Table of contents for Issue 9, 2026 in New Idea

Sometimes, a story just gets you right in the heart, doesn’t it! Last week, that story – and more importantly, the adorable photos – was Punch the monkey. If you haven’t already heard about it, the baby was abandoned by his mum. To help with his anxiety, zookeepers gave him a cuddly toy and the images have gone viral. The full story is on page 24 and if you want to see the video of them together, head to our Instagram, @newideamagazine. Plus, we heard whispers from our TV insiders that Who Dares Wins is coming back to our screens. And we know who’s in the running to host it! See page 16. Don’t miss your chance to win $20,000 cash (page 18). And if you want to take your…

After four years together, singer Cody Simpson and Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon have broken up. Cody has deleted any trace of his now ex-girlfriend from his Instagram feed. Whispers of a break-up had been circulating for some time. The last public event Cody, 29, and Emma, 31, attended together was in December for an Omega watch event. She notably didn’t comment or interact with Cody’s birthday post in January, nor did she wish him a public happy birthday. The split was finally confirmed by Cody’s sister, podcaster and reality star Alli Simpson, last week on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show. Alli, 27, noted that she didn’t want to speak for either of them as it was their “private time” and “their business”. However, she did say she is “happy that…

British glamour model Katie Price doesn’t do things by halves. After marrying her fourth husband Lee Andrews in Dubai in January, after allegedly knowing him for just a week, Katie, 47, recently teased that she’s now “having his child”. Businessman Lee added fuel to the fire by posting a pregnant emoji on social media, and added “good things come to those who wait.” But shortly afterwards, Katie, who’s already a mum to five children, ranging in age from 23 down to 11, clarified “no, I’m not pregnant, but one day I will be.” The sudden marriage and baby talk has raised eyebrows with Katie’s fans and family. “Everyone is concerned about her,” a source tells New Idea. “But Katie doesn’t care. She does what she wants to do.”…

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s surprise visit to Jordan last week was extraordinary for more than one reason. Aside from the fact that it resembled an official royal engagement, the, at times, barely contained tension between Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, was the talk of the tour. “This was Meghan’s show,” an insider tells New Idea. “Harry looked as if he was just along for the ride.” The couple had been invited to the Middle Eastern country by the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO). During the two-day tour, Meghan and Harry visited the world’s largest refugee camp. They also attended a discussion forum hosted by WHO and toured a hospital and youth centre. The purpose of the trip was to highlight efforts to support refugees in…

The King is facing pressure to remove his disgraced middle brother from the line of succession – and possibly his direct descendants too! Despite being stripped of all his royal titles and his recent arrest, Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne. His two daughters and four grandchildren hold positions nine through 14. If Charles doesn’t have the courage to make the chop, then his heir, the Prince of Wales, might. With Prince William eager to contain the line of succession under his reign to just working royals, his brother, the Duke of Sussex, and his kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, could also be removed. They are fifth, sixth and seventh. Were this to happen, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, would leap ahead to sit behind current number…

Only in New Idea This season of Australian Idol is in full swing. And emerging as an early frontrunner from the group of talented songbirds is Eva Ilov, who was declared a sure-bet for the crown by viewers the moment she stepped on to the Auditions stage. Eva, 20, has always loved singing, with music playing a big part in her life since childhood. “I have a big musical family on both sides,” the Queensland-native tells New Idea. “Music was everywhere! Weekends were often spent at weddings doing traditional dances, celebrating, and I was always surrounded by sounds that felt alive and different. “Growing up in and around different cultures shaped the way I hear music and it inspired me to blend those elements to my own style as…

Hollywood is a town built on comebacks, but Cameron Diaz is starting to worry hers is fizzling out before it’s fully reignited. After stepping away from the spotlight for nearly a decade, Cameron, 53, made her long-awaited return to the movies last year with Netflix’s Back in Action. It was meant to be a triumphant re-entry, but instead, the film was quickly forgotten about. Now, Cameron is said to be “feeling the pressure” and concocting a game plan for a guaranteed blockbuster hit. On February 18, the actress was spied looking rather stressed while taking a phone call in New York. Later that day, she was seen out with the two young children she shares with husband Benji Madden – daughter Raddix and son Cardinal. “This comeback has been something…

