yet stylish solutions that you can do in a day. ADD SOME ON-TREND COLOUR It’s amazing what a coat of new colour can do to a space. Dulux asked stylist Bree Leech to make over a home office and study nook in a heritage home using the on-trend Dulux Indulge palette. The focus was making the space a nurturing retreat from the outside world; a place to warm the soul and lift the spirits, with cocooning colours, luxurious details and comforting curves. “The Indulge…

Q My husband and kids really want a puppy and they’ve been talking about it for months. I’m still not sold on the idea and I feel like if we get this puppy, all of the responsibility for its care will fall on me. Should I get the puppy and be ready to shoulder the responsibility? Or should I put my foot down and say no? MARTHA, VIA EMAIL. A I’ve had dogs all my life and I can’t imagine a house without them. A dog brings so much happiness to a family and I think it is important for children to grow up with pets. Before the puppy arrives, set some ground rules. Your husband and children must be responsible for regular walks, feeding and disposing of any accidents.…

MONDAY Marilyn’s heart breaks for John, who doesn’t want his estranged wife to see him in a state of helplessness. Maggie arrives back in the Bay after taking time out to visit Coco, and Jasmine is met with a frosty reaction when she tries to make amends with Willow. TUESDAY Dean has his heart set on taking Ziggy away on a road trip. Ryder is keen for Alf to formally meet his dad, Evan. Later, Roo urges Evan to tell Ryder about his condition. WEDNESDAY Ben and Gemma’s connection intensifies. And Nikau fears the worst when his mother doesn’t return home. THURSDAY Ziggy receives a serve from Nikau, while Evan reluctantly agrees to perform for the townsfolk.…

Legendary songstress Cher and her son Chaz are closer than ever after the pair went through some painful years. Chaz – who was born Chastity Bono – began female-to-male transition in 2008 and struggled living in his mother’s spotlight. “Growing up in the public eye was difficult for Chaz. He was incredibly shy as a kid. He just wanted a normal life, but that wasn’t possible with a mum as famous as Cher. It probably caused some resentment,” a source told OK!, noting that things got more complicated after Chaz came out as a lesbian to his parents at age 18, then publicly in 1995. “They eventually reconciled, and now Cher’s totally supportive of Chaz and loves him so much.” “We’re in the best place we’ve ever been,” gushed Cher.…

The high-fashion catwalks are often teeming with the offspring of the rich and famous. From Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber and Johnny Depp’s stunning girl Lily-Rose Depp, to Jude Law’s daughter Iris Law, celebrity kids aren’t afraid of using their connections to make it big in the modelling world. Johnny and Vanessa Paradis’ daughter Lily-Rose, 21, had made big strides in the modelling world thanks to her enviable bone structure and, of course, famous parents. Despite being barely out of her teens, Lily-Rose has already walked for Chanel, starred in a sunglasses campaign and featured in Vogue Paris. Johnny once expressed his concern for Lily-Rose’s budding modelling career, telling Germany’s Gala magazine: “To be honest, I’m quite worried. I wasn’t expecting all this to happen to Lily-Rose, especially not at…

Cricket legend and eligible bachelor Shane Warne has been caught red-handed, publicly flirting with newly single Kyly Clarke. The 50-year-old retired cricketer was anything but subtle when he liked, in rapid succession, several of Kyly’s glamorous Instagram photos. Despite the fact Shane is close pals with Kyly’s estranged husband, fellow ex-cricketer Michael Clarke, the father of three has been making no secret of his appreciation of 38-year-old Kyly’s stunning snaps. Shane liked several shots, including a racy photo of the House Rules judge posing in a bikini. Kyly and Michael announced their shock split in February after seven years of marriage.…

The Voice co-host Renee Bargh has gushed about her new romance with Brad Pitt after their chance meeting on the red carpet at this year’s SAG awards. The 33-year-old told New Idea that sparks flew when she and Brad started flirting up a storm at the event. “I think there’s always butterflies when Brad Pitt is around - I’m only human,” Renee confessed. “I’m always a little nervous to speak to him; you feel his presence before you see him.” The pair have been romantically linked since their meeting and have reportedly met up a few times while Renee spent time in Hollywood. Now Renee is back in Australia to film The Voice, the pair have been staying in touch via FaceTime. And it appears the blonde beauty has had…

