Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 36, 2025 i New Idea

From stars wowing on the red carpet (page 84), to potentially rowing on the red carpet (page 32), this issue has it all! If you’ve ever been left out of a plan in your friendship group, you’ll know how it feels for Alicia on The Block this week (page 16). Talk about drama! (Do we expect anything less?!) We were lucky to pin down the Chasers for an exclusive interview to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their quiz show (page 34) – find out how long they thought it would last when they signed up, and who’s the worst behaved! Need inspiration for your air fryer? We’ve got you covered from page 38. For even more juicy gossip from the stars, royal news and delicious recipes, head to our website…

Sharon Strzelecki is always positive – and so too is her alter ego, actress and comedian Magda Szubanski. The 64-year-old recently gave her fans an update on her health, after being diagnosed with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma in May. The Kath & Kim star posted a video on Instagram last week, in response to a young girl who dressed up as Sharon for Book Week. “I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up,” Magda said. “Chemo is smacking me around right now.” Magda is currently undergoing treatment in Melbourne for the rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Following her latest message, fans, including Nigella Lawson, rushed to wish Magda well. “Sending all the love in the world to you, Magda darling,” wrote the celebrity cook.…

Now that the Blind Auditions on The Voice are over, the real competition can begin. And it looks like one coach could have an ace to play when it comes to winning. As Richard Marx exclusively reveals to New Idea, his Hollywood megastar pal Hugh Jackman could make a surprise appearance as his celebrity mentor! “He’s one of my closest friends,” Richard tells us. “I mean, he’s like a brother. So yeah, any opportunity for Hugh to be a part of anything I’m doing, especially on a show like The Voice, would be very welcome.” Hugh, 56, and Richard, 61, have been friends for more than two decades. They first collaborated in 2004 when Hugh was planning a jazz-style album, but the project didn’t get off the ground due to…

AUGUST 27: VISITING FRIENDS Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel might have once insisted “we are totally different people”, but the sisters have always been on the same page when it came to their shared hope of starting a family. “We are going to be mums one day,” the pair vowed in a joint interview more than a decade ago. “We don’t want to talk about how it’s going to work yet.” Fast-forward to today, and speculation is rife that Abby and Brittany have indeed found a way to make their dream come true. On numerous occasions over the last few weeks, the 35-year-old twins have been spotted running errands near their Minnesota home, toting a newborn child in a baby carriage. Abby’s husband Josh Bowling, who she secretly wed…

When Bernard Curry was first asked to take part in the new season of The Amazing Race: Celebrity Edition, he immediately knew he wanted to team up with his younger brother, and fellow actor, Stephen. But, in true sibling style, it took some strong-arming to get The Castle star to agree! “I’ve floated doing a show like this with him before and he’s said no,” Bernard, 51, shares ahead of the show’s return this week. “But when we were approached for this, I felt like this was probably the one show that Stephen might actually say yes to.” While the chance to win $100,000 for One in Five, a charity that supports mental health research, ultimately outweighed his reluctance, Stephen, 49, says there were some valid reasons behind his initial…

Only in New Idea The fall off stage, tumbling several metres backwards onto concrete, could easily have killed Leo Sayer. In horrific pain and with his body locking up, the pint-sized singer had to cancel a US show and seek help from Elvis Presley’s physiotherapist. Fast forward to today, almost 50 years later, and the injury still troubles Leo. “Every now and then [the knee] plays up and doesn’t want to work,” says the Grammy Award-winning star. But it would take more than a partial kneecap replacement to stop Leo performing. “If you live to be 77, like me, you will go through some strange things,” says Leo, who is about to go on the road again. “There have been quite a few setbacks and things weren’t always easy. I’ve…

