Indholdsfortegnelse for 24 September 2018 i New Idea

After announcing her split from long-term partner Shannon Bennett, Madeleine West looked a little downcast as she was spotted out in Melbourne recently. The mother-of-six was seen leaving Liberty Bell Skin Centre while she checked her phone for messages. The actress was then spotted picking up her dry cleaning and a magazine from a local newsagent. Madeleine is currently residing in Melbourne, while Shannon is still living in the family home in Byron Bay. The couple share six young children – Phoenix, 12, Hendrix, 10, Xascha, 8, Xanthe, 6, and twins Xalia and Margaux, 4. The former Neighbours star announced their separation during an interview with Stellar magazine.…

Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgard have been caught flirting once again! The actress uploaded a picture of herself chatting with her Big Little Lies co-star to her Instagram stories, captioning the post: “Look who I ran into”. Nicole raised eyebrows when she shared a passionate kiss with the Swedish-American actor right in front of hubby Keith during the Emmy Awards in 2017. Nicole has made no secret of the pair’s on-set chemistry and the “intense connection” they both share. “We have a different connection,” she revealed in an interview with W magazine, adding that they had kissed “many, many times” on set before.…

Princess Eugenie’s wedding appears to be spiralling out of control. With more guests than Harry and Meghan, and a shockingly expensive bill, the princess’ nuptials is set to be memorable! More than 850 guests are reported to have been invited, which is 250 more than Harry’s. The showbiz guest list is said to include the likes of Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Elton John, Ellie Goulding and Cara Delevingne. With the extravagant two-day affair said to be costing in the region of $5 million, the Queen is concerned what an overly lavish wedding it is becoming. “After the more formal celebration at Windsor Castle on Friday, the Saturday bash will be a relaxed party organised by the same company the Beckhams used,” a source told The Times .…

At 50 years old Julia Roberts is in the best shape of her life. As she stepped out on the red carpet last week in an elegant black gown, she turned heads with her amazing physique and age-defying body. So, just what is her secret? The award-winning actress is known for following a healthy, well-balanced diet – but doesn’t follow any strict rules. “AS I ALWAYS SAY TO MY KIDS, ‘YOU HAVE TO EAT THE GOOD STUFF TO GET THE GOOD STUFF’” “I love a good cookie,” she told People. And unlike most of her keto-loving peers, Julia is also a fan of pasta. “Why is everybody scared of pasta? Pasta never did anything to you,” she laughed. “Don’t be mean to pasta.” In fact, Julia prefers not to follow…

“HE TRIES TO MAKE A BIT OF A MOVE, BUT CHELSEA IS ON TO HIM QUICK SMART” There’s a beautiful new police officer in the Bay. And she’s set to turn Colby’s world upside down! In must-see episodes, Chelsea Campbell (Ashleigh Brewer) – who has been transferred to the small coastal town – comes face to face with her stunned fellow officer Colby (Tim Franklin). And it immediately becomes clear that the pair share a complex history. “Colby is completely floored when he sees Chelsea,” reveals Ashleigh. “There’s no pre-warning for him and you see that straight away. He really is shell-shocked by her arrival.” A little earlier, Chelsea also makes an instant impression on Dean (Patrick O’Connor) in the caravan park. But the charismatic River Boy, who wastes no…

As the famous saying goes, “never work with children or animals”, but Summer Bay has made an exception for the resident dog, Buddy. As James Stewart (Justin) says of the Morgan family pet, he “always knows his lines, always knows his cues”. A bobtail boxer, 5-year-old Buddy is no stranger to the cameras, having starred in several TV commercials before moving into the Bay. And when it comes to what the four-legged A-lister wants on his dressing-room rider, Buddy is anything but fussy. It seems he “likes to eat everything” from cooked chicken to beef, lamb, turkey and cheese. What’s more, the clever canine “recognises and loves the Morgan family as if they were part of his own family in real life”.…

PENNY & MATT: BEST GIFT YOUR PARTNER’S GIVEN YOU? Penny: A guitar for my 25th birthday and I still have it and love it. I play it every day. Matt: For my 30th birthday, Pen gave me a vintage automatic watch from the 1960s. THEIR QUIRKIEST HABIT? Penny: Matt loves singing along to the Backstreet Boys. Matt: Pen is now in the habit of telling me her dreams in order to prove her long-held belief that she’s psychic. THEIR SECRET DOMESTIC SKILL? Penny: Matt’s actually very good at baking and he bakes all of our son’s birthday cakes. Matt: Penny is ridiculously prepared when it comes to gift stationery. Pen has a card and matching wrapping paper ready to go!…

