Innehållsförteckning för Issue 17, 2022 från New Idea

It’s an absolute privilege to be writing my fi rst Editor’s Letter for such an iconic Australian publication. And as with any fi rst encounter, I guess I should formally introduce myself to you, our loyal readers, so we can get to know each other. I grew up in Rylstone (a small town about 240km from Sydney), I’m the youngest of four girls (my poor father!), my fi rst journalism gig was at the Mudgee Guardian newspaper, one of the fi rst interviews I ever did was with Mark ‘Chopper’ Read (it wasn’t face to face, thankfully), I love a bit of camping and I’m a sucker for a good crime series. So now that’s out of the way, I invite you to sit back, relax, pour yourself a cuppa,…

Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish have filed for divorce for the third time in their 28-year marriage – but now friends say it’s for good. Citing irreconcilable differences in a Tennessee divorce court, Tish, 54, claims the couple has been living separately for the past two years. “It really is over,” a close friend tells New Idea exclusively. “It’s been over for some time. It’s sad, but their friends and family are supportive. They clearly aren’t happy together, and they’ve done well making it this far.” Billy Ray, 60, filed for divorce in 2010. At the time, Us Weekly reported rumours Tish had cheated with Poison rocker Bret Michaels, who rubbished the claims. Five months later, Billy Ray withdrew his petition. In 2013, Tish made a filing of her…

Could Sean Penn and his estranged wife, Leila George, be giving their relationship another go? The couple, who are going through a divorce, were spotted enjoying one another’s company at a Hollywood dog park on April 9. It comes as Sean, 61, admitted during an interview to still being in love with Leila, 30, but that he was “neglectful” during their relationship. Sean and Sydney-born Leila tied the knot in July 2020, five years after they were first linked. In October 2021, Leila fi led for divorce.…

One of the first people Sam shared his baby news with was close mate Dr Chris Brown, who he insists will be a huge part of “baby Mac’s” future – despite the vet’s initial shocked reaction! “You could see the trepidation in his face,” laughs Sam, who told Chris, 43, that Bec was pregnant over FaceTime. “It wasn’t the facial expression I was expecting or hoping for! A few seconds later there was a smile. He knows we’re going to shower the baby with love.” Devastated Sam turned to Chris for support when his beloved cat, Coco, died recently, and says his “dear friend” was overjoyed that he had such happy news after losing his furry “best mate”. “Chris will definitely be a part of the baby’s life,” Sam promises.…

Buzz is building as to who Mel’s first guest might be – and our source wonders if it might be the show’s former host himself, legendary newsman Mike Munro! “Mike’s family story reads like a Hollywood blockbuster, so it would make for cracking TV,” says the insider. “The issue with Mike, and plenty of other colourful Aussie characters, is they have to be prepared for warts and all – and not some sugar-coated fluff!” Other names rumoured include cricketing great Mark ‘Tubby’ Taylor, Denise Drysdale and actor Michael Caton. “They need to get the mix right – and Mike as the opening act is a safe move,” adds the source.…

It’s been 10 years since Allison Baden-Clay was murdered in one of Australia’s most shocking domestic violence crimes. Sue Clarke, who recently sat through daughter Hannah Clarke’s harrowing inquest, is questioning why the system is still letting victims down. “It’s just unthinkable that 10 years down the track we’re still talking about the same issues – the need to protect women from the people who have promised to love and respect them,” she tells New Idea. In February 2020, Sue’s daughter Hannah, 31, and her grandchildren, Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, were burnt alive in another horrific domestic violence attack. “As a family we talked about Allison’s disappearance, and the trial and conviction,” says Sue. “For a long time, Hannah didn’t believe she was a victim of abuse…

Plum and Almond Upside-Down Cake Serves 8-10, Prep and Cook 1 hour, 40 mins 175g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature ¾ cup caster sugar 2 tsps finely grated orange rind 3 eggs, at room temperature 1 3/4 cups self-raising flour 1 cup (105g) almond meal ¾ cup plain Greek yoghurt Whipped cream, to serve TOPPING 75g unsalted butter, melted ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 8 ripe plums (80g each), halved, stones removed 1 Grease a 22cm x 7cm deep round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper, extending paper 2cm above pan edge. 2 To make topping, pour butter evenly over base of prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Cut each plum into eight wedges. Arrange plums in a single layer over base. 3 Beat…

