Table of contents for Issue 39, 2025 in New Idea

Jennifer Aniston’s dream home is in the hills of Los Angeles. But with her new boyfriend, Jim Curtis, based in New York, the actress is having to seriously consider a bi-coastal relationship going forward. Now friends are worried it may be a case of history repeating itself as Jen, 56, never took to life in the Big Apple – so much so that it played a part in her divorce from Justin Theroux. “Jen knows she would never be happy living permanently in New York, because she tried with Justin,” spills New Idea’s insider. “It’s sad she’s now again in this situation, but it’s even worse. Unlike Justin, Jim’s work keeps him there all the time.” With her romance with hypnotist Jim, 49, going so well, sources say Jen is…

Rebecca Gibney is taking on a bold new TV gig, being announced as the new, and first-ever female, host of Network 10’s Millionaire Hot Seat reboot. The actress takes on the role previously filled by Eddie McGuire when the show aired on Channel Nine. In a statement, Rebecca, 60, said she is “honoured to be stepping on to the set of a show I have been a fan of for many years”. Rebecca also called the job an “absolute privilege” in a post on Instagram. At the same time she admitted, “I know I have big shoes to fill, but I said when I turned 60 I wasn’t going to let fear stop me from trying new things – so here we go!” However, many fans have aired concerns over…

Eternal bachelor Zac Efron could cheer up any girl after a break-up, and it seems he’s set his sights on newly single actress Nina Dobrev! The pair were seen last week enjoying a holiday on a luxury yacht in Sardinia, alongside A-list actor pals Miles Teller and Chace Crawford. The group were in town to attend another mutual friend’s wedding. With the trip coming days after The Vampire Diaries star Nina publicly announced that she’d called off her own wedding to Olympic snowboarder fiancé, Shaun White, her flirty interactions with Zac left many wondering if a potential rebound romance was unfolding! “Spending time with Zac is the best medicine,” a well-placed source tells New Idea. “Having Hollywood’s hottest bachelor all over her is a great boost for her ego.” The…

Manu Feildel’s patience is being tested, thanks to My Kitchen Rules’ self-proclaimed ‘Meat Master’ Michael Edelberg and his outspoken comments. “Michael has been pushing boundaries and it’s not going down well,” a source tells New Idea. Drama erupted at Mark and Tan’s Instant Restaurant last week, when Michael interrupted Manu mid-critique to question whether the dish was served in Tan’s family restaurant, accusing him of hiding professional experience. Manu, visibly annoyed with Michael, cut in: “Listen, you either accept the rules and you play with everyone, or you don’t accept the rules and goodbye.” When Michael kept going, Manu fired back. “I’m not going back to this again. You’re either a professional and you don’t belong here, or you are an amateur and you belong here. That’s it,” he said.…

Robert Irwin has been hailed a “producer’s dream” after his dynamite performances on the US version of Dancing with the Stars – and now an insider says plans for an Irwin family reality show are “pretty much a done deal”. Our source says media executives have set their sights on a docuseries featuring Robert, 21 – and they’re keen for his sister Bindi, 27, and mum Terri, 61, to get in on the act too. “Hollywood is going absolutely gaga for the Irwins right now,” the source spills. “Robert is getting so much attention on Dancing with the Stars, and that’s created this surge of interest in everything to do with the family.” One thing is certain, Robert is made for TV. His classic good looks and striking resemblance to…

It’s almost two years into their romance, but Claudia Karvan and drummer Dave Galafassi appear to still be in the honeymoon phase, by the looks of her cosy couple photos on Instagram! Fresh from a loved-up trip through Italy with Dave, who is yet to finalise his divorce from Toni Collette, Claudia, 53, eagerly shared their holiday album with her social media followers. “Grazie, Italy. Thank you gelato, thank you majestic Dolomites … and thanks mostly to Dave for being best travel partner ever,” she wrote. Until now, Claudia and Dave, 47, have been fairly low-key about their romance, after they were first spotted kissing in the surf at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in late 2023. A year earlier, Muriel’s Wedding star Toni, 52, had announced she and Dave had ended…

