Table of contents for Issue 1, 2026 in New Idea

At the start of the year, or any new season, really, we often feel the pull to reset – what we need more of, what we need less of, and how we might take better care of our health. It’s with that spirit that for our first issue of the year, I’m proud to introduce a brand-new column to our pages, CareClinic Consult. Created in partnership with the trusted pharmacists at TerryWhite Chemmart, CareClinic Consult will appear in the magazine once a month and is designed to be exactly what the name suggests – a place to seek clarity and feel supported. Qualified pharmacists will respond to health and wellbeing questions. Check out the first one on setting goals, on page 49. And don’t miss your stars for the full…

Jennifer Aniston is reportedly finally ready to write a memoir – and it’s all thanks to her current beau, Jim Curtis! Sources say a book is something Jen, 56, has “put off” since her 2005 divorce from Brad Pitt. Her late mother Nancy Dow’s own scathing 1999 tell-all also “turned Jen off the whole concept” for many years. “But Jim has been able to unravel some of her childhood pain and give Jen the ability to look at it with less emotion,” explains the source. “It’s sparked the confidence to finally put down her story in her words. It’s very cathartic.”…

Austin Butler is totally spellbound by his idol and former co-star Brad Pitt, and has modelled himself on the A-lister for the last several years of his career. But it’s now getting on his hero’s nerves – and he’s finally under orders to stop! Although Brad, 62, didn’t discover Austin, 34, the pair hit it off when they made Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood together. The 2019 Quentin Tarantino film is considered Austin’s breakout movie, while it also netted Brad his long-awaited first acting Oscar. “Being with Austin on that project is a happy memory for Brad. What’s been annoying is how Austin has completely moulded himself into a miniature Brad clone in the years since they worked together,” says the source. From Austin’s bizarre pseudo-Southern accent to his…

Iced Coffee Slice SERVES 24 PREP & COOK 45 MINS ■ 250g packet Milk Coffee biscuits, roughly broken ■ ⅓ cup slivered almonds, toasted ■ 1 tbsp cocoa powder, plus extra to decorate ■ 175g butter, melted FILLING ■ 2 tsp powdered gelatine ■ 1 tbsp instant coffee granules ■ 250g block cream cheese, chopped, softened ■ ¾ cup caster sugar ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ 600ml tub thickened cream 1 Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above pan edges. 2 Process biscuits, almonds and cocoa in a food processor until finely crushed. Add butter. Process until combined. Press over base of prepared pan. Refrigerate. 3 FILLING Sprinkle gelatine and coffee over ¼ cup cold water in…

WHAT ARE PEPTIDES? A common skincare ingredient, peptides are made up of amino acids that naturally occur in the skin. They can help boost firmness in the skin. WHAT ROLE DO THEY PLAY IN SKINCARE? Not only do peptides keep the skin hydrated, but they can also improve elasticity and help stimulate naturally occurring collagen for a plump and luminous complexion. Peptides pair well with other common skincare ingredients including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and retinol. HOW DO I INCLUDE PEPTIDES IN MY ROUTINE? While you’re most likely to find them in moisturisers and serums, peptides can be used all over the body and are often found in hair care, face masks, body lotions, makeup products and more. We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite peptide-packed formulas to…

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is used to nightmares in the kitchen – but he never could have imagined that his own daughter’s wedding would dish up some serious family drama! Holly Ramsay, 25, wed British Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, 31, at Bath Abbey in the UK on December 27. The glamorous affair was attended by the Ramsays and the Beckham clan, with Victoria dressing the bridesmaids as well as the mother of the bride, Tana. However, the groom’s family, bar Adam’s sister Bethany, who was in the bridal party, were nowhere to be seen. The UK press have reported that the schism came about when Adam’s mother, Caroline, was allegedly not invited to Holly’s hen-do at the Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds. Wider members of the extended Peaty family had…

