BELLE GIBSON FORCED TO PAY $500K Feb. 10, 2020
KOBE BRYANT 1978 – 2020
HISFAMILY’S HEARTBREAK Jess Simpson tells
MICHELLE BRIDGES’ DRINK-DRIVING SHAME
ZIN_WHO_0620
The trainer is arrested with herr 4 ear olld in the car after painful breakup with ‘Commando’
MY BATTLE WITH ADDICTION
Grammys
GLAMOUR
IN THIS ISSUE FEB 10, 2020
Kobe Bryant took part in Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour.
ISSUE 1454
FEATURES
4 KOBE BRYANT Farewell to a legend 8 TEARS & TRIUMPH Grammys highlights 12 MICHELLE BRIDGES Inside the star trainer’s shock split from Steve ‘Commando’ Willis 14 OUTBREAK Why coronavirus is spreading 16 SECRET ADDICTION Jessica Simpson 18 ‘THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR MARRIAGE’ Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich get personal 20 ‘I’M NOT MR NICE GUY’ Hugh Grant 22 BELLE GIBSON Finally made to pay 24 FAMILY COMES FIRST Nicole da Silva tells 26 MOVING FORWARD Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel put the past behind them 28 ‘I’M NERVOUS’ Q&A’s Hamish Macdonald 30 ‘I CAN’T HANDLE THE BITCHING’ Married at First Sight bride Amanda tells 32 NAKKIAH LUI ‘The show changed my life’’ 34 LUCK OF THE IRISH Colin Fassnidge 36 THE SEX FILES Gillian Anderson’s new role 38 TAYLOR SWIFT Devastating family news 40 BLAKE & GWEN The singers on love 44 NEXT BIG THINGS Who to watch in 2020 48 TEXAS KILLING FIELDS Tracking a monster
THE LIFESTYLE EDIT
53 Beauty 58 Style 62 Wellness 66 Food 69 Travel
REGULARS
74 Horoscopes 75 Puzzles 76 The List 86 Star Tracks 90 Passages
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14 page special
1 CEORLEKOUB DITETTIP&S
Justin Timberlake and Kobe Bryant formed a close friendship in their teens.
A devoted dad, Kobe died alongside his daughter Gianna.
Nick Kyrgios wore an LA Lakers jersey with Bryant’s No. 8 at the Australian Open.
David Beckham shared his heartache over the basketballer’s death.
GONE TOO SOON It was the unexpected news that rocked Hollywood, sporting communities and the world alike, when Kobe Bryant’s death was announced. At 41, the basketball legend, alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other passengers, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The LA Lakers superstar touched so many lives and since his death, huge outpourings of love and admiration have followed, including many musicians paying tribute to him at the Grammys which took place hours after the tragedy (for more, see pg. 8-11). On social media, close friend David Beckham took to Instagram, saying: “It’s taken me hours to work out what to write and still my words won’t ever be enough to describe how I am feeling after the tragic loss of Kobe. This was one special athlete, husband, father and friend. Having to write these words is hard enough but also knowing we have lost an amazing human being and his beautiful and talented daughter Gianna is heartbreaking.” Taylor Swift, who invited Bryant to the stage during her 1989 tour in 2015, shared: “My heart is in pieces hearing the news of
this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.” A heartbroken long-time friend, Justin Timberlake, shared these words. “We met when we were both teenagers and bonded over our drive and process. I was in awe of what you could do with a basketball and knew your talent went beyond your physical gifts and stretched to your mentality,” the singer wrote, adding “...I hope I can continue to make you proud, Vino. Champ, MVP, Legend, Hero, Inspiration, Father, Friend. I’m gonna miss you, brother. Mamba forever.” An emotional Nick Kyrgios wore an LA Lakers jersey with Bryant’s No. 8 before taking to the court at the Australian Open in his fourth round match against Rafael Nadal. Bryant leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Vanessa, 37, and daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months. For more information, turn to pg. 4-7. –Team WHO
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Bryant amassed a $890 million fortune throughout his 20-year playing career.
to
TRAGEDY
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The world mourns the tragic death of NBA icon Kobe Bryant
The star and his daughter Gianna tragically died in the crash along with seven others.
ou are responsible for how people remember you – or don’t. So don’t take it lightly,” basketball legend Kobe Bryant once said. “If you do it right, your game will live on in others … and when it u to leave, leave a legend.” The basketball community – and, indeed, the rest of the world – is mourning the loss of one of sport’s biggest heroes, with Bryant tragically killed at age 41 on Monday in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Bryant and ‘Gigi’ were among the nine people who died when their helicopter went down in thick fog in Calabasas, northwest of LA, shortly before 10am, having taken off from Bryant’s Orange County home. The other victims were pilot Ara Zobayan, Bryant family friends John and Keri Altobelli and their daughter Alyssa (who was one of Gigi’s teammates), mother and daughter Sarah and Payton Chester, and basketball coach Christina Mauser. Soon after news of the tragedy, devastated fans flocked to the Staples Center in downtown LA, where Bryant played his whole career, to pay their respects to its most iconic player, while social media was flooded with messages of condolences to Bryant’s surviving family, wife Vanessa and their three other daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 7-month-old Capri. The beloved LA Lakers player spent 20 years on the team before retiring in 2016. A day before his death,
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TRAGEDY
CRASH PROBE
Bryant’s flight was given clearance to take off despite heavy fog grounding many other aircrafts, including police helicopters. The aircraft hit the hillside at 300km/h after rapidly descending at more than 20 metres per second.