FOR MORE RECIPES, VISIT New Idea Magazine newideamagazine or newidea.com.au/food Warm Topsy-Turvy Blueberry Cakes MAKES 6 PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ Melted butter, for greasing ■ 125g punnet blueberries ■ ²⁄³ cup mixed berry jam ■ 440g packet golden buttercake mix ■ ¼ cup desiccated coconut ■ 1½ tsp finely grated lemon rind ■ 2 eggs, lightly beaten ■ ²⁄³ cup milk ■ ¼ cup vegetable oil ■ Vanilla ice-cream, to serve 1 Grease a 6-hole (¾-cup capacity) Texas muffin pan with butter. 2 Divide blueberries evenly among prepared pan holes. Spoon jam over blueberries. 3 Place cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in coconut and rind. Make a well in the centre. Add eggs, milk and oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Divide evenly…

Trends may come and go, but fruit-inspired beauty is always in season. These days, we’re no longer restricted to a simple strawberry-scented balm. Our favourite brands have found innovative new ways to incorporate some of our favourite snacks into the world of beauty. From berry blushes to refreshing peach mists, we’ve rounded up our top fruity finds that are well worth the splurge. CHERRY PICKING For a natural flush, Benefit Cosmetics Benetint in Dark Cherry, $42, adorebeauty. com.au (1), blends effortlessly over cheeks and lips. Line lips with Glossier Lip Line Enhancing Pencil in Black Cherry, $35, mecca. com.au (2), and fill in with a buttery balm like e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in Wild Cherry, $20, priceline.com.au (3), for a bright wash of colour. Spritz on Quick Flick…

Cassandra Thorburn is said to be incredibly moved by the outpouring of love and support she has received since revealing she has breast cancer. In a video message shared to Instagram on February 25, Cass announced she’d been diagnosed with triple-negative occult breast cancer, after a routine mammogram. “Breast cancer affects one in seven women in New South Wales, which is where I live,” Cass said. “I read that sitting waiting for my mammogram not long ago – and I was the one in seven that day.” Cass also showed off her newly shorn locks, which were cut as part of salon Toni & Guy’s Pink Scissor Program. FAMILY SUPPORT Cass, 54, explained she decided to reveal her diagnosis as she and her kids were not interested “in hiding” because…

There are rising concerns for Aussie music icon Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, after it was recently reported the 83-year-old is struggling with his health and is now under around-the-clock care at his Melbourne home. “He’s surrounded by close friends who adore him, and his famous wicked sense of humour hasn’t dulled one bit,” a friend told the Herald Sun. “He’s cared for around the clock, supported, safe, and deeply loved. And even now, he remains unmistakably, wonderfully Molly. Since stepping back from public life, he’s somehow become even more delightfully chaotic. There’s always a story, always a laugh, always that spark.”…

Modern Family star Sofía Vergara hasn’t been able to wipe the smile off her dial lately – and New Idea hears she has a very good reason for being so joyful… “She’s engaged – and she’s doing very little to keep the news under wraps,” our source exclusively reveals. Sofía, 53, has been dating businessman Douglas Chabbott, 39, since mid-2025. The pair were first spotted together last May at the Cannes Film Festival then, shortly after, they turned up at the Monaco Grand Prix. “They’re smitten,” our source adds. But engagement rumours gained traction when Sofía and Douglas were spied during the Super Bowl weekend in California last month. “They were partying up a storm and Sofía, especially, just couldn’t seem to hide her happiness,” our source explains. “On the…

Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, looked understandably on edge as they were publicly sighted for the first time since her father’s arrest. The parents of two stepped out for coffee in Notting Hill, London on February 24. Friends of the couple were “relieved” to see them putting on a united front. Rumours continue to swirl that both Eugenie’s and her older sister, Princess Beatrice’s, marriages are “under enormous strain” following the February release of emails that revealed they had been swept into convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s world by way of their parents, Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. “There’s nothing good about any of this and yes it’s affecting everyone in their immediate circles,” says the source, before emphasising “especially” Jack, 39, and Bea’s husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.…

