Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 39, 2024 i New Idea

We always love catching up with the inimitable Paula Duncan, legend of the Aussie small screen. In our latest chat on page 34, she revealed to New Idea entertainment writer Celia that she’s keen to get into more comedy roles off the back of her iconic Spray n’ Wipe commercial. As a huge fan of that advertisement – and Paula’s impressive body of other work – allow me to personally petition for more Paula Duncan on our tellies! Meanwhile, I recently gave my husband a new Esky for his birthday, and we’ve since been hoping to take it out for its maiden picnic. While the Sydney weekend weather isn’t exactly helping us in this pursuit, it has given me more time to plan the perfect spring…

Margot Robbie and fellow Aussie Jacob Elordi have been cast in a new movie adaptation of Emily Brontë classic book Wuthering Heights. . Margot, 34, will portray Catherine Earnshaw, with Jacob, 27, as her lover, Heathcliff. However, Brontë fans instantly criticised their suitability – questioning everything from their ages and appearances to their acting abilities. “Margot, while brilliant, is just too old for Cathy,” wrote one online, while others said the book’s description of Heathcliff being “dark-skinned” appears to have been ignored.…

Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary could be giving up his NRL career in order to be closer to his UK-based girlfriend Mary Fowler. As the Aussie sporting couple’s relationship solidifies, last week reports emerged that Nathan, 26, may switch to the UK Super League. When she’s not playing for the Matildas, 21-year-old Mary lives in England and is contracted to Manchester City. The reports come off the back of Nathan’s admission to The Mirror that he was “open” to playing in the UK, saying: “I’m not against it.” However, both his manager and the Panthers CEO quickly denied a move was imminent.…

As Hollywood once again uses her family’s most shameful scandal for entertainment purposes, an emotional Princess Beatrice is saying ‘enough’. While the royal loves her father, the Duke of York, dearly, sources say Bea has made the decision to distance herself from him – both publicly and privately. “Beatrice has gone to hell and back over her dad’s situation,” an insider tells New Idea. “This latest TV show is just beyond awful, and Beatrice needs to take some time away from the ongoing circus. “Now that she’s a mother – and hoping to expand her family – she is desperate to move on from this nightmare.” In early September, Prime Video released A Very Royal Scandal, a three-part drama series depicting Prince Andrew’s 2019 BBC interview with Newsnight journalist Emily…

George Clooney and Brad Pitt seemed to be thick as thieves on the promo tour for their new film, Wolfs. But behind the scenes, New Idea hears that George, 63, is quietly pleased their duties are now over, after Brad, 60, reportedly got a little too close to George’s glamorous wife, Amal! An insider spills that Brad “went over the top trying to get in Amal’s good graces” – and that “it was kind of embarrassing and annoyed George no end”. The once tight-knit Ocean’s Eleven co-stars were rumoured to have fallen out in recent years, as evidenced by Brad’s no-show at the Clooneys’ 2014 wedding. Previous reports suggested he and George had recently attempted to repair their bromance, but our source says Brad’s antics swiftly put a halt to…

Melbourne’s horrific Easey Street murders went unsolved for decades. During that time, Victorian detectives kept promising Gayle Armstrong, the sister of victim Suzanne Armstrong, that they would one day “knock on her door” with answers. That day finally came on September 19 when authorities arrested Australian-Greek man Perry Kouroumblis for the 1977 murders of Suzanne, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27. “It’s unbelievable,” Gayle told 9News. “But I knew it would happen one day.” Veteran journalist Helen Thomas, who has followed the case from the beginning, tells New Idea the arrest couldn’t come soon enough. “To think this development could happen nearly half a century after the terrible murders is a testament to the determination and dedication of Victoria’s Homicide Squad,” she says. “[It’s also] a testament to the resilience of…

Dearest gentle reader, it is with great pleasure that we share with you the first photos from the set of the fourth season of Bridgerton. Filming recently got underway in South London on the anticipated next instalment of the hit Regency drama, where an Aussie actress was seen taking centre stage as the Ton’s new diamond. Indeed, Sydney-born Yerin Ha has joined the cast of the show, landing the coveted part of Sophie Baek, who becomes Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) love interest. The new season is based on the third book in Julia Quinn’s series, An Offer from a Gentleman, and Yerin, 29, and Luke, 36, appeared to be filming scenes from Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball, a key event in the novel. It’s here that their characters meet for the…

