Table of contents for Issue 25, 2023 in New Idea

Here at New Idea, it’s our weekly mission to bring you the hottest royal and celebrity news. But we also strive to pack your magazine full of must-read Australian stories – and this issue is a doozy! News editor Brigid, who covers all things real life and crime, had her hands (and notepad) full last week when Kathleen Folbigg enjoyed her first taste of freedom after 20 years in prison – find out more on page 8. Meanwhile, Brig’s section of New Idea also features inspiring tales of everyday Aussies, from the great-grandmother who graduated uni at 73 (page 21) to the newlyweds who have saved 600 lives through blood donation (page 28). Happy reading! newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

Despite her decade-long singing career, Olivia Newton-John also managed to conquer the big screen, and now New Idea can reveal her only daughter Chloe Lattanzi is following in her footsteps. Chloe, 37, has just finished filming her first feature movie, Deltopia, in Santa Barbara and sources confess the singer is committed to making her dreams come true by becoming an actress. “Chloe’s excited about this next step, but she’s nervous,” details one close insider. “This time she won’t have her mother around to reassure her. “She was incredible on the set – everyone loved her and she was so professional,” the source adds of the film, which is said to be a dramatic coming-of-age story. Those close to the production confirm Chloe is “talented in her own right”…

NRL great Braith Anasta has shocked fans by turning down a chance to star in reality series The Bachelor. Braith insisted he was “too busy”, and even said no to an eyewatering $500,000 pay cheque. Network Ten is said to be in the throes of hunting for suitors for its latest iteration of the series, which is rumoured to include more high-profile talent. While Braith’s recent separation from his ex-girlfriend might make him the perfect choice, it seems producers will be going back to the drawing board.…

When news broke that his ex-wife would walk free, Craig Folbigg was “frustrated and disappointed” by the decision, his lawyer asserts. Craig, who gave evidence against Kathleen, refused to provide a DNA sample to scientists examining genetic sequencing during the recent inquiry, and has “not changed his view” despite a new inquiry finding of reasonable doubt over her convictions. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Folbigg’s lawyer, Danny Eid, said: “He is the victim of this case.” “Craig has no doubt that his children were murdered,” Mr Eid added. “He is frustrated and disappointed he has to endure yet another chapter.” “This is a man people say will heal over time. But with all this time, the wounds continue to bleed for him.” When contacted by the media about his…

Royals In a rare insight to the power and charm of Catherine, Princess of Wales, the royal almost managed to outshine the bride as she was seen enjoying the lavish wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Amman, Jordan recently. During the reception, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, Kate was seen happily reuniting with other international royals, including close pal, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and cousin-in-law Princess Beatrice. Royal insiders say Kate has worked hard to continue her long-distance friendship with Mary, who she is known to confide in as they are both queens-to-be of their respective nations. The princess’ overtly social displays within eyeshot of the cameras are a far cry from her usually reserved demeanour. However, New Idea’s sources maintain Kate threw out the…

Hollywood Natalie Portman is not giving up on love just yet. The actress is fighting hard to save her 11-year marriage to Benjamin Millepied after he had an alleged fling. Benjamin, a French ballet dancer who Natalie met while making the film Black Swan, reportedly strayed with Camille Etienne. The 25-year-old French climate change activist (below) bears a striking resemblance to his Oscar-winner wife. “They have not split and are trying to work things out,” a source told the New York Post last week. “Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family.” The couple wed in 2012 while Natalie was pregnant with their son Aleph, who turns 12 this month. They later welcomed a daughter Amalia, six. It’s…

ERIK THOMSON After their will-they-or-won’t-they romance on All Saints, Georgie remains great mates with her co-star. “Erik is a very committed actor, he’s a fantastic person and so easy to get along with. He is really there for you all of the time – I would jump at the chance to work with him again.” GOLD LOGIES Playing Terri on All Saints helped Georgie win the TV Week Gold Logie in 2001 and 2002. “Being nominated is just so special, and getting the win is other-worldly,” she admits. She adds her first win was made all the sweeter as she had returned to work just three months after giving birth. REUNITING WITH BEC HEWITT Two of Summer Bay’s biggest names have teamed up for the new thriller, 13 Summers. Georgie,…

Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins breaks out into a huge grin as he recalls his initial reaction to a workmate’s idea of turning a bunch of knockabout Bondi Beach lifeguards into TV stars. “I just laughed at him,” says the Bondi Rescue favourite, who has patrolled Australia’s most iconic stretch of sand for more than 30 years. Still, Hoppo knew his buddy, part-time lifeguard and TV producer Ben Davies, was onto something with his fly-on-the-wall docuseries concept and agreed to make a “little five-minute pilot”. Their reel excited executives at Network 10 so much that an hour-long special was commissioned. That then turned into an eight-part series when they watched the extraordinary footage of real-life rescues – and one particularly amazing resuscitation. “The guy was dead and we shocked him with the…