Choc Cherry Coconut Ice-Cream Sundaes SERVES 4 PREP 20 MINS ■ 2 cups frozen pitted cherries (300g) ■ 2 tbsp coconut cream ■ 1 tbsp icing sugar mixture ■ 8 scoops vanilla ice-cream ■ 2 x 44g bars Cherry Ripe, chopped ■ Canned whipped cream and toasted flaked coconut, to decorate ■ Flake bars, to serve (optional) 1 Set aside ¾ cup of the frozen cherries in a bowl to thaw. 2 Blend remaining frozen cherries, coconut cream and icing sugar in a blender until smooth. 3 To serve, divide cherry puree among four serving glasses (1-cup capacity). Top with reserved thawed cherries, ice-cream and Cherry Ripe. 4 Decorate with whipped cream and coconut. Serve with Flake bars (optional). TIP Frozen pitted cherries are available from supermarket freezers in the…

Between wild weather changes – hello humidity – and overusing heated styling tools, our strands sure go through a lot. But, if you’re on the road to haircare recovery or need a savvy solution to your hair woes, we’ve rounded up the best products to have on hand for healthier locks. THE PROBLEM: WEAK, DAMAGED STRANDS THE FIX: Look for bond-repairing treatments to help strengthen and restore moisture. Use a weekly treatment like 1. Muk Treat plus+ Bond Restoring Mask,$44.95,mukhair.com, which works hard to rebuild and strengthen bonds keeping hair healthy and smooth. Revive stressed strands in just four minutes with 2. Hairification H24 Complex Leave-In Hair Repair Mask,$20,adorebeauty.com.au The hydrating treatment is infused with polypeptides and olive leaf extract to restore and nourish. Switch to a targeted shampoo to…

From peaceful temples to fragrant street corners, Saigon has a subtle magic that nourishes the heart in unexpected ways. As Vietnam’s cultural hub, it can often get crowded and slightly chaotic, but spend a little time here, and you’ll find that it’s full of quiet moments that speak straight to the heart. Whether it’s the sound of a bell or the simple joy of sipping iced coffee under a tree, here are seven gentle places in the city that will re-energise your spirit. JADE EMPEROR PAGODA This beautiful, ornate temple is tucked behind leafy gates in District 1. Locals come to pray, reflect or simply sit, and visitors are welcome to do the same. It’s hard not to be moved by the calm that fills the sacred space. A PARK…

Amy Hutton might have made her literary debut with the 2023 romance novel Sit, Stay, Love – and then followed it up with the equally delightful Love from Scratch – but it wasn’t actually the first book she wrote! That honour goes to Ghosted, which is only now getting its release. “[It] had been hanging around in my brain for quite a long time and I kept making half-ass attempts to write it,” Amy tells New Idea. “But I was very busy working as a promo producer in network TV. “Every time I got to a point where I thought I might be up to chapter two, I’d have a really full-on week and it would get pushed into the background. “This sounds crazy when I say it out loud,…

1Who was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? A) Aretha Franklin B) Janis Joplin C) Patti Smith D) Tina Turner 2 Which composer created ‘The Four Seasons’? A) Bach B) Vivaldi C) Handel D) Haydn 3 Who directed The Seventh Seal? A) Federico Fellini B) Ingmar Bergman C) Robert Bresson D) Andrei Tarkovsky 4 What show won Best Drama Series at the recent Emmy Awards? A) The Pitt B) The Diplomat C) Paradise D) Andor 5 In which year was the first Barbie doll produced? A) 1955 B) 1959 C) 1962 D) 1965 6 Which famous Colin stars alongside Margot Robbie in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey? A) Colin Firth B) Colin Farrell C) Colin Egglesfield D) Colin Hanks 7 What TV show was…

