Table of contents for Issue 27, 2025 in New Idea

I’m a big fan of MasterChef, and an even bigger fan of chocolate! So you can imagine my delight when the kind people at Network 10 shared with us some of the contestants’ best choccie recipes, just in time for World Chocolate Day on July 7 (page 38). Do I have the skills to whip them up in the kitchen? Well, that’s a different matter entirely! Speaking of the hit cooking program, this week we also have the pleasure of sharing a special shoot with much-loved star Pete Campbell, who welcomed us into his home alongside his wife Alana and two gorgeous girls, to celebrate officially being cancer free (page 14). We are so happy for you, Pete! You know who else is happy? Declan and Sarah. Check out our…

After five years of drama, the Prince of Wales has had enough of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s attacks on the royal family. So much so, New Idea has learnt that Prince William is set to issue his brother, Prince Harry, with some final words of warning: “Divorce is your only way back.” “The reality is, as long as Meghan is around, William won’t entertain the possibility of making peace with Harry,” our insider reveals. “It would only work if she was long gone from Harry’s life – end of story.” Behind the scenes, William, 43, is thought to be considering taking the necessary steps to remove the titles of the Sussex children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, when he becomes King. “He’s already signalled that he hopes to…

KIM KARDASHIAN! OPRAH WINFREY! Orlando Bloom is apparently single … and ready to mingle with the other A-list guests at Jeff Bezos’ recent lavish nuptials! Following widespread reports that he’d split from Katy Perry after nine years, Orlando, 48, jetted to Italy for the Amazon boss’ wedding to Lauren Sanchez. Arriving in Venice, Orlando wasted no time “getting his flirt on”, a source tells New Idea. On June 26, he bumped into reality TV queen Kim Kardashian, 44, while out for breakfast. The pair looked very cosy as they traded kisses hello. “Those two have a lot of chemistry,” the source adds. The next day, Oprah Winfrey, 71, was the object of Orlando’s affections when they bumped into each other while getting their daily step count up. Onlookers tell New…

She’s the no-nonsense coach behind Australia’s Olympic championin-waiting, but for Diane Sheppard, being out on the track is all in a day’s work. While she manages a roster of rising sports stars, teen sprinting sensation Gout Gout is the most famous name on Diane’s books. The 17-year-old, who was raised in Ipswich, QLD, has sent shock waves through the athletics world. Hailed as the next Usain Bolt, Gout has already made history as the fastest Australian over a 200-metre sprint, and is poised to be one of our greatest hopes at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. “We don’t do if, we do when,” Diane told the media. They’re aiming for “double gold” in the 200-metre and 100-metre events. Diane has been coaching Gout for four years. She spotted the then 12-yearold…

Mexican Chorizo and Corn Potato Topper SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 25 MINS ■ 4 x 200g washed potatoes ■ 1 tsp Mexican spice blend ■ 2 chorizo (200g), finely chopped ■ 120g haloumi, crumbled ■ 1 small green capsicum, finely chopped ■ 125g can corn kernels, drained ■ 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, plus extra sprigs to garnish ■ ½ cup chunky Mexican salsa ■ Sour cream, hot chilli sauce, corn chips, lime wedges, to serve 1 Arrange potatoes around the edge of a microwave turntable. Microwave on High for 10 mins, or until tender. Cool slightly. Flatten warm potatoes with the base of a heatproof glass until 2cm thick. 2 Spray a 7-litre air fryer basket with olive oil. Place potatoes in basket. Spray with olive oil. Season…

Being a mother is often a difficult role and it can feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. We need to juggle so many tasks and wear a variety of hats that we often feel unqualified for. Along with this never-ending list of jobs and pressure comes a large dose of ‘mum guilt’. I often find myself questioning my abilities and tearing myself to shreds for my failings. THE ‘PERFECT’ MUM This title of Mum is such a precious gift, and I know I’m not alone when I worry that I’m not doing it right or as well as other mums. Social media can also add extra pressure. We see the ‘Perfect Mum Reels’ with immaculate kitchens and gourmet meals for happy children, and the mum…

Cosy palettes When choosing your palette, opt for calming shades of beige, cream and off-white. Incorporate colour by adding touches of earthy greens and warm browns. A fluffy textured mat in a mossy green paired with chic marble bathroom accessories will add a relaxing yet luxe feel. It’s one of the smallest and often an overlooked room in the house, but it’s one we spend so much time in. The bathroom can help us feel energised for the day ahead and unwind before bed, so why not make it special? No need for a trip to the spa, we’ve put together five easy ways to transform your bathroom space into a place of tranquillity. Natural elements From storage solutions to statement mirrors opt for decor with woodsy textures and natural…

Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 As your empathetic side grows stronger, people (and their dramas) will be drawn to you. Yes, it’s nice to be needed, but don’t let the intensity drag you down. If you’re restless, set yourself a challenge – physical, mental or more spiritual, your inner adventurer is ready for action. Lucky colour: Golden yellow Libra SEP 24 – OCT 23 Help is at hand. A friendship formed through winter should pave the way for progress where work’s involved, so don’t be shy. For some, extra training could expand your options. For others, an interest could blossom into a full-blown passion. What are you waiting for? Lucky numbers: 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, 44 Capricorn DEC 22 – JAN 20 What perfume are you wearing? Like…

When Margot receives an email from her best friend, Tess, it comes as a shock – because Tess died 20 years ago! Back in 2000, the pair had made plans to travel Europe together. Then, Margot fell in love and never made it to London – and she still feels guilty for letting Tess down. Now, Tess is providing Margot with the means to have the trip they never got to take together. But, there are conditions to Tess’ beyond-the-grave generosity. Margot must scatter her ashes and carry out certain tasks in the company of Leo, Tess’ stepbrother. OUT NOW, ALLEN & UNWIN, $32.99 GET TO KNOW THE AUTHOR Sydney local Jessica Dettmann was a book editor prior to writing four novels and a children’s book. She was also once…

Erica Packer’s idyllic, 18-month romance with celebrity chef Shannon Bennett is over, ending another chapter in the model’s turbulent love life. The couple, who seemed blissfully happy blending their combined nine children, reportedly split earlier this year. Friends tell New Idea “their mostly long-distance relationship became too difficult”. Erica, 47, and the three children she shares with ex-husband James Packer – daughters Indigo and Emmanuelle and son Jackson – have been living in London since 2023 to be closer to her sister. Meanwhile, dad-of-six Shannon, 49, is based in Byron Bay, NSW. “Erica adores Shannon,” explains the source. “She’s heartbroken, the whole family is. But it was too difficult being alone for such long periods of time. The situation was going nowhere, and without a resolution over the New Year…

She found fame on the soap opera Neighbours, and Holly Valance’s real life has taken a dramatic turn. It’s been revealed that Holly and her British billionaire husband, Nick Candy, are divorcing after 13 years of marriage. The former couple live in London and share two young daughters. “This has been a very difficult period for both Holly and Nick,” a friend told The Sun newspaper. What could potentially prove more difficult is that it’s not widely known if Holly, 42, and Nick, 52, had a prenuptial agreement in place. Nick, a businessman and politician, is worth an eye-watering $3 billion. While it would be unlikely that Holly hadn’t signed a financial agreement when she wed Nick in 2012, more than a decade later, a legal source tells New Idea…

An Australian superfan has spent a fortune, snapping up 35 items belonging to the late Princess Diana at an auction in Beverly Hills last week. Renae Plant, who founded The Princess Diana Museum, spent almost $800,000 on Diana’s floral ‘caring dress’ by Bellville Sassoon. The royal wore the dress on numerous occasions when visiting hospitals. Renae also spent almost $40,000 on Di’s honeymoon hat, by designer John Boyd. A taffeta Elizabeth Emanuel gown was also secured for close to $40,000, and a cap fetched nearly $50,000. Renae already owns almost 3000 items that once belonged to Diana, who died aged 36 in 1997. Renae claims she took out a fourth mortgage to fund her new purchases, saying, “this is about preserving historical artefacts and Diana’s legacy.”…

Only in New Idea Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary continue to go from strength to strength! New Idea can reveal the MasterChef: Back to Win couple have moved into a new Melbourne love nest. On June 30, the day after Declan’s elimination aired, the pair were seen unpacking personal belongings, furniture and, of course, kitchen items. The couple started dating during production last year, and have already been living together in Melbourne, with Sarah’s 14-year-old son Phoenix. Former Sydneysider Declan has jumped into his role of stepdad with gusto, telling Stellar that he recently woke up at 5am to make soup when Phoenix was feeling ill. Now, there’s speculation even more relationship milestones are on the horizon. In a playful moment while moving in, Declan, 27, scooped Sarah, 38, into…

