Table of contents for Issue 17, 2023 in New Idea

Welcome to your new issue, in which we’re excitedly entering the two-week countdown to King Charles’ historic coronation. The anticipation is building, especially thanks to plenty of drama from camp Sussex, as Buckingham Palace announces that Harry’s attending, but Meghan isn’t. Find out why on page 10. Rest assured the New Idea team is preparing to bring you the best coronation coverage on Aussie newsstands. Meanwhile, check out the top 10 things you need to know ahead of His Majesty’s big day on page 12. It’s sure to get you excited for all the pomp and circumstance that we can expect from that first weekend in May. Have a great week! Editor newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

They’re Hollywood royalty and been married since 2010, but Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart have never appeared on screen together – a fact the actor is keen to change. During a TV interivew, Harrison, 80, confirmed he often things about working with Calista, 58. Insiders now say he is eager to be given a cameo in the anticipated Ally McBeal reboot. “Calista was floored and suspects his team will talk him out of it, but having him on board will certainly move the project ahead after it has stalled this year,” says an insider. “Harrison thinks it’s the best idea ever.”…

It appears that Russell Crowe and girlfriend Britney Theriot have decided to cheer themselves up after recently losing their 16-month-old puppy, Louis, who passed last month, with the introduction of a new pooch to their home. “This is Ezekiel,” captioned Britney on Instagram. “He’s casually refilling the hole in my heart.” It didn’t take long before well-wishes came flooding in on the post of the star cuddling the black and white pup. “He is absolutely precious,” said one. Thankfully, it looks as though the couple’s hands – and hearts – are full again.…

Most of us spend our nights cosied up on the couch, remote control in hand, watching the telly – but for Alex Bain, it’s all in a day’s work! The 36-year-old Brisbanite was working at an engineering firm when she applied to become streaming service Prime Video’s next ‘Buff’. Getting the coveted three-month gig, Alex was then paid $40,000 to review content and help Australians decide what to watch next. A self-confessed movie fanatic, Alex already spent her free time reviewing movies and making skits on Instagram and YouTube. She believes that’s why a friend sent the ‘Buff’ job advert her way and encouraged her to apply, as it was “made” for her. Alex’s love for all things film and television began when she was a young girl.…

SOME VERY ELIGIBLE BACHELORETTES ARE HOPING TO FIND THE ONE There’s never been a better time to be a single man in Tinseltown – in fact, there’s a smorgasbord of leading ladies on the lookout for their future husbands. While Reese Witherspoon is the latest A-lister to join the singleton ranks after her recent divorce from husband Jim Toth, insiders say she is more focused on seeing her girlfriend Jennifer Aniston land a new man. Competition is rife though. Jen’s long-time love rival Angelina Jolie is also dabbling in dating following her 2016 divorce from Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, New Idea has exclusively learnt that Melanie Griffith is also finally ready to settle down again… ADAM’S SECRET PLAN TO SET JEN UP Reese isn’t the only one hoping her bestie Jen…

No-Bake Mars Bar Tart SERVES 12 PREP & COOK 40 MINS ■ 250g packet Butternut Snap Cookie ■ 100g unsalted butter, melted ■ 3 x 50g Mars Bar chocolates EASY NOUGAT ■ 2 cups white marshmallows (170g) ■ 1 cup Milk Choc Melts (150g) ■ 1 tblsp malted milk powder ■ 2 tblsps milk CARAMEL ■ 395g can sweetened condensed milk ■ 125g unsalted butter, chopped ■ ¼ cup golden syrup ■ ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar TOPPING ■ 150g milk cooking chocolate, finely chopped ■ ¹⁄³ cup pure cream 1 Grease a 23.5cm round x 3.5cm deep, loose-base flan tin. 2 Process cookies in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press mixture firmly over base and up side of prepared tin. Refrigerate. 3 To make nougat, place all ingredients in a medium…

