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Nine-year-old Aussie ballet prodigy scores full New York scholarship

<p>A talented nine-year-old is heading to New York City, after scoring a full scholarship to a prestigious ballet school. </p> <p>Malcolm Doyle's dad Nick said he and his wife knew their son had a talent for dance from a young age, and could not be more proud of the international attention his dancing has garnered.</p> <p>"He's been doing really well here in Australia and since last year, there's been a bit of a focus from overseas," Nick told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/aussie-billy-elliot-nine-year-old-ballet-prodigy-scores-scholarship-to-prestigious-new-york-academy/4e3fdf08-3fb7-41a4-89df-eb6ee4b58095" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a></em>.</p> <p>"He got brought in to do an audition for Chicago's A and A Ballet, who were doing a world broadcast for auditions and from there, we just started to get a bit of interest."</p> <p>"And then this year, we let him do the auditions for the Royal Ballet and he ended up in Hong Kong over Easter."</p> <p>From there, Nick said the American Ballet Theatre in New York got in contact and offered Malcolm a scholarship. </p> <p>Malcolm ultimately turned down the offer and signed with another NYC school, the Ellison Theatre, who offered the youngster a full ride. </p> <p>The family are currently saving up to buy flights over to the US to check out the school, with Nick saying they will do anything and everything to support their son's dream. </p> <p>"It's taking quite a bit of the funds out of my bank account, but the love he's got for dancing, you can't stop him and even if we wanted to, I mean we get home after he's had a full day of dance and he's still dancing around the house," Nick said.</p> <p>Malcolm's dad has a performing arts background and his mum is also a classically trained ballerina and teacher, so Nick said Malcolm was either going to inherit the genes or "end up having three left feet".</p> <p>"He went and saw a production by the Queensland Ballet on the weekend, which he had never seen before and he walked out with half the choreography memorised in his head and trying to reproduce it.," Nick said.</p> <p>After being dubbed "Australia's own Billy Elliot", the Today hosts asked Malcom what it is he loves so much about dancing.</p> <p>"It makes me feel really excited and it's so amazing for me, the feeling I get when I dance," Malcolm said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today  </em></p>

Music

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Billy Slater rocked by family tragedy

<p>Billy Slater has suffered a heartbreaking family tragedy, after his brother-in-law drowned while trying to save his nine-year-old daughter when she fell from their boat near Mackay, Queensland over the weekend. </p> <p>Ryan Craig - who was married to Slater's older sister Sheena - reportedly managed to keep his daughter afloat until a passing jet ski was able to pick her up. </p> <p>The father-of-four's body was found on Monday morning, with Slater and his family left devastated following the incident. </p> <p>Slater's former teammate, Cameron Smith, has opened up about the devastating phone call he had with the footy legend. </p> <p>"I found out Monday morning about this absolute tragedy. It happened Saturday afternoon up in the Mackay area where Billy's sister Sheena and her family live," <em>Smith told SEN's The Captain's Run with Cameron Smith and Denan Kemp.</em></p> <p>"They were just out on the water. They live very close to the dam where Ryan tragically passed away. And it's their regular place where they just go for family outings.</p> <p>"I rang Billy and spoke with him and he just said, 'Look, it's an absolutely tragic (set of) circumstances, given the situation'.</p> <p>"It's somewhere they spend a lot of time with the kids growing up. They've got four kids. They've got four little girls," he added. </p> <p>Smith then claimed that after Craig's daughter fell in the water, "a bit of weather blew up and and it blew the boat away from where they'd fallen," adding that the boat couldn't be started</p> <p>"It was a heroic effort, really, from Ryan to stay afloat as long as he did to save his daughter.</p> <p>"He eventually ran out of energy. Some jet skiers came along a little bit later and I don't know how - it's just a miracle - that the little girl was still afloat.</p> <p>"Ryan went under and subsequently passed away. Really tragic events and we send our condolences out to Sheena, who is Billy's sister and the wife of Ryan. Those four little girls that have lost their dad."</p> <p>Queensland Police have not yet released the full circumstances of what occurred, but Inspector Glenn Cameron said preliminary investigations have revealed "the actions of the man who is now deceased saved his young daughter’s life." </p> <p>Inspector Cameron reportedly said that Craig's daughter was taken to Mackay Base Hospital as a precaution, and whether they were wearing life jackets will be part of the investigation. </p> <p>A report will also be prepared for the coroner. </p> <p>"Our thoughts are with the family who've lost a loved one in these tragic circumstances," Cameron said.</p> <p>"We never want to see something like this happen."</p> <p><em>Images: Seven/ Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Bishop Christopher Saunders arrested at his home