Fertility, meaning the ability to conceive children, is something many women think about, dream about, or try to avoid. After personally going through several miscarriages, having my girls as a solo parent using a sperm donor, then donating oocyte (eggs) to two other families, and now having just welcomed twins, fertility medicine is something I’m really passionate about. TRYING TO CONCEIVE Many of us spend part of our lives avoiding pregnancy, so it comes as a shock when month after month you pee on a stick and end up in tears when it’s negative. I want to share some statistics to take the pressure off your ovaries, but also to inspire you to seek help from your doctor earlier. THE FERTILITY FORMULA It might surprise you to hear that you…

Q I’m in a bad way. I have loved ones in spirit, especially one in particular. Is there any message, please? Her name is Trixie and I only know her birthday – December 14 – so she’s a Sagittarius. – KAREN A DEAR KAREN, I can see that you have suffered greatly with the loss of your gorgeous friend, Trixie. She is giving me the image of a broken heart. I feel that Trixie was a great confidante and a very maternal figure in your life. I can see during her life that she was extremely energetic and cheeky. As I tune in to her, she is playing me the song, ‘Cabaret’ by Liza Minnelli. Trixie wants you to pay attention to the lyrics. Trixie wants to tell you that…

Danielle Malafant’s battle with ovarian cancer has been courageous, as was her decision to share her very personal story. It’s wonderful to know that prior to Danielle undergoing a complete hysterectomy to help prevent a recurrence of this deadly cancer, she and her husband, Scott, were blessed with the birth of beautiful twins. Now in remission and with regular medical check-ups, the future is shining bright for Danielle and her family. This was a story every woman should read, and to heed her advice to get to know their bodies and trust their instincts when things don’t feel right. Thank you, Danielle. JUDITH CAINE, DONVALE, VIC…

READY, SET, GO... FOR THE STARS The Formula 1 Grand Prix returned to Melbourne earlier this month for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Celebs turned out in force for the event’s long-awaited return to Albert Park, where Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc nabbed a win. Eric Bana looked dapper with his wife, Rebecca Gleeson, while MasterChef ’s Melissa Leong caught up with fellow judge Andy Allen. I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! co-hosts Julia Morris and Dr Chris Brown brought plenty of energy to the event, while racing legend Lewis Hamilton, who missed out on a podium spot after placing fourth, brought plenty of star power to the race.…

Departing Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell has dropped a bombshell revelation about the real reason former host Samantha Armytage walked away from the morning show. Prior to her exit in March 2021, Sam insisted a yearning to live in the country with new husband Richard Lavender had largely driven her decision. “I realised you do not find the happy life, you make it,” Sam, 45, said at the time. But on the eve of his US move, Michael says he feels Sam quit because she struggled with “the idea of being in the limelight”. “She did really well in a field that maybe she never really wanted to go into. In some ways she’s the anti-TV presenter,” he said.…

When Prince William’s “Cambridge blueprint” – aka his plans for the British monarchy going forward – were leaked by the London press earlier this month, it made little mention of his young heir, Prince George. Nevertheless, New Idea understands that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very much preparing their 8-year-old son for his own public life as future king. But instead of shadowing his dad, George will be guided by his mum, Kate. “As part of William’s plans, they want to do a lot more overseas engagements, sometimes as a couple, other times solo, but make them shorter,” says a source. “This was done with George in mind, so he can come along and learn how it all works without him missing too much school.” Currently, plans are…

If you had told Shania Twain 12 years ago that one day she’d be living with the man of her dreams in a Swiss chalet overlooking Lake Geneva, preparing for a lucrative Las Vegas residency in the coming months, she might not have believed you. Indeed, in 2008, the singer’s whole world was torn apart when she discovered her husband of 14 years, Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, was having an affair with her best friend and longtime personal assistant, Marie-Anne Thiébaud. “Mutt had already indicated things were over between them, but he made it sound like he simply no longer loved her,” says a source, who knew the couple at the time. “It was brutal. Shania had already had a rough 10 or so years being forced to break from…

Chocolate Banana Muffins Makes 12, Prep and Cook 30 mins 1¹/³ cups plain flour ¼ cup cocoa powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup milk choc bits 1 cup mashed banana 2 eggs ½ cup vegetable oil ¹/³ cup milk 1 Line a 12-hole muffin pan (¹/³ -cup capacity) with muffin wraps. 2 Sift flour, cocoa and soda into a large bowl. Stir in sugar and choc bits. 3 Combine banana, eggs, oil and milk in a large jug. Mix well. Add to flour mixture. Stir until combined. Divide evenly among muffin wraps. 4 Cook in a moderate oven (180C) for about 18 minutes, or until cooked when tested. Stand muffins in pan for 5 minutes. 5 Transfer muffins to a wire rack…