Over the years, Married At First Sight has successfully paired only a handful of couples long term. But it very much looks like Stella Mickunaite and Filip Gregov are set to join that exclusive club! In fact, multiple sources tell New Idea that the beautician and carpenter are already engaged in real life – which is entirely possible given that MAFS finished filming at the end of last year. Another source even hints that Filip popped the question while the couple were still in the experiment! While they can’t officially reveal if that is the case, Stella, 32, does confirm to us that “I got my soulmate.” Happily, Filip, 37, agrees. “Stella is one of the purest, most authentic people I’ve ever met,” he gushes. “From the moment we met,…

STORMY WEATHER They’ve been dating for less than a year, but could cracks already be showing in Jennifer Aniston’s romance with Jim Curtis? The couple were seen on the icy streets of New York City on February 19, engaged in what looked like a frosty exchange. They had just inspected a luxury apartment on the Upper East Side – Jim is a New Yorker while Jen usually resides in Los Angeles. They didn’t stay long though, and walked away at some distance apart after the brief viewing. The seemingly tense moment came just days after hypnotherapist and author Jim, 50, gave extraordinarily personal insight on difficulties in his relationship with Jen during a new interview. Jen has long been guarded about her private life, leading some sources to allege that…

The judging line-up for next season of Australian Idol could look very different, with one of the judges possibly moving on to bigger things! Amy Shark, who’s been a judge since 2023, has found another love – acting. The 39-year-old singer is starring in the upcoming sports action drama Beast with Daniel MacPherson, Russell Crowe and Luke Hemsworth. “I cannot believe I’m in this movie. I grew up loving movies like Bloodsport and The Karate Kid,” she said. “I can’t believe how amazing this film is. I’m so amped I could explode.” If Amy does decide to quit to pursue acting opportunities in Hollywood, she could be replaced by Jessica Mauboy. New Idea has been told Idol was looking at adding a fourth judge in 2027, and former The Voice…

Moroccan Turkey Meatballs with Couscous Salad SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 35 MINS ■ 1 cup (170g) pearl couscous ■ ½ cup Italian salad dressing ■ 1 tbsp lemon juice ■ 1 small red onion, thinly sliced ■ ¹⁄³ cup dried cranberries, chopped ■ 1 large Lebanese cucumber, diced ■ 60g packet mixed salad leaves MEATBALLS ■ 1 bunch coriander, leaves picked ■ 500g turkey mince ■ 1 tbsp Moroccan seasoning ■ ¼ cup packaged dried breadcrumbs ■ 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind ■ 1 egg yolk 1 MEATBALLS Finely chop ¼ cup coriander leaves. Set aside remaining coriander for salad. Put chopped coriander in a large bowl with mince, seasoning, breadcrumbs, rind and egg yolk. Mix well to combine. Using damp hands, roll heaped tablespoons into balls (16).…

Chorizo, Egg and Hash Brown Brekkie Burritos SERVES 6 PREP & COOK 30 MINS ■ ½ x 750g packet frozen hash browns ■ 2 chorizo (260g), thinly sliced ■ 8 eggs, lightly beaten ■ ¼ cup milk ■ 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives ■ ½ cup tomato chutney, plus extra to serve ■ 450g packet (6) jumbo flour tortillas, warmed ■ 60g packet baby rocket leaves 1 Cook hash browns according to packet directions. Cut in half diagonally. 2 Heat a lightly oiled, large non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Add chorizo. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 3 mins, or until golden. Drain on paper towel. Wipe pan clean. 3 Whisk eggs, milk and chives in a bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper. 4 Heat same…

WHAT RHYMES WITH MURDER? By Penny Tangey Out now, Simon & Schuster, $34.99 When new mum Frida goes to Baby Rhyme Time at her local library, she feels a sense of purpose. Suddenly, the library becomes a crime scene, and Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating a murder! How close is she to danger? Josh and I follow Gabrielle through the dim cafe to a door behind the counter marked staff only, and we enter a room that doubles as a kitchen and office space. One corner has a small work desk with laptop, stationery and a shelf above filled with ring binders. At the far end of the room a microwave sits on top of sky-blue cabinets. The three sisters, Grace, Dr Christine and…

THE BELL JAR By Sylvia Plath Aubrey Plaza is one of many celebrities who connected with Sylvia Plath’s 1963 semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar. When Esther Greenwood lands an internship at a fashion magazine in New York in 1953, she is excited and believes she will finally realise her dream to become a writer. But, in between the cocktail parties and piles of manuscripts, Esther’s life begins sliding out of control. Aubrey has loudly praised the book, saying it made her “feel seen”. OUT NOW, ALLEN & UNWIN, $24.99…