MAKEOVER YOUR MAKE-UP Spring conjures images of freshness and flowers, days drawing out and balmy nights on the horizon… Amp up your glow with products that highlight, not mask, your skin. Try tinted moisturisers over heavy foundations, liquid highlighters and cream blush pots over powders to achieve a fresh, dewy finish. Lighten up eyes with golden tones and nude pink shades for lips. HEAT UP HAIR It’s time to leave the sleek winter ’dos and top knots for some loose, beauty waves and ‘I woke up like this’ easy-going beach hair. Lighten up your locks, invest in some volumising products and sprays, and embrace the warmer weather. NAIL THE COLOUR Replace those moody dark plum, black and red hues of winter with some playful pastels. Why not seek inspo from…

ARIES MAR 21 – APR 20 Relations with a colleague will grow through rewarding exchanges. A friendship may be tested, so don’t let an annoying situation or strong difference of opinions provoke conflict. A meaningful personal goal will beckon and you’ll have to go the extra distance to do yourself proud! Make time for quiet reflections – it will help you make sense of something you didn’t understand or it’s time to accept. LUCKY NUMBERS: 7, 32, 38 TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 A heart-to-heart with a loved one will bring insights, build meeting points and set exciting plans in motion. Sharing your thoughts with someone on the same wavelength will bring a valuable exchange of ideas and experience. A social event may be a challenge – you’ll be…

Australian icon Olivia Newton-John turns 70 on Sept. 26. The Grease star recently talked about battling cancer for the third time. After beating breast cancer, Olivia was diagnosed with cancer in her shoulder in 2013, which she decided to keep a secret and now the disease has spread to her spine. “I’m still treating it, and I’m treating it naturally and doing really well,” she told Sunday Night last week. Olivia also said she was using cannabis oil and has cut sugar out from her diet to help reduce pain and aid healing. “A lot of cannabis my husband grows for me. In California, it’s legal to grow a certain amount of plants for your own medicinal purposes. He makes me tinctures … and they help with pain, they help…

Last week daughter of the late Michael Hutchence, Tiger Lily, stepped out with her sister Pixie Geldolf sporting what appeared to be an engagement ring. Tiger, 22, is rumoured to be dating Nick Cave’s son Earl Cave and looks to be following in the footsteps of her married sister Pixie. A source told New Idea that Earl, 18, was well suited to Tiger Lily. “Earl would be the perfect shoulder to cry on for dealing with tragedies, as he’s also had to face death in the family at a very young age, just like Tiger,” a source close to Tiger spilled. Both Tiger and Earl had siblings tragically die. Earl’s twin brother Arthur died in 2015, aged 15 while Tiger’s half-sister Peaches died from a drug overdose in 2014.…

Despite his split from his agent, Grant is still very much a star in Ten’s eyes. It was announced last week that the veteran TV presenter will co-host Dancing with the Stars alongside fellow Gold Logie nominee Amanda Keller when the reality dance show returns to Australian TV on Network Ten in 2019. “The worldwide success of Dancing with the Stars is simply phenomenal and the show has never been stronger,” Grant said. “This series will be much bigger, more glamorous and dazzling than ever. Australia has never seen dancing this spectacular. Get ready for something truly outstanding. I’m so happy I’m crying sequins down my fake-tanned cheeks.”…

Fifi Box was all smiles on the school run last week amid reports she’s back with Grant Kenny. The couple seemed to be enjoying each other’s company as they chatted happily while taking daughter Trixie to preschool, with Grant giving fatherly support to the 5-year-old as she climbed a high wall. A close friend tells New Idea that since she split with actor Damien Richardson in June, Fifi’s relationship with Grant has taken a romantic turn. “She’s been getting closer and closer to Grant,” says the source. “They’ve always had this real chemistry and obviously have stayed close because of Trixie – but sparks have been flying in recent months again and they’re giving their relationship another go.” Fifi and Grant split in 2012 after a brief romance when she…

Spence and Kerrie have had a roller-coaster of a time on The Block but following their epic win, receiving perfect 10s from all three judges – a first for the season – they are on cloud nine. “We weren’t expecting the perfect score, but we knew we had designed and constructed a beautiful kitchen that we would love in our new house,” Spence tells New Idea. “The kitchen was the one room we had to make time for. We spent around six hours in total on our design, because as they say, kitchens sell apartments!” And fans are thrilled to see the couple succeeding, particularly after Spence’s brave decision to go public with his battle with depression. “The problem with depression is that some people don’t…

