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"Heavy heart": Susie O'Neill breaks down as she resigns live on air

<p>Olympic swimmer turned radio host Susie O'Neill has broken down live on air as she announced her resignation from her role with the Brisbane Nova breakfast show.</p> <p>The 51-year-old tearfully told her co-hosts David 'Luttsy' Lutteral and Ashley Bradnam that she would be taking a step back from radio after 10 years with the network. </p> <p>"I do this with a heavy heart, the decision wasn't easy. It's hard for me to articulate exactly why I'm leaving," Susie began.</p> <p>"Turning 50 last year, I realised I'm at a whole new stage in my life. The next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally."</p> <p>Susie added that she was already contemplating what her next career moves would be, as she reassured listeners that she would stay on the air for another six weeks, with her final show being on November 28th.</p> <p>"I want to get back to the grassroots of sport and involve myself in the wider community. It's going to be an emotional final day, saying goodbye to everyone," she said.</p> <p>"Whatever this next chapter brings, my Nova family won't be far away."</p> <p>She went on to thank both of her co-hosts a she reflected on her time on the show, saying, "Thanks to Ash and Luttsy for bringing me into your world and life a bit over 10 years ago now, when I pretty much had nothing going on in my life to be honest."</p> <p>"I joked that it saved my life at the time. You were both so supportive of me. I was horrible at radio and I’d be upset and say, 'I can’t do it' and you would say, 'no, just keep going, just keep going'."</p> <p>Co-host Luttsy was quick to pay tribute to Susie, saying, "It's been an incredible adventure becoming great mates with you. Can't wait to see your next chapter."</p> <p>Before joining the world of radio in 2023 as a sports broadcaster, Susie rose to fame at the age of just 14, joining the Olympic team and going on to score 35 Australian titles and retiring after the 2000 Sydney Olympics. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Nova</em></p>

Music

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Fergie's touching tribute to late mum who died in "cruel accident"

<p>Sarah Ferguson has reflected on her mother's death 26 years on. </p> <p>The Duchess of York took to Instagram to share the emotional tribute to her mother, Susan Barrantes, who died "far too young" in a car crash almost three decades ago. </p> <p>"My much-loved mother Susie died 26 years ago today," she began. </p> <p>The royal shared a series of photos of her mother, including one of them on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony, after Fergie married Prince Andrew in 1986. </p> <p>She also posted framed photos she kept of her mother as well as professional photos that were taken when she was younger. </p> <p>"She was far too young to be taken from us and I often reflect on the fact that at just 61, she was younger than I am now when she died in a cruel accident," Ferguson continued.</p> <p>"I think constantly of her zest for life and her shining spirit. Like all of us, she made mistakes but she taught me to value each and every day and to always seek to treat people with kindness."</p> <p>She ended her post saying: "I miss her greatly."</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/DAGEaHBO_ii/?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/DAGEaHBO_ii/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) (@sarahferguson15)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ferguson's daughter, Princess Eugenie, reposted the images to her Instagram story, with her own message. </p> <p>"Miss beautiful Granny Susie," she wrote. </p> <p>The Duchess of York's post was met with messages of love from fans and celebrities alike. </p> <p> "So beautiful," wrote Riley Keough, Lisa Marie Presley's daughter. </p> <p>Actor William Moseley, who starred in <em>The Royals</em> television series left three red heart emojis. </p> <p>"I lost my mother seven years ago, I miss her each and every day. Sending love," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"She is incredibly proud of you, and now it’s clear where you get your kindness from. Sending continued prayers and strength your way," added another. </p> <p>Barrantes, who was a documentary filmmaker, died in a car accident in 1998. Her death came one year after Princess Diana's tragic car crash. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Susan Sarandon's daughter claps back at wedding dress critics

<p>Susan Sarandon's daughter has spoken out against body-shaming trolls who were criticising her wedding dress. </p> <p>Eva Amurri, who like her mum is also an actress, became the subject of online criticism after she shared photos from her wedding day online. </p> <p>Writing on her blog <em>Happily Eva After </em>the 39-year-old admitted that the comments left her in tears, "in a way that brought me right back to Middle School".</p> <p>"Here were people I didn't even know and who didn't know me, spending time and energy typing something that they hoped would bring me one thing and one thing only: Shame," she recalled the moment she came across the "hundreds of cruel comments". </p> <p>"It wasn't what they were saying per se, I've had much more horrible things directed at me on the internet, but it was the yucky feeling of knowing that there are people out there (and lots of them!) whose immediate reaction upon witnessing my little family's joy was to try to hurt us."</p> <p>She continued to explain that she was shocked that her wedding photos had gone viral due to something beyond her control. </p> <p>"I was so taken aback by the fact that it was already viral... and for two reasons completely out of my control: My Breasts," she wrote.</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/C82pK8juxqM/?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/C82pK8juxqM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by People Magazine (@people)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I've always been naturally very large-chested, and my breast size fluctuates with my weight (as real breasts often do)," she wrote, adding that she is a mother of three and she had breastfed all of her children. </p> <p>"Are my breasts the same perkiness they were at 20 years old before they sustained human life three times over? Definitely not. Do I care? Some days more than others. But my body isn't something I'm ashamed of."</p> <p>She then said that she chose the dress because she wanted to feel "sexy and elegant" on her special day. </p> <p>"I had purposefully gone into my wedding dress shopping wanting to show my figure and really celebrate myself as a woman - body parts included," she shared.</p> <p>"It had never occurred to me that people I don't even know would find my body so offensive, and especially that they would care so much about what I would choose to wear on my own wedding day."</p> <p>She then criticised the online trolls for their "embarrassing" behaviour and how unfortunate it was that women still experience this kind of criticism. </p> <p>"You don't need anybody's permission to make the choices you make for yourself," she wrote.</p> <p>"And when people feel something about those choices? Well, that's none of your business."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Body

