Innholdsfortegnelse for 27 July 2020 i New Idea

Katie Holmes’ daughter Suri, 14, is all grown up – and she even has her own credit card! The teenager, who looks just like her actress mum, was spotted out having lunch with two friends in a rare New York City outing. Suri wore a flowing pink dress, pink purse and matching pink facemask as she strolled around the Big Apple with pals – and her mum Katie, 41, was surprisingly nowhere to be seen. It seems Katie is happy to let Suri be more independent, after the young star was also seen pulling out an impressive gold credit card to pay for the meal.…

At age 38, the Duchess of Sussex always knew her much-longed for second child might be bit of a struggle. But, given that her husband Harry always wanted two kids, and with her well-known unstoppable attitude to getting what she wants, the former actress was never going to let a little thing like her biological clock get in the way of giving 1-year-old Archie a sibling. If sources close to the couple in the US are to be believed, however, for Harry – who famously declared that the couple would stop at two kids to help save the environment – the wonders of modern science may scupper his plans. Insiders are speculating that the couple could be having twins after new pictures of the pair show Meghan clutching what appear…

She has forgiven her second – and many say favourite – son over years’ worth of scandals, but Prince Andrew allowing alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell and Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey to mock his mum and dad on their own historic thrones is the final straw for Her Majesty. The damning picture of the disgraced pair sitting on the Queen and Prince Philip’s coronation thrones in a restricted area of Buckingham Palace when they were guests of Prince Andrew’s, apparently attempting royal waves, has left the 94-year-old monarch “aghast”. “She has already stripped Andrew of his public royal role, banned him from representing the crown, and drastically cut his allowance over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein,” says a source. “And still it keeps getting worse. Charles and William are urging…

She’s already godmother to her Friends co-star Courteney Cox’s 16-year-old-daughter Coco, and now Jen is taking another celebrity offspring under her wing. It’s been revealed that Katy Perry and her fiancé Orlando Bloom have asked Jen to be the godmother of their baby girl. “She is pretty chuffed about it as well and cried when they asked her,” an insider shares. Jen and Katy – who is due to give birth in a few weeks – have been friends for about 10 years and have been spending a lot of time together during lockdown in LA.…

Given Kelly was a devout Scientologist, as is John, many wondered if the actress chose to follow the controversial religion’s cancer treatment method. Founder L. Ron Hubbard believed cancer to be an alignment of the spirit, and required “a second-dynamic or sexual upset, such as the loss of children or some other mechanism” to occur. Insiders say high-ranking Scientologists like Kelly and John,  who is thought to be an OT5 member, also believe cancer can be cured by “auditing” the problem area. However, John seemed to silence the speculation when he confirmed Kelly had been receiving medical treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas at the time of her death. “My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses ... all the medical centers that…

MasterChef judge Melissa Leong is quite literally paid to eat! Yet the 38-year-old food critic also manages to maintain a toned physique. So what’s her secret? Melissa has previously shared on social media her dedication to Pilates. But when it comes to her diet, Melissa admits she’s made some adjustments over the years. Speaking to the Healthy-ish podcast, Melissa admitted that a fast metabolism in her 20s meant she used to be able to “eat everything”. However, she was forced to take stock of her body once she hit her 30s. “My metabolism wasn’t the same as what it was and I didn’t look the same anymore, and that was a really sobering thing to realise,” Melissa recalls. As a result, Melissa has since made an effort to bring  more…

BRAD CRANE AND STACIE MARMION Brad and Stacie met on Season 4 in 2009 and moved in together while their season was still being filmed. After their wedding in 2010, the pair moved to Gunnedah, NSW, and had three daughters, Darcie, Bobbie and Frankie. The Cranes were hit by the drought in rural NSW and had to sell cattle to stay afloat. CHRIS NEWSOME AND KIM TIERNEY Chris Newsome and Kim Tierney were the very first couple to find love on Farmer Wants a Wife when the show debuted in 2007. The pair fell head-over-heels for each other on Chris’ farm in Tamworth, with Kim – from Geelong – adapting to rural life without a hitch. The pair married in 2008, with their wedding filmed for Season 2. They welcomed…

