Table of contents for Issue 49, 2022 in New Idea

Inspiring is the only word to describe Heather Lee. At 96, the champion racewalker and great-grandmother is proof age really is just a number as she gears up to compete in a marathon to raise money for charity. You can read all about it on page 14. Speaking of age, it seems Robert Irwin has found himself a girlfriend – and if that doesn’t make us feel old, we don’t know what will. Also in this issue, we catch up with Mr Sheffield himself, Charles Shaughnessy, who shares his joy at becoming a grandad for the first time. He also reveals whether or not he’s still in touch with his former The Nanny co-stars. Happy reading! newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

It was a roller-coaster romance that has officially come to an end … for now. Multiple sources have confirmed that Olivia Wilde, 38, and Harry Styles, 28, are “taking a break” after almost two years together. One insider says the pair have “different priorities” at the moment, but insists the decision was “very amicable”. Former One Direction member Harry is currently on a gruelling world tour, while Olivia is focusing on her kids, Otis, 8, and Daisy, 6, as well as her work in LA. The pair, who met on set of their film Don’t Worry Darling, have been the subject of intense scrutiny since day one of their relationship, with Harry’s fans in particular expressing concern about the 10-year age gap. Exactly when the pair began dating…

Like a fine wine, Heather Lee gets better with age. The 96-year-old has always been competitive, enjoyed a challenge and placed great importance on her health and fitness. “I’ve always led an active life and ran, played hockey, tennis and swam,” she tells New Idea. When Heather sadly lost her beloved husband Len, aged 81, to cancer, slowing down held no appeal for her. Instead, she went out and found a new hobby that has taken her all over Australia and led to her becoming a world-record holder. “Losing Len was hard,” Heather says sadly. “His last words to me were, ‘now it’s time to show your mettle.’” His words of encouragement to stay strong through the sorrow, motivated Heather, then 70, to join a local walking group to help…

Local stars Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) and Dee Bliss (Madeleine West) might have seemed to pull off the perfect comeback when made their respective returns to Ramsay Street after being killed off, but this time it’s Neighbours itself that is returning from the dead. Less than four months after the star-studded series finale featuring Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce aired, the Aussie soap has announced it’s coming back to screens. In a video shared to the show’s official Instagram page, ‘Heritage Four’ cast members Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy) and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) reprised their roles to reveal a new season is going into production, which will air next year. “We miss you and we can’t wait to see you…

Mango Blackberry Tiramisu SERVES 8-10 PREP 25 MINS ■ 1¼ cups mango juice, plus extra to serve ■ ¼ cup limoncello ■ 200g packet sponge finger biscuits ■ 1 large mango ■ 125g punnet blackberries MASCARPONE CREAM ■ 300ml tub thickened cream ■ ¼ cup icing sugar mixture ■ 2 tsps vanilla bean paste ■ 250g tub mascarpone cheese ■ ½ cup sour cream 1 To make mascarpone cream, beat cream, sugar and vanilla in small bowl of an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Transfer to a large bowl. Gently fold in mascarpone and sour cream until just combined. 2 Combine juice and limoncello in a jug. Reserve 2 tblsps for serving. 3 One at a time, dip half the biscuits in juice mixture until just soaked. Arrange over…

How do I know if my hair is healthy? What is hair porosity? When it comes to achieving the glossiest, most healthy curls, understanding our hair porosity is important as it identifies how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture. “The porosity of your hair affects how well oils and moisture pass in and out of the cuticle – the outer-most layer of your hair,” says Amanda Tua, founder and creative director at Amanda Tua Hair in Sydney. “Hair with high porosity can absorb the most moisture, but it’s unable to hold onto this moisture. When your hair has low or very little porosity, it can be hard to get moisture into your strands. However, when it does, it’s able to retain long-lasting moisture, which helps to keep it from…

Advice Dealing with garden pests What is citrus leafminer? A persistent garden pest that will come back yearly to lay its eggs on the leaves of your citrus trees, it is a nocturnal moth, with a wingspan of five millimetres. Once it has burrowed its way inside the leaf it’s tough to eradicate it, so when it comes to controlling these pests, prevention is the key. The good news is they won’t kill your tree and it will still produce fruit. But the damage can be dependent on how mature your citrus tree is. Kevin Parker, senior horticulturist at The Greenery Garden & Home says you can’t wait for the insect to appear before you act. “The biggest mistake people make is spraying too late in the season. We all…