Palace sources have told New Idea the royal tour could be at risk amid Meghan’s fears over the zika virus. The duchess is receiving medical advice about whether or not she can visit Tonga and Fiji, because of the virus. While reluctant to cancel, if she’s advised to, she will pull out of her first overseas tour. The mosquito-borne virus is present in both countries and medical authorities have strict guidelines about safety measures to protect pregnant women – and anyone planning a future pregnancy. The often asymptomatic virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn child and all travellers are advised to practise safe sex or abstinence for six months after visiting affected areas as it can be sexually transmitted after infection. Significantly, Harry and Meghan…

Wearing a white, floaty gown and beaming from ear to ear, bride-to-be Angelina Jolie looked like the cat that had got the cream as she glided down the aisle. Just weeks after firing her divorce attorney and engaging in a very public war of words with her ex Brad Pitt, the Hollywood actress has cause to celebrate … she’s getting married to her secret British billionaire lover. New Idea has learned that Ange and the mystery Englishman are in the midst of planning a lavish wedding, but decided to hold a secret ceremony over the weekend in a romantic bid to show their commitment to each other. “Ange’s new man has been desperate to prove his love and devotion to her and so suggested they have a ‘wedding ceremony’ last…

Julia is known to be a fan of Pilates and water workouts. She’s also trained with Kathy Kaehler for her role in America’s Sweethearts , who sculpted her body through yoga and Pilates. “Exercising with Kathy has changed my life in a great, subtle and consistent way,” says Julia. “I don’t love exercise, but I do love how I feel afterwards. Accomplishment, clarity, energy, strength, joy … these are all things I give myself through working out, and I can feel it in everything I do.”…

LAST BOOK YOU READ? Need to Know [by Karen Cleveland], a psychological thriller about a Russian spy. I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t put it down. LAST MEAL YOU ATE? Mexican tacos and some Doritos on location for Home and Away . LAST YOU SENT PERSON A TEXT TO? My sister. We text each other about 10 times a day. LAST HOLIDAY YOU TOOK? A road trip to Byron Bay with my friend Fran, who is part of the wardrobe team at work. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Deadpool 2. I absolutely loved it and was laughing the whole time. LAST PURCHASE YOU MADE? An extra-strong cappuccino.…

Heidi Mead’s skin crawled as she read the chilling story on her Facebook feed. It was about Andrew James Benn, a man who had been jailed for 40 years after a horrific series of rapes. “I shivered and felt sick,” Heidi, 28, a mental health nurse tells New Idea. That’s because for six terrifying months, Andrew Benn had been her stalker. When Heidi was growing up in Maitland, NSW, Benn had been friends with the boys in her social circle. She was in Year 11 when he sent her a Myspace friend request. “We knew all the same people, so I accepted,” she recalls. A few months later, a tall slim young man approached Heidi at a party. It was Benn. “We chatted about mutual friends, school and his job…

MONDAY Garlic Pepper Steak with Potato and Cauliflower Mash Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 25 mins 700g brushed potatoes, peeled, coarsely chopped 500g cauliflower, trimmed, chopped 3 tsps garlic pepper seasoning 4 x 200g beef sirloin steaks ½ cup light sour cream 1 tblsp Dijon mustard 2 tblsps chopped fresh chives Steamed broccolini and beans, to serve 1 Place potatoes in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring to boil. Boil for 12 minutes. Add cauliflower. Boil for a further 3 to 5 minutes, or until potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Drain well. Return to pan. Coarsely mash. 2 Meanwhile, sprinkle seasoning over both sides of beef steaks. 3 Heat an oiled, large, non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add beef. Cook, for about 3 to…

Q We love fresh salmon, but every time I cook it my whole house smells like fish for days, any ideas? Janice, via email. A A great way to cook fresh salmon is in the oven as this will help prevent the fishy smell permeating the air. Place the salmon fillets in a baking-paper-lined roasting pan. Drizzle over a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook in a hot oven (200C) for 12 to 15 minutes (this will depend on size and amount of fillets), or when salmon is cooked until it’s still slightly pink and translucent in the centre.…