Are you planning on making a move or perhaps you need some extra space? Or maybe you have a child who is taking their first steps into renting a share house or going it alone? Renting a home these days isn’t as simple as filling out a quick form and having enough money for the bond. Alya Stephen from Sorted Services shares her expert advice on what to consider when it comes to getting all the prep work done to easily sail through the rental process. 1 START BUDGETING Get your finances together and work out how much money you can afford to put towards your weekly rental amount. Make sure to factor in bills such as wifi, electricity, gas – all the essential stuff you will need to keep…

With Pantone’s colour of 2022 officially announced as ‘Very Peri’, now is the perfect time to freshen up your space with the pretty periwinkle hue. Justine Wilson, property stylist and founder of Vault Interiors, shares effortless ways to incorporate this lively shade into your home. ALL IN THE DETAILS Bright colours can be used as a colour accent, such as accessories, rugs, curtains or cushions. Colour can also be used as a big bold element in a room, such as a feature wall, the room’s wall colour or even key furniture that’s either painted or upholstered in that colour. A SIMPLE REFRESH You can easily and affordably introduce this purple tone through florals, candles, books, throws or even through your own personal fashion choices. Playing with the colour of the…

Hawaii NONI JUICE FOR STRONG BONES In the Hawaiian tropical islands, the natives drink a juice that comes from the evergreen plant, noni (also known as the famine fruit) as a treatment for painful inflammatory bone conditions, such as arthritis. Despite its pungent aroma, this high-antioxidant beverage has been used medicinally as a treatment for bone fractures to boost healing. “It’s also believed to support healthy bone metabolism and may support treatment of osteoporosis,” naturopath Tasha Jennings says. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research also found that noni juice can be effective in decreasing pain and joint damage caused by arthritis. Egypt CORIANDER FOR TUMMY ACHE This spice has been used for centuries by the Egyptians for its helpful effects on the digestive system. In addition to being…

My young MM was outside playing while his older MM was on a ladder painting. Reaching with the paintbrush to get the very far corner of a window, old MM slipped and fell. Young MM asks, “what happened?!” and old MM replies with, “I lost my balance.” A while later, I heard a bunch of clanging from the shed and I found my young MM going through all the jars and pots. When I asked him what he was doing, he replied, “I’m looking for daddy’s balance!” SHARON WINNELL, EAST GOSFORD, NSW.…

REESE WITHERSPOON Dolly has previously named Reese as a frontrunner, but joked the star will need “a big old bra” to play her. KRISTIN CHENOWETH The Broadway veteran certainly has the pipes to play Dolly! MILEY CYRUS “What a great little actress,” Dolly says of her real-life goddaughter. “And of course, she’s a great singer!” CHRISTINA HENDRICKS Not only can the buxom Mad Men star sing, but she also plays the accordion! DOVE CAMERON The former Disney teen queen is already a fan favourite to play a young Dolly.…

It was a red-carpet love-fest when Hollywood legends Fran Drescher and Danny DeVito recently united at the premiere of the new HBO film, The Survivors. Fran, famous for her appearance in The Nanny, was all smiles as she happily posed for a number of pictures alongside the 77-year-old veteran actor, who stars in this new film about the Holocaust. s unclear how far back the friendship extends between Fran, 64, and Danny because, although they’ve both been in the industry for decades, they’ve never officially worked together. The pair almost co-starred in 1990’s Cadillac Man before Robin Williams was cast instead. However, their touchy-feely red-carpet display suggests that these two are friends that go way back!…

Love could be in the air in Hollywood, as insiders suggest that famous exes Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins might be rekindling their relationship – 13 years after they split up! “There’s something heartwarming about them when they’re together and there’s still some magic, maybe enough to take another stab at being a couple,” says a well-placed source. The pair co-starred in the 1988 baseball film Bull Durham, where sparks first flew. While they never married, Tim and Susan lived together for 21 years and raised their sons Jack, 32, and Miles, 29, as well as Susan’s daughter Eva, 37. The couple announced they were calling it quits in 2009. Both stars moved on, with Tim, 63, marrying 1883 actress Gratiela Brancusi in secret. But it wasn’t meant to be,…

Sunrise’s cheeky weatherman, Sam ‘Sam Mac’ McMillan, shares much of his life with millions of Aussies every day. But when he and partner Rebecca James found out they were expecting their first child together, he really just wanted to keep it a secret. “It was really nice to have something that was just ours, and it was for quite a few months,” Sam tells New Idea. “I was still happy to not share it just yet, but Bec was starting to get a bump and she didn’t want people wondering.” When it came time to reveal their happy news, Sam, 40, and Bec, 32, went to lengths to surprise their parents and siblings in person, travelling from Sydney to Melbourne and Adelaide to share the joy. Of course, they filmed…