How do I make my grey hair look stylish? The Regrowth Phase Like laugh lines, grey hairs are a symbol of a life well lived, so going natural should be a positive move. While the greying process is simple, the acceptance process sometimes isn’t. The most challenging part of growing your grey out is the regrowth, which for darker hair, can be especially noticeable. To get through this awkward stage, consider using root cover-ups rather than your usual dye. These come in gels, powders, mascaras and sprays, and are non-permanent options that won’t hinder new growth and will wash out easily. TIP Get your hands on a cream-powder concealer like Tarte’s hydrating formula and dab directly onto dry strands. Lighten Your Locks Sydney hairstylist Anthony Nader says playing around with…

How to grow onions at home If the only thing you’ve ever successfully cultivated are onions sprouting in the pantry, here's how to grow them properly in your backyard so you can have sweet onions all year around. Nothing beats fresh produce, or the pride and joy that comes from growing your own. If you've always wanted to know how onions grow, we've rounded up a guide and tips to help get you started. GROW GUIDE Aspect: Onions need plenty of sunshine – a full sun position for six hours a day will suffice. Climate: Most Aussie climates are suitable. Soil. Well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Onions like a sweeter soil of around 6.5 pH that is high in organic matter, but not overly rich. Water: Regular watering so…

Stars From April 17-23 Aries MAR 21 – APR 20 Just when you think everything’s sorted! As Mercury turns retrograde, a series of delays or cash-flow problems might throw a spanner in the works, but perhaps the cosmos is trying to tell you something? Eclipses often mark turning points, so open your mind to new possibilities. Lucky gemstone: Ruby Taurus APR 21 – MAY 21 Stop worrying about ‘uncontrollables’, Taurus. A stressful situation should be resolved by mid-May, so for now, focus on unwinding and kick up those heels. Concerts, dinner dates, local events … shake up your usual routines. If that sentimental streak has flared, why not organise a reunion? Lucky flowers: Poppies Gemini MAY 22 – JUN 21 What lies beneath the surface? With your zone…

THIRST FOR SALT by Madelaine Lucas A young woman loses herself in a relationship with a man 20 years her senior. The arrival of her lover’s friend rocks their situation, as she begins to wonder what she really wants. OUT NOW GIRL IN A PINK DRESS by Kylie Needham When Frances receives an invite to an exhibition from her ex, she’s taken back to her past. The question still remains, with two ambitious artists in the mix, can a relationship truly survive? OUT NOW THE WAR NURSES by Anthea Hodgson In 1941, a group of nurses flee Singapore and end up on Bangka Island. This devastating story is based on true events. OUT NOW A PREY TO MURDER by Ann Cleeves Was the recently deceased Eleanor a master manipulator? Molly…

For Nigella Lawson, Australia has long been her happy place – and she’s going to be spending a lot more time here! The culinary goddess, 63, has been confirmed as a judge for the next season of My Kitchen Rules. After appearing last year, she’ll be back alongside Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge to judge the finals. Our source believes Nigella could end up moving here for good, or at least for part of the year. Thrilled to be back, Nigella said last week of MKR, “It combines two of my favourite pastimes: championing home cooking and eating wonderful Australian food.”…

After six years together, Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn are off, this we know. What we didn’t know was the famous pair were never married! Or were they? Speculation as to whether they were engaged started in 2020, when Taylor, 33, wore a ring on her index finger in her Netflix documentary Miss Americana, leading fans to speculate she had tied the knot in a secret ceremony. However, according to a source form Page Six, these rumours were false. Joe, 32, has been noticeably absent from Taylor’s Eras Tour, justifying his rehearsals for Netflix’s Hamlet in London as the reason, but according to an insider the pair had agreed to part ways earlier this year after small problems began to mount up. “The commitment ceremony masked as a…

Hollywood Hugh Jackman is waging a relentless war against skin cancer – and it’s one he is determined to win for the sake of his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness. As the couple celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary last week, we’re told Hugh has every intention of notching up another 27 years at Deb’s side (at the very least!), and is taking the necessary measures to ensure this happens. With Deb’s love and support, Hugh, 54, bravely shared earlier this month that he’d had “two biopsies” for potential cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Appearing in the video announcement with a bandage prominent over his nose, Hugh told his Instagram followers, “I went to my doctor and she saw little things that could be or could not be basal cell [carcinoma].…

