Table of contents for Issue 29, 2023 in New Idea

It feels like half the world is escaping to Europe for a sunny summer holiday – including the one and only George Clooney, who, going by our pics on page 18, is living his best life in Mykonos! While I’d never turn down a trip overseas, I’m also a big fan of exploring our own incredible backyard. Recently, my husband, best mate and I took a short drive from Sydney to see wild wombats emerging at dusk in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley, which I reckon is just as magnificent as sipping spritzes in the Mediterranean. For more Aussie travel inspo, turn to page 64 for the best family road trips. SA’s Kangaroo Island and the Bay of Fires in Tassie are on the top of my to-do list. Have a great…

As Madonna recuperates at home following her hospitalisation in the ICU with a serious bacterial infection, the real reason for her illness has been revealed. Sources close to the Queen of Pop, 64, say she ran herself ragged trying to “keep up” with younger performers like Taylor Swift. “Family and friends have … politely reminded her that she’s not 25 anymore,” shared a source. “She overdid it, and she knows it.” Madonna has since postponed her highly anticipated Celebration tour. Having reportedly ignored her symptoms to begin with, Madonna is now “taking her recovery seriously”, says a second source, who adds she isn’t going to rush getting back on the stage.…

Special report Branded the ‘skinny pen’ by influencers and celebrities alike, in the last 12 months, Ozempic has exploded in popularity. The injectable drug was developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but is now being coveted as a ‘quick fix’ for rapid weight loss. It has taken over Tinseltown – and now, it’s taking Australia by force. Kardashian sisters Kim and Khloé sent the rumour mill into overdrive when they stepped out with much smaller figures, causing many to speculate they were using Ozempic. The drug mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone that signals fullness. Both women denied the allegations, crediting exercise and diet to their weight loss, with Khloé hitting back at gossip online. “Let’s not discredit my years of working out,” she wrote on social…

Local stars Introducing little Hayden Ash Barty is happily living in the newborn bubble right now, after welcoming her first child. Last week, the tennis ace and her husband, Garry Kissick, announced that they’ve become the proud parents to a gorgeous son, Hayden. Via social media, the besotted pair shared a photo of Hayden wearing a koala beanie and wrapped in a puppy-print muslin. “Our beautiful boy,” the anticipated image was captioned. “Welcome to the world, Hayden!” Family, friends and fans were quick to congratulate Ash, 27, and Garry, 32, on Hayden’s safe arrival, as did many of Ash’s former opponents on the court, such as Caroline Garcia and Victoria Azarenka. “Hi, gorgeous little man. We love you,” Ash’s good friend, Casey Dellacqua, gushed, while Kylie Gillies added,…

Local stars Only in New Idea Australia’s most loved and respected veterinarian, Dr Harry Cooper, is fast approaching his 80th birthday, but don’t think that means he has any plans to slow down. “They’ll retire me – I’m not ready to retire!” a defiant Harry tells New Idea from his home in Port Macquarie, NSW. With a smile he adds, “and even then I’ll go find something else to do because I can’t ever imagine not doing something.” Not even a recent bout of shingles could keep the TV favourite from his regular presenting gig on Better Homes and Gardens for too long. “I took five weeks off filming, but I’m now back at work,” he shares candidly. “In my case it affects the nerves around…

Local stars ALEX DIMITRIADES, 49 Teen idol to DJ Alex was just 18 when he became an instant teen sensation with his big-screen debut in 1993’s raunchy rom-com, The Heartbreak Kid. Alex starred as soccer-mad Greek-Australian student Nick Polides, and viewers swooned as they watched him fall in love with his teacher, played by Claudia Karvan. A lead role in the spin-off TV series Heartbreak High followed and Alex became one of our most popular actors. However, he struggled with fame and his rising profile. In 1998 Alex changed things up by starring in the sexually charged film Head On. Other credits include Neighbours, Underbelly, The Slap and The Principal. As well as acting, Alex now works as a DJ under the name DJ Boogie Monster. He still tries to…

Caramel Pear and Date Cake SERVES 8 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR, 30 MINS ■ 2 cups chopped pitted dates (250g)■ 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda■ 125g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature■ 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar■ 2 eggs■ 1¾ cups self-raising flour■ Caramel-flavoured syrup and whipped cream, to serve TOPPING ■ 825g can pear halves in syrup■ ¹⁄³ cup caramel-flavoured syrup 1 Grease a 22cm round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 2 To make topping, drain pears. Pat dry with absorbent kitchen paper. Spoon caramel syrup over base of pan. Arrange pear halves, cut-side down in a single layer over syrup. 3 Combine dates and 1½ cups water in a medium saucepan over a high heat. Bring…