In season MANDARINS TRY To make a sauce to serve over pancakes or crepes, stir equal quantities of caster sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil without stirring until bubbles subside and mixture turns golden brown. Remove from heat. Add a little fresh-squeezed mandarin juice and segmented mandarins. Stir over low heat until toffee is melted. Remove from heat, cool slightly. Serve warm. STORE Ideally, mandarins can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in a cool, dark place for up to three days. Make sure they are kept out of direct sunlight. FACT Imperial mandarins, Australia’s most popular type, originated in Sydney in 1890. They’re available April to October. AIR FRYER SAGE Pull…

TAKE CONTROL AND GET SMART WITH YOUR FINANCES Benjamin Franklin is credited as saying: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This is especially true when it comes to retirement. The biggest issue with retirement is that the very word conjures images of far into the future. That is until the future becomes now. Time cannot not be bought and we can’t stop it unfortunately, but we can gain ‘quality’ time. I would argue quality time is having the time to do the things we want, when we want, and how we want. This is why when planning and preparing for retirement, now is as good a time as any to start. The four things to think about in the lead-up to retirement: 1 When? It might sound…

Q A little over 10 years ago my husband passed. Before his death I promised I’d move on, but I just can’t seem to do that and he told me he had left me a letter. I understand he didn’t have time, but would have treasured his words. Can he relay them to you? – FRANCES A Finding your soulmate while you are here on Earth is the ultimate goal. It is even better than winning the lotto. Well, I am happy to say that you won your ‘soulmate lotto’ with meeting John. The only negative in this meeting is that you both didn’t get to have the same use-by date on earth. John is so sad that he had to leave you as you are and always will be…

When Kerry Armstrong was invited to take part in the new season of Who Do You Think You Are? she didn’t hesitate to say yes. “It was my mum’s favourite show in the entire world,” Kerry tells New Idea ahead of her episode’s premiere. “Mum was really interested in family, and was known for her super sleuthing into our history. She was so elated I was doing it.” Sadly, Kerry’s beloved mother, Beverley ‘Bevie’ Armstrong, passed away midway through filming. Plunged into grief, the SeaChange actress ultimately decided to continue with her genealogy journey, but found the experience took on a whole new meaning. “Every time I hear ‘who do you think you are?’ it resonates in a completely different way now,” Kerry, explains. “Because there’s that question of who…

With news that George Clooney has just signed on to direct new powerhouse film, The Boys in the Boat, sources confess he is under intense pressure to win over critics. Insiders say the star is facing mounting pressure to take home an Oscar for the film, all while his marriage to Amal Clooney, 45, hangs by a thread! Thankfully, friends confirm divorce just isn’t an option for George, who is working overtime to win back over his wife, but with work commitments growing, things aren’t looking good. The 62-year-old sparked rumours he and his wife of eight years were having issues when he attended an LA event in April without his wedding ring, but friends say he’s been fighting tooth and nail to prove to Amal he can balance work…

You would have been hard-pressed to find anyone who wasn’t won over by Susan Boyle when she was catapulted to fame on the 2009 season of Britain’s Got Talent. Now 14 years later, the Scottish singer, 62, has made a triumphant return to the stage that made her a household name during a special episode of the show. While Susan admitted the moment felt “really good”, it was an opportunity that almost never happened. “I fought like crazy to be back on stage and I have done it,” she said. “It’s extra special for me actually, last April I suffered a minor stroke,” she confided on the episode, noting the scare made her “almost unintelligible”. Following the setback, the popular singer had to learn how to speak clearly again and…

Cameron Daddo has revealed he and wife Alison have “gone back into couples therapy” to iron out some kinks in their 31-year marriage. Speaking on their popular podcast Separate Bathrooms, Cameron, 58, shared that the couple are “really happy with where we are at right now”, but still figured a little relationship “maintenance” couldn’t hurt. “We are doing really well, we just need to work on reconnecting, little things,” Alison, 53, further explained. “Sometimes we can get lost in the minutiae of little things feeling like they are huge things,” she continued. “And that’s why I was saying to [Cameron] the other day, ‘We actually have a really good relationship. Let’s not toss everything out, the baby with the bathwater.’” Cameron and Alison have previously been open about their marital…