From Nov 28-Dec 4 Stars Sagittarius NOV 23 – DEC 21 Hello summer! After months of uncertainty, a cloud that’s been hanging over your home or family is beginning to lift. Adding to the buzz, a generous gift might take you by surprise, while for singles, an unexpected invitation could get you dreaming. Wear something silver for luck! Lucky flowers: Tiger lilies Capricorn DEC 22 – JAN 20 If emotions are clouding a big decision, schedule in some downtime. Life’s simple pleasures will bring the greatest joy: cooking, gardening … or simply listening to music. Parents, if the kids have been a little distant of late, why not suggest a bedroom revamp or pot up some living gifts together? Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 19, 21,…

NEWS Over the last few years Brad Pitt’s real life has seen just as much drama as his onscreen characters. So when he was spotted letting his hair down in New York City last week, sources tell us no-one was surprised. “Brad might be all smiles on the red carpet, but behind closed doors he’s been a fed-up wreck,” a source says of the actor, 58, who was in the Big Apple promoting his new movie, Babylon. In particular, Brad’s ongoing custody battle with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over their children is said to have really taken a toll on him. “Brad knows he’s made mistakes, but at what point will he have to stop paying for that?” asks the source. “He was a very hands-on dad. He literally has a…

Showbiz’s most famous judge – aka Judy Sheindlin – has given a ruling on who should play her in the movie about her fascinating life. But her verdict has divided fans. In an interview with E! News, the eponymous star of Judge Judy revealed the role should go to Reese Witherspoon. Dubbing the Hollywood heavyweight a “fabulous lady”, Judy, 80, said: “We’re friends, and she gets me, and I know she does. And I think she’s a great actress … and I think that she could carry that off.” Reese, 46, certainly has the experience to play the courtroom queen after starring in the hit film Legally Blonde. The Big Little Lies actress is also no stranger to portraying strong real-life females. She won the Best Actress Oscar for playing…

TV scoop Just as Today host Karl Stefanovic was beginning to wind down after another tense 12 months in the breakfast TV wars, his former co-host, Lisa Wilkinson, was announcing her departure from The Project after five rather controversial years. Her sudden exit from Network Ten’s flagship current affairs program sent shock waves through the industry, prompting plenty of talk about just where she might pop up next. For now, Lisa, 62, says she’s remaining with Ten and “looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead”. However, even if the veteran journalist does decide to move on in the future, we’re told there’s “no chance” she’ll be welcomed back at Today as long as Karl, 48, is reigning supreme. It’s true Karl will be in need of a new co-host…

Local stars Young love is in the air … and crikey, it’s making us feel old! In news that will likely break the hearts of his many female fans, New Idea can exclusively reveal Robert Irwin has jumped into the dating pool – and he appears completely taken with his pretty plus one. On November 18, he was spotted out on a date with his rumoured new girlfriend. After a busy day working at Australia Zoo, the pair grabbed burgers and fries from a Grill’d restaurant. They then headed to a local beach to eat, with Robert, 18, pulling his sweetheart in for some snuggles as they watched the sun set. Aww! Not much is known about how Robert met his new flame, also 18, but it’s believed she is…

Local stars Trading his purple skivvy for a dapper three-piece green suit, Wiggle Lachy Gillespie couldn’t hide his joy as he finally made it official with long-term girlfriend Dana Stephensen. Exchanging vows in front of a floral archway featuring beautiful roses, the smitten newlyweds were joined at the altar by their 2-year-old twins, Lottie and Lulu, as well as Dana’s 7-year-old son Jasper. It was the second trip up the aisle for Lachy, who famously married his then-bandmate, Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins, in April 2016. The pair called it quits just two years later, with Lachy, 37, explaining “we were going different ways”. ‘Lachy and Dana are perfect together’ Proving there’s still lots of love between them, Emma, 33, congratulated her ex and his new bride on their nuptials after…

Crackling Pork Roast with Apricot Sauce SERVES 8 PREP & COOK 2 HOURS ■ 2.5kg rolled pork loin, rind scored at 1cm intervals (see Tip) ■ 1 tblsp sea salt flakes ■ 2 tblsps olive oil ■ Roasted potato and pumpkin, to serve APRICOT SAUCE ■ 1 small onion, finely chopped ■ 1 cup chicken stock ■ ½ cup apricot jam ■ 1 tblsp wholegrain mustard ■ 1 tblsp apple cider vinegar ■ 2 tsps soy sauce ■ 2 tsps thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs to serve 1 Pat dry pork with absorbent kitchen paper. Place on a rack over a tray. Refrigerate, uncovered overnight. 2 Next day, rub combined salt and oil over pork, making sure it penetrates scores in rind. Place on a roasting rack in a large…

