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The Voice 2025 coaches line-up leaked

<p><em>The Voice Australia</em> appears set to have a major cast shake up, following Guy Sebastian's shock <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-drops-bombshell-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departure</a> from the show after six years. </p> <p>An insider told <em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em> that current coaches Kate Miller-Heidke and Adam Lambert are also saying goodbye to the show. </p> <p>Channel Seven is said to be in the final stages of locking their new line-up, which includes former fan favourites like Keith Urban. </p> <p>“The line-up that Channel Seven wants is Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy, Ronan Keating and LeAnn Rimes,” the source told <em>Yahoo Lifestyle.</em> </p> <p>“They’ve all been on the show before and conversations had started a few months back.”</p> <p>Urban last appeared on the singing competition as coach in 2022, and fans were overjoyed when he appeared as a guest earlier this year. </p> <p>"Keith was asked about returning when he recorded a performance for the grand finale and he sounded open to the idea - as long as it works with his wife Nicole Kidman's plans to be back in Australia at the same time," the insider said. </p> <p>The source also said that US singer Rimes is likely to return as well. </p> <p>"In the lead-up to this year’s finale, LeAnn's management kept talking about the next series and what she plans to do differently," they said. </p> <p> “LeAnn was clear about her ambition to return next year and Channel Seven are keen to have her back after her artist won.”</p> <p>Jessica Mauboy, who was coach for the show from 2021 to 2023, left the series this year to focus on her music and go on tour, but Channel Seven are also keen to welcome her back. </p> <p>“There were always plans to bring Jess back at some point and viewers really missed her contribution this season," the insider said. </p> <p>“The conversation about Jess had been on the cards with or without Guy. It seemed the network was already looking at flipping Kate Miller-Heidke, who seemed a little out of place on the show."</p> <p>As for Ronan Keating, who was last seen on the show in 2016, the source said he was keen to appear on the Australian version of the show again. </p> <p>Channel Seven is expected to officially announce the 2025 lineup for <em>The Voice Australia</em> at their upcoming Upfront event this month.</p> <p>“One thing is for sure <em>The Voice Australia </em>will go on without Guy Sebastian and 2025 looks set to have one of the best line-ups without him." </p> <p><em>Images: Channel Seven</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Guy Sebastian drops bombshell news

<p>Guy Sebastian has shocked fans after announcing he would be taking a step back from his coaching role on <em>The Voice </em>after six years in the red chair. </p> <p>In a statement shared to Instagram, the Aussie singer revealed that he is having a break from the show to focus on his other musical pursuits, such as a new album and upcoming tour. </p> <p>“I have made the decision to take a break from the best red chair on the planet. It’s been six amazing years as a coach and it’s honestly been the best gig ever!” he said.</p> <p>“I have nothing but good things to say about the show itself, and sharing the panel with such amazing coaches has been a pleasure."</p> <p>“The best thing about the show is how positive it is and how much care and passion goes into making it a safe place for artists.”</p> <p>“For me right now, it’s time to focus more on my core, which is writing and performing new music,” he added.“I am busy planning shows in Australia and worldwide and I am really looking forward to getting out and connecting with you all there."</p> <p>"For too long now, I have been reading comments from you asking when I will be visiting your town/country and it’s high time I come and visit!”</p> <p>Sebastian revealed he had been working his new album on and off for years, and is hoping he will now be able to give the new record his undivided attention.</p> <p>“I’ve worked on this upcoming album for four years and I’ve poured everything I have into it, so I need to pay respect to that effort and the art I’ve created,” he wrote.</p> <p>Signing off from the statement, Sebastian revealed he is planning to return to <em>The Voice</em> at a later date, while issuing a word of warning for his temporary replacement. </p> <p>He said, “Whoever has the audacity to take my chair, don’t get too comfortable ... I will wrestle for it back with zero dignity when I’m ready to return.”</p> <p>“Thank you everyone, it’s been a blast and let’s keep supporting fresh Aussie talent – it’s some of the best in the world!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Voice</em></p>

Music

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"He's not dead!" Logies tribute to John Farnham divides viewers

<p>A tribute to John Farnham at the 2024 TV Week Logies has divided audiences, with some saying the performance was a beautiful homage, while others believe it seemed like a eulogy for someone who isn't dead. </p> <p>On Sunday night, Guy Sebastian and Jessica Mauboy took to the Logies stage for the performance that had everyone on their feet. </p> <p>They were introduced by David Campbell, who recalled some of Farnham's impressive accolades. </p> <p>"He sold over six million albums, had a career that spanned 60 years and is one of the best live performers the world has ever seen," Campbell said. </p> <p>"We want to acknowledge John's wife Jill, his sons, Robert and James, and his close friend, Glenn Wheatley's wife Gaynor and their son, Tim Wheatley. But, most importantly tonight, it's about celebrating you, John. You are an Aussie icon. You are the voice, mate," he added. </p> <p>Sebastian and Mauboy then belted out<em> You're The Voice</em> with the help of Farnham's own band, as the screens behind them played a video of Farnham singing the song himself. </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/C-zw3fjSJO9/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/C-zw3fjSJO9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tommy 🧜🏾‍♂️🤴🏾 (@imtommyschroeter)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While the performance was met with a round of applause from the Logies audience, others online found the tribute in poor taste, with many commenting on X that while John has been battling cancer, he hasn't died and the on stage accolades made it appear the star had passed. </p> <p>"I get John had a doco and had some health issues recently but he hasn't passed away. Also this would be better at the arias you know the music awards of Australia," wrote one viewer on X. </p> <p>"RIP John Farnham didn't know he passed," joked another, with someone else saying, "OMG FARNSY IS STILL ALIVE. This is not a eulogy."</p> <p>"Look. I get Farnsy is a national treasure, but he's not dead. Can we please stop acting like he's dead?" someone else posted. </p> <p>Others were happy with the tribute, with one person writing, "I think it's better to celebrate our amazingly talented icons whilst they're still alive!! We love you John."</p> <p>"Jessica Mauboy you are the voice!!! That was perfection," wrote another with one more chiming in, "It’s fitting to have Jess and Guy sing a John Farnham tribute."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Seven</em></p> <p class="mol-para-with-font" style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; min-height: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; font-family: Inter, sans-serif;"> </p> <p> </p>

