Table of contents for Issue 16, 2023 in New Idea

Hello, I’m Karleigh, and welcome to my first issue as editor of New Idea. I began my magazine career on this same title as a bright-eyed, 19-year-old copy editor who moved from Port Pirie, SA to the big smoke, so I am thrilled to now be in the hot seat! It’s a homecoming in more ways than one, given I recently returned Down Under after a long stint as a reporter in Los Angeles. Now I’m back home I can’t get enough of this issue’s amazing local stories, especially seeing Debra Lawrance (my favourite TV character of all time, Pippa from Home and Away) taking on the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! jungle on page 17. I hope you enjoy the issue. Editor newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

Kate Ritchie has officially jumped ship from her long-time gig on NOVA’s national drive show to the newly named breakfast program, Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie. However, it appears Kate’s former co-hosts, Joel Creasey and Tim Blackwell, and her replacement, Ricki-Lee Coulter, are doing just fine without her. The group were three peas in a pod during a day out in Sydney. Sources reveal the trio have been very happy following Ricki-Lee’s full-time appointment last month.…

Since leaving A Current Affair, doubt has grown over whether or not Tracy Grimshaw will ever return to TV – but last week, fans were given a look at the 62-year-old journalist’s private beauty queen past! In the surprising footage, a then-18-year-old Tracy can be seen gliding along a catwalk at the 1979 Victorian Miss Teen Quest, wearing a white maxi dress. According to the pagent’s host, Tracy had a passion for “cycling and animals”.…

For the first three decades of his life, Prince Harry was seen as the most fun-loving member of the royal family. He’s also long been renowned for his ability to work and play hard. Plus, thanks to years on the polo, rugby and soccer pitches – not to mention military boot camp – he’s kept in tip-top physical shape. So it’s no wonder friends were left stunned when Harry, 38, arrived at London’s High Court last month looking a shell of his former self. There to battle Associated Newspapers over allegations of phone hacking, the duke also ran into a photographer as he made his way in. “No-one’s seen Harry in a while, so his appearance came as a shock. He looks closer to 50 than 40!” says a stunned…

Hollywood Three years ago, it looked like it was all systems go for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban to relocate their family back to Australia. Nic, 55, was telling friends how thrilled she was to be reuniting with her ailing mum, Janelle, and sister Antonia. She and Keith were also said to be looking at schools near their NSW Southern Highlands cattle stud to enrol Sunday, 15, and Faith, 12, in. Despite Nicole’s obvious excitement, a permanent return from America has so far failed to materialise. “After the pandemic lockdowns, Keith was keen to get back to touring, and his main market is the US,” a close source explains. “He understood Nicole’s need to move to Australia, but he wanted to stick around a while longer. They compromised and…

Eyebrows have been raised over Samantha Armytage’s big publicity push for the latest instalment of Farmer Wants a Wife. Alongside a network publicist, Sam, 46, began the rounds for promoting the reality juggernaut recently. But instead of visiting her old stomping ground at Sunrise, the star chose to be grilled by controversial duo Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O on KIIS FM. While Natalie Gruzlewski is still part of FWAW, having been moved ito Sam’s old co-host position, whispers in TV circles have hinted there’s a “deafening silence” from the show’s original lead. At time of print, Nat, also 46, had not done any major press for the show. She has also kept her usually FWAW-heavy Instagram account clear of the upcoming season. While Sam is doing her best to maintain…

Local stars Only in New idea There’s no missing the mile-wide smile on Emily Weir’s face as the actress recalls the exact moment she met Home and Away co-star Shane Withington. The pair has invited New Idea to join them for lunch at The Waterfront General Store and Cafe at Sydney’s Church Point, and Emily tells us between bites: “I was such a big fan of the show before I joined, so I was totally fangirling when I met Shane.” On the surface, Shane and Emily don’t appear to have that much in common. The 64-year-old actor is a veteran of Aussie television. Before being cast as Home and Away’s John Palmer in 2009, he was known for his roles in A Country Practice, Rain Shadow, Wildside, The Flying Doctors…