Smoke rose from the remote crash scene on Monday.
another legend, LeBron James, passed Bryant for No.3 spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. In what would be his final tweet, Bryant wrote on January 25: “Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother.” His message has widely been seen as an indication of his generosity of spirit and kindness. Expressing his grief, former teammate and friend Shaquille O’Neal wrote: “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie.” Meanwhile, the tributes came pouring in from the A-list. Comedian Kevin Hart said: “This honestly doesn’t make sense … I just saw you man. This hurts my heart … We love you forever man. Legends never die!” Kanye West shared a photo of Bryant in the 6 l Who
silence. Singer John Legend said: “I’m so sad recording studio, writing: “Kobe, we love you and stunned right now. Life can be so brutal brother. We’re praying for your family and and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the loved ones. We miss you, Kobe.” inspiration you gave.” West’s wife, Kim The news cast a shadow over the whole Kardashian, posted: “This has affected us all event. Host Alicia Keys told the gathered so much but I cannot begin to imagine what celebrities: “Earlier today, the Vanessa is feeling losing her whole wide world lost a hero. husband and her baby girl. I cry And we’re literally standing just thinking about it.” here heartbroken in the house Showing just how farthat Kobe Bryant built.” reaching Bryant’s popularity Outside, the stadium was was, former US president awash with the Lakers colours, Barack Obama tweeted: “Kobe was a legend on the court and – John Legend purple and yellow, as hordes of fans gathered together, with just getting started in what one saying, “This shows how much he was would have been just as meaningful a second loved. He was the whole city of LA.” act. To lose Gianna is even more Even before his death, Bryant’s dedication heartbreaking to us as parents.” to his home turf had been immortalised, with At the Staples Center, the Grammys were both his jersey numbers, 8 and 24, retired by beginning as word spread of the tragedy. A the Lakers when he stopped playing. shocked audience stood for a moment’s
“Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes”
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His family meant everything to the superstar, pictured here on Halloween last year.
Though he ticked off such career highs as being named All-Star in 18 of his 20 seasons for the Lakers and guiding the team to five NBA championships, Bryant – who created the alter ego Black Mamba for when he hit the court – insisted “the most important thing” was being able to inspire and encourage others. “When I see people talk about finding inspiration in the Mamba mentality, it makes all my hard work, all my sweat, all the 3am wake-ups feel worth it,” he said. But despite his status as a king on the court, he cherished the life he built with his “queen” Vanessa, 37, and their four daughters the most. Just two months ago, the happy couple celebrated 20 years since they first met. Bryant had also taken steps to mend his bitter feud with his parents after a falling out in 2013 when he accused them of selling off memorabilia without his knowledge, a charge they dispute. A friend said he had seen the star warmly hugging his dad only recently. He had also quarrelled with his sisters, accusing them of being too financially dependent on him. But his own family was everything.“Being a father is the thing I am most proud of in this world; it’s my greatest accomplishment.” In the weeks leading up to the tragedy, Bryant had spent quality time with his beloved family and in particular Gianna, taking her to a high school in Washington State to watch basketball as she had expressed an interest in carrying on his sporting legacy. He captioned a video of Gianna playing on the court, “Gigi getting better every day #teammamba.” The proud dad also shared a touching 17th birthday tribute to his eldest daughter Natalia on January 19, writing on Instagram, “Happy birthday my baby. I love you beyond measure.”
Bryant with his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia and Gianna (right) in 2018. Few other sports stars have made a bigger impact globally. His death sent shock waves around the world.
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2020
GRAMMY AWARDS
Opening act: Lizzo stepped onstage in a Christian Siriano black rhinestone gown.
TEARS & Music’s
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‘CRAZY SADNESS’
Host Alicia Keys kicked off the ceremony with an emotional tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died the morning of the awards and played basketball in the same venue. “We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now,” Keys said.
Winning five of her six nominations, 18-year-old Billie Eilish was all smiles.
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S
Shawn Mendes rocked a stylish Louis Vuitton suit.
Three of the mostnominated artists, Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X and Lizzo, snuggled in close for a picture.
econd-time host Alicia Keys opened the 62nd Grammy Awards paying tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant – who died the morning of the awards show – by addressing the sombre mood in the room before performing an emotional rendition of ‘It’s So Hard to Say w Goodbye’ with Boyz II Men. “I know how much he loved music, so we gotta make this a celebration in his honour,” she said after her performance. “He would want us to keep the vibrations high.” To that end, Lizzo kicked off the show with a powerhouse performance of ‘Cuz I Love You’, bringing the entire audience to their feet. Going into the ceremony, Lizzo had earned eight nominations – the most of any artist nominated this year – and walked away with three trophies. Accepting her Best Pop Solo Performance award for her song ‘Truth Hurts’, she got real. “You guys create beautiful music
Daring in orange, Chrissy Teigen wore a frilled peplum Yanina Couture gown.
Ariana Grande, who missed out on a Grammy this year, wore three gowns during the ceremony.
2020
GRAMMY AWARDS
After reuniting in March last year, the Jonas Brothers are set to release an album this year.
JONAS IN GOLD
The Jonas Brothers took to the stage in matching gold ensembles, debuting their new song ‘Five More Minutes’. With their wives cheering on from the crowd, Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas performed on a circular rotating platform.
Jonas sistersin-law Sophie, Priyanka Chopra and Danielle were all seated together.
a co and connectivity and as I’m speaking to all of y’all in this room, we need to continue to reach out,” she said. “Let’s continue to reach out, hold each other and lift each other up.” Billie Eilish, 18, the second-most nominated artist of the night behind Lizzo, was beside herself when she became the youngest musician ever to win all four major categories: Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist. “Why? So many other songs deserved this, I’m sorry,” Eilish said, accepting her award for her viral single ‘Bad Guy’. “I never thought this would ever happen in my whole life,” she continued. “I joke around a lot and I never take anything seriously, but I genuinely want to say I am so grateful … All of you, I love you to my core. I grew up watching all of you.” Throughout the night, more artists turned into fans during emotion-charged performances. For her first performance in more than a year and a half, Demi Lovato scored a standing ovation with a raw rendition of her song ‘Anyone’, which she wrote shortly before her July 2018 overdose.