In 1978, 15-year-old hitchhiker Mary Vincent was looking for a lift from Las Vegas to California when she flagged down a passing van. The driver was Lawrence Singleton, 50, a merchant seaman who told Mary with a warm smile that he had a daughter her age. He agreed to make a short detour to drop off the teenager in Corona, California, and Mary happily climbed into the car. Singleton began to act a little strange as the drive went on, but Mary’s anxiety soon faded and she drifted off to sleep. When he stopped the van to go to the restroom, Mary hopped out of the vehicle to stretch her legs. As she leaned down to tie her shoe, Singleton struck her suddenly in the back with a hammer. He…

Forty-five years ago, a high-profile Sydney heiress and newspaper publisher walked into a Kings Cross club in broad daylight for a business meeting and was never seen again. Her disappearance and presumed murder has haunted Australia ever since. That’s the story of Juanita Nielsen, who vanished without a trace on July 4, 1975. The 38-year-old had become a target over her battle to save historic areas of Kings Cross from being destroyed and replaced by high-rise apartment buildings. Ever since, the truth of what happened to Juanita has been locked behind a web of secrets and lies alleged to involve a long list of people – from dangerous underworld criminals and property developers through to the highest echelons of power. Now, on the 45th anniversary of Juanita’s murder, a breakthrough…

Shepherd’s Pie and Mashed Pea Jacket Potatoes Serves 6, Prep and Cook: 2 hours, 20 mins 6 large brushed potatoes (275g-325g each) 1½ cups frozen peas 2 tblsps milk 1 cup shredded parmesan FILLING 1 tblsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 medium carrot, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 350g lamb mince 5 0g sachet Continental Shepherd’s Pie Base 3 50g jar Leggo’s Roasted Vegetables Stir Through Sauce 1 Wash and scrub potatoes. Prick all over with a fork. Wrap each potato in foil. Place on an oven tray. 2 Cook in a hot oven (200C) for about 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 30 minutes, or until tender. Remove. Stand in foil for›10 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, make filling. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying…

Chilli Apricot Chicken Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 30 mins 1 tblsp olive oil 4 chicken thighs cutlets (900g), trimmed 4 chicken drumsticks (750g) 405ml can apricot nectar ¼ cup soy sauce 40g sachet French onion simmer›soup 1 tblsp sugar 1 tblsp finely grated fresh ginger 2 tsps sambal oelek (chilli paste) 3 green spring onions, thinly sliced diagonally Steamed rice and sugar snap peas, to serve 1 Heat oil in a deep, flameproof casserole dish (20-cup capacity) over a medium to high heat. Add chicken in two batches. Cook, turning occasionally for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until browned. Remove from dish. Drain excess fat from dish. 2 Meanwhile, combine nectar, soy sauce, soup sachet, sugar, ginger and chilli paste with ¼ cup water in a…

Cat grooming essentials KEEP YOUR KITTY IMMACULATE WITH THESE TIPS Adopted your first cat and unsure of the best way to keep them clean and tangle-free? Follow this advice. START BY BRUSHING Grooming your cat not only makes them look beautiful, it also ensures less knots and hairballs. Make it a habit to brush your cat at least weekly, especially medium-long-hair types. If you start them young, they will get used to the ritual. SHOULD YOU BATHE YOUR CAT? According to the RSPCA, cats have in-built grooming tools in the form of their tongue and teeth, and usually they are fussy about self-cleaning, so regular grooming by brushing is usually sufficient. However, sometimes a bath is necessary, perhaps when your cat has rolled in something stinky, or has a build-up…

Q I had a dream about my mother, who I lost two-and-a-half years ago. In it, we travelled by train and bus to the Sydney suburb where I grew up. Mum was young and really well. She got off the bus without my knowing and I told the bus driver I needed to get off to find Mum. When I got off I saw Mum sitting in the corner of the bus shelter with my favourite dress on. She looked so lovely and natural. I said to her: “Oh Mum!” Then I woke up and got very distressed. I cried and cried. Would you please tell me why I found her? BLANCHE, VIA EMAIL. A Your dream is consistent with what is experienced during a visitation from someone who has…