MasterChef Australia lovebirds Sarah Todd and Declan Cleary are leaning into the chaos that comes with being parents to twins, after welcoming their daughters Claudia and Charlotte shortly before Christmas. The couple, who are also rumoured to be engaged, announced their twins’ arrival on Instagram on December 24. In the happy family snap, Sarah, 38, cradled her girls on her chest. One twin wore a pink beanie, the other purple. Friends, family and fans quickly flooded the post with messages of congratulations. Replying to one, Declan, 27, joked, “We bake some pretty beautiful buns.” Sarah is also mum to Phoenix, her teenage son with former fiancé Devinder Garcha. Declan and Phoenix have become very close.…

Olympic swimmer Michael Klim is diving headfirst into wedding planning, after his long-time love, DJ and music producer Michelle Owen, accepted his marriage proposal. Michael, 48, announced their engagement on December 24 via Instagram, sharing a carousel of photos from the moment he got down on one knee at Pt. Leo Estate, a stunning winery on the Mornington Peninsula. Having arrived “in style” in a Porsche, Michael said it was the “perfect place to seal the deal”. “She is pure heart. Deeply kind. Steady when it mattered most,” Michael wrote in his caption. “Our relationship was built during real adversity and it never wavered. It makes this moment event sweeter. We are incredibly happy and excited to spend our lives together. More adventures. More laughs. More memories as a family.”…

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex know the only thing keeping their Netflix deal alive is the promise of a Princess Diana documentary to mark 30 years since her death. Now, sources say the race is on for the couple to get their hands on exclusive content – with Meghan, 44, urging Prince Harry, 41, to demand access to a sealed French police dossier on the August 1997 Paris car crash. The 6000-page file, compiled in 2007, remains locked away in the basement of Paris’ Palais de Justice until at least 2082, under strict heritage laws. It includes hundreds of witness statements, toxicology reports on driver Henri Paul, and never-before-seen photos – material that conspiracy theorists claim holds the truth about the tragedy that killed Harry’s mum Diana, 36, and…

Brigitte Bardot 1934 - 2025 When Brigitte Bardot passed away, aged 91, on December 28, tributes to the famous sex symbol swiftly followed. Supermodel Christie Brinkley called her “a timeless icon of beauty and strength,” while French president Emmanuel Macron wrote that she was “a legend who embodied a life of freedom.” Born in Paris in 1934, Brigitte trained as a ballet dancer, but began modelling in her teens. She married French film director Roger Vadim in 1952, when she was 18 – and he cast her in 1956’s And God Created Woman. That film made her an international sensation – and they divorced in 1957. She went on to marry three more times, and welcomed her only child, son Nicolas, with her second husband Jacques Charrier. She is survived…

Simon Cowell has been opening up about his intention to marry longtime fiancée, Lauren Silverman, in the near future – and a source tells New Idea the Britain’s Got Talent judge is ready to dig deep into his $900 million fortune to ensure that their wedding has the X factor! “If it were up to Simon this would not be a big ceremony,” our source says. “He doesn’t particularly want to do this, but he knows Lauren really wants to. He’s at a point where he feels like he ought to just do it to make her happy.” Simon, 66, met Florida socialite Lauren, 48, while on holiday in Barbados in 2004. They began dating in 2012 and two years later welcomed their son. Eric. “Lauren has gone and taken…

GOAL-DEN OLDIE! Netball stalwart Maree Bagley has spent years sharing her hard-earned court smarts with her granddaughter, Scarlett Ramsey. With more than 650 games behind her, Maree has coached, cheered and guided Scarlett ever since she first stepped onto the court at age five. So, when the Victoria club surprised Maree, 64, and 13-year-old Scarlett with the chance to play side by side in August, the devoted duo stepped onto the court – and straight into Newstead Netball Club’s history books. “I’d mentioned in the past how I’d like to play with Scarlett one day, but I never imagined it would actually happen,” Maree tells New Idea. “My daughter [Chantelle] and the club had set it all up as a surprise, which was amazing.” Maree first laced up her netball…