Only in New Idea Patrick McDermott – Olivia Newton-John’s former partner who vanished 20 years ago last week – is reportedly still alive and working for a Mexican cartel. That’s according to private investigator Philip Klein, who is the only person to ever get close to finding the ex-cameraman’s exact whereabouts in the last two decades. Philip says Patrick was seen as recently as this January, travelling to Brazil. “I don’t think anybody’s looking for him now, and I think he feels comfortable in that absolutely,” Philip tells New Idea exclusively. “Every once in a while we still get tips from people on land, especially Americans down in the Coastal Bend in Mexico. The last tip we got was back in January – he’s in Mexico working for one of…

FOR MORE RECIPES, VISIT New Idea Magazine newideamagazine or newidea.com.au/food Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie SERVES 8 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR ■ 250g packet Butternut Snap Cookie ■ 1 tsp ground cinnamon ■ 100g butter, melted ■ Whipped cream, to serve FILLING ■ 3 eggs ■ ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar ■ 2 tbsp golden syrup ■ 2 tsp vanilla extract ■ 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus extra to serve ■ ½ tsp mixed spice ■ ½ tsp ground nutmeg ■ 1 cup cold mashed pumpkin (see Tip) ■ ¾ cup thickened cream 1 Grease a 25cm round x 3.5cm deep, loose-base flan tin. 2 Process cookies and cinnamon in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press firmly over base and up the side of…

KEEPING IT CLASSIC Black never goes out of style. Pilates, boxing or jogging? No matter your workout, stay comfy and chic with an all-black ensemble. Pair with a stylish puffer jacket to keep warm. ON TREND This season we’re loving espresso brown. Pair a matching set with cream shoes for a cool workout. Compiled by Stephanie De Nobile. Stockists: allfenix.com, bigw.com.au, hm.com, lornajane.com.au, lululemon.com.au, nike.com/au, au.puma.com…

Her name continues to be synonymous with her campy Dynasty alter ego, Alexis Carrington Colby. But Joan Collins hopes that playing one of the most hated members of the British royal family will finally show the world she is capable of much more than just big hair and even bigger acting choices. Joan, who was made a Dame in 2015, is set to portray Wallis Simpson – aka the Duchess of Windsor – in a new film, currently titled The Bitter End. While most biopics tend to recount the American divorcee’s romance with Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor – who famously abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis – The Bitter End is doing things differently. Instead, it focuses on Wallis’ twilight years in Paris following Edward’s death in…

1 Which film won this year’s Academy Award for Best Picture? A) Anora B) Conclave C) A Complete Unknown D) The Brutalist 2 Which Disney Channel show gave Miley Cyrus her big break? A) Lizzie McGuire B) Hannah Montana C) That’s So Raven D) The Suite Life of Zack & Cody 3 Which 2000s TV show follows the survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious Pacific island? A) The 4400 B) Lost C) Heroes D) Fringe 4 Which animated studio producedSpirited Away? A) Pixar B) Blue Sky Studios C) DreamWorks D) Studio Ghibli 5 Which country won the 2006 FIFA World Cup? A) Brazil B) Italy C) France D) Germany 6 The popular word game Wordle started in 2021. What was the first five-letter word answer? A) House B)…

It looks like Joe Manganiello has a type! The actor was recently spotted in Sicily with his actress girlfriend Caitlin O’Connor – who is the spitting image of his ex-wife Sofía Vergara. And Caitlin, 34, could soon become the next Mrs Manganiello, as she was spotted wearing a diamond sparkler on her ring finger during the Italian getaway! Joe, 48, and Sofía, who turns 53 this week, were married for seven years before splitting in 2023. Later that year, he started dating Caitlin. It’s believed Joe and Sofía’s split was caused by their difficulty in starting a family, and Sofía ultimately deciding she did not want another child. She is already mum to adult son Manolo. “They did try, but when it didn’t happen it was the start of the…

As the man responsible for one of Australia’s most notorious murders, Bradley John Murdoch knows where the body of Peter Falconio is buried. Despite pleas from Peter’s family and the police, he’s maintained a stony silence for more than two decades, refusing to discuss what happened when he killed the British backpacker, and attempted to kidnap his girlfriend Joanne Lees in the Northern Territory outback in 2001. Now, on his deathbed in Alice Springs, having recently been taken from prison to palliative care where he’s dying of throat cancer, there’s claims he will make an “explosive” declaration in his final days. While it’s believed Murdoch, 67, will maintain his innocence, true-crime author Robin Bowles says she knows what his last words will be. “I know what they are, and they…