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 25 MINS ■ 500g beef stir-fry strips ■ 1 bunch broccolini ■ 1 large red capsicum, coarsely chopped ■ 2 tblsps Thai chilli jam ■ 2 tblsps fish sauce ■ 1 tblsp brown sugar ■ ¾ cup fresh basil leaves (1 medium bunch) ■ 2 x 250g packets coconut-flavoured microwave rice ■ Chopped roasted unsalted peanuts and lime wedges, to serve 1 Heat a lightly oiled, large non-stick wok over a high heat. Stir-fry beef in 3 batches for about 2 minutes, or until well browned. Remove. 2 Cut broccolini in half crossways, then cut stems in half lengthways. 3 Add broccolini and capsicum to same, lightly oiled wok. Stir-fry over high heat for 2 minutes. Return beef to wok with…

Advice Evan Lucas TAKE CONTROL AND GET SMART WITH YOUR FINANCES Interest rates have and are rising, and the pressure it is putting on household budgets is telling. But there are things you can do to lower the interest you’re paying and ease some of the financial burden … GO FOR FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTS If you are paying monthly instalments, consider switching to fortnightly. It will mean you are making an extra month in repayments per year – there are 26 fortnights in a year. The more you pay off, the more you will save over the life of your loan. TRY TO MAKE EXTRA PAYMENTS Making lump sum or additional repayments can cut your loan by years. Consider putting things like your tax refund, bonus or increased take-home pay into…

WHAT IS THIS TRENDING NEW TREATMENT? Thread lifting is a form of non-surgical facelifting. Its goal is to reposition heaviness in the face, to lift it back up and create a youthful, natural appearance. Results can be seen immediately with the lifting thread and after a month of two with the collagen-stimulating smooth threads. HOW DOES IT WORK? The threads we use are made of the same material as stitches or sutures, so it’s something that’s been used in surgery for about 50 years. It works by placing a thread into the fatty layer of the facial skin, which is very safe as there are no nerves or blood vessels in this area. WHICH AREAS OF THE FACE OR BODY CAN BE TREATED? We can lift the brows, the mid-face,…

Stars From April 10-16 Aries MAR 21 – APR 20 With your social butterfly poised to take flight, it’s time to chase up old friends. Picnics and dinner parties are on your autumn menu, along with a run of concerts and special events. Why not brush up your culinary skills or learn more about wine tasting? Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 27, 31, 39, 41 Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 Your world is expanding, Cancer. Strategies formulated under these proactive stars could lead to bigger and better things, so go in confident. Within a local group, your unique talents might amaze everyone. Why not draw up a fitness roster and work off those Easter treats? Lucky colour: Golden yellow Libra SEP 24 – OCT 23 Your world is expanding,…

Entertainment GAMES AND RITUALS by Katherine Heiny A collection of short love stories from the bestselling author of Early Morning Riser. Everything from friendships formed at the airport bar, to ex-husbands with benefits and mothers with suspiciously sweet teenagers, love is examined in all forms, both ridiculous and sublime. OUT TUE. PRETTIER IF SHE SMILED MORE by Toni Jordan When her fiercely independent mother breaks an ankle and needs help, it’s up to Kylie, as usual, to fix things. Having worked hard to curate the perfect looking life, Kylie reluctantly moves back into her childhood home. Slowly, her perfect plans start to unravel. OUT NOW STANDING IN THE SHADOWS by Peter Robinson The master of procedural police drama returns with the latest novel in his bestselling Alan Banks crime series.…

NEWS Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster made themselves right at home during their recent visit to Australia! The 78-year-old performer has spent the past month on tour in Oz – but it certainly hasn’t been all work and no play for the ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’ singer. Rod and Penny, who’ve been married since 2007, have been spotted out enjoying some typically true-blue activities! As her husband entertained his legions of fans, Penny, 53, soaked up some sunshine at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, alongside her and Rod’s son Alastair. She also managed to sneak in a few koala cuddles at Sydney Zoo. Meanwhile, Rod popped up at iconic hardware store Bunnings hoping to get a sausage sizzle fix – although sadly it was a weekday and there weren’t any available.…

The hilarious Celia Pacquola is headed back to our screens after she was recently announced as the new host of the rebooted series, Thank God You’re Here. The popular show, which sees well-known entertainers open a blue door into an unknown improvisational scene, last aired over a decade ago and was hosted by Shane Bourne. The series ran for four seasons before going off-air in 2009. Celia, 40, revealed she was “so excited” the revamped series, due out later this year, is making a comeback.…