Chipotle Chicken Chimichangas SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 30 MINS ■ 1 large red capsicum, thinly sliced ■ 3½ cups shredded roast chicken (500g) ■ 2 tsps chipotle seasoning ■ ¾ cup smoky chipotle salsa ■ 4 jumbo flour tortillas (25cm) ■ 1¹⁄³ cups grated Mexican cheese ■ 200g Solanato tomatoes, halved ■ ½ cup fresh coriander leaves ■ Chipotle mayonnaise, to serve 1 Pull out pan and basket from a 7-litre air fryer. Line base of basket with baking paper. 2 Add capsicum to basket. Spray with olive oil. Slide pan and basket back into air fryer. Set temperature to 200C. Set timer and cook for 5 minutes, until tender and starting to blacken. 3 Combine chicken and seasoning in a large bowl. Scatter chicken over capsicum in…

Chilli Basil Beef Noodles SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 30 MINS ■ 200g packet Pad Thai rice noodles ■ 2 tblsps fish sauce ■ 2 tblsps oyster sauce ■ 2 tsps sambal oelek ■ 1 tblsp brown sugar ■ 500g beef rump steak, trimmed, very thinly sliced ■ 2 tblsps vegetable oil ■ 1 onion, cut into thin wedges ■ 1 large carrot (175g), peeled, halved lengthways, thinly sliced diagonally ■ 250g green beans, trimmed, halved diagonally ■ 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves (25g) ■ 1 tblsp lime juice, plus lime wedges, to serve 1 Place noodles in a large heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Stand for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to separate noodles, until tender. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well. 2…

Following a brief break, Simon Baker appears to have rekindled his romance with his younger girlfriend, Bridgette Clark. The 55-year-old Boy Swallows Universe star was spotted out and about in Sydney’s Tamarama with Bridgette. At 30, Bridgette is several months younger than Simon’s own daughter Stella, who turned 31 in August. After first being linked in November 2022, Simon and Bridgette were snapped enjoying a cosy Easter together with Simon’s sons, Claude, 25, and Harry, 23, in Byron Bay, NSW last year. However, by mid-year, things had cooled, and they parted ways for several months, before reuniting this month. Bridgette, a Sydney-based fashion and lifestyle photographer, and founder and creative director of clothing brand Terry, looks to be putting a smile back on Simon’s face after a tough few months.…

ABBA band member Björn Ulvaeus is once again off the market after marrying Christina Sas in a picturesque outdoor ceremony in Copenhagen, Denmark. Bjorn, 79, and Christina, 51, said ‘I do’ in front of their close friends and family, after two years of dating. Interestingly, the celebrant was Danish-British comedian Sandi Toksvig, best known as the former co-presenter of The Great British Bake Off. Björn later said having Sandi, 66, officiate made the day “extra special”. The wedding comes after Bjorn’s second marriage to Lena Kallersjö ended in 2022 after more than 40 years. The exes share two daughters. Prior to that, the Swedish musician was famously married to his ABBA bandmate Agnetha Fältskog for nine years. They had two children and were divorced in 1980. AGNETHA WAS NO. 1…

When the Duke of Sussex jetted into London over the weekend, he was starkly reminded that he was, once again, going home alone. Prince Harry, 40, had just spent a week in New York City without the Duchess of Sussex and their two children, which prompted more UK media speculation that all is not well in the couple’s six-year marriage. And returning to the UK – where his father, King Charles, is being treated for cancer – to attend a charity event was a reality check for just how messy Harry’s life has become. It would have been the perfect time to bring Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, to spend time with their grandfather, and yet Harry insisted on coming solo. It’s a situation largely of his own…

Singer LeAnn Rimes knows you can’t fight the moonlight, but she also knows that you can’t stop the heart from wanting what it wants. The Voice Australia coach, 42, has opened up about her headline-making marriage to Eddie Cibrian in a new interview, reiterating she has no regrets about the scandal that surrounded their initial romance. “For sure,” LeAnn told Fabulous magazine when asked if it was all worth it. “Obviously there was purpose [to how we got together]. We have a great life.” LeAnn met Eddie, 51, in November 2008 on the set of the TV movie Northern Lights. Both were married at the time, but rumours soon swirled that they might be getting cosy. Eddie denied any cheating in March 2009, insisting he remained faithful to his…