Growing up in Boston as the youngest of nine children, Mark Wahlberg admits he made “a lot of terrible mistakes” – like dropping out of high school to get involved with gangs and drugs. He would turn things around, explaining, “I’ve been hustling my entire life – acting my way into trouble and acting my way back out again. I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to apply it in a different direction.” That direction would lead, with the help of his New Kids on the Block brother Donnie, to a career as a rapper before moving on to become an Oscar-nominated actor and the producer of TV’s Entourage and Boardwalk Empire. But for Mark, 49, his best endeavour is being dad to his four kids. “It’s more gratifying than…

MONDAY After Jasmine lashes out yet again, Justin urges Tori to proceed with police action against the troubled nurse. Meanwhile, Bella and Nikau’s first evening alone at the Parata home may end in tears. TUESDAY After authorising an AVO against Jasmine, Tori finds herself racked with guilt. And Ari has 24 hours to pay the rent – or his family will face eviction. WEDNESDAY Mackenzie gives Ari a piece of her mind. Elsewhere, Irene and Willow join forces to try to track down Jasmine. THURSDAY Mackenzie confesses her secret feelings for Tane to Dean. And newcomer Amber arrives in the Bay!…

Australian film veteran Paul Hogan has revealed he is keen to develop a friendship with Prince Harry since the young royal has relocated to Los Angeles. While speaking to Richard Wilkins on the Today show, the Crocodile Dundee star, 80, said Harry has even been to his old house. When asked if he would be hosting Harry and Meghan for a barbecue, Hoges replied: “No, no … I’m investigating that at the moment. Harry knows I’m here, he visited my old house. I have a nice connection with the royals. “I went to see Crocodile Dundee 2 sitting in the theatre between Charles and Diana in London, with them nudging me when they liked funny things!”…

David and Victoria Beckham are having a bad case of ‘keeping up with the Peltz’s’ after son Brooklyn announced his engagement to his heiress girlfriend Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn, 21, and Nicola, 25, revealed their plans for a $7.2m wedding next year and sources say his folks are tearing their hair out over saving financial face alongside the Nicole’s billionaire family. “It couldn’t come at a worse time,” says a family insider. “There has never been one moment in their lives they’d imagine their kids would be marrying someone richer than them, but Nicola’s folks are serious money and make the Beckhams look like peasants.” Nicola’s fund manager dad Nelson, 78, is worth a whopping $2.2 billion while David, 45, and Victoria, 46, aren’t even close to half that. “Nicola is…

Naomi Watts is getting married and has asked BFF Nicole Kidman to be her chief bridesmaid! A long-time pal tells New Idea the actress, 51, is finally planning her dream wedding after long-time boyfriend Billy Crudup, 52, popped the question in the lead-up to his birthday earlier this month. “Neither of them have ever married so this has come as a bit of a surprise, but Naomi’s absolutely ecstatic and wants no-one else but Nicole by her side when she and Billy exchange vows,” says the friend.…

With Prince George celebrating his 7th birthday this week, the young royal will no doubt be enjoying his special day with a family celebration. But the absence of Prince Harry is sure to be sorely felt. As royals author Phil Dampier can reveal, George’s relationship with his uncle has changed dramatically over the course of his life. “He has little to do with his Uncle Harry,” says Phil. “It’s likely George is feeling the strain of separation even more than Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as his uncle lived next door in Kensington Palace for the first five years of the young prince’s life. “Harry was always a loving uncle to them so I’m sure George misses him greatly,” adds Phil. Despite the estrangement, George and his younger siblings appear…

