Table of contents for Issue 38, 2025 in New Idea

Only in New Idea It was love at first sight for Brad Jones and Clare Hockings when they met on Farmer Wants A Wife’s 2023 season. Now, New Idea can exclusively reveal that the lovebirds are officially engaged! The couple are also expecting their second child soon, a sibling for their 21-month-old son, Roy. Brad popped the question on Clare’s recent 30th birthday. But the romantic, outdoor proposal on their farm in Cootamundra, NSW, didn’t quite go to plan! “It was the worst day ever as far as weather,” Brad tells us. “It was pouring! So instead, I literally did it in our house.” The farmer launched an elaborate ploy to make sure Clare was surprised, pretending he had injured his knee to coax her into the room without suspecting…

Could there be bad blood brewing between Robbie Williams and Taylor Swift? The British singer has reportedly delayed the release of his new album, Britpop, to February next year so as not to clash with the October 3 launch of Taylor’s The Life of a Showgirl record. Some fans think Robbie, 51, is avoiding the clash so his album has a clear shot at getting to number one. If it does, he’d surpass The Beatles as having the most chart-topping UK albums with 16. A source told The Sun that Taylor, 35, “is undoubtedly the biggest artist in the world right now and her first-week sales are sure to eclipse any other artist who has released a record in recent years”. It sounds like Robbie made a smart switch!…

After six years as a couple, Liam Hemsworth has finally proposed to his model girlfriend, Gabriella Brooks! She shared their happy news via Instagram on September 12, with a series of photos showing off a big diamond on her ring finger. However, their happiness was soured when online trolls commented on Gabriella’s supposed resemblance to his ex-wife Miley Cyrus! “Pretty weird, she kinda looks like Miley – he has a type,” one wrote. Liam, 35, began dating Miley in 2010. Their relationship ended d in 2019, after less than a year of marriage. Soon after, Liam and Gabriella, 29, began dating. They spend most of their time together living quietly in NSW’s Byron Bay.…

CENTRAL LONDON Queen Camilla set tongues wagging when she was a no-show at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on September 16 – despite the palace confirming her attendance 24 hours earlier. Having been spotted in seemingly good form at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral just days before, Camilla missed the funeral due to a bout of reported acute sinusitis. Her absence came hot on the heels of shock claims that Camilla, 78, and King Charles are often leading separate lives. A source recently told RadarOnline: “They are putting on a united front in public, but behind the scenes it’s a different picture.” They say Camilla prefers living at her home, Ray Mill House, in Wiltshire, while Charles retreats to Highgrove or Clarence House. Charles, 76, and Camilla have spent stretches of…

Just a few short weeks ago, The Voice Australia coach Kate Miller-Heidke told New Idea she was “so excited” to work with Richard Marx. Kate, 43, explained that was because “I’m a massive fan of his from back in the day.” However, that friendly vibe seems to have all but disappeared, following a tense exchange between Kate and Richard during a recent Battle Round. Kate claimed that one of Team Richard’s singers, Ally Friendship, had “a couple of pitch issues” during her battle with Rose Carleo. Richard, 62, was shocked as he explains he is a self-proclaimed “pitch freak” and disagreed, saying to Ally: “I didn’t hear any pitch issues for you Ally, I thought you crushed it from the time you walked out.” Kate responded with a sharp “well,…

SHEER DELIGHT Margot Robbie chose to make a big, bold statement Mwh whilst unveiling her latest film, stepping out in a gown that divided the internet within seconds. For the London premiere of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Margot decided that the occasion called for something head-turning – and headline making! And with the help of her stylist, Andrew Mukamal, she found it in the form of a plunging sheer Armani Privé gown that had only a handful of carefully-placed crystal embellishments protecting her modesty! Margot, 35, clearly loved the way she looked, as did her co-star, Colin Farrell, who could barely take his eyes off his leading lady as they walked the red carpet. Many of Margot’s fans also agreed that she was flawless, with one writing online: “Simply…