TV

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“This is the guy”: Shocking new footage of Trump shooting released

<p>New footage has emerged from the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, as investigations continue into the shooting. </p> <p>Graphic new bodycam footage has shown local authorities speaking to a Secret Service agent after the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was gunned down at a Trump rally. </p> <p>The footage shows the moment authorities climbed onto the roof where Crooks was positioned, and captures the moment police identify the shooter as a suspicious person. </p> <p>One man, who appears to be a Secret Service agent, tells a Beaver County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) officer that Crooks’ body appeared to be the person who was previously reported to them for suspicious activity. </p> <p>“So this is the guy,” the agent says, as the Beaver County ESU officer replies, “This is him.”</p> <p>The ESU officer also says a police sniper took photos of Crooks, including of him on a bicycle, according to the footage.</p> <p>“That’s the sniper that sent the original picture and seen him come from the bike and set the book bag down and then lost sight of him,” the officer tells the apparent Secret Service agent.</p> <p>Crooks’ gunfire grazed Mr Trump’s ear and hit three rally-goers, killing 50-year-old volunteer firefighter and married father-of-two <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, before the gunman was quickly shot and killed by a Secret Service agent.</p> <p>Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley a Republican, called on the Secret Service to release more information to the public about the attempted assassination as the federal law enforcement agency faces fierce criticism over security failures at the rally. </p> <p>“Federal agencies, particularly the Secret Service, have failed to be transparent with the American people,” Mr Grassley said in a statement.</p> <p>“This assassination attempt is a matter of substantial public interest, and the public’s business ought to be public.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Beaver County ESU / Bethel Park School District</em></p>

Legal

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"You guys can't touch me": Djokovic slams Wimbledon crowd

<p>Novak Djokovic has launched into a staggering tirade after emerging from the Wimbledon courts victorious, after claiming the crowd was being "disrespectful" by booing him. </p> <p>The Serbian tennis champ accused the audience after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danish player Holger Rune, calling out the behaviour during his winning speech. </p> <p>“To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” he said.</p> <p>“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a goooood night."</p> <p>“Goooood night, goooood night, have a good night,” he continued.</p> <p>The on-court interviewer suggested that the crowd was chanting “Rooooon” and was not in fact booing, but Djokovic was determined. </p> <p>“I’m hoping they were just commenting on Rune and they weren’t disrespecting you,” the courtside interviewer said, as Djokovic responded, “They were, they were, they were, they were.”</p> <p>“I am not accepting it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo."</p> <p>“Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years."</p> <p>“I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players."</p> <p>“I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me ... you guys can’t touch me.”</p> <p>He then headed for the Centre Court exit to initial applause before further chants of "<em>Ruuuuuuune"</em> followed.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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How Guy Sebastian was conned by a Telstra worker

<p>Guy Sebastian was allegedly duped into performing at a young girl's birthday party, when he thought the event was for a charity. </p> <p>The singer was one of many people who were scammed by former Telstra salesman Gerard Cecil Vamadevan, 56, who has been sentenced to a maximum two years jail after pleading guilty to making hundreds of harassing phone calls to 19 separate victims.</p> <p>On Monday, the NSW District Court heard how Vamadevan would tell victims he was either a “talent scout” or a “TV agent for Channel 7” to gain their phone numbers before making “sexually explicit” and “vulgar” anonymous phone calls to them.</p> <p>In addition to his 19 seperate victims, Guy Sebastian was also conned by Vamadevan, who he met over a decade ago, as his claims came to light following the conclusion of the case in court. </p> <p>At the beginning of their relationship, Sebastian was tricked into performing at Vamadevan's daughter's birthday party, although he told the singer it was a charity event for Telstra. </p> <p>The court heard how Vamadevan would use social media pictures with Sebastian, other celebrities and business leaders he had met through work to convince his victims of his “connections” to the entertainment industry. </p> <p>Sebastian’s manager said the pair knew each other about a decade ago and said the singer was used “for the convicted’s own personal benefit”.</p> <p>In a statement to news.com.au, a spokeswoman for Telstra said they were “very concerned” about allegations the former employee had “misrepresented his relationship” with the company, as Vamadevan long claimed he worked for the Telstra "charity arm". </p> <p>Vamadevan was sentenced to two years imprisonment, although will be eligible for release June 30th 2025 on good behaviour. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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The world reacts to OJ Simpson's death