Kylie Minogue is spinning around with giddiness after Lenny Kravitz put the moves on her at the recent Singapore Grand Prix, and a source tells New Idea that romance could next be on the cards for the former flames. “Right now, they’re both unattached, so of course sparks were flying in Singapore,” our insider confirms. Video footage taken outside the Ferrari garage, which was shared by Kylie on social media, captured the intimate moment when the Aussie singer, 56, leapt into Lenny’s arms. She wrote the caption: “Love love love @lennykravitz”, to which he replied: “love love love you Kylie.” “You could see how genuinely thrilled they were to see each other,” says our insider. “She literally ran into his arms, just like old times.” ‘They were thrilled to see…

Only in New Idea It’s no secret that John Travolta has long had an affinity for Australia. But according to our sources, he likes it so much, he’s now looking to quit the US for a new life on our sunny shores. The 70-year-old is said to be tired of the way he is treated in Hollywood. And as such, he has set his sights on reinventing himself in his home away from home of Australia, where he’s always felt welcomed, admired and appreciated. “These days in LA, John barely gets recognised. But it’s a completely different story in Australia, where it’s like Grease or Pulp Fiction came out yesterday,” a longtime family friend exclusively tells New Idea. “He loves that there’s this whole country where he has been consistently…

She’s graced our screens since the ’70s – and Paula Duncan is ready for more. Always living life to the fullest, Paula is adamant that her age (72, if you’re wondering) will never stop her from doing anything. “Most people at my age don’t do all the things that I do,” she says. “They settle back and go to coffee twice a week, have a game of tennis, and enjoy their grandchildren. But I’m a bit the opposite to that, with a lot going on.” New Idea managed to get some time with Paula as she was in the middle of preparing for a speech at the University of New South Wales. We’re chatting regarding her role as an ambassador for the recently-held Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. The…

LASTING LASHES A hard-working mascara is essential when you’re exercising. Choose either a waterproof formula to keep everything in place or a tubing formula that only requires water to remove it at the end of the day. TRUST A TINT For natural coverage during your workout, opt for a buildable skin tint. The best at letting your skin breathe, they contain all the good ingredients for a hydrated complexion. *Always read the label and follow the directions for use. FLUSH CHEEKS There’s nothing like a little extra blush. For a look that lasts, go for waterproof options in powder or cream formulas, in warm colours to suit your complexion. By Holly Hampton-Thayers. SHOW LIPS LOVE It can be easy to forget to pop a lip balm in your gym bag,…

Q Should I continue to build my online copywriting business or take up studies to become a counsellor? I’m semiretired (after working most of my life in the media) and am quite comfortably off, so I’m looking for something that’s satisfying rather than just profitable. – MARG, BRONTE, NSW. A What a lovely position to be in. Your chart shows a great deal of community involvement over the next few years, so I’m wondering if there might be a charity that would benefit from your help and expertise? Your communication skills look impressive, so I’m sure your experience would come in handy. Regarding studying, your chart looks restless over the next few years, so flexibility is crucial – you might prefer to study online or learn through real-life experience? Q…

Gina Chick is a woman of many talents – and surviving 67 days in the Tasmanian wilderness to win SBS’s reality show Alone Australia a is just one of them! She’s also an in-demand public speaker, the co-host of Great Australian Walks, a rewilding facilitator and now, a published author. Gina’s new memoir, We Are the Stars, chronicles her story thus far and is, she says, about her unquenchable “love of life”. “I’ve had a really wild life – like [I’ve lived] seven different lives in one,” she tells New Idea. With writing in her blood – both her mum and grandmother are bestselling authors – Gina, 54, adds that she’s “always had the writing bug”. But it was after the tragic death of her three-year-old daughter Blaise in…

King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark are keeping a close eye on Queen Margrethe as she recovers from a nasty fall. The 84-year-old, who abdicated earlier this year, was hospitalised recently following a tumble, which resulted in “damage around the neck vertebrae as well as a fracture of the left hand”, the palace confirmed. An official statement explained the former monarch will “be in recovery for a longer period of time” and that she’ll wear a plaster cast on her hand and a “stiff neck collar” over the coming months. New Idea’s insider says Mary, 52, and Fred, 56, are “understandably concerned” – particularly “given the age of Margrethe. But she’s a trouper so hopefully she’s back on royal duties before too long!” Queen Mary also gave an update…