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"She was magic": Grease actress dies at age 72

<p>Susan Buckner, known for her iconic role as Patty Simcox in <em>Grease</em>, has died at the age of 72. </p> <p>The news of her passing was announced by her family's publicists Melissa Berthier, who told <a href="https://people.com/grease-actress-susan-buckner-dead-72-8644640" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em></a> magazine in a statement, “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones.”</p> <p>No cause of death has yet been revealed. </p> <p>Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, paid tribute to her mother, saying, “The light she brought into every room will be missed forever.” </p> <p>“She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”</p> <p>Susan shot to fame playing Patty Simcox, who was one of Sandy's (played by Olivia Newton-John) cheerleading friends at Rydell High in the 1978 cult film <em>Grease</em>.</p> <p>Buckner chose not return for the sequel, <em>Grease 2</em>, which was released in 1982 and starred Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield.</p> <p>Buckner's career in the spotlight began after she was crowned Miss Washington in 1971, and went on to join <em>The Dean Martin Show</em> as one of the Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group.</p> <p>She went on to appear in the variety shows <em>The Mac Davis Show</em>, <em>Sonny and Cher</em> and <em>The Brady Bunch Variety Hour</em>.</p> <p>Susan also appeared in shows like <em>Starsky & Hutch</em> and <em>The Love Boat</em>, before appearing in her final acting role in the 1981 slasher film <em>Deadly Blessing</em>.</p> <p>In her later years, Buckner directed children’s theatre and taught dance at a gym in Florida.</p> <p>She is survived by daughter Samantha Mansfield, son Adam Josephs, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail and Ruby, as well as her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield and longtime partner Al.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Paramount</em></p>

Caring

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Leaker of gruesome shark attack photo revealed

<p>The New South Wales Ambulance Service is facing criticism and backlash after a staff member <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/leaked-photo-of-sydney-shark-victim-sparks-urgent-probe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaked a graphic image</a> of the wounded leg of Sydney shark attack victim Lauren O'Neill.</p> <p>The incident occurred after O'Neill fell victim to a bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour, just metres away from her residence. This breach of privacy has not only added to the distress of O'Neill and her loved ones but has raised serious concerns about the protection of patient confidentiality.</p> <p>The graphic image, taken inside the emergency room as medical professionals worked to stabilise O'Neill, was shared online by a member of the NSW Ambulance staff. This action not only violates the fundamental principle of patient privacy but also calls into question the ethical conduct expected from healthcare professionals in such sensitive situations.</p> <p>NSW Ambulance issued a public apology, acknowledging the breach of privacy and expressing sincere regret for the additional distress caused to O'Neill and her family.</p> <p>The statement also revealed that discussions with O'Neill's family led them to believe that a NSW Ambulance staff member was responsible for the privacy breach.</p> <p>“NSW Ambulance sincerely apologises to Ms O’Neill for the breach of her privacy and the additional distress it has caused her and her loved ones at this most difficult time,” a spokesperson said. “We spoke with Ms O’Neill’s family this afternoon and informed them that we believe a NSW Ambulance staff member was responsible for the breach of her privacy.</p> <p>“NSW Ambulance takes its patient privacy obligations very seriously and is continuing to investigate this breach to determine the full details of the incident.”</p> <p>St Vincent's Hospital, where Ms. O'Neill was taken for urgent medical attention, has launched its own investigation into the matter, along with the involvement of NSW Police. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that O'Neill's right leg was in jeopardy, and the medical teams worked tirelessly to save it.</p> <p>O'Neill, a microbiologist, has expressed her gratitude to the heroic neighbours, to NSW Ambulance paramedics, Kings Cross Police and the surgical teams at St Vincent's Hospital for their swift and caring actions. However, the unfortunate leak of the graphic image has marred what should have been a focus on her recovery and gratitude towards those who aided her in the aftermath of the terrifying attack.</p> <p>As O'Neill transitions from the Intensive Care Unit to a recovery ward, it is crucial for the public to reflect on the importance of patient privacy and the trust placed in healthcare professionals during moments of vulnerability. The breach has sparked outrage among the public, with many demanding accountability and stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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Leaked photo of Sydney shark victim sparks urgent probe