Nicole Kidman and her adopted daughter Isabella have had a complicated relationship since the actress split from ex-husband, Tom Cruise. It now seems, however, that budding artist Bella, 27, is coming into her own – and Nicole, 52, could have British design industry heavyweights, including her friend Victoria Beckham, to thank. Bella, who is now based in south London, has been building a reputation as a portrait artist. Her subjects have included some of London’s top fashion and style influencers, such as personal stylists, Annie Castano and Manina Weldon, who run the company Red Leopard. Victoria’s connection with Bella may have reignited via the style gurus, who have previously met Posh. Stylist Annie even posted a picture on Instagram of her encounter with the pop star turned designer. This could,…

THEY’RE TRYING TO STAY AFLOAT The Irwin family are renowned as the ultimate Australian wildlife warriors and stars of multiple nature shows. But could the famous family and owners of Australia Zoo, which is believed to rake in millions each year, be facing a financial crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic? In recent weeks, fans have noted that the Irwin family have become increasingly active about spruiking their spin-off merchandise. Just last week, Bindi promoted her mum Terri’s ‘Crocodile Collection’ on Instagram by posting a snap of herself modelling items from the fashion line. “I absolutely love my beautiful mum’s ‘Crocodile Collection’. Visit our online shop to find incredible gifts,” Bindi captioned the image. The second part of the 21-year-old’s Instagram caption, however, tellingly revealed that this was more than just…

1 WHICH HOLLYWOOD COUPLE TESTED POSITIVE TO THE VIRUS WHILE DOWN UNDER? A. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson B. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis C. Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry 2 WHICH FEMALE STAR RECENTLY CELEBRATED HER 50TH BIRTHDAY IN ISOLATION? A. Mariah Carey B. Sandra Bullock C. Sofia Vergara 3 WHICH FAMOUS EXES HAVING BEEN SHARING PHOTOS FROM INSIDE THEIR ISOLATION REUNION? A. Jen Aniston and Brad Pitt B. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis C. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner 4 WHICH CELEB’S PARTNER CONVINCED HIM TO BE GIVEN A LOCKDOWN MAKEOVER? A. Alex Rodriguez (Jennifer Lopez) B. John Legend (Chrissy Teigen) C. Joe Jonas (Sophie Turner) 5 WHICH FAMOUS SPORTING EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE WWII? A. Australian Grand Prix B. New York Marathon…

A shock double-elimination this week sees just four of the teams make it through. As the competition builds towards Sunday’s grand final, contestants Kimmy, Rhi, Kayne, Aimee and Lenore down tools to reflect on their time on the show. HOW HAS HOUSE RULES CHANGED YOU? KIMMY: House Rules confirmed to me that I’m tough and can take on anything. It also got me some beautiful new friends! RHI: It just taught me to have absolute faith in myself and that I am a tough cookie who is capable of anything. KAYNE: It has given me the greatest experience I’ve ever had. It has made me realise that you can absolutely achieve anything if you work hard enough for it. “THE SHOW HAS CHANGED ME IN A…

It was 2004, two years before Steve Irwin was killed by the barb of a stingray. The world was not yet as aware of how dangerous these marine creatures can be, but a 32-year-old Sharon Muscet was about to find out. “I was living in London at the time but had been sent home to Australia on a work trip,” Sharon tells New Idea. She was paddling at Adelaide’s popular Glenelg beach when the unexpected happened. “The water was quite murky and I took a step and saw a small stingray hidden in the sand,” she says. “It flicked its tail up in defence and I stepped on it with my left foot. “The barb was razor sharp and I remember being really frightened,” she says. “It wasn’t a big…

THE KIDS’ CANCER PROJECT Hospital can be scary for a child, but you can donate a cuddly friend so they never feel alone during their treatment. Plus, proceeds from sales go toward kids’ cancer research. RRP $54.95 incl. postage and handling. thekidscancerproject.org.au/bears WHITE GLO Curcumin and turmeric are well known for their miracle anti-inflammatory properties. However, many are unaware of their oral health benefits, especially in fighting tartar. This Extra Strength whitening toothpaste contains the active curcumin extracted from turmeric to fight plaque and tartar build-up. RRP $5.99. Available at priceline.com.au DON’T FORGET LIFE INSURANCE! Real Life Insurance is cover you and your family can count on from an award-winning insurer you can trust. Call 1300 602 451 today or visit realinsurance.com.au for more information. This is general information only.…