Couple Jessie J and Channing Tatum only had eyes for each other.
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton sang ‘Nobody But You’ together.
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Throughout the night, Lizzo had six outfit changes, including a silver fringed number, accessorised here with her three awards.
Ariana Grande launched her performance with her new song ‘Imagine’, which is believed to be about her late ex Mac Miller, before belting out ‘7 Rings’ and ‘Thank U, Next’. Gwen Stefani and boyfriend Blake Shelton were feeling the love for their duet ‘Nobody But You’, and a decade after their last Grammy nomination, the Jonas Brothers had the audience (and their own wives, Priyanka Chopra, Sophie and Danielle) jamming out to their new single ‘What A Man Gotta Do’. A star-studded tribute to late rapper and three-time Grammy nominee Nipsey Hussle (who was gunned down in Los Angeles last March) featured performances by John Legend, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch and YG. After the ceremony, host Keys summed up the mood. “I think it was a roller-coaster,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s not easy to go forward with all of that weight, but I think that the energy that [Kobe Bryant] always brought and that fighting spirit is what brought us through tonight.” •
James Blake and partner Jameela Jamil dressed to match.
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Bridges is one of Australia’s wealthiest self-made businesswomen.
Michelle Bri
OUR S The fitness mogul mum is struggling to cope after breaking up with term partner ews that celebrity personal trainer Michelle Bridges had been charged with drink driving on Australia Day, with her 4-year-old son, Axel, in the back seat, seemed uncharacteristic for the highly disciplined nd devoted mother. A statement issued on Tuesday, and seen by the Daily Telegraph, revealed the former Biggest Loser star has been going through Bridges looked visibly upset on Monday as she stared out of a window.
CELEBRITY
dges & ‘Commando’ Steve Willis
SHOCK SPLIT time, actually. Steve and I are in love with each other. Who wouldn’t want to have a child with someone they love?” Marriage, however, was never a priority. “One thing at a time,” insisted Willis. “I’d like a farm before anything else. Have all the kids there, some animals. That’s our dream.” As they each built up their fitness empires, reports surfaced that the high-profile couple were leading increasingly separate lives. Bridges admitted during WHO’s Raw Talks podcast that the constant rumours had taken – Bridges their toll. “Sometimes I don’t deal with it well,” she said. “Sometimes it really, really hurts me.” A comment she made in her 2016 wellness and nutrition book, Food for Life, came back to haunt her this week. She wrote: “Being
“Turmoil impacted my decision making ”
able to moderate my drinking makes me feel like I’m in the driver’s seat.” Bridge’s former Biggest Loser colleague Ajay Rochester took the opportunity this week to knock her and reignite their yearslong feud. “If you have millions of dollars and can afford a driver but choose to endanger the life of your child, then you are exactly the person I know you to be,” she posted. WHO reached out to Bridges and Willis, but both declined to comment.
Celebrating Axel’s 4th birthday in December.
The couple looked tense on the beach shortly before Christmas. FROM LEFT: MATRIX; NEWSPIX; MEDIA MODE; INSTAGRAM
a “very difficult time” after splitting from her partner of seven years, ‘Commando’ Steve Willis, with whom she shares Axel. Bridges, 49, said she was ashamed. “I would like to express my deep regret for breaking the law. This was a terrible mistake and an error of judgement,” she said. “This behaviour is inexcusable, and I’m absolutely devastated and embarrassed to find myself in this position. It has been a very difficult time for me the last few weeks dealing with the break-up of my longterm relationship. This is by no means an excuse for my behaviour, but I feel the emotional turmoil I have been going through has impacted my decision making. I am extremely sorry for my actions.” Bridges was pulled over in a 4WD in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs around 11.25am and taken to Waverley Police Station, where she allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.086, making it a mid-range offence. She is due to appear in Waverley Local Court on February 18. Bridges and Willis, 43, met as trainers on the weight-loss reality show in 2007 when they were both in relationships with other people. They began dating six years later when both had separated from their partners. “I find everything about her sexy, from the physical aspect through to the mental aspect, and the way we communicate,” Willis told WHO in 2013. Just last week, Willis spoke to WHO about overcoming his long-term battle with depression and said Bridges was supporting him in training for a charity bike ride. He gave no indication they had already split. The former military man has three kids – Brianna, Ella and Jack – from his previous relationship, while Axel is Bridges’ only child. Announcing their pregnancy to WHO in 2015, Bridges was brimming with love. “Becoming a mother was never something that I was fixated on,” she shared. “It had to feel right and with the twists and turns of my life, now is the right time. Now is the perfect
BIGGEST GAINER Since quitting The Biggest Loser, Bridges has built a hugely successful business empire around her 12-week fitness program, as well as publishing a series of books. Her net worth was estimated at $53 million in 2014.
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A fearful Chinese boy hugs a relative near Beijing Railway Station.
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
‘JUST TOO GOOD AT SPREADING’
C
As the killer Chinese virus reaches Australia, an expert tells WHO about the ‘perfect storm’ that puts us in grave danger
onfirmation that the deadly coronavirus had spread to Australia was news that the nation had been dreading – but bracing for – with the death toll from the contagious disease rising steeply worldwide since it first emerged from China in early December. “We can try and identify infected travellers using fever and questionnaires at the border,” University of Queensland associate professor Dr Ian Mackay, tells WHO. “But human-adapted respiratory viruses are just too good at spreading.” As WHO went to press, five patients in Australia had been identified as having the illness as Chinese authorities said the death
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toll from the outbreak had jumped to 81, with over 2700 confirmed cases worldwide including in France, the US, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong, as well as Australia. China’s President Xi Jinping convened an emergency meeting, warning of a “grave situation”, according to the country’s state media. The first patient identified in Australia was a Chinese man in Melbourne who recently spent time in the city of Wuhan, where authorities have pinpointed the South China Seafood City Market (which also sells chickens, bats, and marmots) as the likely source of the respiratory virus. “We’ve only known about this virus for less than a month and already have much
information, but there’s much we still need,” says Dr Mackay. “It can pass from human to human and keep going, but whether it does this very easily or not remains unclear.” Dr Mackay also warned the outbreak was a “perfect storm” health disaster with the virus difficult to diagnose amid China’s peak flu season coupled with the start of the Lunar New Year, a busy travelling period for millions of people in the region. Australians are being urged not to travel to Wuhan or China’s Hubei province and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has listed the virus as having “pandemic potential”. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week that procedures were in place to manage the situation. “I’d urge Australians
VIRUS People wear sk ma s to protect them against the coronavirus in Guangzhou, China.