<p>The sanctity of patient privacy has come under scrutiny at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital following the leak of a graphic photograph depicting the treatment of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/woman-bitten-by-shark-in-sydney-harbour-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shark attack victim Lauren O'Neill</a>.</p> <p>The 29-year-old suffered a serious injury after being attacked by a bull shark near a private wharf in Elizabeth Bay, sparking both a medical and privacy crisis.</p> <p>The photograph in question, which we are not going to publish, shows Ms O'Neill's uncovered leg being attended to by medical staff, and has stirred concerns about the vulnerability of patient privacy in the digital age. St Vincent's Hospital has launched a comprehensive investigation into the breach, expressing deep regret and extending apologies to Ms O'Neill.</p> <p>"St Vincent’s has become aware of photos in the public domain that appear to have been taken in the Emergency Department and are related to those of a patient injury," said hospital spokesperson David Faktor.</p> <p>"We have sincerely apologised for any part St Vincent’s played in the photos being taken." </p> <p>The investigation aims to uncover the identity of the person responsible for taking the photograph and how it ended up in the public domain. Faktor aptly described the incident as a "wake-up call", highlighting the ease with which privacy can be compromised in today's digital landscape.</p> <p>Ms O'Neill, who is on track for a full recovery, expressed her gratitude to the heroic neighbours, emergency services and medical professionals who aided her. However, her appreciation comes amid the distressing breach of her privacy during a vulnerable moment.</p> <p>As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for St Vincent's Hospital to implement robust protocols and security measures to prevent future breaches and reassure the public of their commitment to patient confidentiality.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Swimming legend Susie O'Neill breaks world record at 50 years of age

<p>Susie O'Neill has broken a world record at the age of 50 in a triumphant return to international swimming at the World Masters Swimming Championships in Japan.</p> <p>The two-time Olympic gold medallist won the 50m butterfly, breaking the world record and championship record for the 50-54 age group. </p> <p>She touched out Britain’s Michelle Ware record by 0.52sec, with a time of 29.08 seconds, securing gold for her age group. </p> <p>The swimmer nicknamed Madame Butterfly during her career, proved that she's still got it after winning her first competition and butterfly race since the Sydney Olympics in 2000.</p> <p>This comes two months after she set another record when she swam an excellent time at the Masters championships in Queensland as part of her 50th birthday celebrations, which qualified her for the world championships. </p> <p>She agreed to compete at the relay event in the Masters championships to celebrate her 50th, with her <em>Nova 106.9 Breakfast </em>co-hosts Ash Bradnam and David Lutteral, plus one of their listeners.</p> <p>In a post-swim interview O'Neill told her co-hosts: “I felt like vomiting at the end to be honest,” </p> <p>“In the olden days I was nervous before the race, but I was calmer when I went out behind the block. This was like the opposite. I was calm before, but as I walked out behind the blocks I got a bit dishevelled compared to normal. Really jittery.</p> <p>“It was time to go out, and my goggles had come apart. My hands were shaking - and I couldn’t put my goggles on because they came apart at the nose-piece.</p> <p>“So, I had to get a lady to help me, and the girl that I ended up just beating was trying to calm me down. My nerves hit me really, really badly.”</p> <p>“I got a massive surge of adrenaline, and I reckon it helped me,” she said.</p> <p>O'Neill added that she initially didn't realise she had broken a record. </p> <p>“I wasn’t sure when I first finished.”</p> <p>Despite the challenges, the swimming legend relished in the camaraderie with a few swimmers that she had met in the past. </p> <p>“I met so many people in the marshalling area that I knew. For example, there was a Canadian girl in that race, and we swapped clothes in 1989 when we came to Japan for the Pan Pacific Games,” she said. </p> <p>The swimmer told Channel 7’s <em>Sunrise </em>that this was a one-off and she has no plans to continue racing. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Body

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"What a FIGHTER!": Susan Boyle reveals secret health scare during comeback

<p>Singing sensation Susan Boyle surprised her fans with an unexpected appearance on<em> Britain’s Got Talent </em>for the competition’s extravagant final. </p> <p>Boyle, who had previously appeared on the show herself in 2009, took to the stage with the cast of the West End’s <em>Les Miserables</em> for a performance of the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ - the same one she auditioned with when she was a competitor. </p> <p>And fans were treated to one more song, with the ensemble joining Boyle for a rendition of ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ too. </p> <p>Once the crowd’s delighted applause had quietened, Britain’s Got Talent hosts Ant and Dec approached Boyle, gushing over her as they welcomed her back to the stage. </p> <p>“It is so lovely to see you,” Dec declared. “It’s hard to believe you appeared on this show in 2009 - fourteen years ago. How does it feel to be back at <em>BGT</em>?” </p> <p>“It feels great,” Susan told him, to further cheering from the audience. </p> <p>She went on to share that the whole affair was “extra special” to her, before revealing that “last April there, I suffered a minor stroke.”</p> <p>The theatre was quiet, everyone taken by surprise, before Boyle announced that she’d “fought like crazy to get back on stage, and I have done it.”</p> <p>As Dec shared that they were “thrilled” to hear of her triumphant return, cheers rang out once again, and applause echoed throughout the room in celebration of Boyle. </p> <p>When judge Simon Cowell - who was present for Boyle’s audition as well - was asked how it felt to see her back on the stage, he noted that it was “unbelievable”. </p> <p>“Susan, we owe you so much,” he said, “and I knew you weren't well, but if anyone was going to come back, you were going to come back, because we wouldn't be the same without you. You are amazing."</p> <p>And when clips from her performance, and following reveal, made it online, fans wasted no time in sharing their love and support for the singer. </p> <p>“Huge huge respect for Susan Boyle,” one wrote. “Post stroke and absolutely smashing it on BGT tonight! Incredible!”</p> <p>“Good for her! Great to see her back!” another said. “Never ever be defined by an illness or disability. Never.”</p> <p>“Aww! Susan Boyle is an absolute superstar in every sense of the word, so humble,” one gushed. “It’s so good to see her back with her microphone!”</p> <p>And as someone else put it, “bless Susan Boyle, she spent her entire life not realising her full potential as a West End singer, to then go on to be one of the biggest stars to come out of #BGT. Her performance tonight had passion; she has real HEART and her having a stroke last year - what a FIGHTER!”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">⭐ STAGEY SMILE OF THE DAY ⭐</p> <p>Here's Lucie Jones &amp; Susan Boyle performing "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Misérables, for the BGT grand final 🇫🇷 ✨ X x x <a href="https://t.co/nmIB5eo29c">pic.twitter.com/nmIB5eo29c</a></p> <p>— Theatre Fan (@ShaunTossell) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaunTossell/status/1665467122053443586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Caring