<p>The former Bishop of Broome, Christopher Alan Saunders, has found himself at the centre of a dramatic arrest at his residence in Western Australia's north.</p> <p>Police from the WA Child Abuse squad descended upon his Piggott Way property late on Wednesday afternoon, taking the 72-year-old into custody.</p> <p>Authorities have confirmed that an individual is currently assisting them with what they describe as a "longstanding investigation", and have charged Saunders with 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, two counts of sexual penetration without consent, and three counts of being a person in authority indecently dealing with a child.</p> <p>The alleged charges date back to 2008 across Broome, Kununurra, and Kalumburu.</p> <p>This arrest marks the culmination of five years of exhaustive police and internal church inquiries into disturbing allegations of sexual abuse levelled against Saunders by multiple men. These allegations initially surfaced in early 2020, sending shockwaves through the community. However, despite the gravity of the accusations, a prior investigation by WA Police concluded without any charges being brought against the former Bishop.</p> <p>Throughout the ordeal, Emeritus Bishop Saunders vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence despite the mounting pressure and scrutiny.</p> <p>Recent developments, however, have thrust the case back into the spotlight. In the past few weeks, law enforcement authorities conducted raids on Saunders' property not once, but twice. The renewed vigour in the investigation appears to stem from a significant development: the emergence of a 200-page Vatican report, leaked late last year.</p> <p>This damning report, allegedly detailing instances of misconduct and abuse within the clergy, was promptly handed over to the WA Police. Its contents have reignited interest in Saunders' case, prompting a fresh wave of investigative efforts aimed at uncovering the truth behind the allegations.</p> <p>The swift and decisive action taken by law enforcement underscores the gravity with which authorities are treating allegations of abuse, particularly within the context of religious institutions. The arrest of a prominent figure such as Christopher Saunders sends a powerful message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law.</p> <p>For the victims who have bravely come forward with their stories, this arrest represents a step towards justice and closure, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">even in the face of adversity and institutional resistance</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">. It serves as validation for their courage in speaking out against abuses that may have long been buried in secrecy and silence.</span></p> <p><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

Legal

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Sofia Vergara opens up on divorce

<p>Sofía Vergara has revealed the reason why she and Joe Manganiello decided to call it quits after seven years of marriage. </p> <p>In an interview with <em>El País</em>, the 51-year-old actress revealed that Manganiello’s desire to have children led to their divorce. </p> <p>“My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids, and I didn’t want to be an old mum,” she said. </p> <p>“I feel it’s not fair to the baby.”</p> <p>The <em>Modern Family</em> actress added that although she respects those who wish to have children later in life, the path is just not for her anymore.</p> <p>The actress already has shares a 32-year-old son with her first husband, Joe Gonzalez. </p> <p>“I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and I’m ready to be a grandmother, not a mother,” she said. </p> <p>“When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then I’ll give it back to him and go on with my life; that’s what I have to do," she added. </p> <p>Despite this, the actress is open to love again - as long as her next romantic partner has kids of his own. </p> <p>In July 2023, Vergara and Joe Manganiello announced their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/sofia-vergara-and-joe-manganiello-announce-separation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">separation</a> in a statement shared to <em>Page Six</em>. </p> <p>“We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives,” the statement read. </p> <p>Manganiello, has since moved on, after making his red carpet debut with his 33-year-old actress girlfriend Caitlin O’Connor in December 2023. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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Sir Billy Connolly gives sad health update

<p>Sir Billy Connolly, the legendary Scottish comedian, has shared a sombre update on his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease. In an interview with his wife, author Pamela Stephenson, for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/sep/30/billy-connolly-interview-pamela-stephenson-connolly" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Guardian</em></a>, Connolly revealed that he has experienced a significant setback in his health.</p> <p>The 80-year-old comedian disclosed that he is now grappling with a new symptom of the degenerative disorder: balance issues. He mentioned that he has recently endured "a couple of serious falls" due to a noticeable decline in his balance. Connolly expressed his surprise at this development, explaining, "That was never such a problem before, but in the last year, that has come, and it has stayed."</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, a diagnosis that came on the same day he learned he had prostate cancer. Fortunately, he has received a clean bill of health regarding the prostate cancer after undergoing surgery in the same year. However, these health challenges forced him to retire from live performances in 2018.</span></p> <p>Stephenson, who also serves as Connolly's caregiver, pointed out that the loss of balance has been the most significant issue they have faced since his Parkinson's diagnosis, leading to "a couple of serious falls."</p> <p>In a moment of levity during the interview, Connolly reflected on one of his falls, saying, "It's funny, that fall I had when I landed on my jaw reminded me of a thing I used to do on stage. I used to say: 'I fell out of bed, but luckily my face broke my fall.'"</p> <p>The Scottish icon added that this new symptom has further limited his ability to enjoy activities like long walks: "I feel like I want to go for a walk, but I go for 50 yards and I want to go home because I'm tired. I'm being encroached upon by this disease. It's creeping up behind me and stopping me from doing things. It's a cruel disease."</p> <p>Connolly and Stephenson also discussed how their relationship has evolved since his diagnosis. As his caregiver, Stephenson assists him with daily tasks such as getting dressed, and provides transportation since he can no longer drive. Despite describing his disease as "pretty slow-moving", Connolly emphasised that its gradual progression doesn't make it any less challenging.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / YouTube</em></p>

Caring

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Young and the Restless actor's cause of death revealed