Cherry Chocolate Biscuit Wreath SERVES 26 PREP 15 MINS ■ ²⁄³ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread ■ 100g cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ■ 2 tblsps icing sugar mixture ■ 26 Butternut Snap Cookies ■ 750g fresh cherries, pitted ■ Extra icing sugar mixture and ribbon bow, to decorate (optional) 1 Beat the chocolate spread, cream cheese and sugar in small bowl of an electric mixer until smooth. Spread 2 tsps of mixture over each cookie. 2 Arrange 15 cookies side-by-side in a 32cm circle on a serving plate. Repeat with remaining cookies around the inner edge, slightly overlapping the cookies on the outer edge. 3 Press the cherries into the chocolate mixture. Dust with some extra icing sugar. Decorate with a bow (optional). White Chocolate and Pistachio Cherries MAKES 48…

Doctor Ginni Advice GOT A HEALTH Q? DR MANSBERG’S GOT THE ANSWERS... Speaking personally, I would rather drink than eat my calories. I love a shiraz, pinot gris, love bubbles, and on the right day I am all over a vodka martini. Most of the time I stay well inside the guidelines set by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. In Australia, we recommend drinking no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. But what is a standard drink? It’s different depending on the type of alcohol. For spirits, it is generally a 30ml nip, for wine, it is 100ml. For beer, it depends on the strength, but a 375ml can or stubby contains…

How to give my place a festive makeover? Don’t forget YOUR FURRY FRIEND BEDROOM LIVING ROOM TIP Add a stocking embroidered with the name of each family member for a personal touch. BATHROOM TIP Add a seasonal scent for a festive touch. DINING ROOM…

Q What do my parents think of my life so far? I feel that someone above has been guiding my life. Could it be my ex-husband? – SANDRA A What a challenging time you have had in the past. Your loved ones in spirit are trying hard to assist you to find your peace. Your father is one of your biggest fans. He is telling me that you were his everything and he is sad that he didn’t get to spend more time with you. He wants you to know that he is so proud of your beautiful boys and what an amazing mother you are. He gets angry with your mum as she was jealous at times of the connection you and he had. Dad is standing with your…

Their musical prowess has taken the Bocellis all over the world, but the clan hold a special place in their heart for Oz. The family toured Down Under to perform a series of concerts in October and November. They were joined on stage by special guest stars Delta Goodrem, Silvia Colloca and Natalie Imbruglia. “It was my third time visiting the country,” Matteo tells New Idea. “I enjoy Australia very much as there is a very good quality of life to be enjoyed there. “It’s a precious land for its landscapes, beautiful nature, unique variety of species of animals and its warm and friendly people.” Currently the family don’t have any locked-in plans for their next Australian tour, but Matteo says: “I hope I can visit again soon.”…

EntertainmentBook of the week Arguably the early Christmas present that all Miss Phryne Fisher fans needed, Kerry Greenwood has just released her latest tale about the stylish sleuth. And while Murder in Williamstown might be her 23rd novel featuring the Miss Fisher, the author says there are still plenty more to come. “I doubt I will ever run out of ideas,” Kerry tells New Idea. “Phryne is a sort of female James Bond, only with better taste in clothes and lovers. We all wish we were Phryne. Women of all ages need positive role models.” If Kerry could ever trade places and spend a day walking in Phryne’s shoes, she knows exactly what she’d do. “I would sleep in till a thoroughly disgraceful hour, play, order cocktails from Mr Butler…

In a scene scarier than any movie, Denise Richards and husband Aaron Phypers were caught up in a terrifying road rage incident that ended in gunshots. According to reports, a motorist was travelling behind the pair and began shouting out the window as he overtook them, before firing a shot that struck the back driver’s side of their vehicle. A source says the mum of three, 51, was “unnerved” and in tears following the incident, but soldiered on to work a 12-hour day on the set of her new movie, A Walking Miracle.…

NEWS Guy Sebastian is breathing a huge sigh of relief after his former manager was handed a jail sentence for embezzling over half a million dollars from the Australian Idol winner. Following a drawn-out court case, a judge sentenced Titus Day to four years behind bars, and ordered him to pay back the $624,675 he stole from Guy, 41, in full. In a victim impact statement father-of-two Guy described his former friend’s betrayal as being like “a stab in the heart”. He began being managed by Titus in 2007. “Uncovering the depth of the lies from a man I considered a brother has forever changed my outlook in certain situations and my ability to trust in the innate goodness of people,” Guy elaborated. Titus, 49, was found guilty…