Red Pesto Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagne SERVES 4-6 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR 30 MINS ■ 2 x 500g packets diced pumpkin ■ 2 tbsp olive oil ■ ⅓ cup sundried tomato pesto ■ 375g packet fresh lasagne sheets (8 sheets) ■ 700g jar tomato passata with Italian herbs ■ 120g bag baby spinach leaves ■ 1½ cups grated mozzarella ■ Fresh basil leaves, to garnish (optional) 1 Line a large oven tray with baking paper. Scatter pumpkin over tray and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. 2 Cook in a 200C preheated oven for about 25 mins, or until tender. Remove. Transfer to a large bowl. Gently stir in pesto. Reduce oven to 180C. Cut six lasagne sheets crossways into three equal pieces. Reserve…

Chimichurri Chorizo, Haloumi and Mushroom Skewers MAKES 16 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR ■ 900g block haloumi ■ 8 chorizo, trimmed, cut into 2cm rounds ■ 32 button mushrooms (400g) CHIMICHURRI ■ 1½ cups fresh parsley leaves ■ ½ cup fresh oregano leaves ■ 2 long green chillies, chopped ■ 2 cloves garlic, peeled, chopped ■ 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind ■ ½ cup olive oil ■ ⅓ cup red wine vinegar 1 CHIMICHURRI Blend all ingredients in a blender until herbs are finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a jug. Cover and refrigerate. 2 Cut haloumi into 32 x 3cm cubes. Reserve the remaining for another use. 3 Thread chorizo, haloumi and mushrooms alternately onto 16 x 37cm-long metal skewers. Spray with olive oil. 4…

Virgo AUG 24 – SEP 23 As they say, fortune favours the brave. Your ideas should attract plenty of attention this month, so take the initiative and speak up, particularly at work. With an eclipse energising your sign, it’s time to embrace change and shake up your everyday routines. Lucky numbers: 9, 17, 23, 34, 40, 42 Libra SEP 24 – OCT 23 As the sun dazzles your centre stage, your self-confidence and luck should grow. And with Mars revving up your cash zone, many Librans should feel an extra spring in their step as financial pressures ease. Adding to the buzz, an image update could leave you feeling fab. Lucky crystal: Amethyst Scorpio OCT 24 – NOV 22 You’re turning into your own personal life coach! That can-do attitude…

THE VALLEY By Chris Hammer As a “big fan” of Chris Hammer, TV presenter Lisa Millar sped through this gripping thriller by the bestselling author. It sees Nell Buchanan thrown into her most emotionally fraught investigation yet. There’s been a murder in a remote mountain valley, but this is no ordinary case. Nell and Ivan Lucic soon find themselves contending with cowboy lawyers, conmen, bullion thieves and grave robbers. What really happened in the valley? OUT NOW, ALLEN & UNWIN, $34.99…

Samantha Armytage is set to play matchmaker in the upcoming debut season of The Golden Bachelor – but she’s also recently given an update about her own love life. In August, the rumour mill went into overdrive when Sam stepped out at the TV WEEK Logie Awards with Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden – who is the actual Golden Bachelor! Some wondered if Sam, 49, had nabbed him for herself, following the end of her four-year marriage to Richard Lavender last year. However, Sam insists she and Bear are just good friends. “You can’t host the show and then steal the Golden Bachelor. Hello … That wouldn’t be much fun, would it?” Sam said on Nova’s The Chrissie Swan Show. “He’s a friend and I’m the host and there are 20 other…

SHUNNING THE SPOTLIGHT It’s almost a year since Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster went public as a couple. And while they’ve since been seen out together, the loved-up twosome are yet to walk a major red carpet together. “Sutton is still nervous about taking that big step into Hugh’s world,” a source exclusively tells New Idea. So far Hugh, 56, and musical theatre star Sutton have swerved the Oscars, the Met Gala and the Tony Awards. Instead, they were most recently spotted at last week’s low-profile Bright Night Gala in Stillwater, Oklahoma. But Sutton, 50, may not be able to shirk the brighter spotlight for much longer. Hugh’s Neil Diamond-inspired new movie, Song Sung Blue, is premiering at the AFI Fest in Hollywood on October 26, and the actor is…