Serious doubt has been cast over the state of Britney Spears and Sam Asghari’s marriage, after they were spotted out separately and minus their wedding rings. Britney’s ring-less sighting came during a husband-free trip to Puerto Rico. Despite the sunny weather, onlookers say the singer, 41, appeared to look a little flat. Sam, meanwhile, was running errands in LA when it was noticed that he also didn’t have his wedding band on. With the rumour mill going into overdrive, the personal trainer and budding actor, 29, took to Instagram and shared a close-up of his ring to downplay any suggestions of a split. However, our source remains sceptical. They wonder if the pair are simply “buying time” ahead of what would be another divorce for Britney. “No-one thinks there’s any…

While Harry wages war on the British press and the royals, it seems his wife Meghan is more focused on the future. It’s been revealed she’s set to receive the Women of Vision award in May, for her “tireless activism and advocacy for women and girls”. She was also named top entertainment host at the Gracie Awards for her Spotify podcast, Archetypes. “The differences between Harry and his wife could not be more stark right now,” says a source. “She’s absolutely killing it in America, while he seems miserably fixated on his old life.”…

Real life When you walk past a bowling green, you’d expect to see a group of retirees playing in the afternoon sun. But 15-year-old Cooper Dart from Dubbo, NSW, and his friends are changing the face of the game – and they have big plans. Cooper’s mates Zac Miller, 17, Tom Rich, 16, and Sam Rich, 14, play with him as part of the NSW Junior Representative and Development Squad. Winning gold in the Australian schools competition last September, they’re now aiming to make the national championships in October. They also have their eyes on a bigger prize – forming the first Olympic lawn bowls team, and to compete in Brisbane in 2032! “We’re campaigning for bowls to be part of the Olympics,” says Tom. “It’s fun, it’s inclusive and…

TV scoop THE BLOCK There’s a new renovation rumble on the horizon, with The Block 2023 quietly entering production in Melbourne late last month – and all eyes are on a handsome new addition! New Idea can reveal that Melbourne-based real estate tycoon Marty Fox is joining the hit series as a judge alongside Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker. Marty is the CEO of White Fox Real Estate. In new photos obtained by New Idea taken on the show’s building site, it seems obvious that Marty, 35, has fitted in seamlessly with his new colleagues Shaynna, Darren and Neale, with a beaming Shaynna giving him a big hug as they welcomed him into the fold. Wearing a vibrant red dress, Shaynna looked stunning on set, showing off her…

Jack Vidgen has been rocking some daring red carpet outfits lately, as he lets his drag alter ego ‘Jacqueline’ take centre stage. But while the 26-year-old might look different, he wants fans to know whatever he wears, he’s being his authentic self. “I just wanted to say a major thank you to everyone who’s been hyping me up/cheering me on while I’ve been glamming it up lately and exploring my feminine side,” the openly gay singer shared on Instagram. He then clarified for “everyone wondering” that he still uses ‘He/Him’ pronouns. “I’m literally just having fun,” Jack insisted. After finding fame as the baby-faced winner of Australia’s Got Talent Season 5, Jack debuted a dramatically-altered appearance when he returned to the spotlight as a contestant on The Voice in…

Pretzel and Caramel Chunk Brownie SERVES 16 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR ■ 200g dark cooking chocolate, broken into pieces ■ 200g unsalted butter, chopped ■ 1 cup caster sugar ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ 3 eggs ■ ¾ cup plain flour ■ 2 tblsps self-raising flour ■ 2 tblsps cocoa powder ■ 225g packet Jersey Caramels, quartered ■ 1½ cups salted pretzel twists (60g), broken into pieces 1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edges. 2 Combine chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl. Sit bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted. Remove bowl from pan. 3 Stir sugar and vanilla into warm chocolate mixture. Cool for 15 minutes. 4…

FOODIE TO FOLLOW: @juliaostro We know how hard it can be to replicate delicious meals at home, which is why we are drooling over the accessible eats Melbourne-based foodie Julia Busuttil Nishimura (@juliaostro) offers. With three cookbooks under her belt (and one on Gourmet Traveller’s ‘Best Food Books for 2017’ list) you know you’re in good hands, and though this account has everything from scones to carbonara, it’s the pizzettes that resemble a wood-fired pizza that can be made in a home oven that stand out to us – bellissima! ICE-CREAM MEETS MILK You can now enjoy a cold glass of your favourite ice-cream! Oak and Streets limited-edition Splice Pine Lime Milk combines creamy vanilla and zingy fruit flavours, sure to hit the spot when you’re…