<p>The news of OJ Simpson's passing at the age of 76 brings a mixture of emotions for those who remember the electrifying running back, the celebrated athlete, and the central figure in one of the most infamous trials of the 20th century.</p> <p>Simpson, who passed away in Las Vegas, had been battling prostate cancer. His family announced the news <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">in a statement on Twitter (X)</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">: “On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. </span>He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. – The Simpson Family.”</p> <p>In 2023 Simpson said on X that he had been diagnosed with a type of cancer and in February he said he was undergoing chemotherapy for prostate cancer.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.</p> <p>He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. </p> <p>During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.</p> <p>-The Simpson Family</p> <p>— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealOJ32/status/1778430029350707380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Simpson's life was a narrative of triumph and tragedy, marked by soaring highs on the football field and plummeting lows in the court of public opinion.</p> <p>Born in 1947, Simpson overcame early health struggles to become a football sensation at the University of Southern California, where he captured the prestigious Heisman Trophy as college football's top player. His prowess on the gridiron led to a record-setting career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, cementing his status as one of the era's most beloved and iconic athletes.</p> <p>Off the field, Simpson's charm and charisma propelled him into the realms of sportscasting, advertising, and Hollywood, where he starred in films like the <em>Naked Gun</em> series. His magnetic personality endeared him to fans and advertisers alike, making him a household name beyond the realm of sports.</p> <p>However, Simpson's life took a dark turn on June 12, 1994, when the bodies of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, were discovered in a brutal scene outside Brown's Los Angeles home. What followed was a media frenzy and one of the most sensational trials in American history.</p> <p>In a trial that captivated the nation, Simpson stood accused of the double murder, a crime that shook the foundations of celebrity culture and racial dynamics in America. The prosecution painted a picture of a jealous ex-husband driven to violence, while the defence argued that Simpson was framed by a corrupt and racist police force.</p> <p>The trial's climax came with the now-iconic moment when Simpson struggled to put on a pair of blood-stained gloves found at the crime scene, leading defence attorney Johnnie Cochran to famously declare, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit."</p> <p>Despite overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, Simpson was acquitted by a predominantly black jury, sparking debates about race, justice and the power of celebrity.</p> <p>While Simpson walked free from the criminal trial, he faced a different fate in civil court. The families of Brown and Goldman pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against him, resulting in a verdict that found Simpson liable for the deaths and ordered him to pay millions in damages. The civil trial, with its lower burden of proof, delivered a measure of closure to the victims' families but left a stain on Simpson's legacy that would endure.</p> <p>Simpson's legal troubles didn't end there. In 2008, he was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in a separate incident in Las Vegas, stemming from an attempt to reclaim sports memorabilia he believed was rightfully his. The irony of a man once celebrated for his athletic prowess now facing the consequences of his actions was not lost on the public.</p> <p>Despite his legal battles and personal demons, Simpson remained a polarising figure until the end. His life story was revisited in documentaries and TV dramas, serving as a cautionary tale of fame, wealth and the consequences of one's choices.</p> <p>Reactions to Simpson's passing have been varied. Fred Goldman, the father of Ronald Goldman, who was murdered alongside Nicole Brown Simpson in 1994, expressed his sentiments succinctly, stating, "It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">" </span></p> <p>Similarly, Caitlyn Jenner, with personal ties to the case through her ex-wife Kris Jenner's previous marriage to Robert Kardashian, offered a terse "Good riddance" on Twitter, highlighting the deep-seated emotions surrounding Simpson's life and deeds.</p> <p>Gloria Allred, who represented Nicole Brown Simpson's family during the infamous trial, took a broader perspective, pointing out that Simpson's death serves as a reminder of the failures of the justice system, particularly in cases involving gender violence. “Simpson’s death reminds us that the legal system even 30 years later is still failing battered women," she said to TMZ, "and that the power of celebrity men to avoid true justice for the harm that they inflict on their wives or significant others is still a major obstacle to the right of women to be free of the gender violence to which they are still subjected."</p> <p>Legendary basketballer Magic Johnson took a different approach, extending his prayers to Simpson's surviving children and grandchildren: "Cookie and I are praying for O.J. Simpson’s children Arnelle, Aaren, Justin, Jason, and Sydney and his grandchildren following his passing. I know this is a difficult time🙏🏾".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Guy Sebastian reveals what happened when Marcia Hines collapsed

<p>Guy Sebastian has revealed what really happened on the set of <em>Australian Idol </em>when Marcia Hines <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/marcia-hines-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">collapsed</a> behind the scenes and was rushed to hospital. </p> <p>Sebastian appeared on <em>Sunrise</em> on Monday morning, explaining how he was meant to perform on the talent show that launched his career, and ended up having to fill in as co-host. </p> <p>The 42-year-old told Nat Barr and Shirvo that he showed up on set to rehearse the performance of his new single <em>Antidote</em> when he was asked to step in to co-host the show in Marcia's absence. </p> <p>"We were just sound checking and when we got there, it was quite a sombre mood," he explained.</p> <p>"Marcia had to leave but from what I know she was ok. And then Kyle [Sandilands] made a joke about them getting me to fill in and I laughed."</p> <p>"And literally at the same time, my manager [walked over] and said 'Guy we need to speak', and then I jumped in to fill in."</p> <p>He went on to say it was a "full circle moment for me, because I will never forget Marcia's reassuring, affirming, beautiful nature when I was on <em>Idol</em>."</p> <p>"I know I don't possess quite the same nurturing energy, but I did my best."</p> <p>The Australian entertainment industry was struck with concern on Sunday night as news broke that Marcia had been rushed to the hospital just before filming for <em>Australian Idol</em> was about to begin. </p> <p>Fortunately, reports indicate that she is now in stable condition, though the precise nature of her illness remains undisclosed.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Sunrise </em></p>

Caring

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West Side Story returns to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