<p>Award-winning soap actor Billy Miller's family have spoken up about his official cause of death. </p> <p>News of <em>The Young and the Restles</em>s <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/young-and-the-restless-actor-dies-at-just-43" target="_blank" rel="noopener">actor's death</a> shocked the world, as he tragically passed away just two days shy of his 44th birthday.</p> <p>Miller’s devastated mother, Patricia, released a statement to the<em> Soap Opera Digest o</em>n Wednesday to confirm that the actor's cause of death was suicide, and debunk any rumours or speculation behind his death. </p> <p>“I want to personally thank the many fans & personal friends for the overwhelming amount of love, prayers & condolences sent to me and my family on the devastating death of my beautiful son BJ — Billy Miller,” she began the statement. </p> <p>“He fought a long hard valiant battle with bipolar depression for years. He did everything he could to control the disease.</p> <p>“He loved his family, his friends and his fans but in the end the disease won the fight and he surrendered his life.</p> <p>"The other causes of death being told are not true. I wish they were but they just aren’t.</p> <p>“We all loved him so much and are desperately trying to deal with our loss. I will have nothing further to say. Thanks for the love and support," she concluded. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Patricia Miller has asked me to share the following on her behalf. <a href="https://t.co/90ze1MZHGy">pic.twitter.com/90ze1MZHGy</a></p> <p>— Marnie Sparer (@TalktoMarn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalktoMarn/status/1703919692455559264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Miller is a three-time daytime Emmy winner for his work as Billy Abbott in <em>The Young and the Restless</em>. The actor started his career in 2007 on the ABC series <em>All My Children</em>, which he starred in for 130 episodes. </p> <p>He also starred in the hit legal drama <em>Suits </em>as Harvey Specter's brother Marcus. </p> <p>Gabriel Macht, the actor who played Harvey, paid tribute to Miller in a tweet. </p> <p>"RIP my tv bro #BillyMiller I am touched by ur thoughtfulness, ur authentic honest approach 2 ur art, ur kind nature & big smile that Litt us all. May ur memory always be a blessing to ur Mother, ur Sister & her children. & 2 so many you’ve touched. Peace&❤️"</p> <p>Miller is survived by his mother, Patricia, sister Megan, brother-in-law Ronnie, nephew Grayson and niece Charley.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Young and the Restless actor dies at just 43

<p>Award-winning soap actor Billy Miller has passed away, just two days before his 44th birthday. </p> <p>Miller's manager confirmed the devastating news in a statement to <a href="https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/billy-miller-dead-the-young-and-the-restless-1235725784/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Variety</em></a>, saying the actor has been "struggling with manic depression when he died".</p> <p>The actor was best known for his roles in <em>General Hospital</em> and <em>The Young and the Restless</em>, winning three Daytime Emmy's for his portray in the soaps. </p> <p>Billy's name was put on the map after a role in <em>All My Children</em>, and then signing on to become a model.</p> <p>He went on to have credits in some of the biggest shows in the US, such as <em>NCIS</em>, and <em>CSI: Crime Scene Investigation</em>, as well as Clint Eastwood blockbuster <em>American Sniper</em>.</p> <p>Former colleagues of Billy's have been devastated by the news of his passing, with many taking to social media to share fond memories and express their heartbreak. </p> <p><em>The Young and the Restless</em> alumni Eileen Davidson said she was "so sad to hear of Billy Miller's passing".</p> <p>"His infectious charm and warmth left lasting impressions on all of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives," she continued.</p> <p>"I'm gonna miss that mischievous smile. Love you Billy."</p> <p><em>General Hospital</em> co-star TK Weaver told fans it was "hard to find words" after learning of the tragedy.</p> <p>"You always gave me such good advice. You were always there for me. You were an amazing person. Billy Miller, I'll never forget you."</p> <p>In another emotional tribute, <em>The Young and the Restless</em> star Adrienne Frantz said, "Billy Miller you lit up every room you walked into with your light, your chair and you gave the best hugs ever".</p> <p>"I'll always remember the laughs and the great times we had together. I hope you've found peace, my dear friend. I'll love you forever."</p> <p><strong><em>If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14</em></strong></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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"Devastating": MKR stars' second family heartbreak

<p><em>My Kitchen Rules</em> stars Carly Saunders and Tresna Middleton have been hit with a second devastating blow for their family, just five months after the death of their daughter. </p> <p>The couple conceived their first baby, Poppy Grace, through a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/mkr-stars-open-up-about-devastating-ivf-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gruelling IVF journey</a>, before Poppy tragically passed away from a rare form of cancer just four months before her second birthday. </p> <p>Now, the women are continuing to fight for their perfect family and are undergoing another round of IVF. </p> <p>However, Carly and Tresna have suffered a miscarriage just weeks into the pregnancy. </p> <p>The couple shared their heartbreaking news on Instagram to update their fans who were following along with their IVF journey, saying they are "devastated". </p> <p>“Sadly, we know that miscarriage occurs in one in four pregnancies. It certainly doesn’t make living through one any easier,” Tresna wrote on the pair’s joint Instagram account on Wednesday.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvKM1fko_jQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvKM1fko_jQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Carly Tresne (@carlyandtresne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“We had started to heal, we did a variety of health scans, we were fit and well and we felt as if Poppy was guiding us towards growing our family,” the post continued.</p> <p>“So we began the (IVF) process in May and on POPPY’S 2nd BIRTHDAY we found out Carly was pregnant."</p> <p>“We were over the moon and felt it was a good sign that we found out on such a special day.”</p> <p>Tresna said that it had “taken a minute to gain the strength to share where we are at”.</p> <p>“At the 11 week scan we failed to find the baby’s heartbeat. Watching the ultrasound machine scanning over Carly’s belly, frantically looking for a heartbeat was devastating,” she added.</p> <p>“Carly underwent a curette under anaesthetic in hospital on Monday. I was also going though IVF at the same time. My cycle was cancelled the same day due to my eggs being too large to be able to collect."</p> <p>“But even though we have had this set back, we will push though and continue to rise up for our precious Poppy Grace."</p> <p>“We hope that one day, our daydream of a family will come true, that Poppy will have siblings and we will feel the unconditional love of children again."</p> <p>“If this is your story too, we hope that your dream of a family will soon come true also.”</p> <p>The post was flooded with messages of condolences from their fans, while many offered messages of support for their future family. </p> <p>One person wrote, "Oh gosh, this is just so devastating to read guys. I’m so very sorry. How can life be so beautiful one minute and so unfair the next?! Wishing with everything that I’ve got that your little baby (or babies) of your dreams, are safely in your arms soon, and stay there for years to come. No couple deserves this more."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello announce separation