The days are getting longer and gardens around Australia are blooming, but the arrival of spring isn’t always welcome for the one in four of us who suffer from hayfever. Symptoms such as sneezing and congestion, itchy eyes and throat, and painful sinuses can lead to disturbed sleep, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Certain medications may help to relieve the symptoms and your GP or pharmacist can advise on this. Plus, there are lots of other helpful steps you can take. We asked the experts for their best tips... TRAP SOME POLLEN ‘Gently smear some petroleum jelly just inside your nostrils five to 10 minutes before you go outside to trap pollen before it goes up your nose,’ suggests GP and author of Beat Your Allergies Dr…

Is your dog getting slower? Is your cat less interested and curious? SPCA veterinary ambassador Dr Shalsee Vigeant explains the signs of old age and how to keep your furry friend full of life! WHAT AGE IS OLD? ‘Research is showing that a dog’s brain function starts to change and decrease at seven years old,’ says Dr Vigeant. ‘In cats this can be between seven and nine years old.’ WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF OLD AGE? ‘There are physical and behavioural signs, such as taking longer getting up or down, being less likely to want to chase a ball, or less agile,’ explains Dr Vigeant. ‘Some animals who have been calm, but now have more anxiety, or are less excited to play, could be showing signs of brain ageing. We…

GROUND CONTROL Miss Six overheard me talking about a yoga and meditation class I’d attended, and my experience of feeling so peaceful, centred and grounded. ‘What did you do wrong?’ Miss Six asked. ‘Nothing?’ I replied. ‘Then why were you grounded?’ SAMANTHA NICHOLSON, YANCHEP, WA. OUT OF THE TANK I was looking after my neighbour’s little boy and we were having a great time playing Thomas The Tank Engine. Suddenly little Tom broke wind. ‘Do you need to go to the toilet?’ I asked. ‘It wasn’t me, it was Thomas the Tank Engine letting off steam,’ he replied. GLENNYS GALVIN, WYNNUM, QLD. PATCHY TOPIC I was talking to my son, 5, about his new baby brother’s bald spot on the back of his head. He piped up and said, ‘My…

IN A RECIPE PICKLE I have read your magazine for many years now and you have some really good recipes. Could you please give us an issue on pickles of all kinds? My mum used to make some lovely pickles. I used to pinch slices of pickled beetroot off her as I liked to eat it hot. I’m 85 now, so it’s been a really long time. I do hope you print some pickles recipes. BARBARA HALL, HERVEY BAY, QLD. HONEY BADGER Thank you NI for the scoop on the new Bachelor and his hopeful contestants (NI August 20). This season, thanks to the effervescent personality of the honey badger himself, Nick Cummins, it’s sure to be hilarious, with antics and lots of funny moments with the ladies vying for…

DENISE RICHARDS TIES THE KNOT Last week Charlie Sheen’s former wife Denise Richards, 47, tied the knot with her fiance Aaron Phypers at a beach ceremony in Malibu, where they wed on a bed of pink rose petals. The mother-of-three wore a stunning Mark Zunino gown which showed off her toned legs, while her three daughters Sam 14, Lola, 13, and Eloise, 7, served as her bridesmaids for the occasion. The wedding was reportedly filmed for the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills , which Denise has joined as the show’s newest cast member. Several of her co-stars were present at the nuptials and her ex, Charlie, was also invited. The actor did not make it for the special day, but his…

Delta Goodrem was spotted out last week with her rumoured new man Rick Glassman dubbed the “Jewish heartthrob”. The comedian, writer and Undateable actor used to be in a relationship with Pretty Little Liars actress Torrey DeVitto, before the couple split in 2016 after a year of dating. Rick previously spoke of what he looks for in a woman saying: “If she thinks I’m funny and doesn’t mind the way I order at a restaurant, I’ll date her for three years.” Let’s hope it lasts for unlucky-in-love Delta, who has been linked to Matthew Copley, Drew Mitchell, Darren McMullen, Nick Jonas, Brian McFadden, Mark Philippoussis, Brett Lee and Seal in the past. The 33-year-old told Kyle and Jackie O she was single…

Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough have been inseparable for the past two years. But with his fiancee currently thousands of kilometres away at New York Fashion Week, Karl was spotted enjoying some downtime with another gorgeous lady. The Today host looked casual as he sauntered the streets of Sydney’s affluent North Shore last week with blonde model Emily Baker by his side. Exiting his luxury Mosman pad at 1pm, the pair – both clad in casual clothing – made the short walk to the Buena Vista Hotel, where they spent the next three hours chatting as they drank a few beers. New Zealand-born Emily – who is a top international model – looked at ease with the 44-year-old Nine star during their conversation. THE PAIR MADE THE SHORT WALK TO…