SMELL THE ROSES... WHAT’S HOT AND NEW IN HAIR TOOLS, PRODUCTS AND TRICKS … This new range of Rosewater shampoo and conditioner not only smells divine, but the formula has zero nasties – no silicones, parabens or dyes. The micellar range cleans hair by attracting the dirt from the follicle. “Pantene have upgraded their formula, so there is zero silicone in it, which makes it really lightweight, which is really nice. So when you don’t want to wash your hair everyday – I don’t, I give mine at least two days – it ensures that you’re not getting that greasy build up, it’s nice that your roots are clean but your ends don’t get dry,” says ambassador Pia Miller. FOR THE LOVE OF CURLS Want instant curls without the hard…

DINNER JOKES During dinner, Diana, 10, with a cheeky grin said: “Bet you can’t guess what I learned today. Dogs can’t operate MRI scanners but CATSCAN.” Clever girl. MAV JANETZKI, HORSHAM, VIC. LIGHT RELIEF I had to giggle when I heard the stockpiling of toilet paper referred to as “the panic-demic!”. K SIMPSON, OCEAN REEF, WA. MERE MALE Dad decided to treat the family. He drove to McDonald’s, ordered, paid, and drove home. The family then saw him drive off again … MM had forgotten to pick up the order. MAV JANETZKI, HORSHAM, VIC. PET OF THE WEEK Send us a funny story about your children and mere males, a letter about an interesting piece you’ve read in our mag or a pic of your child/pet. The best entry of…

For seasoned stage and screen star Cameron Daddo, bringing this week’s heart-wrenching scenes to life were filled with emotion. “It is so hard for Evan to verbalise the fact that he is dying,” says Cameron. “Our job is to be storytellers and I totally get where Evan’s coming from. Before he told Roo the truth, he hadn’t actually said the words to anyone that he was dying. “It’s that realisation that came with speaking those words. This was the first time he had said it – and the first time he’d really allowed himself to feel it, as well as contemplate the life that he has lived. He now knows that he’s potentially weeks away from the end of his own life. “So it was a very emotional and lovely…

One of Scientology’s most prominent followers has fled its global HQ amid posting bizarre online rants about “dirty methods being used to control people”. The religion’s upper management is scrambling to contain the fallout after Kirstie Alley, 69, abruptly left her home in Clearwater, Florida, without telling anyone exactly where she was headed, sources reveal. “She just picked up and left, and is telling people she wanted to isolate in Kansas instead. “She’ll be far from the eyes of her Scientology minders, and given she’s a loose cannon, this has worried the church,” says a source with close ties to Scientology bosses. “It’s come as a huge shock, given how devoted she has been to the cause after all these years. She has reached the highest level of studies and…

Bec Hewitt has sparked fears for her health after the former Home and Away star was photographed looking very thin and frail. The 36-year-old mum of three was pictured doing a spot of shopping with her youngest daughter, 9-year-old Ava, in their hometown of Melbourne during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, wearing loose-fitting clothes and a baseball cap. Bec’s naturally slender frame appeared even smaller than when the actress was seen in March, looking slightly fuller and healthier. It seems the stress of isolation could be taking a toll on the former soap actress, who shares daughters, Mia, 14, and Ava, and son, Cruz, 11 with her tennis-star husband Lleyton Hewitt, 39. The Hewitts have been spending their coronavirus isolation in their $12.7 million mansion in the upmarket Melbourne suburb of…

It’s been more than two years since Meghan Markle made the Duchess of Cambridge cry in the lead-up to Prince Harry’s wedding, but Kate has finally snapped – revealing what it’s really like for her in the post-Sussex era. In a cover story for British society bible Tatler, which is edited by one of Kate’s closest pals, friends have revealed Kate and William are livid that Harry and Meghan’s workload has landed on their shoulders while the Sussexes are sunning themselves in a borrowed mansion in Beverly Hills. A source says Kate, 38, feels “exhausted” and “trapped” – especially as she’s trying to look after three children under the age of 7. “William and Catherine really wanted to be hands-on parents, and the Sussexes have effectively thrown their children under…