<p>Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have announced their separation, after being married for seven years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair, who have previously been dubbed one of Hollywood’s most solid couples, confirmed the news of their divorce in a statement to <em><a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/07/17/sofia-vergara-and-joe-manganiello-separate-after-7-years-of-marriage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a></em> on Monday.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives,” the statement read.</p> <p>Vergara is currently celebrating her 51st birthday with a group of friends in Italy, with Manganiello notably absent from the celebrations.</p> <p dir="ltr">A source also told <em>Page Six</em> that they have been “growing apart for a while now” and “are taking some distance from each other to contemplate their future”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another source added that “no one out there (in Italy) with her is even attempting to pretend that it’s not over. It’s over. It’s done.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Vergara and Manganiello’s last public sighting together was in June, when the actress visited Manganiello on the set of his new film, <em>Nonnas</em>, in New Jersey.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple first met through Vergara’s former <em>Modern Family</em> co-star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, in 2014 at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, while she was still engaged to ex Nick Loeb.</p> <p dir="ltr">When Vergara and Loeb’s engagement was called off, Manganiello reached out and the pair started dating.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I knew pretty quickly that I could trust her, and she knew pretty quickly that she could trust me,” Manganiello told <em><a href="https://people.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People magazine</a></em> of their bond in 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And we’re both the kind of people who are capable of putting the other person ahead of ourselves. I was capable of putting her wishes ahead of mine, whatever they were, and she was capable of doing the same. Once you have that, you don’t let go of it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Relationships

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"Hitched": Naomi Watts' surprise wedding bliss

<p dir="ltr">Naomi Watts tied the knot with US actor Billy Crudup, both 54, in a low-key ceremony at a New York courthouse over the weekend.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hitched! 🕊️🪢♥️!” Naomi announced on Instagram with a photo of the beaming newlyweds standing outside the courthouse.</p> <p dir="ltr">The beautiful bride donned an exquisite white floral lace gown which she complemented with a pair of strappy gold heels and a small bouquet of seasonal white flowers, while the groom looked dashing in a navy blue suit.</p> <p dir="ltr">Several stars and close friends also took to Instagram to congratulate the couple.</p> <p dir="ltr">Naomi’s stylist shared a series of photos of the bride with the caption: “Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning - Paulo Coelho.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m so happy you found your person Nai. Love Conquers All. Congratulations,” she added, tagging the pair.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>13 going on 30</em> actor Mark Ruffalo also shared a photo of the newlyweds sharing a kiss at a post-wedding celebration.</p> <p dir="ltr">Naomi shared a group snap with Ruffalo and his wife, Sunrise Coigney, and Josh Hamilton - who was coincidentally celebrating his birthday - and his wife Lily Thorne.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other stars took to the comments to share their joy.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh wow!!! Congratulations!!! So happy for you both ❤️❤️❤️” wrote Michelle Pfeiffer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Yipeeeeeee!!!! Sending so much love!!” commented Gwyneth Paltrow.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hooray!!! Just woke up to this ! Congrats!!! You two couldn't look happier !! XO,” commented Jennifer Coolidge.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations!!!!!!!!!” commented Katie Holmes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Woohoo!!! So happy for y'all!! 💕💕💕” wrote Reese Witherspoon.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

<p>Legendary rocker Billy Joel is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/billy-joel-in-tears-over-career-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goodbye to The Big Apple</a> as he prepares to sell his jaw-dropping estate.</p> <p>The New York native’s property on the affluent Oyster Bay Harbour has a price guide of a staggering US$49 million (AU$73.4 million).</p> <p>According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-acre estate comprises the original 14-acre property Joel bought for $22.5 million in 2002 and the adjoining area he’s purchased over the years.</p> <p>The property covers more than 600m of frontage on Centre Island, with the focal point of the estate being the 1,858 sqm main house with breathtaking water views.</p> <p>The home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half-baths, a playroom, a spa and hair salon, a bowling alley, and a wine centre.</p> <p>There is also an indoor pool, which the Piano Man singer has covered up to use as a music room as it offers fantastic acoustics, according to listing agent Bonnie Williamson, of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty.</p> <p>Parts of the main house are under renovation and are expected to be finished over the next several months.</p> <p>The magnificent estate also has a three-bedroom beach house, a three-bedroom guest apartment, and a four-bedroom gatehouse.</p> <p>Other amenities include a floating dock and boat ramp, two outdoor pools, and a helicopter pad.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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Billy Joel in tears over career announcement