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban couldn’t be prouder of their eldest daughter, Sunday Rose, as she continues to make her mark in the modelling world. However, they can’t help but wish the teen’s ascension to bona fide It girl status hadn’t happened quite so quickly. “Nicole especially had hoped to have at least one more year at home with her baby, but Sunday’s always been the most strong-willed of all four of her kids,” dishes New Idea’s exclusive source. During the recent New York Fashion Week, Sunday, 17, was the toast of Manhattan, attending numerous star-studded parties – without either of her parents in tow. At one of the soirees, an event for Chanel, Sunday was seen partying behind the DJ decks with Romy Mars, daughter of director Sofia Coppola…

ROADSIDE HORROR The tiny skeleton of Khandalyce Pearce was found inside a weathered suitcase, abandoned alongside a stretch of highway about 120 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. When the two-year-old’s remains were discovered in July 2015, she’d already been dead for more than six years. The fair-haired toddler was killed by the man who had also murdered her mother, Karlie Pearce-Stevenson, that same year. Karlie’s body had been found in NSW’s Belanglo Forest in 2010. Police trawled missing persons’ registers to identify the child in the suitcase. But then a call to Crime Stoppers tipped police off to Khandalyce’s identity – there was a picture of her nursing a blanket that matched a blanket found with her remains. In December 2015, Daniel James Holdom, now 50, was charged with Khandalyce’s murder.…

Korean Beef Rice Bowls SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 30 MINS ■ 1 ⅓ cups jasmine rice ■ ⅓ cup light soy sauce ■ 1 tbsp honey ■ 1 tbsp gochujang ■ 2 tsp sesame oil ■ 500g lean beef mince ■ 4 green onions, thinly sliced ■ Sriracha mayonnaise, toasted sesame seeds, to serve CUCUMBER SALAD ■ 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar ■ 2 tsp caster sugar ■ 2 Lebanese cucumbers, thinly sliced ■ 1 large carrot, peeled, shredded 1 CUCUMBER SALAD Mix vinegar, sugar and ¼ tsp salt in a large bowl. Add cucumber and carrot. Toss well. Set aside. 2 Cook rice according to directions on packet. 3 Combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang and sesame oil in a small bowl. 4 Heat a large non-stick wok over…

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER Replicate the iconic taste of Korean-style fried chicken – from your freezer! CJ Foods Oceania, a global leader in Korean cuisine, has just released Bibigo Fried Chicken in two authentic flavours – Sweet & Spicy and Soy Honey. Made locally using 100 per cent whole chicken breast cuts, each box comes with a separate Korean sauce pack, so you can add as little – or as much – extra seasoning as you like. Pop it in the oven or air fryer for a quick midweek winner! RRP, $15. Available at Woolworths and IGAs nationwide. AN APPLE A DAY… East coast apple fans will now get a taste of Western Australia’s popular crop, with Bravo apples available nationwide in their most significant volume to date. Hand-picked at…

Our skin barrier plays a key role in protecting us from pesky environmental stresses and bacteria, while also retaining moisture. While it’s resilient and tough, it can become easily aggravated by everyday factors such as overusing actives in your skincare routine, climate changes, seasonal allergies and even stress. So, how can we tell if it’s damaged and what can we do to fix it? We chat to Tegan Brown, retail support manager at Lush, to answer our questions… WHAT ARE THE MAIN SIGNS OF A COMPROMISED SKIN BARRIER? Pay close attention to your skin and take note of any sudden changes or increased sensitivities. “You might notice inflammation like redness, itchiness, tightness or stinging, with skin also feeling dry, flaky or rough in texture,” says Tegan. “In some cases, you…