Sandie Gillard has spent most of her life caring for creatures in need. Miraculously, when a freak accident left her unconscious four years ago, it was one of Sandie’s feathered friends who came to the rescue. Jellybean, a magpie whom Sandie had nursed back to health as a chick some years earlier, swooped in, frantically pecking, squawking, and nudging at her. “I woke to a gentle tapping on my forehead and a purring sound,” Sandie tells New Idea. “When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see Jellybean, who I’d released a few years earlier. “A surgeon later told me that if I hadn’t woken up at that point, I wouldn’t be here today.” Although Sandie, 72, has no recollection of the fall, she plunged nearly three metres from…

Choc Almond Meringue Pie SERVES 12 PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ 1½ x 250g packets Nice biscuits ■ ⅓ cup toasted flaked almonds, plus extra to decorate ■ 225g butter, melted FILLING ■ 2 x 180g blocks dark cooking chocolate, chopped ■ 4 egg yolks ■ 300ml tub thickened cream MERINGUE ■ 4 egg whites ■ 1 cup caster sugar ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 Lightly grease a 24cm round x 5½cm deep, loose-base flan tin (base measures 22cm). 2 Process biscuits and almonds in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press mixture firmly over base and side of tin. Refrigerate. 3 FILLING Place chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted. Remove the…

The curtain may be closing on the Downton Abbey movie trilogy, but Michelle Dockery is walking away with nothing but happy memories – namely because she finally got to play Lady Mary Crawley without a corset! The original TV series began in the year 1912. But for the third movie, titled Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the action has progressed to the 1930s. “What [Mary] wears is a lot more comfortable now, than when we were in the Edwardian period. I don’t miss the corsets,” Michelle tells New Idea. This new film again places Lady Mary at the centre of another public scandal. As the Crawleys also face financial troubles, the threat of social disgrace looms over the entire household. Here, Michelle, 43, opens up about her last day…

1 Which UK singer had a hit with ‘Delilah’ in 1968? A) Cliff Richard B) Rod Stewart C) Engelbert Humperdinck D) Tom Jones 2 What was the first product made by fashion house Louis Vuitton? A) Dresses B) Shoes C) Luggage D) Watches 3 Which New Zealand actor played Aquaman’s father in the DC Comics’ filmAquaman? A) Karl Urban B) Temuera Morrison C) Cliff Curtis D) Sam Neill 4 Who was the first member of the original Hi-5 line-up to depart the children’s musical group?  A) Charli Robinson  B) Tim Harding  C) Kathleen de Leon  D) Kellie Crawford 5 Which animal did the Australian military ‘lose’ a war against in 1932?  A) Dingoes  B) Emus  C) Feral cats  D) Kangaroos 6 What is the nickname of Australia’s first-ever Golden Bachelor, Barry Myrden?…

Following her Summer Carnival and Trustfall tours wrapping up at the end of 2024, Pink has maintained a low profile for most of this year. But the singer was spotted on the streets of New York City last week, and an eagle-eyed fan noticed she wasn’t wearing her wedding or engagement rings. The 46-year-old mum of two has been married to motocross racer Carey Hart for 19 years. “She definitely wasn’t wearing her rings and she seemed preoccupied,” an onlooker told New Idea. Over the years, Pink’s occasionally been seen without her distinctive, custom-designed rings. Both her and Carey’s wedding bands are engraved with the phrase “til death”. After tying the knot in January 2006, Pink and Carey famously filed for divorce in 2008 before reuniting as a couple in…

Beyoncé once catchily sang “if you like it then you should’ve put a ring on it” – and actor Bradley Cooper should take note! New Idea hears the actor, 50, is dragging his feet when it comes to proposing to his supermodel girlfriend Gigi Hadid, 30. So why the delay? “Bradley’s terrified of marriage,” a Hollywood insider tells New Idea. “He has an idealistic view of his parents’ marriage, which was rock-solid up until his dad’s death in 2011, so it’s hard for him to take the leap.” While our source adds that Gigi is prepared to wait – for now – her mother, Yolanda, isn’t so patient. “She can see how much Gigi adores Bradley and she wants to see her girl happy and secure – sooner rather than…