Royals The Duke of Sussex’s time in the British High Court last week was meant to be a triumphant takedown of the London press he claims ruined his life. Instead, during a historic cross-examination lasting one-and-a-half days, Prince Harry was put through the wringer. His case against Mirror Group Newspapers for alleged phone hacking began with a stinging rebuke, after Harry failed to attend the trial’s first day in person – citing his daughter Princess Lilibet’s second birthday as the reason for his lateness. Justice Fancourt, who is hearing the case, announced he was “a little surprised” by Harry’s absence, while the Mirror Group’s lawyer accused the duke of “wasting time”. It was just the beginning of a bad day for Harry, who made history as the first royal since…

Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, were also among the glamorous guests at the recent Jordanian royal wedding. However, it was the Princess of York’s familiar headpiece that caught everyone’s attention. For the occasion, the 34-year-old borrowed the York diamond tiara, a headpiece that was first worn by her mother Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson at her 1986 wedding to Prince Andrew. It’s thought to be the first time Beatrice has publicly worn the tiara, which was gifted to Fergie, 63, by the late Queen Elizabeth II specifically for her royal wedding. And unlike most other tiaras that are loaned to royal brides, this one belongs to Fergie. Accordingly, the Duchess of York has previously worn the tiara to a number of white-tie events.…

Justice has been served, with a jury convicting That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson on two counts of rape – yet it’s complicated news for his former co-star Mila Kunis. ‘Mila wants to put this behind them’ The actress appeared downcast and preoccupied while grabbing lunch with friends, including*NSYNC’s Lance Bass, at local cafe a few days after Danny’s verdict was announced. Sources tell New Idea that while Mila, 39, is pleased for the victims, she is “worried” the ruling could spell new trouble for her husband, Ashton Kutcher, given his previous public support of Danny, 47. The trio became great friends while starring in That ’70s Show from 1998 to 2006. After the popular sitcom ended, Ashton, 45, and Danny teamed up again in the 2016 Netflix comedy series…

Bakewell Blondie SERVES 12 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR, 10 MINS ■ 125g unsalted butter, chopped■ 2 tsps vanilla extract■ 300g white chocolate, cut into 1cm pieces■ ¾ cup caster sugar■ 2 eggs, lightly beaten■ ½ cup almond meal■ ½ cup plain flour■ ½ cup self-raising flour■ ¹⁄³ cup raspberry jam■ ¼ cup flaked almonds■ Icing sugar mixture, to decorate 1 Grease and line an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above pan edges. 2 Place butter, vanilla and 200g of the chocolate in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High (100%) in 20 second bursts, for about 45 to 50 seconds, or until just melted. Remove. Continue to stir until chocolate is smooth. Cool to room temperature. 3 Stir…

HOODIE + LEGGINGS Give your classic hoodie a refresh and pair with a slight flare legging to tick the comfort and style box. Throw a coat over the top for a cosy layered look. JEANS + CHUNKY KNIT Love oversized cable knits but afraid they swamp your figure? Team with a straight cut mid-wash jean to add shape and create a great canvas to add accessories. How to style knitwear HALF-ZIP + TROUSERS Dress up a typically casual style like a half-zip pullover with a pair of tailored trousers. Keep the zip down and copy Katie Holmes by slightly tucking it into your pants. TURTLENECK + SKIRT Close-fitting polo neck tops are a great way to keep your favourite floaty skirts in your winter wardrobe rotation. Pair with boots and…

GOT A RELATIONSHIP Q? DR LURVE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS... Maintaining a strong connection and keeping the love, romance and emotional intimacy alive in a relationship is crucial at any stage of life. While we go through the motions of having careers, raising children, family commitments, events and life changes, we can come up short when we finally sit down with our partners at the end of the day. It’s very normal as you progress through your relationship that you and your partner gravitate to discussing what happens day-to-day, rather than discussing bigger picture ideas or life goals. With that in mind, let’s dive into how you can reignite the spark and conversation starters when you and your partner run out of things to talk about. 1 Try something new…

COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a movie featuring Ana de Armas (7). 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 drama TV series featuring our pictured star (6,5) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. $500 UP FOR GRABS! ACROSS1 Pink and grey parrot (5)4 Garlic mayonnaise (5)6 Recurring series of events (5)9 Financial supporter (7)12 Eastern mystical mentor (4)13 System of reasoning (5)14 Photography device requiring no film (7,6)16 Focus on a target (3)17 Couch (4)18 Nerve, courage (5)19 Volume of stamps or photos (5)23 –…