SPREAD FEARS GROW China’s health officials now say it’s possible for people to spread the coronavirus before they have symptoms. The virus is infectious during incubation (one to 14 days), according to National Health Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei.
A disinfection worker sprays antiseptic solution in a train in Seoul, South Korea.
A notice for passengers from Wuhan displayed at Japan’s Narita airport.
DEADLY VIRUSES
A patient is transferred by ambulance to hospital in Hong Kong on Jan. 22.
hygiene – handwashing and covering our coughs and sneezes and disposing of tissues – and trying to keep clear of obviously sick individuals,” says Dr Mackay. The race is on to develop a vaccine, with University of Queensland researchers among three teams around the world asked to use new technologies to get a jab onto the market within six months. “That is our goal. It’s an incredibly difficult time frame,” Dr Keith Chappell, from the university’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences told SBS News. “But we’ll do our best.” The clock, Dr Mackay tells WHO, is ticking: “Time is of the essence if we want to contain and hopefully eradicate this virus as we did with the SARS coronavirus,” he says. “Right now, it isn’t at all clear that we will be able to do the same thing with this virus.” The outbreak will cost Australia $2 billion if China continues to restrict foreign travel.
SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was first identified in China in 2002 with scientists suspecting is was spread from civet cats. The outbreak spread to 26 countries and killed 774 people. BIRD FLU: Since the first human case in 1997, Bird flu H5N1, also called avian influenza, killed nearly 60 per cent of people who have been infected. EBOLA: The 2014 Western African epidemic was the most widespread outbreak of Ebola virus disease in history. Two and a half years after the first case was discovered, the outbreak ended after more than 28,600 cases and 11,325 deaths. SWINE FLU: According to a new analysis by an international group of scientists, the swine-flu pandemic of 2009 may have killed up to 203,000 people worldwide.
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to go about their day, go about their business in the knowledge that the professionals and the experts are there to provide the support that is needed in times like this,” he said. The Chinese Government has been even more front-footed. On the eve of the Lunar New Year, transportation was shut down in at least 13 Chinese cities with a combined population of some 36 million people. The residents of Wuhan were urged to stay in their homes and not leave the area. “The latest very dramatic quarantine of Wuhan by authorities takes us into very new territory,” says Dr Mackay. “It may work, but at what cost to the population in terms of stigma, fear and supplies of food, medical supplies, and so on?” Typically, symptoms of coronavirus include an elevated temperature, fever, a sore throat, coughing or breathlessness. Advice for personal protection from the infection is old-fashioned. “It comes down to personal
MERS: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was reported in the Middle East in 2012, thought by the World Health Organisation to have originated in camels.
“Giving up the alcohol was easy. I was mad at that bottle,’’ Simpson says of her life-changing decision.
Jessica Simpson
Halloween 2017 saw Simpson hit rock bottom.
In her new memoir, the singer opens up about her sexual abuse and addiction hen Jessica Simpson announced in July 2019 that she’d be releasing her first book, fans s and singer would be opening up about moments in her life that she’d never revealed publicly. The memoir, titled Open Book, details secrets Simpson has held on to for years and gives insight into her life behind closed doors. Simpson, 39, lives in Los Angeles with her husband of six years, ex NFL player Eric Johnson, 40, and their three kids – Maxwell, 7, Ace, 6, and 10-month-old B e Texas native says her
‘My S CR
INTERVIEW The mother of three, here with son Ace and daughter Maxwell.
In her book, Simpson details years of abuse.
life has been far from perfect. In her memoir, Simpson details her crippling alcohol addiction and mental health struggles that stemmed from her being sexually abused as a child. “I was pretty rock bottom,” she tells WHO. “I was like, ‘I’m that Hollywood cliché.’ I became exactly what I didn’t want to be.” A series of incidents during Halloween in November 2017 are what prompted Simpson to ask for help. “It was 7.30 in the morning and I’d already had a drink,” she writes. Upon getting ready for her family’s Halloween party that day, Simpson ‘zoned out’ and realised she wasn’t in a state to put her kids in their costumes. “I was terrified of letting them see me in that shape.” Although she managed to get through the party and pose for photos with her kids, Simpson says she took the sedative drug Ambien to help her sleep. The next morning, she says: “I slept in, afraid to see them, afraid I had failed them. I hid until they left, then drank.” Later that day, the former Dukes of Hazzard star had a realisation. “I need to stop,” Simpson says she told her friends. “Something’s got to stop. And if it’s the alcohol that’s doing this, and making things worse, then I quit.” Her friends and husband rallied around her and Simpson says that was the day she quit drinking, alongside Johnson who “gave ond I did”.