Meghan Markle is plotting a comeback to the big screen – and, controversially, is said to be wooing disgraced Aussie writer/director Matthew Newton. “Meghan wants to work on something dark and edgy – a sexy, psychological thriller that would have the more conservative royal types picking up their jaw from the floor,” says an insider. “She also likes the idea of teaming up with someone like Matthew, a creative genius with a dark past who, by many accounts, has rehabilitated himself. She also likes the thought of using her fame to give someone a second chance.” The source continues: “Meghan has researched his story and as a vocal supporter for those suffering with mental health problems, she’s planning to meet up with Matthew in New York to see if they…

Jennifer Aniston has sparked a million dollar bidding war within the publishing industry, after it was announced she’s writing her long-awaited autobiography. And it’s no wonder editors are clamouring for the rights, given the juicy secrets the Hollywood star is set to share. “Jen won’t hold anything back when she writes her book,” says one source close to the 51-year-old actress. “It will cover everything she’s been through, from her rise to the top of the A-list to the lessons she’s learned along the way.” “JEN WON’T HOLD ANYTHING BACK” That includes lessons in love and heartache. While the Friends favourite has always been considered one of the most approachable and down-to-earth people in showbiz, she’s never been that forthcoming with details about her romantic life. Sources confirm, however, that…

Hollywood icon John Travolta is “trying to remain strong” for his children Ella, 20, and Benjamin, 9, following the death of their mother, Kelly Preston, last week. The grieving Grease star took to Instagram to share the devastating news, revealing his “beautiful wife” had been privately battling breast cancer for the last two years. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many,” John, 66, wrote alongside a portrait of the Jerry Maguire actress. “Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered.” While Kelly’s passing at just 57 years old is “an absolute tragedy, whatever way you look at it”, shares a source, John is “grateful” he got to spend the last two years by his wife’s side, in their own private bubble. “KELLY WENT DOWN…

Already deeply troubled over losing her famous father when she was 9, Lisa Marie Presley is “distraught” over the death of her 27-year-old son Benjamin Keough, who reportedly took his life during a party at the star’s LA home last weekend. Sources say Lisa, 52, was especially close to Ben because she loved how similar he looked to her late dad, Elvis. She said it helped her feel closer to the late King of Rock and Roll. “Lisa has never ever dealt properly with her dad’s death and mainly numbed her pain with drugs and alcohol. It’s like she never really grew mentally beyond the age she was when Elvis died sometimes,” a close friend tell New Idea exclusively. “But this has the potential to ruin her completely. No-one can…

As Australia prepares to watch the fresh batch of singles arrive on the island, newcomer Abbie Chatfield dishes on all the behind-the-scenes gossip. NO RELAXING! The Bachelor alum and first-time Bachelor in Paradise star Abbie says there is absolutely no downtime during the dates – and the 24-year-old says she wanted nothing more than to just wear a skirt and sneakers instead of donning a gown and having perfect hair and makeup every minute. “All I want is to go and have dinner in a denim skirt and a T-shirt and sneakers. I was so sick of wearing gowns!” Abbie tells New Idea. “I was so sick of going sunbathing with my hair curled and a full face [of makeup]. I don’t wear foundation usually. Very stressful!” PRODUCERS ON DATING…

EMILY This Victorian girl impresses Sam from the get-go. After meeting her once, he admits he could buy her a ring and propose! KARISSA Neil loves blonde ladies. And while this child care worker from NSW ticks that box, she also has chemistry with the farmer. HENRIETTA There’s chemistry between this teacher and Alex when they first meet. But will she be top of the class for this farmer? MARNIE For Nick, there’s something about this Dolly Parton-loving Queenslander. It must be her zest for life – and cowgirl hat. STACEY She’s a farm hand from Victoria, so that counts in her favour with farmer Harry. But will she make Harry’s top four?…

Saylor Guilliams is only alive because of her decision to dye her hair red. In 2014, the then 22-year-old was hiking on a trail in Santa Barbara, California, with her friend Brenden Vega, also 22. The pair lost their way on the terrain and it began to grow dark. Saylor then fractured her leg when jumping off a rock. Brendan tried to carry her to safety, but shattered his elbow and Saylor’s ankle when he dropped her. Unable to move, Saylor stayed put while Brenden went to find help. This was the last time she saw him. Saylor lay in the mud all night and the next day, delirious and barely conscious. That afternoon, three hikers passed by the area where Saylor was. One of them, Nicole Gergen,  spotted a…