<p>Get ready to snap your fingers, tap your toes and experience the magic of Broadway in Sydney as Opera Australia presents t<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">he electrifying musical extravaganza <em>West Side Story</em> – making its triumphant return to the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour stage in 2024.</span></p> <p>The 2019 production of <em>West Side Story</em>, if you were fortunate enough to grab seats, was an absolute smash hit. With record-breaking ticket sales and rave reviews, it's no wonder this show stole the hearts of over 65,000 theatre and musical buffs. </p> <p>Directed by the incomparable Francesca Zambello, <em>West Side Story</em> promises to once again whisk audiences away to the bustling streets of New York City, complete with iconic songs, heart-pounding dance numbers, and enough drama to fill the harbour twice over. </p> <p>Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece will once again take centre stage, accompanied by Jerome Robbins' legendary choreography – and this year, we were fortunate enough to be able to pose a few pre-performance questions to none other than Guy Simpson, the show’s musical director, and the all-singing, all-dancing Wayne Scott Kermond, who is playing “Doc” onstage.</p> <p>Let’s raise the curtain and see what they have to say!</p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Guy-Simpson.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Guy Simpson</strong></p> <p>Guy Simpson, a seasoned musical director with nearly 45 years of experience, boasts an illustrious career spanning global productions. Notably, his involvement with iconic shows like <em>Miss Saigon</em> and <em>The Phantom</em> <em>of the Opera</em> has taken him across continents, from Australia to Asia and beyond. Simpson's extensive repertoire includes serving as Musical Supervisor and Director for Opera Australia's acclaimed productions such as <em>Evita</em>, <em>My Fair Lady</em>, and of course <em>West Side Story</em>. Additionally, his contributions as an orchestrator and producer of cast recordings further solidify his stature in the musical theatre realm. With credits ranging from beloved classics like <em>Les Misérables</em> to contemporary hits like <em>Muriel's Wedding</em>, Simpson's versatile talent continues to enrich the world of musical theatre on an international scale.</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What memories do you have of your first time working on <em>West Side Story</em> – when was it and what was the experience like? </p> <p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> “I was a rehearsal pianist for the 1983 production of <em>West Side Story</em>. The conductor was Dobbs Franks, who came from the US to conduct the first production of the show in 1960. So I was lucky to learn the show from him. I wasn’t in the orchestra and had tickets to watch opening night but during the afternoon of that day I received a call to play in the orchestra that night because the pianist was unwell. I’ll never forget that! Since then I have conducted three seasons of the show and learn more and more about it each time.”</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What were Bernstein’s influences and what impact did Bernstein’s score have when the musical first premiered? And why do you think it remains so recognised today? </p> <p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> “Bernstein was influenced by many things. There is an <a href="https://www.wrti.org/arts-desk/2018-08-23/the-surprising-backstory-to-west-side-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excellent article by Debra Lew Harder</a> that outlines these influences. I love the combination of Jewish themes, Puerto Rican rhythm, Mexican dance music and of course American jazz. His classical roots also come in here – especially the music of Aaron Copland and George Gershwin. The genius is Bernstein's ability to blend all this into a score that tells the story so brilliantly."</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What’s your favourite moment in the music that audiences might not always notice but could listen out for?</p> <p><em><strong>Guy:</strong></em> I like what is known as ‘THE BALCONY SCENE’. Most people will know it as the iconic love duet ‘TONIGHT’. In the show this scene moves between spoken dialogue (with underscoring), into the song and back into dialogue in a wonderfully cohesive way. It is so well crafted and is quite a challenge for the conductor to fit the music with the dialogue in a seamless way. I also love the scene in the bridal shop that includes the song ‘ONE HAND ONE HEART’.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/Wayne-Scott-Kermond-as-Doc.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><strong>Wayne Scott Kermond</strong></p> <p>Wayne Scott Kermond, hailing from a rich lineage of Australian Vaudeville performers, epitomises the essence of musical theatre, comedy and cabaret. With a repertoire spanning from <em>Anything Goes</em> to <em>Hairspray</em>, including acclaimed performances in several productions of<em> West Side Story</em>, Kermond's versatility shines through. Additionally, he's showcased his creative prowess as the creator and star of captivating cabaret shows such as <em>Candy Man</em> and <em>Jive Junkys</em>. Beyond the stage, Kermond's talents extend to film, where he's contributed to projects like <em>Happy Feet 1 &amp; 2</em>, and as a respected scriptwriter and director for various musicals, cabarets and corporate events. With accolades including a Green Room Award and Mo Award, alongside nominations for Helpmann Awards, Kermond's exceptional abilities and esteemed showbiz heritage solidify his status as an extraordinary Australian talent.</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> You and Guy first worked on this musical 40 years ago, how does it feel to be coming back together on the Handa Opera version?</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> “I first performed in <em>West Side Story</em> at the old Her Majesty’s Theatre (Sydney), 40 years ago playing the youngest member of the Jets gang, ‘Baby John’, and then again in another fabulous production touring Australia / New Zealand in the mid-nineties playing Arab. And so it was lovely to be reminded by Guy on the first day of rehearsals for this season how special it is to us both, here we are, doing it again, just a little greyer."</p> <p>“We shared a few laughs about ‘where did that time go?’, and how ‘young’ we still look after all these years. It’s so great to work with Guy again, I think the last show we did together was <em>Chicago</em>, back in the late nineties. So with Guy's huge amount of expertise and experience at the helm as our Musical Director the show is in great hands. Wait till you hear the amazing Orchestra.”</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What about this musical’s story, lyrics, etc resonate with you and why do you think it keeps being seen on stage? Can it appeal to all ages?</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> “<em>West Side Story</em> is as iconic to music theatre as <em>Swan Lake</em> is to ballet. All great musicals such as <em>West Side</em> have to have a great love story; <em>West Side </em>certainly has that. And to add to that, also an incredible score, dynamic original choreography and a beautifully written book makes it a triple threat. That's why it stands the test of time – it's an inter-generational piece, whose story and message still stands today, which is the reason why I’m now getting the opportunity to play an adult character ‘Doc’ in this OA production 40 years later, as it will be for another artist, in another 40 years' time.”</p> <p><em><strong>OverSixty:</strong></em> What’s your favourite moment in the show and why?</p> <p><em><strong>Wayne:</strong></em> It is very difficult to say there is a favourite moment as there are so many. The whole journey of the show is something everyone who loves theatre should experience. The Prologue, Dance at the Gym, America, Cool, Tonight, Something's Comin, and not forgetting the Quintet powerhouse... Every part of this show is special, whether you're seeing the show for the first time or for the tenth time, it’s exhilarating, poignant and moving."</p> <p>“It’s especially wonderful for me to have been given the opportunity to revisit the show, after all these years later as a performer. And it’s very exciting to watch another generation of performers being given the opportunity to experience such an exceptional piece of theatre.”</p> <p>So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders, because Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is about to serve up a theatrical experience like no other. With world-class performances, breathtaking views of the harbour, and enough fireworks to make New Year's Eve jealous, this is one event you won't want to miss. </p> <p>So grab your tickets, grab your friends, and get ready to experience the magic of <em>West Side Story </em>like never before. See you at the opera!</p> <p>For more information and ticket sales, check out <a href="https://opera.org.au/productions/west-side-story-on-sydney-harbour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opera.org.au/harbour</a></p> <p><em>All images: Supplied</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Aussie music star airlifted to hospital