It was then the singer started having therapy sessions to try to process the trauma she’d bottled up for years. The abuse, Simpson reveals, began when she was just 6 years old. “[It started] when I shared a bed with the daughter of a family friend,” she writes. “It would start with tickling my back and then go into things that were extremely uncomfortable.” It took her another six years to tell her parents, Joe and Tina Simpson, because she feared she was somehow to blame. “I wanted to tell my parents,” she writes. “I was the victim but somehow I felt in the wrong.” During a car trip together, Simpson, then 12, told them of the abuse. According to her book, Simpson’s mum slapped her dad’s arm and yelled, “I told you something was happening”. However: “Dad kept his eye on the road and said nothing. We never stayed at my parents’ friends’ house again but we also didn’t talk about what I had said.” By the time she reached the age of 20, Simpson’s fame had sky-rocketed thanks to her first album, Sweet Kisses, which was released in 1999. Going on to marry her first husband, fellow singer Nick Lachey, in 2002, the pair starred in MTV’s Newlyweds and Simpson’s life was thrust even further into the spotlight before their split in 2005. Simpson concedes, “I didn’t know myself.” She started da producer
“I was killing myself with the drinking and pills”
Simpson and Mayer began dating in 2006.
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John Mayer on and off from 2006. In her memoir, Simpson describes toxic traits of their relationship. “[John] loved me in the way that he could and I loved that love for a very long time,” she writes. “Too long. And I went back and forth with it for a long time. But it did control me.” Simpson says it was during this time she began using alcohol as a coping mechanism. “My anxiety would spike and I would pour another drink,” she says, revealing she was “constantly worried” whether or not she was good enough. “It was the start of me relying on alcohol to mask my nerves.” However, after her wake-up call in November 2017, Simpson says, “Giving up the alcohol was easy. I was mad at that bottle. At how it allowed me to stay complacent and numb – I was killing myself with all the drinking and pills.” Therapy, she reveals, was the hard part. Simpson would meet with her therapist twice a week at her home. “With work, I allowed myself to feel the traumas I’d been through,” Simpson writes. “Without alcohol, the clarity I had feared turned out to be a continual gift.” Now Simpson has found love and light with Johnson, who has supported her through rough times. “We’re connected soul, body, heart, mind and spirit.” The mum of three hopes her book, out February 4, will bring further healing and inspire – if not help – others. “With this book,” she says, “I want the freedom to say, ‘Well, there are no more secrets.’”
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The original ‘Bachelor’ couple address rumours they are on the rocks
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t was just a matter of months Robards, 37, began his role as Pierce before newlyweds Tim Robards Greyson on Neighbours in 2018 and says his and Anna Heinrich found time on the show will ultimately dictate themselves in the midst of when they have children. divorce rumours. “When we have kids we definitely want Not long after their 2018 to be in the same state,” he says. “So, we’ll wedding, tongues began wagging just see how the start of this year pans out when former chiropractor Tim and go from there. moved to Melbourne to join the “Our industry is different from having a cast of Neighbours, leaving his wife in Sydney, nine to five [ job]. There’s no guarantee of and attending events without his wedding a job so we want to bring a kid into the world ring. But now, speaking to WHO, the couple, and be kind of set up, have our ducks in a row. It doesn’t have to be perfect.” who are ambassadors for Despite working in different Piper-Heidsieck, have finally states, the couple try to spend revealed the truth behind weekends together and work the rumours. hard to keep their relationship “About a month and a half on track despite the distance. after we got married Tim lost “It’s not really that different his ring,” Heinrich says. Robards laughs, adding: “My — Anna Heinrich to a couple who are working busy jobs,” Robards reasons. brother lost it, actually! And “We do miss out on having dinner now I have to wear another ring when I’m at together, but then a lot of people don’t even work every day, so I just kind of have it for have dinner together during the week. These special occasions. I didn’t want to wear it days, by the time people get home late, go because people were saying, ‘He’s wearing it to the gym, or they’ve got kids, whatever. We one day and then not wearing it the next’.” chat five times a day on FaceTime.” The couple, who jokingly bragged they Heinrich, who juggles her career as received a 98 per cent result on the Pipera lawyer with her various media Heidsieck Australian Open perfect match commitments, admits that sometimes it’s compatibility test – are in fact planning to nice to miss her husband. start a family soon. “I’m 33 and we always “It works both ways,” she says. “Not that wanted to have a family,” Heinrich says. “It’s I’m happy when Tim’s not there, but I always hard with timing, but I think it’s hard actually really enjoy my own time. I like for everyone. It’s not just us.” bein b g able to have dinner whenever I want. T Tim normally likes dinner at about nine The o o’clock. I like dinner early.” gorgeous couple Robards says he’s “loving” his time married o on Neighbours and hopes to continue in Italy in aacting once his contract is over. 2018. Heinrich, who appeared on Ten’s pilot w week hit Trial By Kyle, is no stranger to T TV herself, given the couple met seven years ago this year on the first season of T The Bachelor Australia and went on to ap ppear on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out off Here! together. So it will come as no surprise that the atttractive pair are hoping to be back on th he small screen together again. “There’s been some things thrown arround over time and I’m open to an nything,” Robards says. “It would be fun to do something together. I think the reality TV side of things is pretty done but you never know.” Luckily for us, Heinrich is quick to add: “N Never say never!”
“I think it’s hard for everyone. It’s not just us”
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bout AGE
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW “I am trying to be a young father in an old man’s body and it’s rough,” Grant laughs.