Network 10 may have sent him to Exile Island, but in a game-changing twist, could Jonathan LaPaglia be about to pull off the most epic blind side ever? Just days after he was axed from Australian Survivor, rumours are now swirling that Jonathan is gearing up to take over from Jeff Probst as host of the US iteration. The possible tribal swap comes as Jeff, 63, wraps filming on Season 50 of US Survivor in Fiji. Taking to Instagram, he shared a video to mark the milestone occasion. But it was Jeff’s lack of enthusiasm that caught fans’ attention. “Bro’s not excited at all,” one commented, sparking speculation that this could be his final outing. “[JLP’s] my pick for replacement host if Jeff retires,” said another, while a third suggested…

For almost six decades the world has believed that Marilyn Monroe was Jacqueline Kennedy’s mortal enemy. After all, the iconic blonde bombshell was rumoured to have had an illicit affair with Jackie’s husband, US president John F. Kennedy But now, a new book has revealed a stunning twist in the tale. In JFK: Public, Private, Secret, biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli claims that Jackie was actually very forgiving of Marilyn, and was saddened when the actress died in 1962. Despite Jackie’s belief that her husband was in fact involved with the screen goddess, “after Marilyn died, Jackie was bereft,” Taraborrelli explains. In his book, Taraborrelli recounts a conversation Jackie had with her half-sister, Janet Auchincloss Rutherfurd, after Marilyn died in her Los Angeles home on August 4, 1962. ‘After Marilyn died,…

They grow up so fast! It only seems like yesterday that Denmark’s Prince Christian was an adorable youngster tottering after his parents, the now King Frederik and Queen Mary. But now, the 19-yearold has taken one of his most significant steps yet as heir to the throne. The Crown Prince took his official seat at a State Council meeting at Christiansborg Castle for the first time last month. He joined Frederik, 57, who chaired the gathering, and other Danish government ministers at the meeting. “It’s a hugely important moment for Christian,” a source tells New Idea. At the meeting, Christian signed a solemn declaration promising to uphold the Danish constitution. He’d signed a similar document in November 2023, a month after he’d turned 18, but has since become the Crown…

Blueberry and Lemon Poppyseed Muffins MAKES 12 PREP & COOK 35 MINS ■ ½ cup Greek-style yoghurt ■ ¼ cup milk ■ 1 tbsp poppy seeds ■ 1¾ cups self-raising flour ■ ¾ cup caster sugar ■ 125g butter, melted, cooled ■ 2 eggs, lightly beaten ■ 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind ■ 125g punnet blueberries LEMON ICING ■ ¾ cup icing sugar mixture ■ 3-4 tsp lemon juice 1 Line a 12-hole muffin pan (¹⁄³-cup capacity) with paper muffin wraps. 2 Stir yoghurt and milk into poppy seeds in a bowl. 3 Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre. Add butter, eggs, rind and yoghurt mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in half the blueberries. 4 Divide mixture evenly among paper…

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If you’re looking for a way to achieve brighter, smoother skin, glycolic acid could be what your top shelf needs. “Glycolic acid is a gentle chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion,” says Desiree Stordahl, director of applied research and education at Paula’s Choice. As part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family, it’s especially beneficial for those with dry or ageing skin. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? “Don’t let the ‘acid’ portion of the names scare you away,” says Desiree. “These types of exfoliants can be much gentler on skin than abrasive facial scrubs.” A whiz at multitasking, glycolic acid also offers major skincare benefits. “By exfoliating the built-up layer of dead skin, glycolic acid reveals the fresher, smoother, much more…

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John Travolta We’ve got chills (and they’re multiplying!) over this reunion. John joined castmates Didi Conn, Barry Pearl and Kelly Ward at a Grease singalong at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Heather Locklear Puppy love was in the air as the former Melrose Place star picked up her dog, Mister, from the groomer in Calabasas. It must be ruff being a pampered pooch! Allison Williams The actress was tickled pink to be premiering her new horror sequel, M3GAN 2.0, in New York City – so she wore a dress to match her mood! Rihanna The singer cosied up to Smurfette (who she voices in the new Smurfs movie) at the animated film’s global premiere in Belgium. Beyoncé All that glitters … was Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus as they performed…