Peach Melba Frozen Parfait SERVES 6-8 PREP 30 MINS ■ 1-litre tub vanilla ice-cream ■ 2 yellow peaches, finely chopped, plus extra, sliced, to serve RASPBERRY CREAM ■ 2 cups frozen raspberries, thawed ■ 2 tbsp icing sugar mixture ■ 300ml tub thickened cream ■ 2 tsp vanilla bean paste ■ 395g can sweetened condensed milk 1 Grease and line a large loaf pan (15cm x 23cm top measurement x 9cm deep) with baking paper, extending paper 5cm above edges. 2 Spoon ice-cream into a large bowl. Stand for 10 mins, or until softened slightly. Stir in peaches. Spoon into pan. Smooth over top. Freeze until firm. 3 RASPBERRY CREAM Blend raspberries and sugar in a blender until smooth. Strain through sieve into a large jug. Discard seeds. 4 Beat…

As we pack away the tree and take down the Christmas lights, there’s no better time than the beginning of a new year to spruce up the home. To make sure your space looks and feels fresh, we chat to Lauren Treloar, colour and design manager at Dulux, who shares her insight into the interior and colour trends for 2026. CALMING PALETTES It’s only natural for us to crave comfort within our own homes. “One major trend will be the use of calming and connecting colours,” says Lauren. Think earth-based neutral tones and warm shades of green and brown to reflect the tranquillity of the outdoors. “By referencing nature-inspired tones inside our homes, these colours and textures provide a sense of grounding,” adds Lauren. A RETURN TO PINK Just when…

Aries MARCH 21 – APRIL 20 THEMES: Finding work-life balance, developing talents, setting boundaries. LOVE: Life’s set to get busy, so don’t let fun and love slip down the list. Singles could be drawn to free-spirited types who keep things exciting, while Venus might send couples on a sentimental journey. July’s upbeat stars should usher you into a more social phase, and as a spin-off, romantic sparks might fly. WEALTH: When your vision and determination mesh, the sky’s the limit! Saturn may be ramping up responsibilities, but exciting opportunities abound. By May, many Rams will be firing on all cylinders. Skills may need polishing up, but extra efforts should reap rich rewards. HEALTH: Your workload may be increasing, but so is your drive and discipline. From winter, fitness and fun…

Brendan Fraser Given the reception his new film, Rental Family, has gotten, it’s no wonder Brendan was all smiles as he posed with Lucy Liu at a screening in New York. Kate Beckinsale Not even Hollywood stars can resist petting a stranger’s pooch! Kate was in puppy love, however fleeting, while doing some retail therapy in Los Angeles. Aww! The Duchess of Edinburgh JUST BEAT IT! Duchess Sophie joined in the fun as she paid a visit to the charity Disability Initiative, of which she is patron, in Camberley, UK. The Warners HAVING A BALL Nice day for it! David and his wife, Candice, enjoyed a spot of (what else?!) cricket at Sydney’s Maroubra Beach. Samara Weaving Bump ahoy! The Aussie actress revealed she is expecting her first child with…

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. ©2026. 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…

John Farnham thoroughly enjoyed his first Christmas as a grandfather – so much so, he happily let little Jett, almost seven months, use him as a play toy! The extended Farnham clan, including John’s wife Jill, were in high spirits as they celebrated the day together, as well as Boxing Day. John’s eldest son Rob shared several snaps from the gatherings on social media. In one of them, Jill holds Jett as he makes a beeline for his ‘Pa’. Jett is the son of John and Jill’s youngest, James, and his partner, Dr Tessa Effendi. After his birth, which came amid John’s recovery from oral cancer, John, 76, shared that being a grandfather has given him a “huge lift”.…