Mariska Hargitay admits she and longtime Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-star Christopher Meloni share “chemistry, love and history”. In fact, Mariska’s husband, Peter Hermann, has even joked about having to “share” his wife with the actor. Since being cast as detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler on the hit crime show more than two decades ago, the pair have been teasing fans with their flirty antics. And Mariska was back at it again earlier this month. “You’re ageing like a fine wine,” she wrote on April 4, alongside a pic of herself getting cosy with Chris, while wishing the actor a happy 61st birthday. “#HeStillGotIt,” she cheekily hashtagged. Mariska, 58, confesses it “felt like home” when Chris returned to SVU on the spin-off, Organized Crime, in 2021 after…

Despite once insisting they’d leave the younger royals out of their loosely factual series, The Crown, Netflix is reportedly now keen to touch on the early years of Kate and William’s fairytale university romance in the final episodes of Season 6. As such, casting agents are currently on the hunt for the perfect actress to portray a college-aged Kate, and sources say British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones (above) is emerging as the frontrunner. The 23-year-old actress, most famous for her role in Normal People, definitely looks like the duchess! “It’s important they get this right,” says a source.…

There were some very happy faces at Channel 7 last week with news that the much-loved Melissa Doyle was heading back to the network to front their revived version of Aussie favourite, This Is Your Life. According to one well-placed insider, the seasoned journalist, 52, was always a clear frontrunner to host the revamped special-event series, which is due to return to our screens later this year. Mel spent 25 years with Channel 7, most notably hosting Sunrise. She left the network in 2020 when her news program, Sunday Night, was axed. “This Is Your Life has Mel’s name written all over it,” tells the source. Thrilled to be given another chance, Mel said last week of her new role: “I can’t wait to present the Big Red Book to…

There’s no more iconic country music couple than Tim McGraw and Faith Hill – but there were recent worries from their friends that they might be no longer. “Faith and Tim are fantastic together and often toured as a family, but when they signed up for a huge TV series, there were concerns that it might put too much pressure on them,” says a source. Indeed, the couple – who last year celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary – teamed up to play a husband and wife navigating America’s deadly Oregon Trail in Yellowstone prequel series, 1883. “It was a lot of gruelling filming hours and emotional subject matter – there’s no way they didn’t bring the stress of work home with them,” says an insider. “They were total professionals and…

When Hacia Atherton arrived at her wedding in a beautiful champagne-coloured gown, the moment was particularly special for the excited bride. And as the 34-year-old walked down the aisle in the chapel of a picturesque winery on the Victorian coast, her future husband Simon, family and friends wiped away tears. They had once feared Hacia would never take those steps. In July 2017, doctors told Hacia that she would probably spend her life in a wheelchair after she was crushed by her 600kg horse during a riding accident. At the time, the talented dressage rider from Melbourne was pursuing her dream of representing Australia at the World Equestrian Games. “Dad sailed for Australia and, as a little kid, I’d put on his Australian team jacket and I knew I wanted…

Bircher Muesli with Spiced Plums Serves 6, Prep and Cook 45 mins 3 cups traditional rolled oats 2 Pink Lady apples, cored, coarsely grated 1 cup chopped dried apricots 2¼ cups apple juice 2 cups Greek yoghurt 1 cup chopped roasted almonds ½ cup coconut chips, toasted SPICED PLUMS 8 large ripe plums (about 1kg) 1 cup apple juice 1 cup caster sugar ¼ cup red wine vinegar 3 star anise 2 cinnamon sticks 1 To make spiced plums, cut plums in half. Remove stones. Cut in half again. 2 Combine juice, sugar, vinegar, star anise and cinnamon in a large frying pan. Stir over a medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil. Gently boil for about 7 minutes, or until thickened. 3 Add plums to syrup in…

Jumbo Chewy Anzac Biscuits Makes 10, Prep and Cook 35 mins 1¼ cups traditional rolled oats 1 cup plain flour 1 cup desiccated coconut 1 cup caster sugar 150g unsalted butter, chopped 2 tblsps golden syrup 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 Grease and line two large oven trays with baking paper. 2 Place oats, flour, coconut and sugar in a large bowl. Mix well. 3 Combine butter and golden syrup in a small saucepan over a low heat. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. Dissolve soda in 2 tblsps boiling water. Stir into butter mixture until combined. 4 Pour butter mixture over oat mixture. Stir well until combined. Roll ¼ cups of mixture into balls. Place 10cm apart on prepared trays. Using the palm of your hand, press to…