Local stars Bindi Irwin’s little girl Grace has just turned 2 – and according to an insider she already appears “destined for stardom”! “Grace is an absolute natural in front of the camera,” one family insider confirms. In fact, it’s believed the toddler could potentially be “an even greater entertainer” than her late grandfather, Steve. Grace, who Bindi shares with husband Chandler Powell, is said to love putting on little concerts, which in turn delights her mum, dad and grandmother Terri. “She’s so bright and funny. She has them wrapped around her finger!” the source says. While it might seem like a young age to begin an entertainment career, it’s certainly not unusual in the Irwin family. “You have to remember, Bindi grew up in front of the camera and…

Royals Princess Beatrice was all smiles at a recent New York charity event alongside the Swedish royals, however her appearance has set off alarm bells for long-time friends. After what has been a tough start to the year, the 34-year-old was barely recognisable in pictures posted online with Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia at a function for dyslexia awareness. “Bea really looks a shadow of her former self,” says one insider. “It’s sad, but no surprise to a lot of her mates. They’ve been worried about her ever since her dad [Prince Andrew] went from hero to zero. The joys of welcoming [daughter] Sienna has been completely overshadowed by the most hellish of family dramas.” Typically, Bea would turn to her sister Princess Eugenie when times get tough. Yet…

ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HAPPY I was 16 years old. I was so excited, as a budding teen athlete, to receive the call-up from Athletics Australia to race against some of Australia’s greatest track athletes: Lee Naylor, Tamsyn Lewis and Cathy Freeman. This was the first time I would line up against these ‘big guns’ and I was beyond ecstatic. I hadn’t broken 54 seconds over 400 metres at this point, so these ladies were due to beat me by more than 20 metres. We started warming up; I was jittery with excitement. I followed them around, jogging a little too close to Cathy for her comfort, stretching side by side with Tamsyn and doing sprints with her, too. I was enamoured with my heroes. Into…

Advice Most scenic places in the USA It’s a dry, warm day on the streets of Mammoth Lakes and we’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s hard to believe that at this time of year locals can be skiing in the morning and mowing their lawns of an afternoon. Such is the beauty of this ski town in summer – a magical natural playground for hikers, mountain bike riders and families camping, fly-fishing for trout and canoeing in the crisp, rocky lakes at the foothills of some of the most magnificent mountain ranges on earth – the Sierra Nevadas. While Mammoth Lakes boasts being the third-biggest ski slopes in the US next to Vale and Tahoe, we didn’t come for the cold – we escaped Australia mid-winter to experience a Californian…

Q Has my father been reunited with my mother? – BINDI A I am happy to say that your dad has reunited with your mum. I feel that your parents were polar opposites who loved each other dearly. Dad comes across with a cheeky personality and I can see that he was the life of the party. I feel that part of dad died the day that mum passed away. He is telling me that he wasn’t himself after her passing and he is grateful that you were there for him. I can see that you became more like a mother to him than a daughter. He is so grateful to have you in his life as you are his living angel. Dad is holding me a full bag…

When Josh Wilburn was asked to fill in for his sister Mel on Travel Guides while she takes time out to be with her new baby, he wasted no time saying yes! But while Josh couldn’t wait to start travelling with his other sister, and Mel’s twin, Stack, he admits he had some big cowboy boots to fill. “There’s a lot of pressure!” Josh tells New Idea ahead of the new season premiere. “I'm looking forward to spending time with Stack and making some awesome memories in some unreal places.” In the new season, Josh, a construction worker, leaves Australia for the first time. He tells us that Finland topped his list of favourite places during his adventure. “I love snow and all the activities,” he tells us. “The land…