The best prints for autumn Neutrals always Rather than pairing with black and whites, swap for darker tones like chocolate browns, camels, ochre and burgundies to either enhance or pair back your chosen floral. Cinch in Paisley or large florals can be overwhelming on some shapes and sizes, so keep a belt handy to break up the pattern and bring it all together. If pulling in a dress, try a thick belt with a gold buckle or if it’s through a bold pant, look for thin woven styles. Try denim Despite what you might think, most blue denim goes with warm autumn prints and patterns. Try a washed lighter denim with pinks, purples and pastels. Go for dark indigo if you’re rocking oranges, mustards, reds and browns. Stockists: au.augustethelabel.com, bigw.com.au,…

Q Is my husband of 25 years having an affair? He’s been acting strangely for the past six months and not wanting to talk much. JUDY, BRISBANE, QLD. A Rather than romance, your husband’s chart shows a classic midlife crisis, and with Saturn in the picture, he’s probably just being stoic and holding it all in. Counselling sessions might help, along with a holiday. Nothing too complicated or expensive, just the two of you getting back to basics. Q My husband wants to move closer to his mother (on the Gold Coast) but I’m not so keen. She’s complaining about being lonely, but I’m worried. We are very different people and her visits are quite stressful. I think a retirement village would be more suitable. What do you think? JULIE,…

“I’VE NEVER HAD A HAMBURGER IN MY LIFE!”Tessa Thompson is missing out on a whole lot of yum. “I’M NOT LIKE, ‘YOU NEED TO WATCH MUMMY’S WORK.”’Even so, Katie Holmes and daughter Suri Cruise watched Dawson’s Creek together and “had a good laugh about it”. “A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO WITH MY HONEY. WE WERE IN BED. WE WERE CONNECTED.”Keanu Reeves reveals the last time he felt bliss was with partner Alexandra Grant. “IT MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH WHEN I SEE COMMERCIALS WHERE THE OREO SLIDES DOWN THE CREAM SLIDE ... ANY ANTHROPOMORPHIZING OF FOOD.”Kyra Sedgwick has cibolasiphobia – a fear of talking food! “I LOVE RAW CARROTS.”Eva Mendes is even known to carry the healthy snack in her handbag!…

Brooke Shields has not held back with some bold – and often heartbreaking – revelations as she premieres her new documentary, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields. But one story in particular has everyone talking, and it involves her ex-partner Andre Agassi’s reaction to her cameo on Friends. Brooke, 57 appeared as Joey’s crazy stalker Erika in 1996, and was tasked with licking star Matt LeBlanc’s fingers. According to the actress, this resulted in Andre storming off set in a rage. “He said, ‘You made a fool of me by that behaviour,’” she told The New Yorker. Brooke added that the tennis ace, who she claims was at the time “addicted to crystal meth”, went home and “smashed all his trophies” in a temper tantrum. “He said, ‘Everyone is making…

NEWS Things are getting serious for Elle Macpherson and partner Doyle Bramhall. In fact, our insiders are convinced Doyle, 54, might have popped the question during a recent getaway for Elle’s 59th birthday. “They’ve had months of globetrotting together and are madly in love,” spills the source. Friends and family of the couple are thrilled, and are hoping this romance is the one that sticks for Elle. The supermodel has been divorced twice, and was “as good as married” to her ex-partner and father of her two sons, Arpad Busson. “Poor Elle really has had really bad luck with her relationships, but Doyle’s completely different,” explains the source.…

Royals Despite a newly released regal portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla, fresh reports have shed more light on what is being branded a coronation downgrade. There is just less than a month to go before His Majesty, 74, officially ascends the throne at his May 6 coronation – but doubt has been thrown over the special ceremony, with insiders revealing the monarch and his wife Camilla, 75, are feuding. It’s believed attending state guests can now opt to wear their “standard business clothing” instead of their traditional finery, reducing the pomp to something of a corporate gathering. Indeed, for the late Queen’s big day, coronation robes and coronets made the event a visual spectacle, but the incoming monarch is said to be hell-bent on reducing the fanfare where…