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are locked in a bitter battle over property after the Aussie actress learned her husband is clinging onto his secret “bachelor pad”. Nicole is said to have “gently encouraged” Keith to slash the price of his farmhouse in Tennessee because she’s desperate for him to dump his old bolthole, New Idea can exclusively reveal. The country music star bought the 14-hectare ranch in Franklin, just outside of Nashville, in the name of his money manager, Mary Ann McCready, for $2.8 million in 2007, and sources say he used it as his “luxury man cave”, retreating to the estate to write his music. Keith, 50, renovated the main house on the estate and was hoping to make big money on the sale, but was forced to…

Fifi was all smiles while holding Grant’s grandson in her arms and watching Trixie cuddle up to the newest member of the extended Kenny family. “They’re both absolutely in love with Flynn and for Fifi, seeing Trixie so excited to hug little Flynn has made her realise how much joy another baby would bring to their family,” explains New Idea’s insider.…

It’s no secret most of The Bachelor hopefuls love to share photos of themselves on social media. And the contestants’ Instagram followers usually grow dramatically after they appear on the show. However, New Idea can exclusively reveal that while some of the girls have been proudly sharing pictures with rugby star Nick Cummins, others seem more concerned about their new image. Our source can confirm that prior to the show airing, front runners Cass Wood and Sophie Tieman went on a mammoth “clean-up spree” wiping vast amounts of memories from public view. “As soon as they finished filming they started to take down a lot of photos,” says our source. “Sophie actually deleted over 50 [pictures] in a couple of hours and it has left people…

“MUTUAL FRIENDS THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THEY’D END UP TOGETHER” Princesses Beatrice is the subject of royal whispers after she was spotted leaving swanky London club Loulou’s in the early hours of the morning alongside her cousin Prince Harry’s best friend, Tom Inskip. “There have always been a lot of rumours about Tom and Bea and their night out on the weekend has certainly done nothing to quieten those whispers,” a source tells New Idea. Interestingly, Tom’s computer programmer wife, Lara Hughes-Young – who he married one year ago with royals Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Sarah Ferguson and Bea’s sister Eugenie attending the wedding – was nowhere in sight. According to the source, Bea and Tom were spied whispering in each other’s ears all night…

Ange is well known for being a serial dater, having gone through two back-to-back marriages before she wed Brad in 2014. The star’s 1996 marriage to British actor Jonny Lee Miller only lasted 18 months. By the time their divorce came through in 1999 she had already moved on to Hollywood bad boy Billy Bob Thornton. In a case of history repeating itself, Angelina was said to have had her lawyer petition the court to speed up divorce proceedings so she could marry Billy Bob – which she did in 2000.…

Harrison Luna certainly set tongues wagging when he starred on the hit new dating show Take Me Out . And, with his chiselled abs and long blond hair, it’s easy to see why! The self-described Viking has made a name for himself modelling around the world, but now he’s setting his sights on the big screen. “Before the show, I was looking for some acting courses, but I was travelling a bit too much,” Harrison, 21, tells New Idea. “I’m back in Melbourne for six months, so I have time to study courses and build momentum here.” And when it comes to a dream role, Harrison knows exactly who he wants to play on the big screen. “Dare I say it – Thor!” he exclaims. “Chris Hemsworth…

He holds a Guinness World Record as the longest-serving actor in an Australian TV series. And if Ray Meagher’s legion of fans have their way, he’ll continue to preside over Summer Bay as Alf Stewart for years to come. Certainly for the actor, playing Alf is as much a joy as when he first stepped into the role 30 years ago. “We’ve got such a terrific team here,” he says. “It’s a privilege to have a job for 30 years and really enjoy it for that time.” Ray also jumped at the chance to reprise another iconic role – that of outback mechanic Bob in the 10th anniversary celebration tour of homegrown musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The actor will join the hit stage production for its Brisbane season.…

Chocolate Mousse Cake Serves 9, Prep 15 mins 450g packet unfilled slab sponge cakes 2 x 65g sachets powdered creamy chocolate mousse mix 1½ cups cold milk 1 Grease a deep 20cm square cake pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending 44 paper 3cm above pan edges. 2 Trim top of sponges to sit flat. Place one sponge in prepared pan. Cut enough off the remaining sponge lengthways, and place into pan so base is covered firmly. (There will be about a quarter remaining. Reserve for another use.) 3 Following directions on sachets of mousse mix, whisk up both sachets along with the milk in the small bowl of an electric mixer. Beat for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until a whipped cream consistency. 4 Spread mousse, making…