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein spun a web of deceit and mystery through his own death as much as he did in life The obscenely wealthy sex offender was found dead in his prison cell on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges, and his alleged suicide has been the subject of heated debate ever since. “THERE ARE SO MANY RICH AND POWERFUL PEOPLE WHO STOOD TO BENEFIT FROM HIS DEATH” Epstein, a multimillionaire suspected of trafficking under-age girls for decades, had effectively destroyed any chance of the truth finally being exposed, due to his death before trial. Investigative journalist and crime writer Diane Dimond, who appears in the TV special Who Killed Jeffrey Epstein?, tells New Idea that many rich and powerful people stood to benefit from…

Carrot Cake Cheesecake Serves 8-10, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 25 mins 2 x 250g blocks cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ²/³ cup caster sugar ½ cup sour cream 2 tsps plain flour 2 eggs I cing sugar mixture, to decorate CAKE BATTER 2 eggs ²/³ cup brown sugar, firmly packed ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup plain flour ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¾ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda 1¹/³ cups coarsely grated carrot (150g) ¹/³ cup pecans, coarsely chopped 1 Invert base of a 23cm round springform pan (base measures 22cm). Grease and line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 2 To make batter, beat eggs, sugar and oil in a small bowl of an electric mixer for 5…

The Perfect Buttercream 200g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature 2½ cups icing sugar mixture 2 tblsps milk Pink food colouring, to tint 1 Beat butter in a small bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in ½ cup sugar at a time until combined. Beat in milk. Add a few drops of food colouring using the tip of a skewer. Beat until combined. 2 Spoon buttercream into a disposable piping bag, fitted with a 1cm star nozzle. Twist the top of the bag to secure icing. 3 Pipe buttercream onto cupcakes in a spiral pattern, starting from outer edge. TIP This recipe makes enough buttercream to decorate 12 cupcakes, or the top and side of a 20cm round cake. Try different food colourings to suit…

It’s not often that a 14-year-old influences my career decisions, but that’s exactly what happened recently. I was having my hair done at Channel Seven for one of my regular royal discussions when the makeup artist, Mel, mentioned her teenage daughter had made good use of her extra time by setting up a business. A keen fan of slime, she’d done some research and worked out that she could make the squishy substance in large quantities and sell it via Facebook and Instagram. And so with Mel’s help, she worked out her costs, devised packaging, asked her artistic sister to design a label and went about setting up a business. The last time I spoke to Mel, her daughter had made $200 that week – although it was her mum…

This is a photo of our ‘fur child’, Trev. After many failed attempts to fall pregnant, we bought Trev. He has filled our world with so much delight. ANOUK HENGEVELD, HEIDELBERG HEIGHTS, VIC. RHYME TIME My 6-year-old niece and I were listening to a CD of old nursery rhymes. When it came to “Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow” she piped up, asking if my dog had white fleas too? Needless to say, I found it hard to contain my laughter! D.B, SCARBOROUGH, QLD. MERE MALE We had just moved into our new house and my husband decided to put up the clothes line. He had been drilling for about 15 minutes and there wasn’t even the slightest indent in the steel post. I asked…

Jasmine’s behaviour has certainly been ringing alarm bells of late among the Summer Bay townsfolk. And with good reason. With the widowed nurse’s actions continuing to spiral out of control, a bombshell decision is on the cards – to do a runner from the Bay! As the week begins, Jasmine (Sam Frost) continues to lash out at the people she was once closest to – her late husband’s best mate Colby (Tim Franklin), her best friend Willow (Sarah Roberts) and the woman who has always been there for her in times of crisis, Irene (Lynne McGranger). However, as Jasmine’s portrayer Sam tells New Idea: “This is so heartbreaking and challenging for Jas, as she feels that no-one is on her side.” When Jasmine – who has become increasingly obsessed with…