The Duke of Sussex has made no secret of the fact that he would like to reconcile with the royal family. He specifically said as much in a BBC interview this May, when he readily admitted he would “love” to make peace. Now the best opportunity in almost two years for that to happen is here. Prince Harry has landed in London this week to attend the WellChild Awards on September 8. Harry has long been a patron of the charity for seriously ill children in the UK. That poignant date happens to be the third anniversary of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II’s, death. With King Charles back at work, following his summer break in Balmoral, Scotland, the path is clear for father and son to meet in person –…

Typically, an awards show is a great chance for the cast of a nominated film or television series to reunite and toast their success. But next week’s Emmy Awards are shaping up to be quite the battleground where stars of The White Lotus are concerned. An insider exclusively tells New Idea there is still “a ton of bad blood and rivalry” among some of the hit series’ Season 3 cast, which is making matters “quite stressful” for those attending the Emmys on September 15. In particular, tensions between Leslie Bibb, Parker Posey and Carrie Coon are overshadowing things. Carrie and Parker, 56, are facing off against each other in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series category. Fellow cast members Natasha Rothwell and Aimee Lou Wood are also nominated…

Roasted Chickpea Haloumi Salad with Hot Honey Dressing SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ 420g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed ■ 2 tbsp olive oil ■ 2 tsp smoked paprika ■ 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, halved ■ 225g haloumi, drained, cut into 2cm cubes ■ ¾ cup chopped fresh coriander leaves ■ 120g baby spinach and rocket HOT HONEY DRESSING ■ ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ■ 1 tbsp honey ■ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar ■ 1 small clove garlic, crushed ■ 1 tsp Dijon mustard ■ Pinch dried chilli flakes 1 DRESSING Whisk ingredients in a small jug. Season with salt and pepper. 2 Combine chickpeas in a bowl with 1 tbsp oil and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. 3 Line a…

Marshmallow Fudge Sauce MAKES 1½ CUPS PREP & COOK 5 MINS ■ 280g packet marshmallows ■ ¼ cup cocoa powder ■ ¼ cup milk 1 Place marshmallows in a large, heatproof bowl. Sift over cocoa powder. Add milk. 2 Microwave on High, stirring every 30 secs, for about 1½ mins, or until marshmallows are melted and sauce is thickened. 3 Stand for 2 mins before serving. TIP Sauce will keep for one week in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave to serve. Strawberry Sauce MAKES 1¾ CUPS PREP & COOK 15 MINS ■ ½ cup caster sugar ■ 2 x 250g punnets strawberries, sliced 1 Place sugar and ½ cup water in a medium saucepan. Stir over a low heat until sugar is dissolved. Add strawberries.…

EDITORIAL Acting Editorial Director Rachel Williams, Deputy Editor Leigh Credlin, Art Director Katie Garside, Picture Editor Matthew Mackay ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Anna Quinn, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Director of Marketing Carly Bowra Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. New Idea is a registered trade mark of Are Media. Use of trademark strictly prohibited. Licensing Inquiries: www.contentshop.com.au / syndication@aremedia.com.au Printed by…

Robert Irwin, who’s about to debut on the US version of Dancing with the Stars, is not the only one doing a hot shoe shuffle right now. His entire family are on the move! Big sister Bindi revealed in an Instagram post that the Irwin clan, including mum Terri, husband Chandler Powell, and daughter Grace, have all upped sticks and relocated to LA! “I wanted to share a life update with you,” Bindi, 27, wrote. “We have officially moved to Los Angeles.” Bindi was quick to add: “Australia Zoo will always be home – but we are here to support my incredible brother on DWTS.” No doubt Robert, 21, will appreciate the support, especially since Bindi took home the Mirrorball Trophy when she won DWTS in the US in 2015,…