<p>Beloved Australian folk band The Waifs, known for their timeless hits such as "Lighthouse", "London Still" and "Bridal Train", has had to reschedule their current tour as lead singer Donna Simpson recovers from a shocking accident.</p> <p>The group, which includes sisters Vikki Thorn and Simpson, along with Josh Cunningham, made the announcement on a Tuesday evening through a Facebook post, revealing the unfortunate incident that left fans concerned.</p> <p>Simpson, at the age of 53, faced a harrowing ordeal when she suffered four broken ribs and two collapsed lungs following an e-scooter accident in Broome, Western Australia. The severity of her injuries was such that she had to be airlifted to a hospital in Perth. </p> <p>The statement on The Waifs' Facebook page read: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">"The Waifs Geelong show scheduled for November 10th has been postponed to Friday, March 8th to allow extra healing time for Donna Simpson, who is recovering from an accident after the band's last show in Broome and has been informed she cannot yet fly.</span></p> <p>“Four broken ribs, two collapsed lungs and a bunch of bruises later, I have realised E Scooters, and I don’t mix,” Donna said. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Royal Flying Doctors service who got me swiftly and safely to Perth. And all of the staff at Broome Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital for looking after me so well." </p> <p>While Simpson is on the path to recovery, she regretfully had to miss the Handpicked event scheduled for the weekend. Still, she expressed her confidence in her fellow band members – her sister Vikki Thorn, Josh Cunningham, Dave Ross Macdonald, Ben Franz, and Tony Bourke – who will deliver a memorable performance in her absence. Simpson humorously quipped, "Not as good as my set without her at Blues Fest, but close!"</p> <p>The Waifs, formed in 1992 in Western Australia, have become renowned for their independent spirit and unique sound, which has garnered them a dedicated fan base over the years. Their journey to success was not a straightforward one, but it was fuelled by Simpson's unwavering determination.</p> <p>Thorn, in an interview with <em>The Guardian</em>, shed light on the band's early days, explaining how Donna's vision and can-do attitude propelled them forward. Thorn reminisced, "When we were at school, Donna had the idea to go around Australia and play music. We'd been playing music in the local pub, [and] I don't think we were particularly great at what we did. But she has this can-do attitude … and that attitude carried us through and really created that independent spirit."</p> <p>The postponement of The Waifs' Geelong show is undoubtedly disappointing for fans, but Simpson's recovery is the top priority, and fans eagerly await her return to the stage. In the meantime, The Waifs continue to celebrate their 20th Anniversary Australian Tour, marking two decades of folk music that has resonated with audiences across the globe.</p> <p><em>Images: Wikipedia</em></p>

Caring

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"Best proposal ever!" Guy Sebastian crashes romantic moment

<p>Guy Sebastian has surprised one of his biggest fans by crashing her romantic proposal with an intimate performance. </p> <p>The Australian Idol winner was called in to help Nathan, a KIISFM radio listener, propose to his girlfriend Steph, who is a huge Guy Sebastian fan. </p> <p>Nathan called into the <em>Kyle and Jackie O Show</em> and shared his plans to pop the question, and asked the radio hosts if they could help make the proposal extra special. </p> <p>The proposal began with the couple taking a romantic trip on a yacht around Sydney Harbour, as Nathan popped the question and Steph said yes. </p> <p>Unbeknownst to Steph, her day was about to become even more special. </p> <p>Sebastian had been hiding downstairs on the boat, and emerged to surprise the newly engaged couple with an intimate performance of his new song. </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/CyxaU_SPy1W/?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/CyxaU_SPy1W/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“They’ve been together for about six years now,” Guy explained in a video of the moment posted to the KIISFM Instagram page.</p> <p>“Nathan’s been planning this for quite a while and he got in touch with KIIS to see if we could make it extra special for them."</p> <p>“Hopefully Steph will say yes, then I’ll be popping up and singing a stripped-back version of my song <em>I Chose Good</em>.”</p> <p>Steph was shocked and amazed when Guy emerged, as she was seen mouthing "Oh what?!" in surprise. </p> <p>The video of the emotional moment has racked up thousands of views and comments of congratulations for the couple, with Guy's wife Jules even chiming in. </p> <p>“I’m crying 😭 Congrats Nathan &amp; Steph!” she wrote.</p> <p>Others were feeling the same way, as one fan wrote,“That is just priceless! You are such an amazing human, Guy!”</p> <p>“To give someone such a fabulous special occasion that they will treasure forever. You are such a legend!”</p> <p>Another simply added, “Best proposal ever!!!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"These guys have held on": Why a family turned down $50 million for their home

<p>A Sydney family has repeatedly refused to sell their family home to major developers, despite being offered an eight-figure sum for the property. </p> <p>The Zammit family have lived in their impressive home for several decades and have said time and time again that they have no intentions of selling the house, which is situated on a 20,000 square metre parcel of land in western Sydney. </p> <p>With the massive area of land being smack bang in the centre of a major housing development, some realtors have estimated that the property could fetch a price as high as $50 million.</p> <p>Despite the family saying they would be staying in the home, documents obtained by <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/selling/sydney-familys-home-goes-from-858k-to-50m-as-major-development-crops-up/news-story/eb0bacc20cdae5cad461ff89797cb71d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> have confirmed that the house was up for sale in both 2015 and and 2016. </p> <p>The house was swiftly taken off the market after being initially listed with a price range $858,000 to $945,000.</p> <p>And just a few years later, they are believed to have received offers of between $33 million and $50 million.</p> <p>The massive property boasts a lush green lawn in stark contrast to all the houses around it and also a huge 200 metre driveway.</p> <p>But just metres away are rows and rows of carbon copy grey houses crammed into tight blocks as part of a major development. </p> <p>The high-density neighbouring homes are built right up to the fence of the Zammit's property, and neighbours reportedly don’t want the owners to sell as they like living in a cul-de-sac.</p> <p>It’s estimated that 50 houses could fit on the Zammit's block of land if they followed the same style as other developer homes in the area. </p> <p>A local real estate agent previously praised the Zammit family for staying put, despite the big payouts they have likely been offered.</p> <p>“The fact that most people sold out years and years ago, these guys have held on. All credit to them,” Ray White Quakers Hill agent Taylor Bredin told <em>7News.</em></p> <p>“Depending on how far you push the development plan, you’d be able to push anywhere from 40 to 50 properties on something like this, and when subdivided, a 300 square metre block would get a million dollars.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Money & Banking