TV scoop She can’t cook, hates camping, loves a drink, has barely recovered from major surgery and is one of the richest women on Australian TV – so what did it take to get Kerri-Anne Kennerley to agree to head into the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here jungle? Despite reports indicating a $180,000 salary, New Idea’s source reveals KAK is getting so much more! “She stands to bank about $1 million from appearing on I’m A Celebrity. That’s almost 10 times more than they are paying anyone else,” explains the insider. “I believe she has received a $500,000 sign-on cheque and will then earn another $50,000 for every week she stays in the jungle,” continues the source, who says this year’s production is huge, with over 120 crew…

It’s been a launch pad for some of TV’s most famous names, but one industry insider insists the curtain might be about to drop on Nine’s Weekend Today! With falling ratings and the appointment of new hosts Jayne Azzopardi and Clint Stanaway following the shock departure of star anchor Belinda Russell, the show simply can’t go on. “It’s haemorrhaging money, and the ratings are low … warning bells are ringing,” says the source. “It remains to be seen if rivals Weekend Sunrise follow suit. On paper, they have a lifeline – Matt Doran and Monique Wright have great chemistry and their ratings are holding strong.” Interestingly, the source says Nine’s plan moving forward is to replace the current programming with a highlight package ‘The Best of…

Tim Tam Cheesecake SERVES ABOUT 18 PREP & COOK 35 MINS ■ 3 x 200g packets Original Tim Tams ■ 50g unsalted butter, melted ■ Cocoa powder, to decorate FILLING ■ 2 x 250g blocks cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature ■ ¼ cup caster sugar ■ 2 x 180g blocks white cooking chocolate, melted ■ 300ml tub thickened cream, whipped ■ 200g block dark cooking chocolate, melted 1 Grease a 24cm round spring form pan (base measuring 23cm). Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edge of pan. Line side of pan with Tim Tams. 2 Process remaining Tim Tams in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press evenly over base of prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling. 3…

Advice Makeup tricks to slim my face Filter your face shape You can easily fake an oval face. Try some contouring by lightly buffing a matte cream bronzer along your hairline, starting at your temples, and stopping just before the centre of your forehead. Then buff along your jawline from the widest point towards the centre, stopping just before the middle. This will create the optical illusion of an oval face shape. e.l.f. Putty Bronzer, $14, target.com.au Carve in cheekbones Celebs and models use contouring to create instant cheekbones, so do the same! Grab a matte powder bronzer – it’s a team favourite – and buff it under and along your cheekbone. This creates the effect of a shadow, making your cheekbones stand out more. Ciaté London Brazilian Glow Face…

Advice Doctor Lurve GOT A RELATIONSHIP Q? DR LURVE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS... Online dating at any age can be daunting – but it’s especially nerve-racking when you’re not in a generation that’s grown up with a smartphone in their hands. The thing about online dating is that once you get past the new dating slang like ‘ghosting’ and ‘breadcrumbing’, you’ll realise dating actually hasn’t changed much at all. What online apps have done for the dating world is connect you with people that you would otherwise never meet. Dating before the internet meant relying on your circle of friends to hook you up, leaving your love life in another person’s hands! Now, you have control about who you ‘match’ with and where you want the relationship to…

COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a movie featuring Emma Mackey (5). 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 comedy drama film featuring our pictured star (1,3,6,4) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. $500 UP FOR GRABS! ACROSS 1 Set of matching furniture items (5)4 Freight (5)6 Playfully mischievous scoundrel (5)9 1980s portable personal music player (7)12 Maori war dance (4)13 Remains of a destroyed structure or settlement (5)14 Crafted to suit particular specifications (4-2-7)16 Genetic code material (1,1,1)17 Assistance (4)18 Princess’…

Spitting image I would like to commend you on your wonderful article on Matilda Ledger, daughter of Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams. She is certainly the spitting image of her father and looks just like him! I hope that she spends more time in Australia and sees the sunny beaches and the vast, blue Australian sky. ANGELA MORRISSEY, EAGLEHAWK, VIC. Send us a funny story about your children and family, a letter about an interesting piece you’ve read in our mag or a pic of your child or pet. The best entry of the week wins $100, and remaining submissions $25 each. Post your original letters and photos (sorry, photos cannot be returned) to Your Say, New Idea, GPO Box 4088, Sydney NSW 2001 or email newidealetters@aremedia.com.au with your full…