COFFEE GRIND BODY SCRUB HALLE BERRY In order to exfoliate her skin, Halle adds coffee grounds to her body wash. The caffeine is supposed to tighten skin and increase circulation. VAMPIRE FACE-LIFT KIM KARDASHIAN WEST The reality star goes in for vampire face-lifts. The procedure involves drawing blood from the arm, extracting platelets and then injecting it back into the face to prevent wrinkles. RED WINE BATH TERI HATCHER Bottoms up! The actress bathes in red wine because it’s high in antioxidants and nutrients that can be absorbed through the skin. CAVIAR BODY TREATMENT ANGELINA JOLIE When money is no object, you can smear fish egg extract all over your body to keep it firm. Insiders say Angie used this method to prevent stretch marks when she was pregnant. CRANBERRY…

Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall have buried the hatchet and want to revive abandoned plans for a third Sex and the City movie. “It’s become known as the ‘million-dollar peace summit’ because money was the only thing that would get these two to patch things up,” says an insider. “It took serious negotiations to get Kim and Sarah talking again but money talks loudest.” Rumours of a feud between SJP and Kim were confirmed in 2018. Sources say it’s taken nearly two years for the duo to simmer down enough to green-light another movie. “It was never off the table,” adds the insider. “The timing wasn’t right, the money wasn’t right and the script was awful. There’s some pretty amazing plots being tabled to build up a script now.…

They were forced to put their wedding on hold due to COVID-19, but Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are pushing full steam ahead with their plans to have a baby! The couple already have four kids – J.Lo has 12-year-old twins Max and Emme, while Alex is dad to Natasha, 15, and Ella, 12 – but have dreamt of having a child together. “Alex thinks Jen is a wonderful mum and she loves how he cares for his kids,” tells a source. “They feel IVF is the way to go – with their combined genes, it’s a no-brainer that their child will be special. Everyone is so excited.”…

Former Mr Aniston Justin Theroux was part-way through the first episode of his new series, The Mosquito Coast, when lockdown put a pause on filming early this year. However sources say he and his Aussie co-star Melissa George “had an instant connection” and have kept up their friendship away from the set! “Justin and Melissa were ‘insta-friends’ when they both arrived on set with their dogs,” reveals a pal. “They’ve kept up contact during lockdown and there’s a real connection there. He goes nuts over her Aussie accent. Let’s just say they can’t wait to resume filming.”…

The Voice coach Delta Goodrem has sparked speculation she is set to tie the knot with her boyfriend Matthew Copley after posting photographs of herself wearing what looked like a wedding dress. Delta, 35, wore the floor-length white gown designed by Australian couture house J. Andreatta and she looked like an angelic bride as she floated onto set to film the popular singing show. Delta told Stellar in May she and Matthew were strengthening their relationship by making music while isolating. “I am pretty consistent with saying to people that my private life is my private life, but we are spending isolation together and, in our household, we’re both performers,” she said.…

Following in the footsteps of his newly engaged older brother Brooklyn, 17-year-old Romeo Beckham has professed his love for his model girlfriend Mia Regan. Sharing some sweet snaps on Instagram after congratulating Brooklyn, 21, on his engagement, Romeo shared several photographs of himself with his arms wrapped around Mia, 17. He captioned the images with a simple love heart. It seems the Beckham boys are taking after their parents Victoria and David in more than just their looks. Posh and  Becks were still young when they were engaged in 1998, aged 22 and 23 respectively. They recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.…

Former co-stars Jessica Marais and Andy Ryan reunited recently in a sweet image shared to Instagram. The pair worked together on the Nine Network drama series Love Child from 2015 until 2017 and it seems they have remained close ever since. Jess, 35, looked happy and glowing as she and Ryan cosied up for an early-morning sunrise in Bondi. It seems mother-of-one Jess has been enjoying catching up with old co-stars after she also reunited with her Packed to the Rafters pal Hugh Sheridan back in May this year, after pulling out of the series reboot.…