How to style satin blouses? MONDAY MEETINGS Tuck a matte silk or satin shirt into a pair of waist-cinching pants for a comfortable yet sophisticated office look. AFTER-WORK DRINKS Take this trend to the next level and create a coordinating set with a matching silk skirt. It’s versatile enough to wear for any night-time occasion – from drinks to fancy dinners and beyond. WEEKEND READY A silk shirt can quickly be spun casually for a relaxed dinner at home or even a daytime event. Pair with jeans and leave it open over a simple tee.…

Advice TAKE CONTROL AND GET SMART WITH YOUR FINANCES When it comes to taxes, many people procrastinate at the end of the financial year. My advice is to take action now and get your tax-deduction money back sooner. Remember, your tax return is your money, and it’s better in your pocket than the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO). Here are some more tips to think about when it comes to your tax return: 1 MAKEDEDUCTIONS The best way to get a higher tax refund is to make every legal deduction count. Deductions are expenses that are work-related and that your employer does not reimburse you for. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON ONES: • Vehicle and travel-related expenses• Clothing, laundry and dry-cleaning expenses• Communication expenses: mobile phone, internet, etc.• Self-education…

YOU CAN WIN A SHARE IN $2000! COMPACT STARS To win one of six prizes of $50, complete the puzzle and read the coloured squares to reveal a TV series featuring Celeste Barber (9). 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 mystery thriller TV series featuring our pictured star (13) in the coloured squares. Write this on the entry coupon. $500 UP FOR GRABS! ACROSS 1 Four-door family car (5)4 1986 hit song by Bananarama (5)6 – Peace Prize, humanitarian award (5)9 Acclaimed musician or conductor (7)12 Ancient harp (4)13 Meek, unassertive (5)14 Basic household comprising parents and children (7,6)16 Deep…

Down at the duck pond in Lake Alford at Gympie. Such a beautiful spot to visit. HAZEL WATTS, GYMPIE, QLD. Going places How great to read that Ernie Dingo is keeping well and is happy (New Idea May 1 issue). I am sure his two boys are extra special. A lot of time has passed, so I hope there is more to be seen of him. SUSAN YARROW SEYMOUR, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN, QLD. Mackenzie when she was five having loads of fun playing in the leaves. These are treasured memories of times spent playing with my daughter. JEFF TANTI, MELBOURNE, VIC. Maxii is very relaxed when she goes away with us in the caravan. DEBORAH BOWDEN, ROSEBUD, VIC. The pups say, ‘Hello, Dad’!…

“HOW AM I GOING TO LOSE MY FILLINGS NOW? MY DENTIST WILL BE PROTESTING THIS!” Kate Langbroek reacts to the news Fantales lollies are being discontinued. “I DON’T KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS.” Pink was dumbfounded when a fan threw their mother’s ashes onto the stage while the singer was performing. “I HONESTLY THINK I MISSED OUT ON THE FACE LIFT … LIKE AN OLD-FASHIONED GOOD ONE THAT YOU HAVE WHEN YOU’RE LIKE 44.” While Sarah Jessica Parker is happy to age gracefully, she reveals the one cosmetic surgery she might reconsider if she could turn back time! “THE LOSS OF JUST BEING ABLE TO SAY HELLO AS YOURSELF IS A REALLY INTENSE THING.” Jennifer Garner on…

NEWS Lisa Curry and her husband, Mark Tabone, are still as in love as the day they decided to spend the rest of their lives together. It’s been seven years since Mark proposed to Lisa, 61, in Malta. The pair have been holidaying on the European island and returned to the very spot the Elvis tribute artist popped the question to commemorate the special occasion. Lisa shared a carousel of images to Instagram that documented their visit, and included several photos of Mark and herself looking sun-kissed as a glorious sunset shone over their wedding jewellery . “Mark hired a beautiful yacht and, at sunset, got down on one knee and proposed. It was very romantic,” Lisa recalled in her caption. Lisa and Mark went on to tie the knot…