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Wayne Carey announces new relationship

<p dir="ltr">Wayne Carey has a new lover and he has finally gone public with his relationship via an Instagram story.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former footballer and businesswoman Catie O’Neill shared a candid photo of them cozying up to each other, with O’Neill holding a glass of wine.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sunday,” O’Neill simply captioned her story, with a wine glass emoji.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although their faces are cut off, they appeared to be gazing at each other.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/03/08f5b1c52289e8b540a5d68c715bca4d.jpeg" alt="" width="441" height="589" /></p> <p dir="ltr">O’Neill, 28, is a beauty entrepreneur with over 115,000 followers on TikTok and 10,300 followers on Instagram. She has co-founded two beauty brands, MyGlow2 and Huxden, which is a skincare line for men.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rumours started swirling around about their relationship in February, where the pair were spotted at a charity function in Bundalong, North Victoria, according to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/controversial-footballer-wayne-careys-new-love-interest-revealed/news-story/7f65a8823365fa22dc415899aa007e9a" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Herald Sun</em></a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Locals who attended the event have said that the couple looked “smitten", although it’s unclear how they met or how long they’ve been dating.</p> <p dir="ltr">After splitting from his ex-wife Sally in 2006, with whom he shares a daughter, Ella, he began dating former model Kate Neilson.</p> <p dir="ltr">Then in 2015, he was engaged to Stephanie Edwards, but they separated after a year.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair have a daughter, Charlotte.</p> <p dir="ltr">Carey also has a son, Carter, with model Jessica Paulke who he dated for a year before they split.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty, Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"I still don't know what I did wrong": Susan Sarandon reflects on breaking royal protocol

<p dir="ltr">Susan Sarandon has opened up her brush with royalty, and how she was slammed for "breaking royal protocol". </p> <p dir="ltr">The 76-year-old actress recalled attending the Royal Windsor Cup at Guards Polo Club with her youngest son in 2018, where she met Queen Elizabeth. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sarandon said she was given conflicting advice about what to do when she came face-to-face with Her Majesty, as she explains in the documentary Portrait of the Queen.</p> <p dir="ltr">"[When] I got to to England and my friends were like, 'do not bow, whatever you do don't bow, that is so passe'," Sarandon recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You know, there's this push and pull about whether and how much respect you're going to give to the royal family and whatever. They said to me 'don't bow. Do not bow' and I thought, 'well, I'm going to be respectful'."</p> <p dir="ltr">When the day arrived, Sarandon and her son Miles were seated in a different section, where she received a briefing from a royal aide before the Queen arrived for their meeting. </p> <p dir="ltr">"They said: 'Don't ask her any questions. [If] she talks to you, it's okay but don't ask her anything. And this is what you have to do, you know, bow when she comes'," Sarandon recalls.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So I'm all stressed out, I think, 'am I going to bow or am I not going to bow?'</p> <p dir="ltr">"So anyway, the moment came when they finally said: 'Okay, it's your turn to meet the Queen'. And here is what happened - she was sitting down!</p> <p dir="ltr">"So of course, I had to bend over to shake her hand and so it looked like a curtsy. So, at the end of the day, I kind of did bow and the headlines still said after all of that, that I had gone against protocol somehow. I still don't know what I did wrong."</p> <p dir="ltr">At the time, the British press condemned the actress for breaking royal protocol by initiating a handshake with the Queen. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the semantics of their meeting, Sarandon said her brief encounter with Her Majesty was perfectly pleasant. </p> <p dir="ltr">"She was lovely to me," Sarandon says.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I don't think we had a very long conversation. I think it was kind of just 'Oh, it's so nice to meet you'. And, and I said 'it's so nice to meet you'. And I remembered that you can't ask her anything."</p> <p dir="ltr">"So that definitely puts a damper on your conversation because she has to be in charge of everything."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Susan Sarandon’s daughter announces engagement