“HOW TO DO THIS RIGHT? HE’S GOING THE DISTANCE? I’VE GOT A BLUE CRUSH? HE’S JUST THAT INTO ME? I’VE WON A DATE WITH? OK, YOU GET IT!”While confirming her engagement to Justin Long, witty Kate Bosworth referenced several of their movies. “SHE LOOKED LIKE SHE WAS VERY GLAMOROUS, AND SHE COULD BE A LOT OF TROUBLE.”Lily Tomlin recalls her first impression of long-time friend Jane Fonda. “EATING … AND RAISING LITTLE TRAFFIC COPS AND BAKERS.”Chris O’Dowd on what he and Kristen Wiig’s Bridesmaids characters would be up to today. “WE’RE BOTH FIRE SIGNS. SO WE SPEAK AT EACH OTHER, WHICH IS HILARIOUS.”There’s never a dull moment between Rita Ora and her husband Taika Waititi. “THE ONE THING I RESENT ABOUT MY PARENTS …IS THAT THEY CALLED ME NIGEL.”Sam Neill…

The time has come for Brad Pitt to embrace his single status – and what better way for him to do this than treating himself to his very own swanky bachelor pad? The actor, 59, recently swapped properties with oil heiress Aileen Getty after she bought the Los Feliz estate that Brad once shared with ex-wife Angelina Jolie and their six kids. According to reports, his latest purchase, known as the “Steel House”, is a far cry from the enormous properties Brad has owned over the years, but it appears to be serving a different purpose in that it will officially be a kid-free zone thanks to its luxe fittings. It’s a wise move for Brad, who has minimal contact with his children these days. Exactly how often…

NEWS They say girls just want to have fun and it couldn’t be more true for a newly single Carrie Bickmore and her best friend Fifi Box, who jetted away to Fiji last week with the kids in tow. Arriving at Melbourne International Airport, the group were in high spirits ahead of their tropical getaway, partially thanks to school being on break for Carrie’s children Oliver, Evie and Adelaide, and Fifi’s daughters Trixie and Daisy. In January, Carrie, 42, and her partner of 11 years, Chris Walker called time on their relationship and announced that they would co-parent amicably. Carrie and Fifi, 46, have been close for quite a while, with the pair working side by side on The Project. “When we started working together we both had one kid.…

Local stars When Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic spent a blissful beach day on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast last weekend, the vibes were much more relaxed than the last time they were in Noosa. As our exclusive photos show, Karl, 48, was feeling and looking good as he splashed around the surf with his wife and daughter Harper, 2. With the Today host recently going 28 days without alcohol, nutritional experts speculate he’s lost an impressive 30kg. Sadly for Karl, the perfect family getaway was soon shattered. In a matter of days, headlines across the Daily Mail announced the popular star had been cautioned by Queensland Police after “touching” a male waiter at a charity event he attended in Brisbane last year. “A 48-year-old Sunshine Beach man has been issued an adult…

TV scoop Netball star Liz Ellis has emerged as a favourite on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – but it’s not for her athletic prowess. Rather, the sportswoman is winning over fans with her warm personality and candid discussion on all topics, including motherhood. In a chat with New Idea, the former Australian Diamonds captain confesses she initially “declined” the offer to appear on the reality show until her kids Evelyn, 11, and Austin, 7, made her reconsider. “When I told my daughter her first reaction was, ‘Mum you have to do this!’” shares Liz, 50. Liz’s “biggest worry” was “being judged for going on a reality TV show”. Then she realised that wasn’t the example she wanted to set for her kids. “If I’m going to…

Crikey – things are getting serious between Robert Irwin and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey. The couple spent the recent Easter long weekend in Perth with Rorie’s WA-based family. As revealed exclusively by New Idea earlier this year, Rorie is the niece of the late Heath Ledger. Our insider now confirms that Robert, 19, and Rorie, 18, are “crazy for each other”. They’ve reportedly forged a deep connection over their shared experience of losing a close family member at a young age. “They have real feelings for each other, and nothing has stopped that, even being in different cities most of the time,” the insider confirms. “This is a very serious relationship, certainly on Robert’s side.” With Rorie already impressing the QLD-based Irwin clan, we’re told Robert now has…