Royals When the British royals hosted their first state visit since the painful death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it was a given they’d dress to impress. But the battle to see who would take the crown as the family’s reigning queen of glamour took a nasty turn – and left the Princess of Wales fighting back tears. On November 22, Queen Consort Camilla showed up to the banquet welcoming South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in her late mother-in-law’s Belgian Sapphire Tiara. It was the first time she’s worn the dazzling diadem, and sources say she did everything she could in the lead-up to the important evening to ensure she wouldn’t be outshone. So while Camilla, 75, was dripping in new jewels that she’d raided from palace coffers, Kate,…

Local stars Bindi Irwin already has her hands full juggling raising her daughter, Grace, with running Australia Zoo – but it seems life’s about to get even more chaotic. The 24-year-old Wildlife Warrior wished husband Chandler Powell a happy 26th birthday on Instagram last week, and fans were quick to spot a telltale sign that suggests she’s pregnant again! Indeed, in the photos, Bindi appeared to strategically pose so her stomach was hidden by the cake. “Bindi and Chandler have been actively trying for their second child since the early spring and everyone’s convinced, they’ve already conceived,” says a source. “She seems to be making an obvious effort to cover up in photos of late … using everything from cakes to books and even Grace!” Chandler’s US-based family even flew…

Hollywood Crowned the King of Pop, Michael Jackson had been a household name since his childhood, when he and his siblings topped the charts as The Jackson 5. However, 20 years ago, Michael made an ill-thought decision that horrified the world, and irrevocably changed the public’s opinion of him, well before his reputation was tarnished by abuse allegations. On November 19, 2002, Michael stepped onto the fourth-floor balcony of his Berlin hotel and lifted his then 9-month-old baby over the metal railing. The child was Prince Michael Jackson II, now more widely known as ‘Blanket’, who Michael welcomed into the world that February via a surrogate. The pop star was already a dad of two, sharing son Michael ‘Prince’ Jr and daughter Paris with his ex-wife Debbie Rowe. In an…

Fran Fine Fran Drescher is working on a Broadway musical adaptation of The Nanny. Maggie Along with acting gigs, Nicholle Tom has tried her hand at being a YouTuber! Gracie Still acting, Madeline Zima recently appeared in Bombshell. Brighton Benjamin Salisbury now works for Universal Studios Hollywood. C.C. Lauren Lane has a successful career on stage. Sylvia Renée Taylor joined Fran’s new show Happily Divorced. Niles Daniel Davis, who played the Sheffields’ snarky butler, will return as James Moriarty in Star Trek: Picard next year.…

Layered Tex Mex Salad SERVES 8 PREP & COOK 35 MINS ■ 4 corn cobs, silk and husks removed ■ 2 avocados, peeled, chopped ■ ½ small red onion, finely chopped ■ 2 tblsps chopped fresh coriander ■ 1 tblsp lime juice ■ ½ large iceberg lettuce (350g), coarsely chopped ■ 400g can black beans, drained ■ 2 x 130g tubs roasted capsicum strips, drained (about 1 cup) ■ 2 Lebanese cucumbers, chopped ■ 1 cup grated Tasty cheese ■ Fresh coriander leaves and smoky chipotle seasoning, to serve DRESSING ■ ¹⁄³ cup olive oil ■ ¼ cup lime juice ■ 1 tblsp smoky chipotle seasoning ■ ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander 1 Heat an oiled, chargrill pan over a medium to high heat. Add corn. Cook, turning occasionally for…

INNOCENT WINES Innocent Bystander makes exceptional wines (without the pretension) from the finest grapes in the Yarra Valley. The valley floor produces flavours and aromas diverse and complex, creating unique wines that are seriously good, and perfect for sharing. Try the spectacular pinot noir or mouthwatering chardonnay. Available from Innocent Bystander. RRP $20-$25 a bottle. FOODIE TO FOLLOW: @amauryguichon While we’re used to seeing it in squares and bars, chocolate in phoenix form is far from an ordinary sight, which makes Amaury Guichon’s (@amauryguichon) feed one to follow. This master pastry chef crafts life-size chocolate designs, spanning from chameleons to robot arms (and of course phoenixes) that look almost too good to eat. Though these designs take the chocolatier days, skill and (we can only assume)…