They might have played the inseparable Ingalls sisters on Little House on the Prairie, but off screen, Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson were estranged for almost 40 years – until now! The pair have waved the white flag, with Melissa, 61, revealing that she and Melissa Sue, 63, have met up and had some “long, healing talks”. After “lots of reminiscing, lots of laughter and a few tears”, Melissa added they are now moving forward as the “sisters/friends we always wanted to be”. Both stars have previously said they never got on while making Little House, which ran from 1974 to 1983, largely due to their differing personalities and two-year age gap.…

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes gave fans a rare holiday treat after being spotted shopping at the upscale Montecito Country Mart with their daughters, Esmeralda and Amada. The ultra-private couple, fresh off Ryan’s London shoot for the upcoming blockbuster Star Wars: Starfighter, looked relaxed and festive as their girls, aged 11 and nine, helped carry their purchases while their folks dodged questions about their upcoming vow-renewal ceremony. Reports claim Ryan, 45, and Eva, 51, are quietly planning a very special celebration in September 2026 to mark 15 years since they filmed The Place Beyond the Pines, the movie that they met and fell in love on. “Eva and Ryan didn’t start dating until they stopped working together,” dishes a long-time pal. “Anyone who was at that movie’s wrap party back…

One-Pan Chicken Nachos SERVES 4 PREP & COOK 40 MINS ■ 1½ x 170g packets corn chips ■ 2½ cups (375g) shredded roasted chicken ■ 420g can Mexican-style beans ■ 200g jar medium taco sauce ■ 2 cups grated Tasty cheese ■ 2 tsp chipotle seasoning ■ 250g punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered ■ 4 green onions, thinly sliced ■ Guacamole dip, sour cream, to serve 1 Layer half the chips and half the chicken over the base of a lightly oiled, large, heavy-based frying pan (about 26cm base x 30cm top x 6cm deep). 2 Top with half the beans and the taco sauce. Sprinkle with half the cheese and seasoning. 3 Repeat layering with rest of chips, chicken, beans, sauce, cheese and seasoning. Cover with lid, or greased foil…

Caprese Pull-Apart SERVES 4-6 PREP & COOK 40 MINS ■ 1 cob loaf (20cm diameter) ■ 75g butter, melted ■ 3 cloves garlic, crushed ■ 1 tsp dried oregano ■ 100g small cherry tomatoes, quartered ■ ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil ■ 1⅓ cups grated mozzarella ■ Balsamic glaze, to serve 1 Using a serrated knife, cut loaf into 3cm-thick slices, being careful not to cut all the way through to the base. Give loaf a quarter turn and cut the other way to form a cross-hatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through. 2 Place cob on a large oven tray. Combine butter, garlic and oregano in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Brush butter mixture in between bread squares, taking care not…

Lila McGuire still can’t believe her first leading screen role is that of a lifetime. The proud Whadjuk and Wardandi Noongar woman currently stars as Evonne Goolagong in ABC’s new miniseries about the tennis icon’s rise to greatness. Born in Griffith, NSW, Wiradjuri woman Evonne went on to claim seven Grand Slam titles over the course of her career. She is also the firstIndigenous Australian to be ranked number one. Here, Lila, 28, opens up about what it was really like stepping into such big shoes… How did you find making Goolagong? It was surreal, a dream come true and very overwhelming! Being on set requires a large amount of time and energy, so adjusting to that was a great learning experience. I also got to work with incredibly talented…

A SOCIOPATH’S GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE Out now, HarperCollins, $32.99 Regardless of what else first-time British author M.K. Oliver has been doing in his life, he’s always written in the background. But, when it came time to start the opening chapter of his debut novel, A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage, things “felt different”, he admits. The story follows murderous heroine Lalla Rook, who takes the idea of an aspirational parent to the extreme. “I love my main character as I hope readers will too,” M.K. tells New Idea. “She’s certainly challenging as a companion. She’s deeply irreverent, a little unethical, quite pragmatic, very transgressive, but also funny, irrepressible, clever, and very naughty. “I also hope people forgive her worse attributes, and see her as a bit of…