H
‘I’m NOT The English star
e’s the English heartthrob known for his charming accent and swoon-worthy roles in films such as Love Actually and Bridget Jones’s Diary. But the actor, who currently stars in the action crime, The Gentlemen (out now), is romantic on-screen roles ted his personal life. “Playing nice guys actually in many ways much harder than playing bad guys,” he tells WHO. “Because that’s never been me – I am not that Mr Nice Guy.” For his latest role Hugh Grant, 59, steps into the shoes of a sleazy private investigator – a far cry from his previous characters. “I find myself increasingly drawn [to] and comfortable in revolting roles,” Grant says with a laugh. “The more revolting the better.” The actor, who’s had more than his fair share of media attention – after being caught with a sex worker in 1995 while in a long-term relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley – says he was able to draw from previous experiences for the basis of his character’s persona. “I do now know some private investigators, who have worked for the tabloid press, and in fact who hacked my phone and who burgled my flat and stole my medical records,” Grant reveals. “I had bizarre lunches with them really, but we got on very well.” Once hounded by the media for his long list of rumoured women after the cheating scandal, and dubbed the “eternal bachelor” by the Daily Mail, Grant married Swedish television producer Anna Eberstein in 2018. The couple, who reside in London, share a son John, 7, and two children they have yet to introduce to the public. Grant is also a father to Tabitha, 8, and Felix, 6, from a previous relationship with Tinglan Hong. “You sort of need a family. I get that now; 20 l Who
ugh Grant
TMr Nice Guy’ opens up about his family, turning 60 and returning to TV I think I had turned into a slightly scary old golf addicted bachelor and I am glad to see the back of him,” Grant says. “I am very lucky; I have a great wife.” Grant concedes that in other ways, he still has a bad boy side to him. “I’m not sure the bad behaviour has stopped,” he laughs. “I love being pretentious, but I now have a wife who really has zero tolerance for it.” Grant also attributes fatherhood to him becoming a better actor. “People say to me, you’ve gotten better as an actor, in the last six, 10 years,” he reveals. “I think it may be the kids actually because I can do ‘love’ so well now – I feel opened up and less hide-bound.” In terms of advice, the actor says he has two life lessons he teaches his kids. “One of
the few things I’ve learned in life is that if you do something just for the money, it comes back to bite you,” Grant reveals. “The other lesson, which I try to preach to my children, is you have got to have some discipline and work through the hard bits.” “It’s so easy to shy away from the hard bits and then you never achieve anything and if you never achieve anything, you never have any selfesteem,” he adds. “And if you never have any self-esteem, you are quite a toxic person. I’ve come across that.” Grant, who turns 60 in September, also opened up about his birthday celebrations. “I have friends who always make me have a party anyway, my political friends, one in particular, whether I want it or not, just fixes
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“I’m not sure the bad behaviour has stopped”
a party and invites people who have done terrible things to me,” Grant laughs. “So he will say Hugh, here’s Ted, he burgled your flat in 1995, and I am kind of too polite to say get the f--k out.” But his milestone birthday isn’t the only thing Grant will be celebrating this year, with his return to television in the HBO series, The Undoing, in which he plays a child cancer doctor who is married to a psychiatrist (played by Nicole Kidman). When asked about the plot, he responds with a complete cliffhanger. “We have a kid who goes to a nice posh New York prep school and everything is dreamy,” Grant begins. “And then one of the mothers at this posh prep school gets horribly murdered with a hammer blow to the face. And I p disappear, that’s the end of episode one. “Are you faascinated?”
In his latest film, The the Gentlemen, Grant plays y az sle a er, tch Fle of e rol r. ato tig private inves
The actor stars in the new HBO series, The Undoing, with Nicole Kidman.
Grant with wife Anna Eberstein at the Golden Globes in 2018.
Gibson lied about having cancer to promote her wellness app.
Assets are seized in a surprise raid as lying wellness fraudster changes her identity
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Belle
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t’s nearly five years since alternative health blogger and cookbook author Belle Gibson was exposed as a cruel con woman who had pretended to have terminal cancer to promote her mobile app, The Whole Pantry. And last week, after authorities moved to seize her assets in order to recover some of the $410,000 fine she was ordered to pay two years ago, it emerged that she has changed her name to Sabontu and joined an Ethiopian ethnic minority. Consumer Affairs Victoria confirmed a raid had been executed on January 22 at Gibson’s northeast Melbourne home. “Sheriff’s officers visited an address in Northcote today to execute a warrant of seizure and sale on items belonging to Ms Gibson,” a spokesperson said. “Consumer Affairs Victoria is committed to recovering the debt Ms Gibson owes the Victorian public and will continue to pursue Ms Gibson until it is repaid in full.” Gibson claimed in court last June that she was unable to pay the money, despite enjoying holidays in Bali and Africa and spending $91,000 in just two years. After last week’s raid, a video surfaced of Gibson wearing a headscarf and claiming that she has been ‘adopted’ by the Oromo people of Melbourne and is helping their struggle for independence from the rest of Ethiopia. “I feel like my heart is as invested as yours and your family’s,” she tells an interviewer. “I see no difference in your
FINALLY MADE
DISGRACED BLOGGER
AT IT AGAIN!
In 2017, Gibson started promoting another diet, the Master Fast System, claiming she’d lost weight, healed tooth cavities, expelled two rope worms and changed her eye colour in two weeks. It involved enemas and herbal tea.
or died after following her advice. On social struggle and the struggle that I have for media, she boasted that she had “countless fighting of the liberation of Oromia.” She times helped others” to choose alternative then said she had been “blessed” by Allah. therapies to treat their cancer “naturally” Gibson shot to fame after the success of and was “leading them down natural therapy her app, downloaded over 200,000 in just for everything from fertility, a month, and its accompanying depression, bone damage and blog. In it, she claimed to have other types of cancer”. successfully treated multiple Gibson, who claimed to be cancers in her blood, spleen, a philanthropist on LinkedIn, uterus, liver and brain through said repeatedly that she’d natural remedies and diet, donated $300,000 to several and recommended other charities. Cosmopolitan women give up science-based – Vanessa de Largie magazine awarded her the Fun, treatments like chemotherapy, Fearless Female social media award, despite and instead put their faith in debunked receiving email warnings that she was a ‘holistic’ practices. fraud. It’s estimated she’d made over $1 Desperate cancer sufferers flocked to her million when inconsistencies in her story book tours to hear her declare that she’d began to emerge in 2015. been given four months to live before giving One distraught couple came forward to up chemo to make “lifestyle changes” which say Gibson had befriended their terminally had miraculously cured her. It’s not known ill son and they’d discovered she had been how many Australians may have become sick
“Nobody is talking about the brain cancer patients”
Gibson
TO PAY
telling the media that some of the profits from her app would pay for his treatment. They never received a penny. Soon she was forced to confess that she’d never had cancer, and had only donated $7000 to charity, much of it after she knew she was being investigated. In court, the judge described her behaviour as “unconscionable” and imposed the hefty fine, but almost two years later, she still hadn’t paid it. In addition to the foreign holidays, she’d spent $13,000 on clothes and $45,000 on “discretionary” spending. Gibson has previously been warned that she could be jailed if she doesn’t pay up. Journalist Vanessa de Largie, writing in The Spectator Australia, summed up what many now feel: “Everybody keeps talking about Gibson’s unpaid fines, yet nobody is talking about the brain cancer patients who abandoned chemotherapy and radiotherapy to pursue her dodgy health advice.”