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The Voice 2023 winner revealed in thrilling finale

<p>In a thrilling conclusion to The Voice's 12th season, Tarryn Stokes, a talented vocalist from Team Rita, emerged as the champion. The grand prize of $100,000 and a coveted recording contract with Universal Music Australia now belongs to her.</p> <p>Facing formidable competition in the final four, including Charlie Pittman (Team Guy), Ethan Beckton (Team Jason), and Ezra Williams (Team Jess), Tarryn, at the age of 40, seized the victory.</p> <p>The climactic showdown featured each of the top four contestants performing twice. First, they shared the stage with their respective coaches for a duet, followed by a solo performance.</p> <p>Tarryn's coach, Rita Ora, joined her in a mesmerising duet rendition of the timeless Tina Turner hit, "The Best". Tarryn returned to deliver a jaw-dropping solo performance of Eric Carmen's "All By Myself", a rendition deeply inspired by Celine Dion's iconic version. Her solo act stood out as the highlight of the night, solidifying her status as a deserving winner.</p> <p>Ezra Williams kicked off the evening with a captivating performance of Camila Cabello's "Don't Go Yet" and later shared an emotional, stripped-down version of Harry Styles' "As It Was" with coach Jess Mauboy.</p> <p>Ethan Beckton took the stage alongside his coach, Jason Derulo, for a stirring rendition of Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved". Ethan later returned for his solo act, delivering Ed Sheeran's "Eyes Closed".</p> <p>Charlie Pittman's powerful performance of Shawn Mendes' "When You're Gone" set the tone for his evening. He and coach Guy Sebastian surprised the audience with a tropical-pop twist on Natalie Imbruglia's classic, "Torn".</p> <p>While Tarryn celebrated her victory with a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Australia, it's important to note that success in the music industry is not guaranteed. Last year's winner, Lachie Gill, failed to make an impact on the charts, and the last Voice winner to score a top 20 hit was Judah Kelly back in 2017. Diana Rouvas, the winner of Season 8, also faced disappointment when her winner's single failed to crack the ARIA top 500.</p> <p>Coach Rita Ora showered Tarryn with praise, highlighting her dedication and undeniable talent: "Tarryn's sacrificed time with her kids to make her dream come true. She is undoubtedly one of the best singers I've seen on a show like this."</p> <p>In response, Tarryn shared her inspirational message: "I want people to know that they can still pursue their dreams as parents."</p> <p><em>Image: Network Seven</em></p>

TV

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"She broke my heart": Guy Sebastian opens up about secret split with Jules

<p>Guy Sebastian has opened up about his secret split with his wife Jules. </p> <p>The Aussie singer revealed that before his Australian Idol victory in 2003, the couple, originally from Adelaide, broke up after dating for a few years. </p> <p>After winning the first season of the competition singing show, the singer packed up his life and moved to Sydney to pursue his music career, but not before Jules “broke my heart”.</p> <p>“I didn’t think we would get back together,” Guy said on <a href="https://7news.com.au/sunrise/guy-sebastian-opens-up-about-secret-split-with-wife-jules-in-new-sunrise-interview-c-12028365" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Sunrise</em></a> on Wednesday.</p> <p>“I was 18 when we first got together and I think I was 21 (when we broke up) and she kind of broke my heart."</p> <p>“She broke up with me and then Idol happened and I moved to Sydney and I didn’t think we’d get back together, I wasn’t sure."</p> <p>“But you live a little bit of life then you realise, ‘Oh, my gosh, I had so much history, she always loved me for me.’"</p> <p>“She’s always been the same.”</p> <p>The 41-year-old musician revealed that he is the only boyfriend his wife has ever had. </p> <p>“That’s always a positive when she hasn’t got some other beautiful Latin lover or something to compare me to."</p> <p>Guy went on to say there was something special about knowing “each other’s childhood and where you both came from”.</p> <p>“I think she’s very loving, very smart and emotionally intelligent and so there’s so much that I lack where... I might blow up over something and it’s always Jules who is my calming force that will help me see things a bit more clearly.</p> <p>“And me, her as well. I think we balance each other out well. I love her more now than ever so it’s amazing.”</p> <p>The pair have now been married for 15 years and share two boys, Hudson, 11, and Archer, nine.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Relationships

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"This guy hates my guts and I hate his": Manu Feildel spills on his feud with Colin Fassnidge

<p>Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge have opened up about their long-running feud that began when the pair started working together on <em>My Kitchen Rules</em>.</p> <p>On Wednesday night's episode of the popular cooking show, Manu revealed to the contestants how the judges "hated" each other's "guts" when they started filming the show together in 2014. </p> <p>Their feud began when Colin accused Manu of "selling out" by joining the TV show. </p> <p>Manu opened up about their previous dislike for one another, after contestants Amber and Mel explained that the name of their restaurant, Salty Secrets, was meant to encourage their fellow <em>MKR</em> contestants to share little-known facts about themselves.</p> <p>“Do you want to hear about salty secrets from us?” Manu asked the table.</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/CxaP02IBB8q/?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/CxaP02IBB8q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by MKR (@mykitchenrules)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The salty secret is Colin and I started on the wrong foot. Because when I started TV, most chefs in the industry thought I’d sold my soul.”</p> <p>Colin added, “I said he’s sold out.”</p> <p>Explaining the criticism, Manu said, “They said I was no longer a chef, I was a TV celebrity.”</p> <p>They went on to say that their feud made working together very difficult in the early years when Colin joined the <em>MKR</em> team, </p> <p>“I got told, ‘Oh we’re going to bring in a new chef - Colin Fassnidge.’ And I went, ‘What?! The guy hates my guts and I hate his guts’,” Manu said.</p> <p>Colin added. “So day one of <em>MKR</em>, I turn up and they’re like ‘Have you met Manu?’ And I was like, ‘S***’."</p> <p>“We did the season. It was a tough learning curve for me.”</p> <p>Manu explained that it wasn't until the end of the first episode that they resolved their differences and became friends. </p> <p>“So we finished the show, I went into my room, he went into his,” he said.</p> <p>“And suddenly I heard [knocks on table], open my room and he went ‘I would like to apologise for being an a***hole.’</p> <p>“And we’ve been good friends ever since!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: My Kitchen Rules</em></p>