<p>Susan Sarandon’s daughter Eva Amurri has announced her engagement to her boyfriend, chef Ian Hock, 38, after more than two years of dating.</p> <p>The 37-year-old blogger, who has three kids with ex-husband, Kyle Martino, shared a series of images from Paris showing off the new ring.</p> <p>The couple shared a joint post on Instagram, starting out with a lyric from Taylor Swift’s song Lover.</p> <p>“My Heart's Been Borrowed And Yours Has Been Blue. All's Well That Ends Well To End Up With You.</p> <p>“Those who know us know so well what this moment means to us. We are so so so happy. Can't wait to spend all the rest of our days together.”</p> <p>Amurri can be seen smiling from ear to ear in her Instagram posts.</p> <p>She wore her red hair down, wearing a tan coat over a white sweater, while Ian was captured in a blue quarter zip sweater with a grey coat over the top.</p> <p>The mum of three also posted a picture of the ring, with the words, “Absolutely dying over this ring.”</p> <p>Eva’s friends were quick to offer their congratulations in the comments.</p> <p>Kat Dennings wrote, “Yaaaaaaaay and duh!!!! So happy for you!!!!! Gorgeous couple,” while her Two Broke Girls co-star Beth Behrs commented, “Yahooo."</p> <p>Actress JoAnna Garcia wrote, “Over the moon for you two."</p> <p>Eva is the daughter of actress Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri.</p> <p>The actress went public with her relationship on her blog <a href="https://happilyevaafter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Happily Eva After</a> in January 2021.</p> <p>In a post called <a href="https://happilyevaafter.com/a-little-love-life-update/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Little Love Life Update</a>, she wrote, “I’m beyond happy to share with you that I have a wonderful boyfriend in my life! His name is Ian, he’s super loving, creative, handsome and funny, and we have a ton in common.”</p> <p>“Ian is a Chef (HOTTT), and we met when I went to eat dinner at his restaurant with a friend. My friend went to high school with him in New York City (Yes, he is a fellow New Yorker!), and he came out of the kitchen to say hi to her," she continued. 'We ended up chatting and had an immediate connection and spark.”</p> <p>'I followed him on Instagram, and he followed me back. We started chatting, and for a month just really got to know each other well from exchanging messages and laughing together via text,' she added.</p> <p>“We discovered how much we had in common (both foodies, love going to museums, both bookworms, both speak French...and little by little we created a really special friendship. All before even going on a date! By the time he took me to dinner for the first time, I felt SO close to him, and so safe with him, and it was an old-fashioned courtship in a lot of ways.”</p> <p>Image credit: Instagram</p>

Relationships

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Prince William's godmother resigns amid racism row

<p>Prince William's godmother and Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting has resigned from her royal position after making "unacceptable comments" towards a black guest at Buckingham Palace. </p> <p>The incident reportedly took place earlier this week, when Camilla, Queen Consort was joined by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Rania of Jordan at an event to highlight domestic violence survivors and charities.</p> <p>Ngozi Fulani, chief executive of Sistah Space, was invited to the afternoon reception at the palace through Safe Lives, a charity the Queen Consort is patron of.</p> <p>The next day, Fulani took to social media where she detailed an exchange with Lady Susan Hussey, saying the woman repeatedly asked where she was "really from", saying "this event remains a blur after the violation".</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mixed feelings about yesterday's visit to Buckingham Palace. 10 mins after arriving, a member of staff, Lady SH, approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.<br />Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ManduReid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManduReid</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/SuzanneEJacob?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuzanneEJacob</a> for support🙏🏾 <a href="https://t.co/OUbQKlabyq">pic.twitter.com/OUbQKlabyq</a></p> <p>— Sistah Space (@Sistah_Space) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sistah_Space/status/1597854380115767296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p>The palace released a statement saying it took the matter "extremely seriously", labelling it "unacceptable" and confirming the staff member had stepped aside.</p> <p>"In this instance, unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments have been made," a statement from Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning AEDT) said.</p> <p>"We have reached out to Ngozi Fulani on this matter, and are inviting her to discuss all elements of her experience in person if she wishes."</p> <p>"In the meantime, the individual concerned would like to express her profound apologies for the hurt caused and has stepped aside from her honorary role with immediate effect."</p> <p>Prince William's spokesperson almost made a statement to the BBC, saying "Racism has no place in our society."</p> <p>"The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect," they said.</p> <p>As the Palace claims it has reached out to Fulani, she told London radio station LBC and UK newspaper The Independent she hadn't heard from Buckingham Palace yet.</p> <p>Hussey, who served as Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting for over 60 years was given a role in the royal household by King Charles after his mother's death.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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“He doesn’t know he has it”: Susan Benedetto on Tony Bennett’s diagnosis