Why spend thousands of dollars to travel abroad when you can (almost) soak up as much culture in Sydney? Come for the Opera House and stay for the authentic food. We’ve put together the perfect eating out itinerary to help you – and your stomach – taste a new country every day. new country every day. MEXICO CHICA BONITA, MANLY This rustic Mexican joint is no amateur when it comes to dishing up tasty bites. We recommend the Kingfish Ceviche and Baja Fish Tacos – yum! KOREA BOOM CAFE, EASTWOOD Located in a hub full of Sydney’s best Korean restaurants, this unique fusion cafe is the perfect place for beginners. Try the Kimchi Carbonara (add garlic prawns) for a big, authentic bowl of creamy goodness. INDIA DELHI ‘O’ DELHI, NEWTOWN…

When violin virtuoso Laura’s priceless instrument is stolen, her career unravels. Fleeing to her grandmother’s home in the outback, Laura uncovers revolutionary suffragettes who refused to be silenced… Laura Hartley stood in the wings of the Musikverein concert hall, her grandmother’s violin in one hand, a lifelong dream in the other. From her hidden vantage point, she studied the who’s who of European society, their jewellery twinkling beneath the tiered crystal chandeliers. The Golden Hall basked in an ethereal glow, reflecting two centuries of gilded history in which legends such as Chopin and Liszt had moved audiences to tears. And here she was – a girl from the wrong side of London – about to take the stage. She cradled the violin against her chest, its familiar weight a great…

Kristen Bell Even though she didn’t win her category, Kristen’s husband, Dax Shepard, still had her back at all times – including on the red carpet! Parker Posey From Thailand to the Emmys stage – Parker and fellow The White Lotus star Walton Goggins presented. AWARDS MAGNET! Seth Rogen Someone’s going to need a bigger mantel! Seth won for acting, directing and writing his comedy series The Studio. Adolescence cast It was a clean sweep for the hit Netflix series, with Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty among the show’s six wins. At 15, Owen is the youngest male to ever win a primetime Emmy! Jean Smart The comedy queen celebrated her Hacks win with co-star and fellow victor, Hannah Einbinder. New Idea at the EMMYS Tina Fey There’s…

With a sequel to the hit 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham officially in the works, it seems Keira Knightley is already in training to reprise her role as feisty footballer Jules. Keira, 40, and her husband, James Righton, were recently spotted heading to their local London park, with a soccer ball in tow. Perhaps a kickabout was on the agenda? When Keira was preparing to play Jules in the original film, she and co-star Parminder Nagra, who starred as Jess, undertook an intensive, 20-week soccer program to get ready for their roles – so hopefully she’s not too rusty when it comes to her ball skills! The film’s director, Gurinder Chadha, recently confirmed she is currently working on the script to a sequel, and is teased that the original…

Only in New Idea In addition to the food they’ve served, My Kitchen Rules’ self-proclaimed ‘opinionated couple’ Michael and Rielli have been dishing up plenty of drama thanks to their blunt critiques. And in an exclusive chat with New Idea, they make no apology for that! “I hate the word ‘villain’,” civil engineer Michael tells us. “I see us as truth speakers. If people want to vilify the truth we speak about their food, so be it.” So far, the Queensland couple’s truth bombs have been particularly directed at eliminated contestants Mel and Jacinta, and gatecrasher divorcees Amy and Lara. But it looks like Michael and Rielli, a graphic designer, may have met their matches, with gatecrasher mates Mark and Tan especially ready to fire plenty of verbal barbs. But…

From a singing Sapphire to an unwed mother in ‘Swinging Sixties’ Kings Cross, Miranda Tapsell has played a range of characters throughout her career. But while the roles might seem different from each other on paper, the Logie-winning actress has been making a conscious effort to ensure there is a clear through line that connects all of her projects when possible – and it’s all in tribute to her family. Miranda, a proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman shares daughter Grace, three, and one-month-old son Vincent with her non-Indigenous husband of seven years, James Colley. She herself has a white father and a First Nations mother. As such, Miranda says she feels compelled to take on projects that show an “equilibrium” between First Nations peoples and other Australians, as this is…