Tom Cruise and Margot Robbie were both in Sydney last week promoting their respective new movies Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Barbie, and sources confirm it’s more than just a coincidence! Our insiders say Tom, 61, is desperate to work with the Queensland-born actress, 33, and went out of his way to reach out to her team while they were both in town. “He’s got his eyes on his next project and wants Margot to be his leading lady,” says the insider. We’re told that there are tentative plans for Tom and Margot to meet up in Los Angeles when their promo tours have wrapped, with Hollywood producers champing at the bit to have these megastars collaborate.…

NEWS As Michael Douglas mourns the death of his good friend Alan Arkin, the actor’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, is concerned over the depths of his understandable despair. Alan, who starred with Michael in The Kominsky Method, died on June 29 aged 89, and New Idea hears Catherine, 53, is worried that Michael, 78, is “becoming increasingly solitary” since his passing. She has asked her stepson Cameron to step in and watch him when she is not able to. “My experience of working with Alan were some of my most memorable,” Michael shared upon his death. “He will be deeply missed.”…

TV scoop Network executives are vying for Sam Pang’s attention right now – and if he plays his cards right, the Have You Been Paying Attention? panellist could walk away a very rich man! While it’s claimed Network 10 have offered their star a rumoured $1 million to replace Dr Chris Brown on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, it seems rival network Channel Seven is making an eleventh-hour play to snare Sam for themselves. “First Seven took Dr Chris, and now they are trying to win over Sam,” dishes our TV insider. “They believe he could become their biggest name. “Talents like Sam don’t come along every day, so pockets are deep for what could be one of the biggest signings in TV history.” Sam, 49, is already…

Pictures When the mums are away, the dads will be the ones to play! Brothers Karl and Peter Stefanovic were tasked with babysitting duties recently, and the pair didn’t seem too mad about it given a giant slide was involved. There were smiles all round as the siblings took Karl’s three-year-old daughter Harper and Pete’s boys Oscar, three, and Henry, two, to Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter for a fun-filled morning. As Pete got snap happy, Karl bounced around with Harper on the inflatable obstacle course. Karl’s wife Jasmine wasn’t seen during the outing, which is understandable given she’s nursing a broken foot. Meanwhile, Pete’s other half, Sylvia Jeffreys, was away in the Gold Coast running a half-marathon.…

Real life Two women, two dogs, some guinea pigs and a brood of chooks have made an iconic outback pitstop their home in a bid to save it from becoming a ghost town. Friends Carol Yarrow and Jo Cornel moved to Cooladdi – more than 800 km west of Brisbane – in February to take over the town’s only inhabited building, the Foxtrap Roadhouse. They discovered this is no tiny task, as beyond running the roadhouse, they are responsible for a general store, motel and campground, and even mail runs! Carol, 68, who relocated from Chinchilla, says she has fond childhood memories of the Foxtrap after growing up on a remote station further west. “When I was younger it was a tradition to stop in to the Foxtrap every time…

Real life AMAZING ANIMALS Sally, Sophia and Holly are three of Lawrence Fox’s best friends, and they have changed his life in a very unexpected way. He calls them ‘doctors’ and ‘therapists’ and the girls are now working their magic on the paying public. Which seems odd given the ‘girls’ are actually cows! “I first met the cows about six years ago at my mate’s farm,” Lawrence, who lives in Cairns, tells New Idea. “I’d sit and have a beer with them and then I had this game-changing moment one evening when I lay next to this one cow, Milkshake, and felt a huge connection.” Cuddling up to a 500kg cow could be terrifying to some, but Lawrence insists the experience was serene. “It was calming and…

Fig and Ginger Pudding with Honey Custard SERVES 12 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR, 20 MINS ■ 185g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature■ 1¼ cups firmly packed dark brown sugar■ 4 eggs, at room temperature■ 1½ cups self-raising flour■ 1 tblsp ground ginger■ 2 tsps ground cinnamon■ 1 ¼ cups almond meal (130g)■ ½ cup Greek yoghurt■ ¾ cup chopped soft and juicy dried figs HONEY CUSTARD ■ 2 cups thick vanilla custard■ 300ml tub thickened cream■ ¼ cup honey 1 Grease a 22cm non-stick bundt pan. 2 Beat butter and sugar in a small bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Transfer to a large bowl. 3 Stir in sifted flour and spices, almond meal and yoghurt…

Ways to step up my wash routine? TUB TIME WARM There’s nothing like submerging into a tub full of warm water to relax your muscles. If you’re thinking of ending the weekend with some downtime, look for oils and soaks you can add to your bath to further relax your senses. Think lavender, chamomile, and rosehip. VS COLD If you’re feeling brave, try a cold bath. Not only do they have endless benefits post-exercise, but they support immunity and can improve circulation, leaving you with a gorgeous glow. Dunking into cool water can take some practise, and make sure to add bath salts to really reap the benefits. SHOWER SPRITZ WARM Short on time or simply prefer to shower? Standing under warm water can help to open up pores to…