In the video, she claims to have been adopted by an Ethiopian ethnic group and blessed by Allah.
Whol23 W holl 23 ho
Da Silva returns for Season 4 of Doctor Doctor with Rodger Corser (above).
Da Silva and Wentworth co-star Cormack have a production company.
The Doctor Doctor gang.
The actress talks motherhood and how it’s changed her career forever
How is motherhood treating you? It’s a wonderful job and I like the point it’s at now. My kid is 1-and-a-half and we’re out of that newborn phase, so things are a little settled and I’m able to enjoy the process more. In those early days, it’s all so new, so foreign, you’re just trying to put one foot in front of the other and trying to get through. How has becoming a mum changed you? It’s taught me how to prioritise in a more efficient way; I’ve always been able to cut
through to what’s important, but now I do it at lightning speed because I know what matters is my family and that comes first. It’s nice to have that perspective and I certainly wasn’t expecting that. It’s a nice by-product. You’ve chosen not to share your child’s face or name on social media. How did you come to that decision? I felt my career choice shouldn’t necessarily thrust my own child into the spotlight. Certainly, if that’s something they want to do one day, that’s their choice. It came down to creating security and individuality, allowing them to create their own life as opposed to this being forced upon them. Has it also been important not to name your child’s gender? I do think we live in an age where that [gender expression] is a choice and a decision people make for themselves. For me, I wasn’t sure what the public preoccupation was with the gender of my child, it didn’t seem like a necessary thing to put out there. Having said that, that’s something I may relinquish on in the future. This is a process for me and it’s a process of figuring it out and discovering it as I go
because I’ve never been in the situation. I wanted to allow that space and that privacy for my child so they had a choice to choose who they are and how they’re represented. What’s on for Season 4 of Doctor Doctor? There are some really fun storylines this season. Hugh meets his bad-girl match and falls in love and Matt and Charlie have the obstacle of him being in a new relationship and sorting out where their relationship is at. So we’ll see more of you? Yes [laughs]. I wasn’t highly pregnant this season, so I was able to film a lot more. [Last season] I just started hiding behind fences, giant boxes and washing baskets to hide I was almost nine months pregnant. What else is going on? Danielle Cormack, my former Wentworth co-star and friend, and I have a production company together, Four One One. We’re in development at the moment for a couple of things so we’re looking to get those off the ground. This has been a long time in the making and it’s stuff we’ve been chipping away at for a few years. So 2020 really is the year of Danielle and I bringing those things to fruition. ■ By Holly Richards
“It’s taught me how to prioritise”
MAIN: REBECCA HITCH; INSETS FROM LEFT: NINE NET WORK; INSTAGRAM (3)
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t’s no great surprise former Wentworth star Nicole da Silva, 38, kept mum about her pregnancy for as long as possible. It remained a secret until the very private actress was six months along, when it was impossible to hide it any longer. And on the rare occasion she posts a photo of her 1-year-old on social media, the Doctor Doctor star won’t show the tiny tot’s face. “I’ve never been one to publicise my private life for the sake of publicity or more work,” she tells WHO. “Hopefully, the work speaks for itself and I’m able to stay centred and true to who I am and what I value.” The new season of Nine’s popular series Doctor Doctor (returns Wed., Feb. 5 at 9pm on Nine Network), on which she plays Charlie Knight, was da Silva’s first role back after giving birth. She reflects on her journey as a mum so far …
‘My family comes first’ Nicole daSilva
24lWho
INTERVIEW Da Silva shares why she keeps her private life private.
MORE BABIES? “It’s definitely a possibility. So much comes into play when you choose to or not to have a child and a lot of it is out of your hands. It’s such a personal thing. I’ve had so many close friends have a tricky time with [falling pregnant].”
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S
A Pictured for the first time since the scandal erupted in December, the couple looked relaxed and happy.
Friends say they are confident the couple’s relationship is still strong and will survive the blip.
Justin & Jessica
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CELEBRITY With 4-year-old son, Silas.
“Jessica is focusing on being the best mum she can be,” says a source.