As he accepted his Best Actor Emmy Award at last week’s ceremony, Noah Wyle made sure to end his acceptance speech with a special shout-out to his date and number one fan – his wife, Sara. “To my beautiful wife, who owns half of this, not just because it’s California law, [but] because she earned it,” The Pitt star told the audience, as Sara teared up with emotion in her seat. Indeed, Noah, 54, readily admits that his success would not be possible if it weren’t for Sara holding down the fort at home and lifting him up during the dark times. This was especially the case when it came time for Noah to film Season 1 of The Pitt. Noah says he asked a lot of his family while…

Frosted Blueberry Lemon Cakes MAKES 8 PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ 125g butter, softened ■ ¾ cup caster sugar ■ 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ 2 eggs ■ 1½ cups self-raising flour ■ ½ cup Greek-style yoghurt ■ 2 tbsp milk ■ 125g punnet blueberries FROSTING ■ 250g block cream cheese ■ 100g butter, softened ■ 1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind ■ 2 cups icing sugar mixture 1 Line eight holes of 2 x 6-hole Texas muffin pans (¾-cup capacity) with large paper cases. 2 Beat butter, sugar, rind and vanilla in 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 flour, yoghurt…

It’s the only organ in the human body that’s designed solely for pleasure, and yet it’s often dismissed. In fact, the complete anatomy of the clitoris wasn’t fully described in scientific research until 20 years ago by Aussie urologist professor Helen O’Connell. But despite this, education on the erogenous zone still has a long way to go, and Dr Suzanne Belton and sex and relationship therapist Christine Rafe are here to set some facts straight. IT’S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK Most people assume that the small, sensitive nub at the top of the labia (inner lips of the vulva) is all there is of the clitoris. However, with most of it sitting inside the pelvis – hugging the walls of the vagina where you can’t see it – it’s actually…

Spring has officially sprung, and there’s no better time to give your home a stylish spruce-up than a fresh, new season. While architecture, design and styling are key players in setting up an inviting space, colour choice can have a significant impact on the overall ambience of a room. Stumped on which shades to saturate your interiors in? Don’t stress! We went straight to the experts at Dulux to get their professional opinion on all things colour. And yes, bolder and brighter is back! WARM HUES ARE HERE TO STAY In today’s uncertain times, it’s no surprise that we’re craving comfort and stability in our homes. “Australians are feeling digitally overwhelmed,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, colour and communications manager at Dulux. “There’s a shift towards emotional reconnection with ourselves, with others…

We love matching clothes while on holidays in Vietnam. JILL HALSTEAD, BRAY PARK, QLD. Farewell, Irene! I enjoy Home and Away and am wrapped up in the characters’ lives. Lynne McGranger as Irene Roberts has been a favourite and it’s sad the storyline had her suffer with Alzheimer’s. Her departure from the show leaves a hole but I thank Lynne – she certainly deserved her Gold Logie! FELICITY ROONEY, SALE, VIC. BEST OF THE WEEK WINS $100 My little girl, Maggie, was so excited to win a prize for being one of the best-dressed princesses at our local RSL’s family night! RHIANNON PETRIS, SAFETY BEACH, 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…

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SAVING ELLI By Doug Gold This true story of sacrifice, sabotage, survival and impossible choices is set in the darkest days of war. In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, near Anne Frank’s house, another Jewish girl is hidden – Elli. Her father has been executed and her mother has fled. One couple risk everything to save her. OUT NOW, ALLEN & UNWIN, $34.99 COURAGE TO BE By Carlii Lyon Inspired by her own personal journey, celebrity publicist Carlii Lyon found herself invisible and lacking confidence during extended maternity leave. This personal crisis led her to appreciate that everyone needs to put themselves out there for a purpose and have the courage to be visible. LISTEN NOW, AUDIBLE, $14.95…