• Organise your paperwork. This often includes forms of ID, rental history, rent payment receipts, employment details, proof of time in previous properties and bank statements. • Source some references – generally includes prior rental property owners, property managers, employers etc. • Fill out the application form. Most property managers now have standardised digital application forms. • Add more information such as a cover letter if you are able to. • Submit and follow up with a quick thank you email. GET SAVVY WITH PROPERTY APPS These days, most property managers are using technology platforms or apps to help simplify and streamline the entire rental process. Australian-based app Sorted Services (sortedservices.com) is a great example of this, as it’s a one-stop place for all household services. Renters can set up a profile on the app…

With the change of weather, I feel that autumn is my favourite season. The temperature is a little cooler, but the soil remains warm so plants are still growing. The stifling heat of summer has passed, so it’s time to get out into the garden and do all those jobs that will make your garden sing. HEDGING Getting on top of your hedging is important in autumn, as it will set the structure for winter. You’ll most likely have to prune your hedges twice. The first one can be a harder cut to get a good shape – slightly wider at the bottom than the top to ensure even light distribution on the leaves. The second can be closer to winter and a simple trim rather than a new haircut.…

TAURUS APR 21 – MAY 21 Life’s buzzing, Taurus, not just socially, but on an emotional level too. Plans for the future could trigger an intense discussion, but Friday should bring breakthroughs and a fresh sense of optimism. Scheduling in some relaxation may seem indulgent right now, but you need it. Clear your head with a brisk walk or two, then plan a few catch-ups for the weekend. LUCKY COLOUR: DEEP BLUE GEMINI MAY 22 – JUN 21 Flow with it, Gemini. You’re normally such a ‘people person’, but everyone needs some downtime once in a while. An urge to look inwards and assess your life will be strong over the coming weeks, so don’t push yourself to be social – trust your instincts and be guided by your heart.…

My cute little grandson, Nathan, hanging out in nature with his gumboots on! DONNA WATKINS, GLENELG, SA. Our new puppy, Max. Although I think we’ll be needing a bigger bag soon! JENNIFER PEARSON, BENOWA, QLD. Pepe Lou is a very studious pup – he loves going to work and reading books at home! DEBORAH JOY HILTON, ASHWOOD, VIC. My kids hanging out with Melody the Dolphin at Sea World, on the Gold Coast. It was such an amazing experience – one they’ll be sure to remember forever! SIMONE LICHTENSTEIN, BENTLEIGH EAST, VIC. Our brave little Louie at preschool, rescuing a green tree frog! ROBYN GILL, CORNUBIA, QLD. When she saw that we were leaving, she tried to sneak into the suitcase and come with us! GAI SIMPSON, KINGS LANGLEY, NSW.…

From Hogwarts to Summer Bay! After starring on the Melbourne stage in the acclaimed production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Kirsty Marillier has ditched her wand to bewitch Home and Away fans! Chatting with New Idea in between filming, Kirsty dishes on her character, Rose, and reveals why starring on the soap has long been a dream. What drew you to Rose? Her tenacity and quick wit. Rose is super strong-willed, she’s full of agency, charisma and contradiction. I’m constantly discovering something new about her and find her a red-hot ball to play. Do you share any traits with her? Just quietly … yes! I reckon we’re both pretty impulsive, dry and sarcastic (at times). We both fall in love hard and we also both feel things really…

Every day will be bring-your- daughter-to-work day for Kate Winslet when she starts filming her next project. Indeed, it was recently announced that the Oscar winner will star opposite her eldest child, daughter Mia Threapleton, in a new British drama, I Am Ruth. Mum-of-three Kate shares Mia, 21, with her first husband, director  Jim Threapleton. The pair split in 2001. Mia, who bears a striking resemblance to her famous mum, had her fi rst leading role in the 2020 thriller, Shadows. At the time, proud Kate said: “What’s great for [Mia] is she has a different surname, so she slipped under the radar and the people who cast her didn’t know she was my daughter … and that was important for her self-esteem, of course.”…

Yet another reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210 is in the works – and stars Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth want in! Sources say there are talks to revive the 2008 version of the teen drama, rather than the original, mostly due to copyright complications and costs with Tori’s late father Aaron’s estate. “But Tori and Jennie are determined to change their minds,” says one insider. “Despite being left out of her dad’s will, Tori still has sway with the estate holders. They will be sorely tempted to bring Tori and the old cast back on board.”…