Local starsOnly in New Idea John Burgess is thrilled and looking forward to entering his eighth decade, after a life-or-death health battle last year left him certain his “number was up”. “Looking back, I realise it was way worse than first thought. Frankly, I’m lucky to be alive,” the legend of Aussie game shows tells New Idea ahead of the milestone occasion on June 4. “I survived thanks to the quick thinking of my wife, Jan.” The drama unfolded in the early hours of February 2022. John woke at around 5am feeling crook. “I went to the loo and back to bed. A short while later I felt really sick, so I returned to the bathroom, but this time I couldn’t stand up. Suddenly, I had no strength,” he recalls.…

Wedding bells are chiming for Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber – and her mum, Cindy Crawford, is the one ringing them! Having long given the Elvis actor her stamp of approval, the supermodel is desperately hoping Austin will soon propose. “Kaia and Austin have been dating for nearly a year and a half now,” dishes our source. “They began their relationship slowly, but it didn’t take long for them to become inseparable.” Recently, Kaia, 21, and Austin, 31, enjoyed a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, where they were spied relaxing and canoodling by the pool at their hotel. We hear Cindy, 57, was quietly praying her look-alike daughter would return home with a shiny new diamond on her finger. Sources suggest it would be rather sweet if…

SAVE IT! Fresh ginger can be expensive to buy and it spoils quickly. To keep it fresh for longer, place peeled chunks of ginger into a jar, cover with dry sherry and seal with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to three months. Remove from sherry using clean tongs and use as desired. Once all the ginger has been used, the ginger-flavoured sherry can be added to flavour your next Asian stir-fry or dressings. Q&A I have a recipe that uses a whole orange in the cake mixture. Is there a particular type of orange that’s best? A You can really use any variety of orange for this style of cake. However, a navel orange would be perfect, as they have less white pith and are seedless. TRANSFORM…

How to style dresses in autumn Lighten up Rather than going straight for a woollen coat, knit cardigan or leather jacket, try a blazer, vest or trench coat to keep things light. For shorter dresses, go for a blazer while midis work with a neutral trench. Try chocolate Rather than reaching straight for the black accessories, try rich chocolates first. These tones help transition a summer look into the typically darker palette of winter much more easily. Just add boots A simple boot, whether it be long or ankle style, can instantly transform your dress into cool-climate winter chic. Stockists: autographfashion.com.au, hm.com/au, marksandspencer.com.au, next.com.au, sussan.com.au, target.com.au, therapy.com.au, wittner.com.au, zara.com/au…

Advice ANDREW SHARES HIS TOP TIPS ON ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE You don’t have to be a grandparent to reside in a granny flat. It’s simply a title given to self-contained accommodation that’s in addition to a main home. The granny flat was originally conceived for elderly/dependent relatives to have their own private and easy care home, literally right beside the family. It could be as basic and compact as a converted two-car garage, now a studio unit with its own external access. Alternatively, it could be a free-standing structure in the garden with numerous bedrooms and bathrooms, even its own garage, if you have the space, money and permits in place. Catch Andrew on SELLING HOUSES AUSTRALIA Wed., 8.30pm on Foxtel Before building a granny flat 1 Check…

COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a film featuring Elizabeth Banks (4,4). Write this title on the coupon. $300 UP FOR GRABS! SUPER CROSS For a chance to win one of two prizes of $250, simply solve the crossword to reveal the name of a coming-of-age drama film featuring our pictured star (3,9) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. $500 UP FOR GRABS! ACROSS1 Circus buffoon (5)4 Hints (5)6 Organised athletic activity (5)9 Expensive yellow spice (7)12 Minor skin irritation (4)13 Shaving blade (5)14 Fear of spiders (13)16 Large decorative vase (3)17 Sam –, Matildas’ captain (4)18 Fastidiously groom (5)19 Employees (5)23 Roughly chopped (4)25 Full stop (3)26 Spain…

Flower power My daughter likes to stop every few houses to smell the flowers on our walks around the block. Nine out of 10 times, she’ll see a yellow flower in the grass and pick it up for me. I don’t have the heart to tell her that they’re weeds. MICHELLE WURFEL, HILLCREST, SA 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 name and postal address.…