She is famous for being one of the five bridesmaids at Charles and Diana’s wedding but nowadays India Hicks – the woman often dubbed the couple’s secret daughter – is living a quiet yet luxurious life in the Bahamas. Posting snaps of herself sunbathing topless on the beach or enjoying sunset walks with one of her five children, India’s day-to-day life is a far cry from her aristocratic family ties. But India, the granddaughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, is in fact Prince Charles’ goddaughter, and according to royal expert and author Phil Dampier, has been in “constant touch” with the future king over the years. Despite living in the Caribbean for nearly a quarter of a century, the pair remain very close and they meet up whenever India visits the…

MICHELLE OBAMA In Becoming, the former First Lady reflects on her childhood in Chicago, as well as the eight years she spent in the White House with Barack. DEMI MOORE The Ghost star took 10 years to write her book, in which she talks about her failed marriages to Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher. She said she felt “vulnerable” when Inside Out hit shelves. DREW BARRYMORE The child star was just 14 when she co-wrote Little Girl Lost, which detailed her heavy drug and alcohol usage. In 2015, Drew released a follow-up memoir, Wildfl ower.…

John’s Grease co-star and breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John took to Instagram to remember her dear friend. Sharing a throwback photo of her and Kelly at an event, Olivia wrote: “Kelly was a radiant, warm and gentle spirit – a loving, devoted wife, mother and sweet friend. My heart breaks for John, Ella and Ben. No words can express my sorrow for her family. Kelly’s light shines on in her beautiful children. Xox.” Numerous other celebrities paid tribute to Kelly, including Russell Crowe and a “heartbroken” Barbra Streisand, who remembered her “wonderful friend” as “one of the loveliest people ... such a great mother and wife.”…

Kurt Cobain The Nirvana frontman joined the infamous 27 Club – a group of artists who all died at that age – in 1994, after shooting himself. Amy Winehouse In 2011, Amy was found unresponsive in her home. The cause of death was ruled accidental alcohol poisoning. Janis Joplin The singer passed away from a heroin overdose in 1970. It was ruled an accident, although she had long been a heavy drug user. Jimi Hendrix The official verdict on Jimi’s 1970 death was that he suffocated on his own vomit, after overdosing on nine sleeping tablets.…

This year has been an unforgettable ride for Andy Allen – and it’s not over just yet! In 2020, the chef and restaurateur joined the new-look MasterChef Australia judging panel, with the revamped reality series becoming a monster ratings hit. Andy, 32, also recently revealed that this has been a massive year for him personally after he popped the question to long-time girlfriend, Alex Davey. Eagle-eyed fans noticed the 29-year-old was sporting a sparkling diamond engagement ring, leading Andy to confirm that he’d proposed during a trip to New Zealand just prior to border restrictions kicking in due to the coronavirus pandemic. The chef and restaurant owner told TV Week that he proposed on a secluded beach headland – much to Alex’s surprise. “She was so shocked, she basically collapsed…

Joanna Fincham and Rob Hodges are a real-life fairytale on the farm. The Farmer Wants a Wife couple met back in 2008 during the second season of the popular Australian dating show and fell head over heels in love. Fast-forward 12 happy years and three beautiful kids later, and Jo and Rob are literally living their dreams. Speaking with New Idea ahead of the new season of Farmer Wants a Wife on Channel 7, Melbourne-born Jo says the show changed their lives forever. “I never thought in a million years that I would spend my days living on a farm and have three children,” Jo says. “But now, I just couldn’t live back in the city; there’s no way I could adjust back to city living. “It’s just such a…

Californian woman Allena Hansen, then 56, was working on her isolated property in the Sequoia Mountains in 2008 when she spotted a huge black bear about three metres away. The single mother barely had moments to register the nearly 70kg animal before it pounced, knocking her out. Allena came to with the bear trying to chew her face off, mauling her as she curled up in the fetal position. “The horror of the situation was just overwhelming, and it hurt, obviously, like hell. I didn’t really have a plan of attack. I was just numb …,” Allena told the podcast How I Survived. Allena jammed her thumb in the bear’s eye and called for her two dogs, an English mastiff and an Irish wolfhound. They bounded over just as she…