Stars From July 10-16 Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 As your community spirit grows stronger, a local club might tap into your talents. Concerts and getaways could be on the agenda, but before things hit full tilt, get organised. Next week’s auspicious stars could conjure up some amazing opportunities, so be prepared. Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 19, 27, 32, 36 Leo JUL 24 – AUG 23 Bring it on! As Mercury slips into your central arena, you’ll not only feel more energetic, but also more like your old, social self. And with Mars stimulating your finances, you could find yourself taking some assertive steps. Tie up loose ends this week and make space for new projects. Lucky symbol: Golden coins Virgo AUG 24 –…

Spotlight THE LOST FLOWERS OF ALICE HART We love a drama series packed with fabulous female performances – and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart certainly fits the bill! Adapted from Aussie author Holly Ringland’s bestselling 2018 novel of the same name, the cast features local powerhouses Leah Purcell and Asher Keddie, as well as international ring-in Sigourney Weaver. So what’s it all about? As a nine-year-old, Alice Hart is sent to live with her grandmother June (Weaver) on a flower farm after she loses her parents in a mysterious fire. Soon, Alice discovers layers of buried family secrets. Leah plays Twig, June’s right-hand at the flower farm. The revered actress says: “[It’s] an honour to share the screen with such deadly women. I mean Sigourney Weaver ...…

Drama CARMEN Paul Mescal stars in this unique retelling of the famous opera. Carmen (Melissa Barrera) meets a man (Mescal) after fleeing a Mexican cartel. Together they must evade authorities while trying to make it to LA. Filmed in Australia, the musical drama features choreography by the Sydney Dance Company! IN CINEMAS THU. Action MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt! This time he is hunting down a fatal weapon that threatens mankind. Cue a deadly (and stunt-laden!) race around the world to save humanity. IN CINEMAS NOW Animals DOGS BEHAVING (VERY) BADLY Never fear, the Dogfather is here! Host Graeme Hall has sniffed out Australia’s most misbehaved mutts with the aim of retraining them. From the naughty to the downright bizarre, no…

Boris Becker’s ex-wife Sharlely Kerssenberg, known as Lilly, has revealed in a bombshell new docuseries that the tennis star left her feeling “ugly, old and unwanted” following their first split in 2008. “I tried every mushroom (hallucinogenics), alcohol, every drug,” she shared. “I couldn’t get drunk enough to forget this man.” Lilly, 47, took the Wimbledon champion back in 2009. They married and had a son, Amadeus, now 13, before parting ways for good in 2018. Despite Boris, 55, reportedly trying to block the ITVX documentary, Boris Becker: The Rise & Fall, it is expected to air this month. While Lilly has filed the paperwork, her divorce from Boris is yet to be finalised. She says that despite once being “deeply in love” with him, “I’ve…

NEWS Toni Collette has begun filming Clint Eastwood’s new film, Juror #2 – and she’s having a total blast working with her new co-star, Kiefer Sutherland. “They clicked on day one,” a source on the set in Savannah, Georgia, tells New Idea. “Kiefer is really taken with Toni’s quick wit. “It’s hard to blame the guy for seeking out her company – even over his boss, Clint!” With Kiefer, 56, engaged to actor and model Cindy Vela, our source insists anyone hoping that things might turn romantic will be sorely disappointed. Toni, 50, has been throwing herself into her work since she split from husband, David Galafassi, last December after 20 years of marriage. She is especially excited for Juror #2, as she’s reuniting with her About a…

Hollywood Having thrown himself wholeheartedly into directing his latest project, The Boys in the Boat, George Clooney has been quite the stress head in recent months. But with his film now in post-production, the Hollywood heavyweight jetted to Greece for a much-needed break. New photos of George, 62, in sunny Mykonos show him having an emotional breakdown as he arrived for a fancy lunch. Clearly elated to be there, George seemed overwhelmed with joy as he stretched his arms to welcome the sun’s rays. The solo trip away has been a long time coming for George. Those close to the actor and his wife, Amal, reveal that this year has proven to be a questionable one for the once unflappable lovebirds. “George has been in fine form in Mykonos, very…