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson’s red carpet flirt-fest during the recent The Naked Gun promo tour ignited talk they were an item. Fans were thrilled, especially because Liam has been publicly single ever since his wife, Natasha Richardson, tragically died in a skiing accident in 2009. But that bubble has now been burst, because last week a source told Page Six that, while Pam, 58, and Liam, 73, undeniably had “chemistry”, they “never came to be anything more”. Shortly after that report emerged, Hollywood gossip website TMZ threw petrol on the fire by alleging that Pam and Liam’s ‘romance’ never existed and it was merely a PR stunt to promote their movie. “There’s no suggestion that’s the case,” New Idea’s own source adds. “But fans did hope they were for…

Elvis Presley fans were left all shook up last week after the late King’s granddaughter, actress Riley Keough, was spotted at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport holding a baby! Riley, 36, and her Aussie stuntman husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, are already parents to a three-year-old daughter named Tupelo. She was also seen with Riley and Ben. The little girl’s name is a moving tribute to her great-grandfather Elvis, who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Riley, who was in Italy to promote her new movie Jay Kelly at the Venice International Film Festival, has not yet confirmed the birth of a second child. “But they all looked like one big happy family together,” an onlooker told New Idea. Riley is the eldest of the late Lisa Marie Presley’s four children. Tragically, Lisa Marie…

It looks like Peter Phillips isn’t the only royal cousin heading down the aisle. Mere weeks after Peter announced his engagement to nurse Harriet Sperling, speculation is rife that Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor could soon be following suit! Sources exclusively tell New Idea that things are heating up with her rumoured boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, with many suspecting a proposal could be right around the corner. “This isn’t just some university romance,” one source says of the pair, who are both studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. “Louise and Felix are in a love bubble and can’t imagine life without each other. But all talk of an official engagement has been hushed up until after they graduate.” Felix, who spent some of his youth in Australia, was recently…

It definitely wasn’t love at first sight when Delma Earsman met Francis ‘Frank’ Murray 86 years ago. “His best mate lived next door and he was having a birthday party,” Delma, now 100, recalls. “I didn’t like him. He was too forward. My mum asked if I met anyone at the party and I said one boy but that I wasn’t keen on him.” But Frank freely admits he liked Delma as soon as he saw her. Despite breaking his leg not long after their first meeting in 1939, Frank kept hobbling along to dances and events on his crutches, hoping to catch Delma’s eye. “One time he offered to walk me home, which must have been a big effort on his part on crutches,” Delma tells New Idea. “He…

Pork Nasi Goreng SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 30 MINS ■ 450g packet family-size microwave basmati rice ■ 4 green onions ■ 4 eggs ■ 400g pork stir-fry strips ■ 2 medium red chillies, finely chopped, plus extra to serve ■ 4 cloves garlic, crushed ■ 1 tbsp fresh ginger paste ■ ½ x 185g jar Malaysian Nasi Goreng Rice Paste ■ 2 tbsp kecap manis (see tip) ■ Coriander leaves, sliced cucumber and tomato wedges, to serve 1 Heat rice according to packet directions for 2½ mins. 2 Thinly slice the onions diagonally, separating the white part and green tops. 3 Heat an oiled, large wok over a medium heat. Add eggs, two at a time. Cook for 2-3 mins, until whites are set and yolks are still soft.…

From sweet and spicy to fresh and floral, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a scent. And as the weather warms up, there’s nothing like a quick spritz of perfume to freshen up before heading out the door. Whether you’re looking for a new signature scent or wanting to experiment with fragrance layering, we’ve rounded up the best perfumes and body mists to have on your radar for the sunny season ahead. SWEET Enticing notes of vanilla and pink pepper are paired with cosy sandalwood for a deliciously creamy scent. PHLUR Vanilla Skin EDP 50ml, $171, mecca.com.au Rare Beauty’s debut scent has only just arrived on Aussie shores and is already a beauty staple! Warm, cosy notes of caramel, pistachio and sandalwood make this the perfect day…