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Susan Benedetto, Tony Bennett’s wife, has revealed that the musical icon “doesn’t know” he has Alzheimer’s disease.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 95-year-old singer appeared on the US </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">60 Minutes</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with Benedetto and interviewer Anderson Cooper, as the show followed his final on-stage appearance with Lady Gaga in August.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He recognises me, thank goodness, his children, you know we are blessed in a lot of ways,” Benedetto </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/tony-bennett-alzheimers-disease-not-aware-wife-susan-benedetto-60-minutes-interview/8379c29a-a893-43ed-9fe9-13d4a8ec908f" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">told Cooper</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “He’s very sweet.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Referring to his Alzheimer’s, Benedetto said, “He doesn’t know he has it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bennett’s family revealed in February that he had been living with the disease.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.0304449648712px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844677/despite-his-alzheimers-tony-bennett-prepares-to-perform-with-lady-gaga-1-37-screenshot.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d41867ee644a4ca2b31bbbe1f6f317bd" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: 60 Minutes / YouTube</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Benedetto previously said Bennett was unable to understand what the disease is.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He would ask me, ‘What is Alzheimer’s?’ I would explain, but he wouldn’t get it,” she told </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">AARP Magazine</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> earlier this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’d tell me, ‘Susan, I feel fine’. That’s all he could process - that physically he felt great. So, nothing changed in his life. Anything that did change, he wasn’t aware of.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bennett was first diagnosed in 2017, after he became concerned with his memory a year earlier.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We came home one night and he said, ‘Susan,’ he said, ‘I’m having a hard time remembering the names of the musicians [who he works with]’,” Benedetto said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“And so it was unusual and I said, ‘Well do you wanna go see a doctor about it?’ and he said, ‘I do’.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Tune in to <a href="https://twitter.com/60Minutes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@60Minutes</a> tonight at 7pm ET/PT on CBS for my conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/andersoncooper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andersoncooper</a> about Love For Sale and my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/itstonybennett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itstonybennett</a>. ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/UQDfYbThDy">pic.twitter.com/UQDfYbThDy</a></p> — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1444770602024267779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Cooper asked Lady Gaga if she thought Bennett’s last performance was “a sad story”, she shared her thoughts on working with the icon.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s not a sad story,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s emotional. It’s hard to watch somebody change. I think what’s been beautiful about this, and what’s been challenging, is to see how it affects him in some ways, but to see how it doesn’t affect his talent.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think he really pushed through something to give the world the gift of knowing that things can change and you can still be magnificent.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gaga and Bennett performed at two sold-out concerts in celebration of his 95th birthday and their second and final album together, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Love for Sale</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Tony, this is the last album we will have created together, but the celebration of jazz, and us as musical companions, will live on with me forever. We offer the public “Love For Sale” for free love, to make them smile, because that’s what we’re here for. ❤️ Love, LG <a href="https://t.co/VP6QifdrHA">pic.twitter.com/VP6QifdrHA</a></p> — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) <a href="https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/1438714751165480961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When asked about the recording process, Gaga told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/10/04/lady-gaga-talks-tony-bennett-alzheimers-love-for-sale/5979884001/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">USA Today</span></a></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">it was “hard” to talk about, but “it’s important during times like this to be authentic and share the pain of the realities of what it’s like to have a loved one have Alzheimer’s or dementia”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I really extend my heart to people going through a similar situation.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">See an excerpt of Bennett, Benedetto and Gaga’s appearance on <em>60 Minutes</em> here.</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yNrvXw9juNs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @itstonybennett / Instagram</span></em></p>

Mind

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Foster mother to 300 children killed by COVID-19: “They’ve already lost their family

<p><span>A woman who was a foster parent to over 300 children has tragically died following her COVID-19 diagnosis.</span><br /><br /><span>Susan Braley devoted decades of her life giving kids a second chance at a happy family, and adopted 7 children along the way.</span><br /><br /><span>And now, the hundreds of children taken under Braley’s wing are mourning the beloved mother’s death.</span><br /><br /><span>Braley died after contracting COVID-19 and being rushed to hospital with low oxygen.</span><br /><br /><span>However, even through her pain, she worried for her family.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839711/1280x720.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bba06c546fdf450ca7e254152805b264" /><br /><br /><span>During the ride there she told her grandson, Thomas Bartholomew, to make sure the family keep holiday traditions and always make sure to care for and feed anyone in need.</span><br /><br /><span>"Right before my grandmother passed, I got to talk to her, you know, when they were wheeling her out, first thing I wanted to tell her was that I love you and thank you for everything you've done in my life," Bartholomew said, via ABC News 4.</span><br /><br /><span>"And she said, 'I love you too'."</span><br /><br /><span>Sadly, Braley's husband was later admitted to hospital as well. Braley died soon after her husband arrived at the same hospital as her.</span><br /><br /><span>Now he's battling the virus in ICU as the hundreds of children they helped raise are grieving Braley and hoping for her husband's recovery.</span><br /><br /><span>"They've already lost their first family, this is their second family and we have kids who are older who understand that," said Bartholomew.</span><br /><br /><span>"Like Jazmin, who's 18 years old, she lost her mother and now she's lost her second mother. We don't want them to go through that experience."</span><br /><br /><span>An online fundraiser has been set up to help raise money to support Braley's family.</span><br /><br /><span>In just seven days, it has attracted over $24,000 in donations.</span></p>

Caring

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Susan Boyle delights the internet with her first ever TikTok video

<p>Susan Boyle has made an incredibly hilarious debut to social media app Tiktok, where she was shown displaying her amazing dance moves with friends. </p> <p>The 59-year-old <em>Britain's Got Talent</em> star took part in a socially distanced dance accompanied by her personal assistant Geraldine and vocal coach Chris Judge.</p> <p>The group boogied to the song <em>Laxed Siren Beat</em> by Jawsh 685 and the video was uploaded to the account of Gez Rae.</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N3yKG_Yc4V4"></iframe></div> <p>The Scottish singer revealed in February she’s actually been trying to add another talent under her belt by taking dancing lessons</p> <p>"Someone suggested I would be good on Strictly Come Dancing," she told The Sun. </p> <p>"Yeah, I would like that. I've got some moves. I've been taking dance lessons."</p> <p>The Scottish singer, who rose to fame on the third series of <em>Britain's Got Talent</em> in 2009 with her stunning rendition of <em>I Dreamed a Dream</em> from<em> Les Misérables</em>, told to <em>A Current Affair's</em> Tracy Grimshaw that there's still plenty of things on her bucket list for her to tick off and make sure come to fruition. </p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BySmiH-lddE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BySmiH-lddE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Susan Boyle (@susanboylemusic)</a> on Jun 4, 2019 at 7:08am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"My bucket list? One is to ride a bike — I got my very first bike, never had a bike when I was a kid," Boyle said to Grimshaw. "And I've got my professional licence, I've learned how to drive."</p> <p>Boyle also admitted in the same interview that being pushed into international fame so suddenly back in 2012, was simply too much for her to handle at the time. </p> <p>She says three years after the show, she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which came as a “relief” to her. </p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8b2ZQpl3Cg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8b2ZQpl3Cg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Susan Boyle (@susanboylemusic)</a> on Feb 11, 2020 at 9:34am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"That was just a relief for me, though, because for years I thought I had something a bit more serious, you know? So that took it off my shoulders a bit," Boyle said, explaining that she had previously thought she had "quite serious brain damage."</p> <p>"[With] Asperger's, you just have to make people aware that sometimes you have to go at a certain pace, don't be too bombarded with things. At the very beginning I was too bombarded," she recalled.</p> <p>"I just want to keep going. I just want to keep entertaining people, making albums, touring. I'm as happy as anything."</p>