Bindi Irwin is in the baby bubble after the extended Irwin family welcomed their newest member. Long-time family friend Luke Reavley, who is the General Manager of Australia Zoo, and his husband Mitch recently became dads to their daughter Naya Elise. “Absolutely loving dad life, and couldn’t be more thankful for our amazing friends and family who’ve helped us on this journey!” Luke wrote on Instagram. Bindi, her husband Chandler Powell and their own daughter, four-year-old Grace, met Naya shortly after her birth, and shared a photo from the special moment on Instagram. “Our best friends just had a baby girl and my heart is overflowing. So much love,” Bindi, 27, wrote. Bindi and Chandler, 29, have revealed they aren’t planning on having another child after her struggle with…

Almost 40 years after he joined the ABC as a fresh-faced cadet journalist, Michael Rowland has announced he’s handing in his staff pass at Auntie for good. Last week, the 57-year-old told viewers on ABC News Breakfast that “now is the right time”. He added that “my wife Nicki, has been unwell over the last year or so and I’m wanting to spend more time her and family and move at a gentler pace.” But the star, who stepped away from his co-hosting role on the same program at the end of 2024 after 15 years, later clarified that Nicki, who he married in 2002, is not “at death’s door”. He thanked friends and fans for the many “lovely messages” received after his comments. He further explained, “Yes, she has…

56 years on It’s been 56 years since three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer was abducted from Wollongong’s Fairy Meadow Beach, presumed murdered, but finally, someone could face justice for the horrific crime. New South Wales’ top prosecutor has agreed to consider reviewing the 2019 decision to drop the case against a man who admitted to abducting little Cheryl. The move, communicated to Cheryl’s family in an email in February, has given them a much-needed glimmer of hope. “We have dealt with disappointment after disappointment, so I am trying to temper my expectations,” Cheryl’s eldest brother, Ricki Nash, tells New Idea exclusively. Ricki was the last person to see her alive. “We have been advised the evidence from 2019 can be reassessed or we may submit new material to NSW Police for inclusion…

Only in New Idea He’s been waiting for his next golden hosting opportunity. And it seems Matt Shirvington could be about to land himself the most daring gig of them all! This year marks 30 years since Who Dares Wins first burst onto our screens, strapping everyday Australians into harnesses and daring them to conquer their deepest fears – all in the name of primetime glory. With whispers growing louder about an anniversary reboot, insiders claim Shirvo is at the top of producers’ wish list to front the high-octane revival, in conjunction with his Sunrise co-hosting gig. “Everyday Aussies loved Who Dares Wins, and now it’s set to return bigger, bolder and more heart-in-mouth than ever,” spills our insider. Originally hosted by former cricketer Mike Whitney, alongside his fearless sidekick…

While Jen and Jim’s romance seems to be going through a rough patch, her ex-husband Brad Pitt’s relationship with jewellery executive Ines de Ramon is heating up! Brad, 62, is currently in Greece filming his new movie The Riders and Ines, 33, has joined him for the shoot! “Brad and Ines would love to elope in somewhere as beautiful as Greece one day,” our source says. The couple have dated for almost four years and are rumoured to be engaged. “They’ve even started to spot venues in the country that would be perfect,” says the source. But, even if they don’t land on a wedding venue, they could return to Greece for their honeymoon. “Brad and Ines love it there,” adds our source.…

A GRIPPING TALE! Punch, the adorable seven-month-old Japanese macaque monkey and his toy plushie Oran-mama have captured hearts – and headlines – around the globe. The tiny primate, who was born in Ichikawa Zoo, near Tokyo, last July, was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. According to The Sun, “zookeepers at the zoo suggest that Punch was born during a heatwave which caused his first-time mother acute stress.” Punch was also initially rejected and seemingly even attacked by other monkeys in his enclosure, which only added to his heartbreaking plight. As a result, zookeepers gave little Punch an IKEA toy orangutan – which is now selling out globally – for comfort. But when the zoo posted a picture of Punch clinging to and interacting with his precious plushie online,…