Retro It’s hard to believe this November marks 60 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. While his murder has gone down as one of the darkest days in US history, the courage shown by his widow, Jacqueline, in the aftermath gave the first lady her own legacy upon her 1994 death. Imagery of Jackie wearing her blood-stained Chanel suit to bravely front media following JFK’s death are etched in our minds. Yet it was her devotion to their two children, Caroline and John Jr, that those closest to Jackie regard as her defining moment in life. On December 1, 1963, barely two weeks after Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK in Dallas, Texas, Jackie arrived at the White House to collect his belongings. Reports at the time claimed…

Finding a couple more in love than Robert Irwin and his girlfriend, Rorie Buckey, might prove to be mission impossible! On July 3, Robert, 19, and Rorie, also 19, attended the star-studded Sydney premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. The pair’s walk down the red carpet marked their first official public appearance. Trading his khakis for a suit and shirt, Robert scrubbed up rather nicely. Meanwhile, Rorie looked every inch the movie star in her one-sleeved gown, which featured a daring cut-out at the waist. “They were the last ones on the red carpet and had it all to themselves,” a fellow guest tells New Idea exclusively. “Rorie is clearly very comfortable being in front of the cameras. No doubt [Robert’s mum] Terri is happy about this,…

Cauliflower, Eggplant & Chickpea Curry SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 25 MINS 5 INGREDIENTS ■ 700g cauliflower■ 600g eggplant■ ½ cup korma curry paste■ 400ml can coconut milk■ 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed 1 Cut trimmed cauliflower into 3cm florets. Cut eggplant into 3cm pieces. 2 Heat an oiled, large frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add eggplant. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add curry paste. Stir for 1 minute. 3 Stir in cauliflower, coconut milk, chickpeas and 1 cup water. Bring to boil. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender. Season with salt and pepper. 4 Serve with steamed rice and fresh coriander leaves (optional). Agnolotti with Creamy Capsicum & Spinach SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 15 MINS 5 INGREDIENTS…

Advice Doctor Ginni GOT A HEALTH Q? DR MANSBERG’S GOT THE ANSWERS... Chronic migraine is diagnosed when you get attacks for 15 or more days per month – with at least eight of these migraine-like in character – and this happens for at least three months. For the 400,000 Aussies living with this condition, it disrupts their work, home life and hobbies. Migraines are headaches that are typically moderate to severe in intensity and are often accompanied by symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They are severe enough to make you miss work or social events. We still don’t know exactly why some people go from occasional to chronic migraines. But some known triggers include neck issues, depression and anxiety, asthma, snoring, pain conditions…

How to make my bathroom look good While the bathroom is often overlooked, it also has the potential to be one of the most tranquil spaces within the home. To help style your way to serenity, Verity Kizek, co-founder of sustainable homeware brand Saardé, explains how a few simple tweaks can help transform your space into a luxurious retreat to relax in and enjoy. LUSH LIVING Nothing beats setting the scene with a glass of wine and a book, and enjoying a relaxing bath for some much-needed me time. Verity recommends adding a chair or side table next to your tub for the ultimate self-care set up. “It will instantly invoke thoughts of long, relaxing baths,” she says. It doesn’t have to stop there. For added comfort, she suggests throwing…

Q Am I on the right path with my psychic abilities and understanding the signs? Also, I miss my ex – is he wanting to come back? I feel the energy is changing but that he’s still scared and in denial. Will his head align with his heart? – BECKY A I can see that the man you ask about as your romantic soulmate is a very gentle soul. He has been hurt in the past and I feel he is worried about committing himself to you as he fears that he will get hurt again. I can see that there is distance between you. He keeps thinking that it is all too hard, and he worries about making the commitment. He is not great with change or being out…

FICTION THE AIR RAID BOOK CLUB by Annie Lyons It’s 1938 and war is raging. Gertie and Hedy launch an air raid book club to lift people’s spirits. As tragedy strikes, the group must draw on their strength and the friendships they’ve formed. OUT TUE. MEMOIR REACHING THROUGH TIME by Shauna Bostock A deep dive into the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal families. Proud Bundjalung woman Shauna shares her ancestors’ stories with compassion and humour. OUT NOW CRIME BLOODWOOD CREEK by Kerry McGinnis Emily is persistent and not afraid to stand up to violent men. Taking on the dangerous terrain of the Northern Territory, she must find her missing cousin, despite a serial killer patrolling the plains. OUT NOW ROMANCE THE COUPLES by Lauren Mackenzie Three couples on a trip…