TV

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Guy Pearce's family tragedy

<p>Guy Pearce has revealed that his mother has passed away after a battle with Alzheimers disease. </p> <p>The A-lister took to Twitter, now called X, to share that his mum, Anne Cocking, has "kicked the bucket". </p> <p>“Lost my beautiful Mum today. ‘Kicked the bucket’ as she would say,” Pearce said alongside a series of family photos. </p> <p>“What a sharp, fierce and witty woman Anne was, until Alzheimer’s struck in 2010." </p> <p>“It’s been a long and winding road. A fitting song 4 ur (sic) departure Mum. Tracy and I will miss u enormously. We’ll always love u XX”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lost my beautiful Mum today. ‘Kicked the bucket’ as she would say. What a sharp, fierce &amp; witty woman Anne was, until Alzheimer’s struck in 2010. It’s been a long &amp; winding road. A fitting song 4 ur departure Mum. Tracy &amp; I will miss u enormously. We’ll always love u XX <a href="https://t.co/SfjFWUFRwr">pic.twitter.com/SfjFWUFRwr</a></p> <p>— Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGuyPearce/status/1693769859065155845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The photos showed Guy with his mum and sister Tracy, as well as a photo of his mum and dad on their wedding day. </p> <p>Pearce’s father Stuart, a Royal Air Force test pilot, died when Pearce he was just eight years old.</p> <p>Anne and his father Stuart moved the family, including his older sister Tracy, from Cambridgeshire, in England’s east, to Geelong, when he was three.</p> <p>In 2017, Guy took to Twitter to admit that he was struggling with his mother's illness. </p> <p>“Sadly her Alzheimer’s means she doesn’t know me anymore." </p> <p>“However, I know I’ll carry her wisdom with me forever.”</p> <p>Speaking to UK newspaper <em><a title="go.skimresources.com" href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.4.2-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hellomagazine.com%2Fcelebrities%2F500762%2Fguy-pearce-inundated-with-support-over-heartbreaking-loss-of-mother-anne-cocking%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Fguy-pearce-i-was-stoned-exhausted-questioning-it-all-3rbgd3pm5&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=240&amp;xuuid=7669d9847d681ea7909ea70337f312ed&amp;xcust=xid:fr1692744202180gbi&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D" data-orig-url="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=130574X1592710&amp;isjs=1&amp;jv=15.4.2-stackpath&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hellomagazine.com%2Fcelebrities%2F500762%2Fguy-pearce-inundated-with-support-over-heartbreaking-loss-of-mother-anne-cocking%2F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Fguy-pearce-i-was-stoned-exhausted-questioning-it-all-3rbgd3pm5&amp;xs=1&amp;xtz=240&amp;xuuid=7669d9847d681ea7909ea70337f312ed&amp;xcust=xid%3Afr1692721488482ecj&amp;xjsf=other_click__auxclick%20%5B2%5D" data-ml-id="0" data-ml="true" data-xid="fr1692744202180gbi">The Times</a></em> in 2002, Pearce talked how he supported his mother in bringing up sister Tracey who has the developmental disorder Cornelia de Lange syndrome.</p> <p>“A big part of why I never wanted to have children was because I helped raise my sister so I felt like I’d done my parenting." </p> <p>“For a long time, I definitely knew I was never going to have kids. It was quite definite.”</p> <p>Despite his opposition, Guy and his wife Carice welcomed their son Monte in 2016. </p> <p>“I am just besotted with my child. I mean, it’s ridiculous, although it took a while for me to actually believe that my child was really my child,” he told <em>The Times</em>. </p> <p>“Even though my body was kind of going, ‘You’re my child and I just want to hold you close,’ my brain was going: ‘No, you decided years ago you were never going to have a child.’”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Zoo's upright bear accused of being just a guy in a suit

<p>A Chinese zoo has had to be completely trans-bear-ant about its popular sun bear, following allegations that it was actually a human in disguise.</p> <p>The Hangzhou Zoo in China gained international recognition after video footage of their sun bear standing on its hind legs and waving at visitors caused many to paws and look twice.</p> <p>Many were bear-side themselves with excitement as theories that it was a human in disguise continued to spread.</p> <p>The local Hangzhou Daily first reported on the attention that the four-year-old sun bear named Angela was receiving.</p> <p>“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise’,” they wrote.</p> <p>As Angela gained popularity, experts were summoned and had to confirm that the bear was in fact fur-real.</p> <p>Ashleigh Marshall, an expert from Chester Zoo, told <em>BBC News</em> that the animal “is definitely a real bear,” and affirmed to doubtful visitors that sun bears do often “look a lot like people in costumes”.</p> <p>The animal expert also pointed out that the folds on the sun bear’s back weren’t because the costume was loose, but its actual function is to protect the bear from predators and allow them to “turn around” and fight back if attacked.</p> <p>Various representatives of the zoo have had to come out and release statements addressing the controversy.</p> <p>A spokesperson has reportedly said that the state-run facility would never intentionally deceive people, in an audio clip circulating on popular Chinese social media platform WeChat.</p> <p>“Some people think I stand like a person,” read another social media post, written from the point of view of the bear.</p> <p>“It seems you don't understand me very well.”</p> <p>Another spokesperson for the zoo has also denied the allegations and said that a human in a fur bear suit “would not last more than a few minutes before collapsing” in the 40°C summer temperatures.</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter / WeChat</em></p>

International Travel

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Iconic actor returning to Neighbours