Healthcare workers aren’t credited enough for the work they do. That’s the key message that Jelena Dokic is currently championing, after her personal experience in Australia’s healthcare system. Jelena, 42, has stepped onto the frontline for the new season of SBS’ The Hospital: In the Deep End. Joining her are food journalist Matt Preston and actress Ruby Rose. During filming, Jelena spent time in different medical departments alongside the doctors, nurses and social workers. The former professional tennis player turned popular commentator didn’t do any research ahead of time as she “wanted to experience everything firsthand”. “I didn’t run away from anything,” Jelena tells New Idea. “I wanted to, but no matter how I felt, I wanted to be there. I didn’t know what that was going to look like,…

BUMP AHOY! MasterChef Australia judge Andy Allen and his wife, Alex, are enjoying their last stretch as a duo. The couple, who wed in 2022, announced they were expecting “a little duckling” together in November, although now it looks as if baby Allen could arrive at any moment! But before they finally become a happy family of three, Andy whisked a radiant Alex away for a relaxing babymoon. They enjoyed a mini-break at Brisbane’s ritzy The Calile Hotel, where rooms start at $650 per night. The parents-to-be shared some happy snaps from the getaway on social media, showing they indulged in some healthy room service. Andy also proved that he is already adept at dad humour when he quipped in a caption that “wine buckets look different on babymoon”, noting…

Raspberry Ripple Pistachio Ice-Cream Log SERVES 8 PREP 25 MINS ■ 395g can sweetened condensed milk ■ ¹⁄³ cup pistachio spread ■ 300ml tub thickened cream ■ 1 cup Greek-style yoghurt ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ 1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed, lightly crushed ■ ¹⁄³ cup pistachios, toasted, chopped, plus extra to decorate ■ Fresh raspberries, to decorate 1 Lightly spray a medium (5-cup capacity) loaf pan (about 12cm x 22cm top measurement). Line base and sides with baking paper. 2 Beat condensed milk and pistachio spread in small bowl of an electric mixer until combined. Add cream, yoghurt and vanilla. Beat until thickened. 3 Pour one-third of the cream mixture over base of prepared pan. Spoon over one-third of the crushed raspberries and sprinkle with one-third of the…

SPRING A flowy dress in a trending chocolate shade is a staple for any springtime occasion. Accessorise with matching hues or pair with a woven bag for a lighter look. SUMMER Don’t be afraid to wear playful palettes! Mix pink, orange and yellow for a fun sunset-inspired outfit. AUTUMN Invest in a super-soft jumper to keep cosy through the chill. Elevate a casual outfit with delicate pearl jewellery. WINTER Pair a blazer with a matching skirt or pants for a trendy work look. Swap loafers for chic, weather-appropriate boots. Compiled by Stephanie De Nobile. Stockists: armsofeve.com, bigw.com.au, charleskeith.com/au, francesca.com.au, hm.com/au, kmart.com.au, marksandspencer.com/au, novoshoes.com.au, target.com.au, zara.com/au…

TONIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Airs Wed. at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview Move over, 8 Out of 10 Cats – there’s a new panel comedy show in town! Hosted by comedian Alex Lee, Tonight At The Museum invites celebrity guests on to play a variety of games, with the aim of having one of their personal treasures placed on display in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It’s a unique twist on a familiar format, and, according to Alex, a world-first in terms of filming locations! The star and mum of two, 39, sat down with New Idea ahead of the premiere to share what fun hijinks are in store… How are you feeling ahead of the show airing? No-one has ever filmed a quiz show in a…

THE SECRET LIVES OF MURDERERS’ WIVES By Elizabeth Arnott It’s 1960s Los Angeles, and three women have formed an unlikely friendship – their husbands are the some of the country’s most notorious serial killers. Fighting to forge a new path for themselves, a string of local killings forces the women start an investigation of their own. OUT TUE. MARCH 10, PENGUIN, $34.99 BRAWLER By Lauren Groff Featuring nine short stories, this is Lauren Goff’s first collection since the award-winning and bestselling book Florida. Ranging from the 1950s to the present day and moving across age, class, and region, these stories reflect and expand upon a single shared theme: the ceaseless battle between the dark and light in all of us. OUT TUE. MARCH 10, PENGUIN, $34.99…