It’s the coveted role that had Australia’s top TV personalities vying for consideration – a spot on stage with Oprah Winfrey. The talk-show queen is touring Australia in December for a series of ‘In Conversation’ events, and former Sunrisestar Melissa Doyle fought off stiff competition to snag the hosting job. “Omg! There are no words to describe how excited I am to be joining Oprah on stage this December for her Australian tour!” Mel shared to Instagram. Oprah, meanwhile, gave fans an insight into what they can expect from the duo. “Melissa and I are going to share an unforgettable evening of lessons, laughter, and the life-changing moments from my journey,” the star explained. One person who might prefer to make other plans is Tracy Grimshaw, who was reportedly “atop…

Michael Klim’s daughter, Stella, has been given a confronting diagnosis, as the Olympic swimmer deals with his own health crises. Stella, Michael’s eldest child with ex-wife Lindy, collapsed in Sri Lanka while competing in a fish-sorting challenge with her mum during The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. The health scare saw them quit the show early. “I thought we’d smash out the challenge, but halfway I felt super dizzy,” Stella tells New Idea. “It got to the point that I could not see.” Expanding further in a TikTok video, Stella, 19, explained that at one point she was finding it “really hard to breathe”. After pulling out of the show, a second terrifying incident – a “full-blown seizure” during a Zoom call with colleagues – led the model to be…

It’s coming up to 13 years since Russell Crowe split from his first wife, Danielle Spencer – but it’s been just like old times again as the pair reveal how excited they are to reunite. Their shared love of music has unexpectedly brought them back together, with Russell, 61, asking Danielle, 56, to join him on stage at in Sydney later this year. “There’s no doubt Russell is very excited about this performance with Danielle, but not for the old heartbreak reason,” a source tells New Idea. “He’s doing this for their boys and for Dani, whose musical talents have been totally overlooked and undermined by his fame.” his Indoor Garden Party Russell spoke recently about performing again with his “former paramour” and how positive the family dynamic is these…

To live a long, healthy and happy life, you need to maintain a level of physical health that allows you to fulfil your daily and life goals. If you’re living with physical health problems, such as chronic disease or pain, you’re at much greater risk of developing anxiety or depression, so it’s best to look at prevention. This is where both your ability and willingness come into play. BUILD HEALTHIER HABITS You don’t need a complex workout routine or expensive program to reclaim your energy. • Take 30 minutes each day and protect it like your most important meeting • Move your body outdoors • Connect with someone you like • Take a moment to switch off from technology • Make an effort to be fully present and reflect •…

This is Ziggy excitably waiting for Lucy to walk around the corner after finishing school for the day. MICHELLE BONDSAN, BENTLEIGH EAST, VIC. Lynne’s new chapter It was lovely to read what a beautiful friendship Lynne and Ada share on Home and Away. As a volunteer at a nursing home I was touched that the sadness of dementia was highlighted in Irene’s final days, as there are not too many people that aren’t affected by it. Enjoy the new chapter in your life Lynne. EVDOKIA FRYER, BUNBURY, WA. BEST OF THE WEEK WINS $100 Holidaying in Saint-Tropez, France – stunningly beautiful beaches, busy harbour and breathtaking turquoise waters. Left me, Leanne, and Judy. Our favourite magazines accompanied us all the way. PAMELA DECKERT, NHILL, VIC. Send us a funny story…

EDITORIAL Acting Editorial Director Rachel Williams, Deputy Editor Leigh Credlin, Art Director Katie Garside, Picture Editor Matthew Mackay ARE MEDIA Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley, Director of Sales Anna Quinn, Director of Content Sally Eagle, General Manager Entertainment Susan Armstrong, Commercial Brand Manager Jessica Ashworth, Director of Marketing Carly Bowra Subscription enquiries: Customer Service 136 116 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm AEST) International +61 2 9692 3535 Email magshop@magshop.com.au Website www.magshop.com.au Advertising enquiries: advertising@aremedia.com.au Published by Are Media Pty Limited (ABN 18 053 273 546), 54-58 Park Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. ©2025. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission. New Idea is a registered trade mark of Are Media. Use of trademark strictly prohibited. Licensing Inquiries: www.contentshop.com.au / syndication@aremedia.com.au Printed by…