Mustard Pepper Steaks with Sweet Potato Salad Serves 4, Prep and Cook: 20 mins 1kg sweet potato, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces 4 x 200g beef sirloin steaks 2 tblsps Dijon mustard 1 tblsp pepper steak seasoning 2 tblsps olive oil 1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup bottled French salad dressing 1 tblsp honey 100g baby spinach leaves ½ cup flaked almonds, toasted 1 Place sweet potato in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tblsps water. Cover with damp absorbent kitchen paper. Microwave on High (100%) for about 8 minutes, or until tender. Drain. 2 Meanwhile, toss steaks with mustard. Sprinkle with seasoning. 3 Heat half oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium to high heat. Add steaks. Cook, for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side,…

More Australians than ever are choosing to cruise – last year alone more than 1.34 million Aussies took to the seas, and it’s easy to see why. We’ve checked out what’s new in cruising and there’s no doubt there’s a cruise to suit any and every taste, whatever floats your boat. FOR A FAMILY OF THRILL SEEKERS SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS Want a family holiday where entertainment 24/7 is guaranteed? Then the biggest ship at sea, the 5500-guest Symphony Of The Seas , which debuted last April, should be the one to book. What’s on offer across the 18 decks? Let’s start from the top with the tallest slide at sea, named the Ultimate Abyss. There’s also the sea’s largest laser tag arena where the family can…

ALOTAU Be sure to visit the markets in the capital of Milne Bay Province in the south east of Papua New Guinea for handmade bags, clothing and wood carvings. Take a tour on the Undersea Explorer for a relaxed cruise with a local host to learn more about the history of the Battle of Milne Bay. KITAVA Kitava is a small island off the main Trobiand Island of Kiriwina. Expect stunning white sandy beaches lined with natural shade-trees. KIRIWINA ISLAND Take a snorkelling tour where a local guides his boat through the channels of the shallow coral reefs to the deeper snorkelling area, where you can see coral, tropical fish and even stingrays.…

NOT A DAY OVER 60 My 90-year-old grandmother went to buy something at her local shop. When she went to make her purchase with a senior’s discount, the Mere Male behind the counter asked to see her Senior’s Card! ANGELA MORRISSEY, EAGLEHAWK VIC. NO MORE SURPRISES I was busy organising a surprise birthday party for a work colleague. I was not too happy when MM went up to her and asked: ‘What time does your surprise party start? I just need to plan my day!’ NICOLE RYAN, MIRANDA, NSW. MAN FOOD I was at a barbecue when one of my MM friends called out to his wife: ‘Honey, did you want me to get that masculine mix out from the fridge for you?’ I was confused, but then I giggled…

Q My husband and I have lived in the same house for 15 years, and now the children have left home I’d really like to downsize to an apartment, maybe near the beach. However my other half refuses to even consider the idea – he can’t see the point. I feel it would give both of us a new lease of life, plus it would be great not to have to clean a big house when there are only two of us there. How can I get him to come around to my point of view? DEIDRE, VIA EMAIL. A This is a tricky one. I suggest you start looking at apartments. Come home full of information of great places you’ve seen and maybe you can talk your husband around…

A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL This three-part miniseries is based on the real-life affair between on-the-rise MP Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) and stable boy Norman Josiffe (Ben Whishaw) – a dalliance that would haunt the politician, who took drastic measures as a result. THURSDAY, 8.30PM ON BBC FIRST 70TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS With eight nominations, The Handmaid’s Tale is the hot favourite at this year’s ceremony, hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Michael Che and Colin Jost. Also up for multiple awards: Game of Thrones , Atlanta , The Crown , Westworld and Stranger Things . TUESDAY, 10AM ON FOX8…

STREAM MANIAC OUT FRIDAY Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, and directed by Cary Fukunaga ( True Detective ), this black comedy about two participants in a drug trial has the potential to be Netflix’s big new watercooler series. You’ll need to stick with it since there’s no quick pay-off, with the story taking its time to unfold as the pair experience fantasy worlds. READ THE CLOCKMAKER'S DAUGHTER BY KATE MORTON OUT NOW Archivist Elodie finds two seemingly unrelated items in an old satchel: a photo of a woman in Victorian clothes and a sketchbook with a drawing of a familiar looking house. She’s soon drawn into a mystery concerning Birchwood Manor, the scene of a 1862 murder. LISTEN SERIAL SEASON 3…