Music

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Susan Boyle opens up about plans to start a family at 58

<p>Susan Boyle has revealed her plan to start a family at the age of 58.</p> <p>The singer, who shot to fame after appearing on <em>Britain’s Got Talent </em>in 2009, said she is interested in “fostering” children in a recent interview on <a rel="noopener" href="https://play.acast.com/s/bizarrelife/8b29568b-712d-4781-afe6-aaee983aaaf4" target="_blank" title="The Dan Woottan Interview"><em>The Dan Wootton Interview</em></a> podcast.</p> <p>“I’ve never had any of my own, that’s my biggest regret, but I love kids,” said Boyle.</p> <p>“When things quieten down a bit I would like to get into fostering.</p> <p>“I’m 58 so I’ve got something to bring my family home to. I’ve a lovely house, why not share it?”</p> <p>Boyle has been kept busy this year with releasing her new album <em>Ten</em> and competing on <em>America’s Got Talent: The Champions</em>.</p> <p>Boyle became an ambassador for Save the Children in 2013. At the time, she said working with the charity made her feel as though she was “adopting the kids”.</p> <p>She said, “I love children and I feel like I’m adopting the kids. I feel like a mammy.”</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jo4_XWVEIO0"></iframe></div> <p>She also released a song – a posthumous duet of <em>O Come, All Ye Faithful </em>with Elvis Presley – for the charity, with all the proceeds going to donations.</p>

Art

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Susan Boyle opens up about the diagnosis that changed her life

<p>In a rare interview, singing sensation Susan Boyle has revealed her struggle with Asperger’s and the “meltdowns” that haunted her early music career.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>A Current Affair’s</em> Tracey Grimshaw, the star revealed how her life took a drastic turn after <em>Britain’s Got Talent – </em>and not in a good way.</p> <p>After catapulting to fame in 2009 following her audition wowing judges and audiences alike, the artist’s rendition of<em> I Dreamed A Dream</em> quickly went viral around the world.</p> <p>But while the newfound attention was exciting, it also came with a host of negative headlines, with allegations of diva behaviour and “meltdowns” gaining traction as quickly as her performance had.</p> <p>Struggling with the instant fame, Boyle told Grimshaw that she “didn’t have the tools to deal” with overnight fame.</p> <p>“I hadn’t had any kind of formal training on how to deal with the media and stuff like that … there was a lot of surprises in the early days,” she said.</p> <p>“I didn’t really know what was going to happen. But I’m a bit more relaxed now, I take it all in my stride.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Ten years ago, the world was obsessed with Susan Boyle after she walked out onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent, and sang in that surprising voice that she had a dream. But fame and success can be a double-edged sword. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9ACA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9ACA</a> | FULL STORY: <a href="https://t.co/efILIEHxZk">https://t.co/efILIEHxZk</a> <a href="https://t.co/3WVWHnhrko">pic.twitter.com/3WVWHnhrko</a></p> — A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACurrentAffair9/status/1135836426644254720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">4 June 2019</a></blockquote> <p>When it all became too much to handle, Boyle’s manager and publicist Nicola Philips stepped in and hasn’t left the singer’s side ever since.</p> <p>“I don’t think anyone would when you’re being publicly assassinated and being called names, no-one is going to deal with that very well,” said Philips.</p> <p>“Especially when you’ve come from a provincial town in Scotland and you have spent your life in cotton wool. So it was dealing with that shock. Obviously it upset her like it would upset anybody.”</p> <p>Philips also shutdown suggestions saying that the musician should stop singing altogether due to the overwhelming amount of pressure.</p> <p>“See I completely disagree,” she told Grimshaw. “She’s always said in terms of nerves that anxiety, the nerves of performing is what positions her into the place to get on stage, it focuses her. She loves it and she has an amazing life.”</p> <p>Boyle revealed that she’s learnt “how to chill myself out more”, after her Asperger’s diagnosis in 2012 changed her outlook on life.</p> <p>“That was a relief for me because for years I thought I had something a bit more serious, you know, so that sort of took it off my shoulders a bit,” admitted the singer.</p> <p>“You just have to make people aware that somethings you have to go to a certain pace and don’t be too bombarded with things. At the very beginning I was very bombarded.”</p> <p>Boyle was under the assumption that she had brain damage, but once she received her diagnosis, decided to go public to raise awareness of Asperger’s.</p> <p>“There’s nothing to keep secret, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, everybody has something, a flaw if you like,” she said.</p> <p>“But you shouldn’t be ashamed of it, it’s something to bring out in the open and hopefully you help other people.</p> <p>“I like to feel I’ve been a voice for other people who have been the underdog and I wanted to try and prove myself.”</p> <p>After a long hiatus, Boyle is now ready to get back on stage as she returns to the spotlight with a new album and a UK tour.</p> <p>Boyle nabbed herself a record deal after coming runner-up on <em>Britain’s Got Talent</em>. Her debut album<em> I Dreamed A Dream </em>became the UK’s fastest-selling debut album of all time.</p>