Advice Dr Kate Adams EXPERT ADVICE FOR KEEPING YOUR FUR FRIEND HAPPY AND HEALTHY I’m often asked about the best and worst parts of being a vet. There’s lots of great parts, but the worst part is having to discuss the rehoming or euthanasia of a healthy pet after they’ve lunged at or bitten a child. Most dog bites in Australia happen to children under10 years and the majority are from either their own family dogs or a dog they know. Sadly, the overwhelming percentage of these bites are preventable. So how do you keep your children (and your dog) as safe as possible? 1 Know when to seek help: problematic dog behaviour should never be ignored. Your dog is likely very well behaved and can sit,…

COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a movie featuring Sadie Sink (4,3). Write this title on the coupon. $300 UP FOR GRABS! $2000 PRIZE TO SHARE! SUPER CROSS For a chance to win one of two prizes of $250, simply solve the crossword to reveal the name of a drama series featuring our pictured star (3,7) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. ACROSS 1 Cane sweetener (5)4 Hamish –, TV presenter (5)6 Road freight vehicle (5)9 Financial supporter (7)12 Unaccompanied (4)13 Room in the roof (5)14 Game played in an alley (6,7)15 North American buffalo (5)16 Festive charity event (4)17 Confess, admit responsibility (3,2)21 – Brand, country singer (4)23 Radioactive element (7)24…

Say what? After visiting her great-grandmother, who is 96 years old, my granddaughter Ruby, 6, asked her mum, “Who is older, Mum: Jesus or Nanny… Nanny?” Some of the things she says cracks us up. MARGARET WRIGHT, BAULKHAM HILLS, NSW. Made for TV It was lovely to be able to read about Matt and Kate Dalton’s family in my favourite show, Gogglebox. Millie and Holly are now young ladies and, like their mum and dad, are still as charming as ever. We look forward to the next seven years with this delightful family in Gogglebox. We may see them on Travel Guides some day too. Thanks, New Idea. MAV JANETZKI, HORSHAM, VIC. Send us a funny story about your children and family, a letter about an interesting piece you’ve read…

Entertainment THE WRONG SISTER by Fiona Palmer As she approaches 30, dedicated nurse Ellen suddenly gives up her career and family for the red dust and toil of an outback cattle station. But Ellen can’t run away from real life forever and soon a family camping trip forces her to face some heartbreaking hard truths about her past. OUT WED. MADLY, DEEPLY by Alan Rickman Spanning from 1993 to his sad death from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, the diary entries of the late Love Actually actor provide an insight into his extraordinary public and private lives. Reading it feels like sitting down with an old friend. OUT NOW ALL THAT’S LEFT UNSAID by Tracey Lien Returning home for the funeral of her brother, Ky learns…

1 What were the filmmakers originally going to call The Sound of Music? A) Love SongB) EdelweissC) My Favourite ThingsD) Sounds of Love 2 How old was Bette Davis’ character Margot in 1951 flick All About Eve? A) 37B) 38C) 40D) 45 3 Which actor played Danny Ocean in the original 1960 version of Oceans 11? A) Frank SinatraB) Dean MartinC) Peter LawfordD) Sammy Davis Jr 4 What monument does Cary Grant climb in the final scenes of North by Northwest? A) Statue of LibertyB) Mount RushmoreC) Taj MahalD) Eiffel Tower 5 Which actress starred in the original 1937 version of A Star Is Born? A) Bette DavisB) Katharine HepburnC) Marilyn MonroeD) Janet Gaynor 6 What movie did Marilyn Monroe win a Golden Globe…

Eva Mendes The actress was clearly lovin’ her role as a McHappy Day Ambassador during a visit to a Ronald McDonald House in Sydney. Miley Cyrus It was hugs all round as the singer and her godmother, Dolly Parton, announced they’re hosting a New Year’s Eve TV special together. Adele Vegas, say ‘Hello’ to Adele! After a yearlong delay, the singer finally began her residency at Caesars Palace. Home and Away The Summer Bay gang snuck in a quick selfie while hanging on the beach between takes. Gwyneth Paltrow Mum-and-daughter time for Gwyn and Blythe Danner involves matching outfits and beverages! Dylan Alcott The tennis ace was stoked to be cloned as a Madame Tussauds wax figure. Viola Davis Bright, bold and beautiful, Viola stole the show at the Academy…