<p>American singer and ‘Piano Man’ Billy Joel is set to conclude his “extraordinary” Madison Square Garden residency with his 150th lifetime show. </p> <p>Joel, MSG CEO James Dolan, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams were at a press conference at the venue when the announcement was made, with Dolan taking to the stage to share that the first of the star’s final ten concert will take place in October 2023, with the final one scheduled for July 2024. </p> <p>"What Billy Joel has accomplished is extraordinary," Dolan said. "Although the residency is coming to an end, we look forward to an exciting closing run to celebrate all that you have accomplished and forever welcoming you back home to the garden anytime, anytime you like."</p> <p>An MSG Entertainment representative went on to discuss Joel’s time at the venue - with the singer having headlined over 60 times more than any other artist, and having sold more than 1.6 million tickets - before a video tribute was played in his honour, prompting another round of tears from him.</p> <p>In the wake of the announcement, Joel went on to offer his own words, telling the crowd, “Madison Square Garden is more than just our office, it's our home.</p> <p>"I'm kinda flabbergasted it lasted as long as it did.</p> <p>"It's hard to end – even 150 lifetime shows, but as I said, we're not abandoning New York, we're just spending a bit more time someplace else.”</p> <p>Reportedly, Joel’s team had advised him that the show could have gone on, but he had reached the decision that it was time to bring it to a close. </p> <p>“It keeps selling, people keep coming, people keep buying tickets,” he said, “[but] I'm now 74, seems like a nice number to just [say] 'okay'.”</p> <p>And as Mayor Adams went on to share, Joel’s music wasn’t going anywhere, even if the residency was moving on. </p> <p>"There's only one thing that's more New York than Billy Joel – and that's a Billy Joel concert at MSG," he said. "For more than 50 years, Billy's music has defined our city and brought us together. </p> <p>“On behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers, congratulations, Billy, on a historic run of sold-out shows at MSG, and thank you for a lifetime of bringing joy to us all."</p> <p>When the news broke on social media, fans were sad to know the performances would be over, but wasted no time in congratulating him for a job well done, and thanking him for sharing his music with the world. </p> <p>“All good things must come to a end,” one wrote, “congratulations on this amazing run and thank you for some special memories”.</p> <p>“OMG I hope to see one of your shows by then,” another shared. “You give great concerts. That final performance there will be such a heartfelt sadness for all your fans who just love hearing and seeing you perform. Billy Joel, you are amazing and loved.”</p> <p>And as one other told the beloved Piano Man, “incredible! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your beautiful creativity with us. You've entertained, soothed and made us think. All the best!!”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Music

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Kiwi rugby star found dead at just 33

<p dir="ltr">New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton has been found dead at the age of 33. </p> <p dir="ltr">The death of the halfback player, who played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes, was confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton (a 52 game Mako player, and recent coach of our FPC Mako team),'' the Tasman union said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby Union team and had a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached. Billy has been a major contributor to the development of women's rugby across our Tasman region.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy's whanau, friends and colleagues during this sad time.''</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton. Billy was a much-loved member of the Blues from 2016-17, as well as playing for the Crusader and Hurricanes. Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy’s whānau, friends and colleagues during this sad time. <a href="https://t.co/5KBfCpRyPV">pic.twitter.com/5KBfCpRyPV</a></p> <p>— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) <a href="https://twitter.com/SuperRugby/status/1658007748800548864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">During his prolific career, Guyton also represented the Māori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago, but it was his time playing for the Blues that had the biggest impact on his sporting career. </p> <p dir="ltr">Guyton was a member of the Blues squad in 2016 and 2017, and played 24 Super Rugby games for the franchise.</p> <p dir="ltr">Upon hearing of his death, the Blues said in a statement, "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton... we cannot imagine the heartache his family and friends must be feeling at this difficult time. To everyone who knew Billy, we send them our sincere sympathy."</p> <p dir="ltr">Guyton was forced to announce his retirement from playing in 2018, after concussion symptoms continued to impact his daily life. </p> <p dir="ltr">After retiring, the Tasman union announced Guyton was working as an assistant coach with the women's provincial team, where he guided the Marist side to a title in the senior women's club competition.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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“Surely a baby can’t do that”: Fitness guru stuns fans

<p>British fitness coach has left fans shocked after posting a photo of his seven-month-old hanging from a pull-up bar.</p> <p>The fitness guru, and founder of the popular fitness app The Body Coach, posted a series of sweet snaps to his Instagram of a recent family holiday to California, USA.</p> <p>The photo has gained a lot of traction online among his 4.6 million followers.</p> <p>The image shows baby Leny dressed in a white onesie dangling from a tall monkey bar at the beach while Wicks looks on proudly.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq3C-ywLb6k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq3C-ywLb6k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Joe Wicks (@thebodycoach)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p> Many followers were concerned about Leni, calling out the dad-of-three for such a “risky” pose.</p> <p>"Jesus, is the first pic photoshopped?" wrote one follower.</p> <p>"How is the first pic even possible?!" asked another. "Surely a baby can't do that?”</p> <p>Another added, ”Is that safe for her shoulders and joints to hang onto bars supporting her own weight like that?</p> <p>"Please don't do that to your baby. She would be frightened," wrote a fourth, sparking a debate in the comment section.</p> <p>"She doesn't look fine to me and a lot of people agree. This is cruel and would instinctually cause fear in the baby. If you think that's OK you are a cruel person.”</p> <p>Some were impressed by the “super baby”, taken back by her strength for her age and defended Wicks against his critics.</p> <p>"That first picture of Leni is amazing! You need to recreate that every year!" wrote one follower. "I love how you let them take risks.”</p> <p>"Your kids have iron man genes," another added. "Wow Leni is strong holding on to the monkey bars, that's brilliant.”</p> <p>Those that came to the dad’s defence reminded critics that the baby would not have been there for long.</p> <p>"My babies/toddlers could all do this when they were young. It was only for a few seconds. We were there ready to catch them," one said.</p> <p>"It is called the palmar grasp reflex and it is normal for babies," wrote another.</p> <p>A child gymnastics company, Little Gym UK also came to the dad’s defence, saying, "For those questioning if it's photoshopped, our classes start at four months and babies can absolutely grasp and hang this little.”</p> <p>While it’s no myth newborns do have a grasp reflex and the grip is often “strong enough to hold the baby’s entire weight”, experts do not advise picking up or swinging a toddler by their arms as it can lead to a common injury called Nursemaid’s elbow.</p> <p>Wicks has two other children with his wife Rosie, Indie, four, and Marley, three.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Body