<p>Guy Pearce will be reprising his role on<em> Neighbours</em> following his memorable return to the hit soap’s 2022 finale.</p> <p>The Aussie actor hinted in an interview with Nine’s Good Weekend Talk podcast that he would be appearing in the reboot, which is already being filmed in Melbourne.</p> <p>Pearce, 55m landed his big gig as Mike Young on <em>Neighbours</em> in 1986 and featured in more than 450 episodes before his departure in 1989.</p> <p>In the show’s last episode, his character purchased a home on Ramsay Street with his love interest, Jane Harry, played by Annie Jones.</p> <p>The beloved soap ended its 37-year run in July 2022 but was picked up by Amazon Freevee and Prime Video.</p> <p>Pearce explained on the Good Weekend Talks podcast that the series’ return had “thrown” him.</p> <p>“I was a little thrown by that,” he shared.</p> <p>“Annie (Jones) and I called each other, ‘What do we do now, because we’re living in the street’,” he said.</p> <p>“And she said, ‘Well I’m all right because I’m on the show anyway, but what are you going to do?’ I said, ‘I don’t know’. So we’re in the process of working it out.”</p> <p>When asked if he’d return to Ramsay Street, he teased, “You may, you may”, but went on to say it was likely.</p> <p>“Obviously, if I’m going to extricate myself from the show, I want to do it respectfully,” he said. “I wasn’t just gonna go, ‘Well, bad luck. You had your chance, that was it’, you know. So there may be a little appearance or two, shall we say.”</p> <p><em>Neighbours</em> is set to air on its home network channel 10 but will be available to stream for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US.</p> <p>The revamped series will also be watchable ad-free on Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand seven days after the free-to-air viewing.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

TV

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All the highlights of Kyle's Big Day

<p>In the star-studded Australian party of the year (so far), familiar faces from all realms of ‘celebrity’ have flocked to ‘shock jock’ Kyle Sandiland and Tegan Kynaston’s Darling Point wedding. </p> <p>Among the guests were Kyle’s radio co-host Jackie O, singer Guy Sebastian, Today’s Karl Stefanovic, and former-NRL-turned-TV-star Beau Ryan. Convicted drug smuggler Simon Main and former-Kings Cross nightclub owner John Ibrahim were also in attendance - as well as Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese.</p> <p>The latter drew waves of criticism for his decision to attend in the lead up to the big day, particularly when considering the shadier portions of Kyle and now-wife Tegan’s guest list.</p> <p>However, when pressed about it, Albanese stressed that he was just going to witness their love. </p> <p>“Yes, I was invited to the wedding,” he said. “yes, I was invited in the context of Kyle saying how happy he was with Tegan.</p> <p>"The thing that occurs at a wedding, it's a public expression in front of people, invited guests, of love between two people. That's a good thing.</p> <p>"I enjoy weddings and I will be going to the wedding."</p> <p>Albanese made matters worse for himself when he went on to call Kyle an “Australian success story”, with many quick to point out the many controversies surrounding the radio host over the course of his career in the public eye. </p> <p>However, for those who were at the wedding, it was good to see the top politician there - who stayed for most of the night, despite assumptions he would pop in to congratulate the couple and then dash out again. </p> <p>“I’ll be honest with you,” Beau Ryan told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>, “it was a big effort for him to come.</p> <p>“I thought he’d turn up for a hi-and-bye, but he was there for a lot of the night. I had visions of Albo with the headphones on, fully DJ’ing, but a DJ came in after Guy [Sebastian] and Conrad [Sewell] performed,” Ryan continued.</p> <p>As Karl Stefanovic added, “it was an absolutely fabulous wedding.</p> <p>“A great big Aussie mix of family and friends. And a Premier and a PM whose partners are more fun than them.</p> <p>“The best part was Tegan’s grandfather walking her down the aisle, 97 years young.”</p> <p>Singer Guy Sebastian - who sang Ray Charles’ ‘Hallelujah I Love Her So’ for the couple’s first dance - also opened up about his experience at the event, explaining that he “loved performing for their first dance, which started out as a romantic moment between the two of them, and ended with the whole room joining in with them.</p> <p>“I’ve known Kyle for 20 years now, he has always been in my corner and it’s great to see him so happy in love as a husband and a dad.”</p> <p>As for whether or not he had any particularly strong feelings about controversy surrounding the guest selection, Guy only had one thing to note, “it was the diversity in that community which made for some seriously interesting people watching.”</p> <p>And when it came to the happy pair and their future together, he gushed that “Tegan is such a kind and calm person and seeing them balance each other out on the day made it obvious to everyone that they are perfect for each other.”</p> <p>“Kyle was really overwhelmed and emotional,” Beau shared. “The ‘wow’ moment was when we all turned around and saw her at the end of the aisle.</p> <p>“My wife grabbed me and said ‘look at Kyle’. Seeing him be vulnerable was quite powerful.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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31-year-old joke from The Simpsons uncovered

<p dir="ltr">A hidden joke in The Simpsons has finally been revealed after 31 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The popular animated TV series debuted way back in 1989 and professional video editor Ewzzy Rayburn has taken to social media to reveal a joke that has remained hidden ever since. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the season three episode titled “The Otto Show,” Homer reassures Marge that heavy metal concerts never had much of an impact on his hearing. When Marge responds, Homer (and viewers) hear nothing but his tinnitus.</p> <p dir="ltr">Through audio editing, Rayburn managed to isolate Marge’s voice and share her funny comments hidden by the ringing tone. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the isolated audio Marge can be heard responding to Homer, “Well alright, but make sure they don’t pick up any of the band’s attitude toward women, liquor, religion, politics, really anything.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I used my audio editing skills to recover a buried <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSimpsons</a> joke. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Simpsons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Simpsons</a> <a href="https://t.co/H0gD1qO7vF">pic.twitter.com/H0gD1qO7vF</a></p> <p>— Ewzzy Rayburn (@ewzzy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewzzy/status/1648706924425142272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">So, thanks to the internet’s curiosity, the professional video and audio editor has revealed a joke that has remained uncovered since 1992. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Twitter/Youtube</em></p>

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