Dame Edna will be missed A bright light went out in the world when comic genius Barry Humphries passed away, sending waves of sadness around the globe. From those early days in Moonee Ponds to megastardom, Barry Humphries introduced us to the outrageous Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, and was equally at home rubbing shoulders with his many fans, including royalty. Barry Humphries was an extraordinary man of many talents and he will be greatly missed, but the laughs will go on. May he rest in peace. JUDITH CAINE, DONVALE, 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,…

Drama THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY You’ll need the tissues for this one. Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) is living an aimless existence with his wife (Penelope Wilton) until he learns an old friend is dying. He decides to walk across England to see her. IN CINEMAS NOW Comedy YOU HURT MY FEELINGS Watchable as ever, Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays a novelist whose marriage comes crashing down when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her new book. The Crown’s Tobias Menzies co-stars. IN CINEMAS THU. Reality MILLION DOLLAR ISLAND AUSTRALIA SAS tough guy Ant Middleton hosts this new reality series, which sees 100 people trying to survive on a remote island, vying for a chance to win $1 million. PREMIERES MON. AT 7PM, THEN TUE. & WED. ON…

Golf legend Greg Norman is set to become a grandfather for the fourth time! The happy news came from his son Greg Jr and wife Michelle Thomson, who announced the surprise news via Instagram. “Call us Mum and Dad in six weeks,” the couple captioned their post. “Can’t wait to welcome you, baby Jade.” One picture of the pair, who tied the knot in 2021, showed them both beaming while holding an ultrasound photo, while in another, Michelle showed off her growing baby bump. The happy news comes after Michelle sadly lost her first pregnancy in July 2022. Greg, 68, along with wife Kirsten Kutner, have been a big support to the couple, after welcoming his new daughter-in-law with open arms at their wedding. The golf champ shared…

Insiders hint there’s trouble in paradise for Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban after a save the date for Lenny Kravitz’s 60th birthday ended up in their mailbox. So grand are Lenny’s plans for his big day on May 26 2024, he is sending out the memos a whole year ahead to ensure the attendance of as many famous friends as he can. While Nicole, who dated the crooner between 2002 and 2003, can’t wait to party with her ex, sources say Keith isn’t impressed by the “overly close exes”, given Lenny has secret plans for Nicole, 55, and him to perform together that night.…

British pundits last week questioned whether “alarm bells” would be ringing for Meghan, after Harry mentioned his ex Chelsy Davy 118 times during day one of testimony and was visibly emotional while talking about her. “His wife Meghan was mentioned just five times,” said GB News anchor Dan Wootton, questioning whether Harry had “really moved on” from the Zimbabwean beauty he dated for six years until 2010. Harry claims their relationship disintegrated in part thanks to press intrusion. Businesswoman Chelsy, now 37, is married and a mum to a one-year-old son Royal expert Kinsey Schofield said, “I sympathise with Chelsy who recently had a baby – did [Harry] have her permission to bring all of this stuff up?” She accused the duke of causing his ex to be “hounded and…

TV scoop This week marks one of the most important weeks in brekkie TV history – but Karl Stefanovic won’t be around to see it. New Idea was last week tipped off by exclusive sources that Karl will indeed be absent when top-rating Sunrise’s new superstar co-host Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington replaces retiring David ‘Kochie’ Koch from Monday – a move which has raised eyebrows among TV insiders. Instead, Karl is travelling for a close friend’s wedding, as part of a 14-day break commencing June 12. While Nine’s director of morning television Steve Burling assures New Idea, “[Karl] booked in these two weeks’ leave some months ago,” our sources point out his plans could spell disaster for Today. “The timing is absolutely horrible,” confides a TV source, who says bosses “obviously” would…

Hollywood There’s two amazing reasons Pierce Brosnan can confidently declare himself a happy man after recently turning 70: his family and his art! “At this time in life … I feel joy, happiness and creation,” the Bond actor recently shared. Alongside his adoring wife, Keely, and his mother-in-law, Pierce was all smiles as he enjoyed a lavish meal at Malibu’s hotspot Nobu to mark his milestone birthday. The festivities continued the following night, with Pierce and Keely, 59, grabbing an intimate dinner in Santa Monica. “Wishing you a blessed, bountiful and adventurous new trip around the sun,” Keely later posted on social media. “It’s not how old you are … it’s how bold you are in life. I love you with all my heart.” It’s been a big few weeks…

HUGH JACKMAN Hugh’s folks Grace and Christopher migrated to Australia as part of the scheme in 1967. Grace returned to England when Hugh was eight. BEE GEES The Gibb clan – which included brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice – came out in 1958 and settled in Redcliffe, Queensland. JIMMY BARNES The singer has openly spoken about growing up in a poverty-stricken immigrant family. The Barnes’ left Scotland for Adelaide when Jimmy was five. JON ENGLISH The late entertainer turned 12 on board the RMS Orion shortly before his family docked in Fremantle, WA, to begin their new lives. KYLIE MINOGUE While Kylie was born in Melbourne, her parents Carol and Ronald are British. They were on the same boat as the Bee Gees and Red Symons!…