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The hilarious reason why Waleed Aly's wife wants to win a Logie

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Dr Susan Carland, the Australian academic and wife of<span> </span><em>The Project</em>host Waleed Aly, is not exactly best friends with One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson – and now she has used that exact reason to urge fans to vote for her to receive a Logie.</p> <p><span>Dr Carland, a Muslim convert</span><span>, has made the shortlist for her presenting gig on the SBS show </span><em>Child Genius<span> </span></em>and the TV host shared her comedic reason on Instagram to explain to her fans why they should vote for her in the Most Popular Presenter category in the 61st Annual Logies.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BupdYTLgKg1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BupdYTLgKg1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Friends. Am I the greatest TV presenter of all time? No. But am I the most likeable and deserving person to win this Logie? Also no. But is it worth voting for me just for the reaction it will evoke in Pauline Hanson? YES. Link to vote in my bio! #tvweeklogies</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/susancarland/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Susan Carland</a> (@susancarland) on Mar 5, 2019 at 5:05pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>“Friends. Am I the greatest TV presenter of all time? No,” Dr Carland wrote in the caption</span></p> <p>“But am I the most likeable and deserving person to win this Logie? Also no.</p> <p>“But is it worth voting for me just for the reaction it will evoke in Pauline Hanson? YES.”</p> <p>The One Nation leader and Dr Carland are on opposing sides based on Ms Hanson’s negative comments about Muslims.</p> <p>Fans are able to cast their votes on <em>TV Week’s</em> website for Most Popular Actor, Most Popular Actress, Most Popular Presenter and the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian TV.</p> <p>Between now and March 31, fans can pick from a shortlist of candidates in each category who they want to see win the award.</p> <p>The Logie nominees will be announced on May 26.</p> <p>Voting for the 11 most popular categories will reopen from June 24 until June 30.</p> <p>Dr Carland is not the only shortlist candidate to take to social media to urge fans to vote.</p> <p>Carrie Bickmore put up a sweet photo of her and her daughter at a dress fitting, encouraging her followers to vote for who they think should be nominated for each Logie.</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bun4UL8H1cq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bun4UL8H1cq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Fav pic from last year’s final Logie dress fitting with 2 of my fav people @paolo_sebastian and Evie. Voting’s opened for this year’s awards so would love you to jump online and vote. Only takes a minute or two. 🙏tvweeklogieawards.com.au #tvweeklogies</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/bickmorecarrie/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Carrie Bickmore</a> (@bickmorecarrie) on Mar 5, 2019 at 2:22am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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What ever happened to Susan Boyle?

<p>After a life-changing audition on <em>Britain’s Got Talent</em> nine years ago, Susan Boyle was thrust into the spotlight due to her angelic voice and refusal to change despite fame.</p> <p>However, the pressure became too much for the homebody from Scotland, as pressure mounted due to a world hungry for more.</p> <p>Her mental health suffered as a result of the stardom, she told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/8430978/susan-boyle-britains-got-talent-comeback-album/"><em>The Sun</em></a>.</p> <p>“It can be difficult to talk about mental health issues, as there is a kind of fear about that.</p> <p>“Years ago, there used to be a stigma about it, but now there is more knowledge, more expertise, and talking about things makes it a lot easier. A lot easier,” Boyle admitted.</p> <p>Five years later, Boyle is now able to cope with her fame and the pressure that comes with it.</p> <p>“I can cope with the pressure now. I know how to control myself better.</p> <p>“I don’t get so worked up about things. I got a lot of help and I’m managing a lot more effectively,” the talented singer shared.</p> <p>To celebrate, Boyle is releasing an album to mark 10 years within the music industry.</p> <p>Her first audition on TV in 2009 sent shockwaves around the world, as she surprised all three judges on the panel of <em>Britain’s Got Talent.</em></p> <p>Looking back and reflecting on that audition made Simon Cowell realise how he was viewed. Cowell revealed to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/7337243/susan-boyle-talent-show-comeback/"><em>The Sun</em></a><em>:</em></p> <p>“When I saw me, I said, ‘I actually hate my guts right now.’ We were really sneery. That was the tipping point.”</p> <p><iframe width="540" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jca_p_3FcWA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Boyle is doing much better now, as she’s surrounded by “a lot of support and the love of the community”. She insists that despite her net worth of AUD$40 million, her life is still the same.</p> <p>“I just want to entertain people, I want to make them happy. Money doesn’t bother me,” she insists.</p> <p>“My life has changed in that I’ve got a lot of people around me, I’ve got a nicer house and stuff like that, but those are material things. I think emotionally I’ve grown up with it.</p> <p>“My whole community hasn’t changed much but I have this sort of dual personality now. I’m a performer and an ordinary person, which is nice,” Boyle explained.</p> <p>Do you remember the first time you heard Susan Boyle sing? Let us know in the comments.</p>

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