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Why Absolutely Fabulous would not work today

<p dir="ltr">Jennifer Saunders has long been gracing the screens in movies, on television and on the stage, entertaining audiences with her wit for over four decades. </p> <p dir="ltr">The comedy veteran is perhaps best known for starring and co-creating the hit ‘90s series <em>Absolutely Fabulous</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The series follows a dysfunctional relationship between a self-obsessed PR boss and her daughter, and it has been brought back with new episodes various times over the years, even spawning a movie in 2016.</p> <p dir="ltr">The show, which covered several risqué topics, would likely not get the green light if it were pitched today, Saunders told <em>Today</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">"It is not because of cancel culture, it's just you have to jump through so many hoops," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There's lots more people to make a decision - 20 or 30 years ago people would commission it and you wrote it and it went on telly - I don't think it was the content, the content would seem dated nowadays.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It is not the cancel culture or the wokeness, there is just an age where you turn into the old farts and you back the old establishment and the new people come up and take over.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Although we might not see Saunders’ witty Edina Monsoon or Jennifer Lumley’s Patsy stone return to the screens, Saunders shows no signs of leaving the entertainment industry.</p> <p dir="ltr">The comedy queen has continued to make audiences laugh, working on a number of projects over the recent years and will be starring in a new drama <em>Allelujah</em> with Dame Judy Dench, which will be released on April 6.  </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Getty </em></p>

TV

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Billy Crystal recreates iconic Harry look

<p>Get ready for a trip down memory lane as Billy Crystal has recreated his iconic sweater moment from <em>When Harry Met Sally</em> to celebrate his 75th birthday.</p> <p>Crystal shared a picture in the timeless knitted pullover on Twitter, sparking nostalgia and pure joy among his fans.</p> <p>In the tribute tweet, Crystal is crouching down in white sneakers, jeans and a preppy cream cable-knit pullover; although not exactly the same style seen in the iconic rom-com, it certainly got the nostalgia flowing.</p> <p>“Thank you all…,” he captioned the snaps, in tribute to his character from the 1989 film, Harry Burns.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you all.. <a href="https://t.co/EySEYTBJMc">pic.twitter.com/EySEYTBJMc</a></p> <p>— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyCrystal/status/1635673188519796737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The post even caught the attention of the official Merriam-Webster Dictionary Twitter account, they tweeted, “Icon | noun | a person or thing widely admired especially for having great influence or significance in a particular sweater.”</p> <p>Actor Richard Lewis joined in, writing, “Finally, you’re my age. You’re a blessed artist. I’m proud to have started our comedic journey together.”</p> <p>Devoted fans shared their own takes on the sweater, with various people wearing cable knits and cosplaying as Harry Burns.</p> <p>The star shared some of his favourite recreations with his 738,000 followers on Twitter.</p> <p>Norah Ephron, the writer of the classic 80s film, has long inspired fashion in her films, with many people embracing “Nora Ephron fall” in 2022.</p> <p>Dressing as an Ephron-approved character calls for linen shirts, tweed blazers, sneakers, and of course, cosy knits.</p> <p>Three decades after the icon movie’s release, Crystal still has Ephron dressing down to a tee.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter</em></p>

Relationships

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“I’ve written some real stinkers”: Billy Joel reveals controversial songs

<p>Singer and songwriter Billy Joel has revealed two non “woke” songs that may not have been written given today’s political climate.</p> <p>The Piano Man singer is one of the best-selling musicians to date, but the 73-year-old admitted in an interview with the <em>LA Times</em> that if he were to do it all over again, he would take away “at least 25 per cent” of his songs.</p> <p>“I’ve written some real stinkers I wish I could take back,” he said, citing ‘When in Rome’ from his 1989 album <em>Storm Front</em> and ‘C’était Toi’ from 1980’s <em>Glass Houses</em>.</p> <p>“I don’t even speak French, so I don’t know what I was doing. Sometimes I’d get six or seven songs I thought were pretty damn good, then there’d be a couple of squeeze-outs at the end just to fill up the album. I realise now I shouldn’t have done that.”</p> <p>Joel released 12 successful pop and rock albums between 1971 and 1993 but then stopped writing new material, save for <em>Fantasies and Delusions</em>, his 2001 album of classical compositions.</p> <p>Joel also told the <em>LA Times</em> that he didn’t make that decision “based on whether it was right or wrong”.</p> <p>“It just felt like it was time for me to stop writing songs,” he said. “I didn’t have the same motivation anymore. You need inspiration to create good new music, and if you don’t have it, don’t bother. Get off the treadmill, for Christ’s sake.”</p> <p>He was asked whether he considered “the current cultural and political climate” when organising a setlist, Joel said that it crossed his mind with a song such as ‘Captain Jack’, which references “the junkies and the closet queens”.</p> <p>“You mean are they woke? It crosses my mind,” he admitted.</p> <p>“But ‘Captain Jack’ has gotten real boring to me. The verse is just two chords over and over again, and it’s this dreary story of some suburban kid jacking off at home. My mind starts to wander during the song, so I don’t do it even though people want to hear it.”</p> <p>He agreed that ‘Only the Good Die Young’ was also a tough sell by ‘modern woke standards’. The song, featured on 1977’s <em>The Stranger</em>, was written from the perspective of a young man determined to have sex with a Catholic girl.</p> <p>The song has not aged well by today’s standards, with lyrics such as, “come out Virginia, don’t let me wait, you Catholic girls start much too late” and “they say there’s a heaven for those who will wait, some say it’s better, but I say it ain’t”.</p> <p>“It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust,” Joel said.</p> <p>“It’s kind of a selfish song — like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-‘70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. Why bulls**t about it?”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Music