Lemon Cheesecake Pancakes with Passionfruit SERVES 6 PREP & COOK 40 MINS ■ Melted unsalted butter, for greasing■ ½ cup fresh passionfruit pulp (about 4 to 5) PANCAKE BATTER■ 1 cup fresh ricotta (225g), crumbled■ 165ml can light coconut milk■ 3 eggs, separated■ 2 tblsps caster sugar■ 1 cup plain flour■ 1¼ tsps baking powder CHEESECAKE FILLING ■ 250g chopped cream cheese, at room temperature■ ¹/³ cup sour cream■ ¼ cup caster sugar■ 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind■ 1 tblsp lemon juice 1 To make cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese, sour cream and sugar in a small bowl of an electric mixer until smooth. Add rind and juice. Beat until combined. Transfer to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. 2 To make pancake batter, whisk ricotta, milk and egg yolks…

Q I’VE JUST SEPARATED FROM MY LONG-TERM PARTNER. WHAT EMOTIONS CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL? A Grief is very much an individual experience and there isn’t one clear way to manage the journey. As a guide, it may be helpful to be aware of Bowlby’s four stages of grief as this can validate people’s pain: • Shock/numbing: Our brain registers emotional pain as physical pain and we can feel the pain in our body. We really feel the sense of loss and not accept what’s happened. • Yearning/searching: We become aware the future we may have imagined is no longer there and may search for comfort by texting our ex or wondering what we could do to reunite again. • Despair/disorganisation: We start to accept what’s happened and may feel…

How to get more moisture into my skin? If you’re waging war against dry winter skin, now is the time to switch up your beauty routine. Enter hyaluronic acid. Ella Baché national training manager and head of education Gina Cook explains why this is the ultra hydrating ingredient you need to use now. Your skin will thank you for it! What is hyaluronic acid? “Hyaluronic acid acts as a superior moisturiser, designed to strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier, delivering and retaining moisture in the skin,” explains Gina. When added to your daily beauty routine, it’s a magic ingredient that “leaves the complexion hydrated and smoothed,” she explains. The beauty benefits The best thing about this ingredient is that it’s suitable for everyone. “Hyaluronic acid is beneficial for all skins…

Advice Affordable outdoor updates Spending time in our own backyard is a great way to create memories and share quality time with the family. From roasting marshmallows to hosting outdoor movie nights, the activities are endless. “The beauty of the outdoor family room is that it can be anything you want it to be; you are only limited by your imagination,” says Andrew Di Bartolo, outdoor heating product manager from Mayo Hardware. “Whatever size outdoor space you have, there are countless ways to create an exceptional room to entertain, relax and spend time with family.” Looking to redo your yard? Here are a few simple tweaks and changes that won’t blow the budget. CREATE COSINESS WITH A FIRE PIT Investing in a fire pit is a great way to set…

Stars From June 12 – 18 Gemini MAY 22 – JUN 21 Heart-to-hearts are on the agenda, so if you’ve been finding it hard to broach a sensitive subject, don’t hold back. Your intuition will be bordering on psychic, so trust your hunches this week. And if fitness is a goal, join forces with a group of chatty friends! Lucky numbers: 6, 19, 22, 28, 37, 40 Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 Step back, and let yourself reflect on where you’re headed. Late-June should bring progress, but for now, focus on getting organised and let go of something that’s holding you back. Romantically, the cooler weather could heat things up, so if you’re ready for love, ask a friend to play Cupid. Lucky colour:…

CRIME THRILLER THE INTERPRETER by Brooke Robinson Taking inspiration from an article about a woman who worked as a translator in the criminal justice system, Robinson’s debut explores how one mistranslation can have catastrophic consequences. OUT NOW CELEB BIOGRAPHY PAGEBOY: A MEMOIR by Elliot Page An extremely intimate self-portrait, this behind-the-scenes memoir follows the trans actor’s winding journey of what it takes to untangle ourselves and step into who we truly are. OUT NOW COMEDY I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU by Nick Bhasin Aspiring TV writer Hector Singh navigates the ups and (break)downs of trying to make it big in Los Angeles in this hilarious and often heartfelt satire. OUT NOW HISTORICAL FICTION THE SPECTACULAR by Fiona Davis In 1950s New York, Marion shuns a housewife existence to…