Days after marking the fifth anniversary of her daughter Jaimi Lee’s tragic death, Lisa Curry has happy news to share. The Olympian’s son, Jett, popped the question to his influencer girlfriend Lily Brown during a European holiday, and she said “yes”! The news was announced via a video posted to Instagram, which showed a diamond ring-wearing Lily sharing a piece of spaghetti with Jett before planting a kiss on his lips. “Now that’s amore,” the duo captioned their post. Lisa revealed to her Instagram followers that she was “soooooo excited”. “Ohhhh my boy and the love of his life. I am beyond blessed and excited for your future together Jett and Lily,” the star, 63, commented. “I love you both so much.”…

Karl Stefanovic might be Channel Nine’s longtime golden boy, but he’s not a happy camper right now amid renewed speculation about his eventual successor on Today. The network is currently sizing up candidates to lead Weekend Today, after the show’s current male co-host, Clint Stanaway, announced he would be parting ways with Nine at the end of this year. New Idea is told that whoever gets the coveted gig will likely be a protégé of sorts for Karl, 51, with the end goal of succeeding him on the main weekday show. The industry source stresses that Karl, who reportedly signed a new $3 million-a-year contract not too long ago, has no plans to jump ship anytime soon. However, he is fed up with the drama surrounding his replacement –…

It’s hard for I Dream of Jeannie fans to believe it’s been six decades since they met TV’s most mischievous and beguiling genie. And for leading lady Barbara Eden, it’s a chapter that still stands out from the rest. “It means the world to me,” Barbara says of the show. “It was a wonderful time in my life. The happiest, I guess!” The US series, about a 2000-year-old genie and her handsome master, Major Tony Nelson, ran for just five seasons but left a lasting impression for years to come. Looking back, Barbara, now 94, remembers the amazing wardrobe first and foremost! “I loved the clothes,” she says. “I chose the colour! The last time I wore the costume was a few years ago.” The one show controversy Barbara believes…

PINKY PROMISE! Wedding bells are set to ring for MasterChef stars Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary – if recent snaps of the pair in the City of Love are anything to go by. The talented cooks, whose on-set rapport during this year’s season led to romance, sent the rumour mill into overdrive as they posed for photos by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Fans spotted Sarah wearing a diamond, albeit on her pinky finger – and an Instagram caption only fuelled talk that it was perhaps a secret engagement ring. “We are exactly where we are supposed to be. The right place. The right time. This exact moment with each other we have both dreamt of,” the shared post read, leading to an avalanche of congratulatory comments from fans. “So…

Pappardelle with Bolognese Ragu SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 1 HOUR 15 MINS ■ 1 onion, finely chopped ■ 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped ■ 2 cloves garlic, crushed ■ 2 tsp dried oregano leaves ■ 500g pork and veal mince ■ ¹⁄³ cup red wine ■ 500g jar tomato pasta sauce ■ 400g can chopped tomatoes ■ 2 dried bay leaves ■ 1 beef stock cube, crumbled ■ 500g pappardelle pasta ■ Shaved parmesan, to serve 1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add onion, carrot, garlic and oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 mins, until soft. Add mince. Cook, stirring to break up mince, for about 5 mins, or until browned. 2 Add wine. Bring to boil. Stir in sauce, tomatoes, bay leaves and…

Virgo AUG 24 – SEP 23 Everything is speeding up, including your brain! You’ll be overflowing with practical ideas this week, while on the health front, interesting therapies could catch your eye. As your brainpower increases, you might even discover a knack for mentoring or public speaking. Lucky crystal: Turquoise Libra SEP 24 – OCT 23 Come out, come out, wherever you are! The cosmos is injecting more joy into your life, and it’s just what you need. Your blossoming confidence could attract unexpected offers and opportunities, but resist the urge to be a ‘people pleaser’ and do what makes YOU happy. Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 11, 20, 31, 37 Scorpio OCT 24 – NOV 22 You’re turning into a super-sleuth, so if a health or family-related issue has been…