CONTESTANT AND AUTHOR KHANH ONG DISHES THE DIRT From secret earpieces to preferential treatment – this season of MasterChef Australia: Back to Win has been dogged by rumours of cheating. Now, current contestant Khanh Ong has confessed to being caught up in just that. In his upcoming book, A Gay Guy’s Guide to Life Love Food, the talented TV cook splices recipes with his personal life stories. But the most surprising revelation is an admission to having been cheated on in the past. “There’s stories in there about ex boyfriends and being cheated on and those are obviously coming from hurtful places,” Khanh, 28, tells New Idea, explaining that his unconventional book is structured so that the recipes complement different life stories and emotional states. “There’s also one ex who…

Back in their small-screen heydays, Friends and Sex and the City fought each other for ratings, while Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker’s fandom battled over who was the most-loved TV heroine. Now after some false starts, it appears the iconic noughties shows are finally gearing up for a rematch. New Idea has learnt that a third SATC movie is finally back on the table with the news that the years-long feud between SJP and Kim Cattrall has finally been resolved. An insider tells New Idea: “Time’s been a great healer and the girls have put their bad feelings aside.” “HOW CAN YOU FILM A WHOLE SEQUEL WHEN TWO OF THE MAIN STARS HATE EACH OTHER?” Tensions really erupted two years ago when Sarah Jessica – who played Carrie Bradshaw…

In the early afternoon before the sun gets too strong, Betty White likes to visit the garden of her long-time home in LA’s Brentwood neighborhood with her beloved golden retriever, Pontiac. She enjoys checking on the growth of her flowers and might clip a few roses to decorate her dining room table. At 98, this comedy legend is still going strong. Neither age nor the frightening news of the recent pandemic has robbed her of her energy, trademark humour or high spirits – although Betty admits that, physically, she is a little “creaky.” She sometimes uses a walker around her home, but she’s grateful to feel good and have no major health issues at her age. “I’m blessed with incredibly good health,” she told Closer Weekly. “That’s something you appreciate…

As six becomes four, the teams this week put the design skills they’ve learnt over the competition to the test in a grand final charity challenge that’s truly life-changing. Host Jamie Durie (pictured, left) and co-host Abbey Way tell the teams they must build a unique house for a homeless man looking to get back on his feet. It’s a race against the clock for the teams to finish their rooms, as they will be judged – for the final time – by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Kyly Clarke and Saul Myers. Who will be left standing on Sunday when the dust settles and be crowned this year’s winners of House Rules?…

Two days after being arrested for murdering her mother, Gypsy Rose Blanchard made her way into the Missouri courtroom, cuffed and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit. Visibly upset, the young woman’s high voice wavered and she cried while addressing the court›to confirm her name›and address. But to observers and onlookers, the most shocking aspect of this dramatic moment was not Gypsy’s fragile emotional state or that she was set to face trial for murdering her mother. Instead, it was that she appeared physically well and was able to walk unassisted. Incredibly, the 23-year-old wasn’t displaying any of the›disabilities her mother, Clauddine, known as Dee Dee, had claimed her daughter suffered from since birth. “THE PRISON I WAS LIVING IN BEFORE WITH MY MUM, I COULDN’T WALK ... I COULDN’T EAT”…

Pea and Zucchini Soup Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 18 mins 2 chicken stock cubes (10g each) 1 onion, halved, thinly sliced 2 medium brushed potato (500g), peeled, thinly sliced 500g frozen peas 2 medium zucchini (230g), trimmed, sliced ½ cup light cooking cream, plus extra for serving 1 Place 1 litre (4 cups) boiling water, stock cubes, onion and potato in a stockpot over a high heat. Stir until stock cubes are dissolved. Bring to boil. Boil, covered, for about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. 2 Meanwhile, place peas and›zucchini in a large, microwave-safe container. Cover›with lid. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. 3 Add peas and zucchini to stockpot. Return to boil. Cover. Boil for a further 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cream. 4…

Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Serves 10-12, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 20 mins 200g dark chocolate, chopped 150g unsalted butter, chopped 6 eggs, separated 1 cup caster sugar 1 ¼ cups ground hazelnuts (150g) Cocoa powder, to decorate Whipped cream, to serve 1 Invert base of a 24cm round springform pan (base measuring 22cm). Grease and line base and side with baking paper. 2 Place chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth. Remove.›Cool slightly. 3 Beat yolks and sugar in a small bowl of an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Transfer to a large bowl. Fold in chocolate mixture and hazelnuts until combined. 4 Beat egg whites in same clean small bowl of electric mixer until soft…