Olivia Munn and John Mulaney are in a baby bubble after welcoming daughter Méi June. The pair shared the happy news on Instagram, with the actress, 44, declaring that her heart has “exploded”. In 2023, Olivia was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that led to her getting a hysterectomy. So she and John, 42, turned to a gestational surrogate to help them expand their family. Olivia had frozen her eggs after her diagnosis. “I had so many profound emotions about not being able to carry my daughter … [my surrogate] showed me so much grace and understanding,” Olivia said. “I knew I had found a real-life angel. Words cannot express my gratitude that she kept our baby safe for 9 months and made our dreams come true.”…

IT’S THE BLOCK & THE BEAUTIFUL! It’s won six Logies for Most Popular Reality Program over the years, but in 2025, fans might switch things up and vote for The Block in the Most Popular Drama category instead! Fed-up viewers have taken to social media to vent their frustration at how much the long-running renovation series has seemingly turned into a “soap opera” this season. “It’s basically become Days of Our Lives,” wrote one annoyed viewer recently. The Block’s milestone 20th season certainly has been filled with many melodramatic moments – from arguments with tradies to teams quitting, wild parties and even a rumoured marriage breakdown! However, really tipping fans over the edge were the recent events that saw Kylie recruiting fellow Blockhead Haydn’s wife, Chelsea, to dig up…

Angelina Jolie recently made the revelation that she got matching tattoos with her teenage daughter Vivienne! The 49-year-old actress and Viv, 16, got the identical ink to commemorate their time working together on the Broadway musical The Outsiders. Ange told CR Fashion Book they chose the phrase ‘Stay Gold’, in reference to a song from the show and the final words spoken by a character. She added: “It means so much to us separately and together.” Angelina’s decision to allow her underage daughter to get inked has raised eyebrows. New York and California law requires a person be at least 18 in order to legally get a tattoo, regardless of parental consent.…

Dannii Minogue might prefer to fly under the radar with her handsome boyfriend, but love is still very much in the air for the low-key couple. The pair recently headed off on a holiday to celebrate their milestone 10-year anniversary. Dannii, 52, and Adrian Newman were seen checking in at Sydney Airport accompanied by her teenage son Ethan, whom she shares with ex-partner Kris Smith. Earlier this year, Dannii opened up about her “great” long-term relationship with Adrian, an Aussie songwriter. She confirmed she prefers to keep their romance out of the spotlight. But when asked about the prospect of eventually tying the knot, Dannii told Hello!: : “Marriage isn’t on the cards, but we’re just enjoying growing up together and spending time.” Meanwhile, the recent sighting also gave fans…

OUTBACK CRYSTAL HUNTERS Premieres Mon. 8.30pm on 7mate and 7plus Patrick Gundersen has spent more than half of his life digging through red dirt, hunting for rare crystals. But even Patrick, dubbed ‘the godfather of crystal hunting’, got the shock of his life when he recently rescue dog Kelsey, Patrick says he was astounded by the sheer beauty of the million-dollar discovery. “I’ve had many incredible finds, but this is by far the biggest so far,” Patrick, 50, tells New Idea. “The biggest challenge stumbled across a 21-tonne amethyst cluster on a mine site in Pilbara, WA. ‘When you have a find you are in awe’ Accompanied by his gem-prospecting partner Kirsty McMullan and their will be loading it on to a semi-trailer in 40-degree heat without breaking its fragile…

When Margaret diagnosed with breast cancer. and Aisling Despite the stress their illness Cunningham brought, that the sisters were decided to go going through it together into business together, the had many “silver linings”. sisters had no idea it would “I had my biopsy on one help them through one of the floor of the hospital while toughest times of their lives. Mags was on another floor The pair began creating getting chemo,” Aisling recalls. their relaxing self-warming “We knew what the other was eye masks after Margaret going through, so we didn’t saw some in Japan and feel alone in the experience.” became inspired. But Margaret adds: “We could right in the middle of the really support each other sample-making process through everything. We live in 2020, Margaret was…

Fruity tablecloth WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • 4.6m ‘Vintage Orange’ cotton slub fabric • Matching thread • Scissors • Sewing machine • Iron INSTRUCTIONS: Step 1: Cut your fabric into two rectangles measuring 1.5m x 2.3m. Step 2: Place the two pieces right sides together and pin, ensuring that the edges meet neatly on all sides. Step 3: Using a 1cm seam allowance, stitch all the way around the edges, leaving a 20cm turning hole. Step 4: Trim the corners so that they sit neatly after turning. Step 5: Turn the table cloth right sides out using your turning hole. Work seams flat and press. Step 6: Close your turning hole with a slip stitch. Step 7: Add a top stitch all around the outside of your…

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