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Massive backlash against Channel 10 for urging staff to work on Australia Day

<p>Joe Hildebrand – a former employee of Channel 10 – has appeared on <em>Sunrise</em> to take his former employers to task after it was reported that two senior executives had sent an email urging staff to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/channel-10-declares-january-26th-a-day-not-for-celebration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boycott Australia Day</a> by working instead of observing the public holiday.</p> <p>Hildebrand, 46, was formerly a host of the Studio 10 morning program from 2013 until he was let go in 2020. </p> <p>He has now accused execs at Network Ten of “virtue signalling”. </p> <p>Hildebrand went on to insist that, rather than condemn the idea of Australia Day altogether –  a national holiday that the majority of Australians still support – that instead Channel 10 should consider donating to a variety of Indigenous charities.</p> <p>During the fiery conversation on <em>Sunrise</em> with host Monique Wright and News.com.au political reporter Samantha Maiden, Hildebrand also couldn't resist taking a swipe at Channel 10's continuing woes amid diving ratings and rounds of redundancies.</p> <p>“I understand they're going to allow republicans to work on the Queen's Birthday, and they're going to allow Liberal voters to work on Labour Day, so there's some terrific initiatives coming through,” he said.</p> <p>“I'd also like to see from all these companies that have sent out group emails to their employees recently - and the good thing about Channel 10 is that every year there are fewer and fewer employees to send group emails to - why don't they instead donate half their profits to charities that actually help Indigenous people?”</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/12/SunriseJoeHildebrand01.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>After mentioning several non-profits that are achieving positive results for First Nations people, including the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, Hildebrand said that improving literacy is “probably the most important thing you can do to reduce intergenerational poverty”.</p> <p>“I'm pretty sure you'll see them jump at the chance to [donate to Indigenous charities], just as they've jumped at the chance to show how sensitive they are about Australia Day,” Hildebrand continued. “By January 26, they'll be falling over themselves to hand out their money, all their profits – obviously profits don't apply to Channel 10 – to these terrific charities that work so hard for so little money, all the time.”</p> <p>Two execs at Channel 10 have sent emails to staff informing them that the network won’t be celebrating Australia Day, saying that employees can come to work instead of taking the day off. Parent company Paramount ANZ's chief content officer Beverley McGarvey and co-lead Jarrod Villani told staff it was “not a day of celebration” for Indigenous people and said employees could decide whether they wished to take the day off as a public holiday or work if they preferred.</p> <p>“At Paramount ANZ we aim to create a safe place to work where cultural differences are appreciated, understood and respected,” the pair wrote. “For our First Nations people, we as an organisation acknowledge that January 26 is not a day of celebration. </p> <p>“We recognise that there has been a turbulent history, particularly around that date and the recognition of that date being Australia Day.”</p> <p>Staff could choose to work through the national holiday if they didn't feel comfortable celebrating it and could take another day of leave instead.</p> <p>“We recognise that January 26 evokes different emotions for our employees across the business, and we are receptive to employees who do not feel comfortable taking this day as a public holiday,” the email read.</p> <p>The network bosses were adamant that those who did wish to celebrate Australia Day “reflect and respect the different perspectives and viewpoints of all Australians”.</p> <p>Channel 10 has also been struggling in the ratings with questions now being raised about the station's viability. It was also revealed by Daily Mail Australia that the network was forced to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/lisa-wilkinson-s-big-night-out-after-channel-10-cancels-christmas-bash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancel its annual Christmas Party</a>.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise</em></p>

TV

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UK comedian shreds thousands in protest of David Beckham’s Qatar deal