Meatball Pasta Bake Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 30 mins 2 slices white bread, crusts removed ¹/³ cup milk 300g beef mince 2 tsps reduced-salt, all-purpose seasoning 250g penne pasta 1 tblsp olive oil 2 x 400g jars tomato pasta sauce 2 cups baby spinach leaves (80g) 1½ cups grated pizza cheese 1 Place bread in a medium bowl. Pour over milk. Stand for 5 minutes to soak. Mash with a fork to combine. 2 Place beef in a large bowl. Add bread mixture with seasoning. Mix well with your hands. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls. 3 Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted w-ater for 5 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well. Return to pan. 4 Heat oil in a large, deep frying pan…

Chocolate Sticky Date Cake with Butterscotch Sauce Serves 8, Prep and Cook: 1 hour, 30 mins 1 ½ cups pitted dates, chopped (250g) ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda 100g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 eggs, at room temperature 1 cup self-raising flour ¼ cup cocoa powder 100g dark cooking chocolate, coarsely chopped Whipped cream, to serve BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 300ml carton pure cream 125g unsalted butter, chopped 1 Grease a 20cm round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 2 Heat dates and 1½ cups water in a large saucepan over a high heat until boiling. Remove pan from heat. Stir in soda. Cool. Process in a›food processor until…

Recent playground and play centre closures have led young families to consider adding some play equipment to their own patch of grass. Bunnings outdoor play buyer Katrina Gatt shares her advice on what fun equipment is on offer for all kinds of backyards and budgets. SIZE MATTERS Whether you’re considering a play set with all the bells and whistles or just a humble sandpit, Katrina says your first consideration is how much outdoor space you have available for play equipment  - particularly if it’s going to be a long-term fixture. “The size of your backyard is the main factor when choosing the best outdoor play equipment for your space,” says Katrina. “But don’t be deterred if your outdoor area is small or a concrete surface. Rubber pavers can be added…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 You will need to go that extra mile to cope with surging family, domestic and workplace undertakings. A few personal sacrifices may be necessary. Fun outings and get-togethers will bring fresh light-hearted experiences; you’ll enjoy meeting new people and happy times with friends. A favourite interest or pursuit will expand; there’ll be so much to learn and tempting possibilities to embrace. LUCKY NUMBERS: 4, 14, 40 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A bold personal project will be a real hands-on learning experience but helpful associates will guide you through any complex decisions. A getaway may present some practical difficulties, and a discovery will point the way with a changing long-distance relationship. A family matter or domestic undertaking will grow exponentially; there’ll be a…

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. WALLS THAT TALK Have you heard of the stone tape theory? It’s the idea that extreme human emotions can be recorded onto materials such as stone and bricks, where they’re stored until circumstances are ripe for them to be ‘replayed’. The building is said to remember what happened in it. Of course, certain buildings see more trauma than others; think of jails, hospitals and police stations. Virginia knows all about the latter. Today, the…

If the no-nonsense Amber looks familiar to viewers, it’s not surprising. Her portrayer is none other than talented TV actress Maddy Jevic, who starred as Brianna Wheeler in hit comedy series Upper Middle Bogan and as Nurse Lee Radcliffe in gritty prison drama Wentworth. And the gorgeous star couldn’t be more thrilled to be moving into the Bay as Amber. “Amber is funny and tough, but she’s kind,” says Maddy, adding: “Everyone in the cast is so loving and giving – they’ve all been really welcoming to me.”…

Former on and off-screen lovers Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling are being pitched to reunite in a sexy thriller – but not if Eva Mendes has anything to do with it! The Murder by Numbers co-stars dated for about two years in the early 2000s and “have nothing but fond memories of their relationship”, tells a source. “They’re both happy in their current relationships, but Eva’s still not prepared to take any chances. Eva knows Sandra was the only woman Ryan nearly married and the last thing she wants is him and her sexing it up in one of her big box office movies.”…