HOME-SCHOOLING FOR GROWN-UPS One of my favourite lines of poetry was written by someone called Mary Oliver. “Tell me,” it reads, “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Isn’t it a lovely line? The words are simple but they invoke a great feeling of hope and ownership over the lives we lead. I’ve reflected on that line many times over the years and yet I know almost nothing about Mary Oliver. So that’s one of my intentions during this coronavirus crisis – to find out more about Mary. While some will be exhausted by our current restrictions as they juggle work and raising children, others will view it as an opportunity to brainstorm a new business, start a new skill or gain more…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Changing or unusual conditions with an exciting project will take you into uncharted territory. Be prepared to wing it! A change of scene will be refreshing and a long-distance relationship may take an unexpected turn. A stroke of good fortune will resolve a financial matter that’s been bothering you. A loved one sharing their thoughts and feelings is their way of offering an olive branch. LUCKY NUMBERS: 18, 26, 41 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A pressing financial undertaking or money issue will put you on the spot; prompt research will help you make advantageous decisions. An emotional purchase and spontaneous outlays on loved ones may put dents in the savings. On the job, a levelling exchange with a colleague will answer important…

Karina Machado is a journalist, host of the Spirit Sisters podcast and the author of Spirit Sisters, Where Spirits Dwell and Love Never Dies, a non-fiction series exploring the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people. Now, on The Ghost Files podcast each week, Karina will introduce a guest who’ll share their personal encounter with the spirit world. ‘A FEELING OF PURE LOVE’ It was a hot summer’s day in 1985 when Celeste’s world was torn apart. Celeste was one of six siblings growing up in a small country town in the wheatbelt of Western Australia, but the 12-year-old was particularly close to Belinda, who was only 13 months older, until that heartbreaking January day. Out riding her bike, Belinda was hit by a drunk driver, and declared brain dead. “We all…

MACAULAY CULKIN Having made his mark in Hollywood a year earlier as the wisecracking Miles in Uncle Buck, Macaulay’s popularity continued to rise with the release of Home Alone, My Girl and Home Alone 2. It was Macaulay’s personal life, however, that took centre  stage due to his strained relationship with his parents and friendship with Michael Jackson. “He was my best friend growing up for a good, fat stretch of my life,” Macaulay told Marc Maron during an episode of the WFH with Marc Maron podcast in 2018. “He liked being a kid with me. It never struck me as odd.” In 1994, Macaulay, emancipated himself from his parents Kit and Patricia. Since then, Culkin has lived a relatively low-key life, acting in a range of indie films. DANIEL…

Ten years ago, the tarot cards told her she was going to die. And that grim premonition looked set to become a shocking reality when town favourite Marilyn (Emily Symons) almost lost her life on that very day. After Marilyn saw a baby’s pram roll off the wharf into the sea, she courageously jumped into the water and saved the infant – only to almost drown herself. Thankfully, the much-loved resident was rescued and resuscitated by her knight in shining armour, Sid (Robert Mammone).…

The last movie I watched was … The Studio Ghibli [Japanese animated fantasy film] Spirited Away. The last book I couldn’t put down was … Calypso by David Sedaris. It’s hilarious. The last time I laughed out loud was … This morning, when I was looking at all of the funny isolation memes. The last meal I ate was … A selection of deli foods – cheeses and other things – that I had with my grandma just this morning. The last time I cried was … On set for a very intense storyline. The last person I sent a text message to was … My friend Nick. I sent him a photo of the jigsaw puzzle I’ve been putting together. The last item of clothing I bought was ……

Renee Bargh scored the gig of her dreams when she landed the role of co-host on The Voice alongside Darren McMullen. The 33-year-old entertainment reporter tells New Idea she’d wanted to be part of the show for years. “The timing just worked out this year and it all fell into place,” she says. “Getting the call that I’d landed the co-hosting role was one of the best days of my life.” Here, she spills on the show and her enduring friendship with coach, Delta Goodrem. As a former pop star – you were in the group Girlband – do you know what it’s like to be a contestant on the show? Pop star is a stretch, but thanks for that! I do know how it feels and what it takes…