<p dir="ltr">English comedian Joe Lycett has called out footballer David Beckham for his multi-million-dollar deal with Qatar by shredding £10,000 - but Lycett’s protest has come with a twist.</p> <p dir="ltr">After Beckham came under fire for accepting the cash from Qatar - where homosexuality is illegal and you can be jailed or put to death as punishment - to promote the World Cup, Lycett took to social media to call on the former English captain to put his money where his mouth is.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b0f7f24c-7fff-e87b-cd94-977224136cd7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Lycett shared a video where he said he would donate £10,000 ($AU 17,700 or $NZ 19,386) if Beckham withdrew from his deal with Qatar before the World Cup started on November 19.</p> <p dir="ltr">If Beckham didn’t, Lycett said he would shred it.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClGfxiQIvDb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClGfxiQIvDb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Joe Lycett (@joelycett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">"This is a message to David Beckham... I consider you to be a gay icon," Lycett said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You were the first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans, and you married a Spice Girl, which is the gayest thing a human being can do.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Qatar was voted as one of the worst places in the world to be gay. You've always talked about the power of football to be a force for good... so with that in mind, I'm giving you a choice.</p> <p dir="ltr">"If you end your relationship with Qatar, I'll donate this 10 grand of my own money to charities that support queer people in football. However, if you do not... I will throw this money into a shredder.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Not just the money, but also your status as a gay icon will be shredded."</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-735f7414-7fff-0c3f-b123-4b37c34f34e3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">After his video went viral, Lycett shared a message he sent to Beckham’s PR team on social media.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClBdqBgoPAM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClBdqBgoPAM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Joe Lycett (@joelycett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve managed to get myself into a bit of a pickle - I’ve been a bit daft and publicly announced that I’m going to shred £10K on Sunday if David doesn’t end his relationship with Qatar, or donate the cash to LGBTQ+ charities if he does, yet we’re now four days out and I haven’t heard a peep from him,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Could you do me a solid and let me know if there’s a chance he might budge on his position, or am I to expect radio silence on this? I really don’t want to shred ten grand!!! I also really don’t want a national treasure that has historically supported the LGBTQ+ community to publicly endorse and advertise a nation state that has an appalling human rights record and has the death penalty for gays - call me old fashioned!!!!!!”</p> <p dir="ltr">With Beckham not responding or backing out of the deal with Qatar, Lycett shared a clip on Sunday of himself putting wads into a woodchipper, dressed in a rainbow coat.</p> <p dir="ltr">But that isn’t the end of the story.</p> <p dir="ltr">The comedian shared another video on Monday, where he revealed that the stunt wasn’t what it appeared to be.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is my final message to David Beckham,” he began the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s me! That prick who shredded loads of money in a cost-of-living crisis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I told you I was going to destroy £10,000 if you didn’t end your relationship with Qatar before the first day of the World Cup. And then when you didn’t end your relationship or even respond in any way, I streamed myself dropping 10K into a shredder.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Or did I?</p> <p dir="ltr">“I haven’t quite told you the whole truth. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Because the truth is, the money that went into the shredder was real, but the money that came out was fake.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Lycett added that he wouldn’t be “so irresponsible” to destroy “real money”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In fact, the ten grand had already been donated to LGBTQ+ charities before I even pressed send on the initial tweet last week,” he continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I never expected to hear from you. It was an empty threat designed to get people talking.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0189d111-7fff-2b5e-96d4-872ebc0b31b0"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“In many ways, it was like your deal with Qatar, David. Total bulls**t from the start.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/ClOMLKuIY0r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/ClOMLKuIY0r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Joe Lycett (@joelycett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Lycett ended the clip by shredding another item: the 2002 cover of <em>Attitude </em>magazine that featured Beckham, which was the first gay magazine to feature a Premier League footballer on it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I asked <em>Attitude </em>if I could shred it and they were more than happy to oblige,” Lycett said, before running the cover through a paper shredder.</p> <p dir="ltr">His final video, captioned with a single rainbow flag, received a flood of praise from fellow celebrities and fans.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh you. It’s like you thought it all through or somethin …” Dawn French commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are flipping amazing ❤️❤️❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈,” singer Sophie Ellis Bexter added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d1dc9455-7fff-40cd-4ae9-c47bf33ab5ef"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Meghan Markle dethrones Joe Rogan for top spot on Spotify

<p dir="ltr">Meghan Markle has dethroned Joe Rogan on Spotify following her first episode on her podcast, <em>Archetypes</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of Sussex released the first episode of <em>Archetypes</em> on August 23 and two days later the podcast had soared to the number one spot on Spotify’s most-listened chart.</p> <p dir="ltr">This subsequently knocked Joe Rogan’s podcast, <em>The Joe Rogan Experience</em> from the top spot where he discusses everything from current events and politics to science and philosophy on his weekly podcast.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan and Prince Harry reportedly signed a whopping $18 million, three-year podcast deal with Spotify for the new show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two years later, The Duchess of Sussex released her first episode with her "dear friend" and tennis champion Serena Williams. </p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan spoke with Serena about her tennis career, before she brought up a terrifying story in which there was a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/meghan-markle-confirms-fire-in-archie-s-nursery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fire in baby Archie's nursery</a> during a royal engagement in Africa in 2019. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess explained how their family had only been in the township of Nyanga for a few hours before the incident took place.</p> <p dir="ltr">She detailed how then four-month-old Archie narrowly avoided a fire in his nursery as his nanny took him to another part of the residence when the heater burst into flames. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess then shared how she was required to attend another formal engagement, rather than stay home with her child. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm giving this speech to women and girls, and we finish the engagement, we get in the car and they say, 'There's been a fire at the residence. There's been a fire in the baby's room.' What?” Meghan says in the podcast. </p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to explain how Archie's nanny Lauren had taken him downstairs briefly before he was put to bed for a nap, and the heater in the room caught fire. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, no one was injured during the fire, but Meghan said both her and her husband were rattled by the experience and were rushed out to attend another engagement, rather than stay with their son. </p> <p dir="ltr">She said, "And we came back. And of course, as a mother, you go, 'Oh my God, what?' Everyone's in tears, everyone's shaken. And what do we have to do? Go out and do another official engagement?"</p> <p dir="ltr">"I said, 'This doesn't make any sense'. I was like, 'Can you just tell people what happened?' And so much, I think, optically, the focus ends up being on how it looks instead of how it feels."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Spotify</em></p>

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