Two months after he was caught holding hands with his co-star, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are trying to put the past behind them
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: INSTAGRAM; MEGA (2); MEDIA MODE (2); BACKGRID
hile stepping out for coffee in their part-time neighbourhood of Tribeca, NYC, on January 19, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel looked uple, rugged up on a freezing New York day. “It was chilly, but they looked cosy armin-arm, gazing into each other’s eyes,” a witness said. “They really seemed to be in a great mood, smiling and chatting as they walked along with their coffees.” As the singer, 39, and actress, 37, put on a public display of unity, they appeared to be putting to rest any questions about the state of their seven-year marriage, which came under scrutiny two months ago. Timberlake spent the end of last year with his tail between his legs after the paparazzi spotted him and Alisha Wainwright, his on-screen lover in his next movie, Palmer, holding hands and getting close. Two weeks later, a remorseful public apology was released. “I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family I feel it’s important to address recent rumours that are hurting the people I love,” the post read. “Let me be clear – nothing happened
between me and my co-star. I drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologise to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be.” According to an Us Weekly source, Timberlake was forced to issue the statement by his angry wife. “Jessica encouraged Justin to put it on Instagram because she felt embarrassed by his actions and wanted him to take accountability,” the source said. It has also been reported that the couple have been to therapy sessions to rebuild their relationship. Until now, the couple and their 4-yearold son, Silas, hadn’t been spotted together, feeding the rumours of a marriage breakdown. A friend told WHO they had recently spent four days in LA, and had been spotted having an intimate dinner date together. Last week, Biel was
dealt another blow when her Facebook Watch drama series, Limetown, which she also produced, was cancelled. “Jessica has been hurt, but is hopeful for the future” a friend told WHO. “She wants to be the best mum she can, and isn’t in a rush to commit to any new projects right now.”
“Jessica has been hurt but is hopeful for the future ”
THE SCANDAL These photos of Timberlake and Wainwright in New Orleans looking very close after a day’s filming led to a media frenzy and then a humiliating apology.
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INTERVIEW
Hamish Macdonald with his partner Jacob Fitzroy.
e newly appointed ‘Q&A’ a host is quietly preparing for the p rrole of a lifetime
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‘I’
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FROM LEFT: ABC: INSTAGRAM (3)
t’s true that with great power, comes great responsibility – just ask Hamish Macdonald. The respected journalist, who is a regular on both ABC and Channel Ten’s The Project, will step into the metaphorically large shoes of Q&A’s long-time host Tony Jones on February 3. “I’m nervous and excited,” the 38-year-old tells WHO. “It’s a big role and it comes with a lot of expectation or scrutiny so I’m definitely th hinking carefully about what the job is going to o involve and what’s required of me.” While Macdonald is celebrated in his ow wn right, he is aware the show’s viewers arre loyal to Jones, who has hosted Q&A sin nce it began in 2008. “Tony has built that sh how from scratch,” Macdonald says. “He geenuinely cares about it.” According to Macdonald, Jones has been “extremely supportive” in the handover process after it was announced he would be retiring from the role. “Tony has been very kind and very generous,” Macdonald says. “I think it will probably be an ongoing handover process. I think I will probably save him in my phone favourites. He’s been there from the start, he created the show, there’s no-one who knows its legacy and history as
Macdonald was previously a panellist on The Project.
The journalist covered the Australian bushfire crisis for ABC earlier this year.
HamishMacdonald
M NERVOUS’ thoroughly as Tony does and that’s an incredible resource to draw on. I am genuinely just learning. “I know that the years ahead are going to contain a lot of twists and turns and there will be difficult days and weeks. Knowing that I can ring Tony and ask him for really, genuinely wise counsel is incredibly valuable to me.” With a rich history of inciting important conversations on a national stage, Q&A has become a mainstay of Monday night TV. From an unforgettable incident in 2010 where former Prime Minister John Howard had a shoe thrown at him live on air, to Yassmin AbdelMagied’s controversial comments about Islam and feminism, the show doesn’t just have conversations, it creates them. “We hear really, really loudly, particular conversations that the Australian public wants to have and questions they want to ask our leaders,” Macdonald says. “We’re listening to that and taking it very, very seriously and thinking about the way we can reflect that on the program and use the format to facilitate some of those really big and complex conversations.”
One issue which will no doubt be at the forefront of the questions in the first episode of the 2020 season are the recent bushfires, which Macdonald not only covered in depth for ABC but was also personally affected by. “My dad was evacuated, which wasn’t fun for him,” he says. “We had those tricky conversations with Dad and made the right decisions. He’s back home now and safe and happy.” Given the emotional nature of the fires, Macdonald is bracing himself for some heated discussions. “Australia has gone through something really unexpected and unprecedented this summer,” he reasons. “There’s a lot of hurt and a lot of distrust right now and it’s a big responsibility to facilitate those conversations.” Macdonald is well aware he will likely need to interject some pretty ferocious arguments on air. “The reason why we have all watched Q&A for so long is that it’s been so effective at creating an environment where people can share their stories and respectfully disagree,” he says. “For me, that’s always going to be the challenge. To make sure that we can have those conversations respectfully, robustly when needed. There
“I know that I’m a deeply private person”
will always be some disagreements when it comes to these issues.” Macdonald’s appointment capped off a year he called “the busiest of my life” and admits he hasn’t had much time to think about his new role. “It’s definitely something that I’m still getting my head around,” he says. One thing he’s grappling with in particular is the increased interest in his private life. Last year, the award-winning reporter made headlines when he walked the red carpet at the GQ Awards hand-in-hand with boyfriend Jacob Fitzroy. “I think if you’re in the business of demanding public accountability, you’ve got to be reasonably accountable yourself,” he says.“I know I’m a deeply private person and so that is not a straightforward thing to contemplate. I get it and people are generally really lovely and very kind so that’s always gratefully received. “Obviously I’m in the business of storytelling and this is something I like to do. I’m far more comfortable asking the questions than having the questions asked of me. First and foremost, I’m a journalist and that’s the focus of all my work.” ■ By Holly Richards Q&A returns Monday, Feb. 3 on ABC at 9.35pm. Who l29
MAFS SECRETS
Amanda with her mother.
Ama
‘I CAN THE M
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elbourne-based strength trainer Amanda prides herself on her authenticity, so being thrown into a dinner party with strangers and having it all filmed for the nation to watch has been challenging. “It was a bit soul-destroying in the sense you’re not really in a group of genuine people. It’s difficult,” she tells WHO of her Married At First Sight experience. “I’m 34 but I’ve got the wisdom of a 50-year-old, so when I’m around people bitching and catty, I can’t tolerate it.” Amanda hints at unwanted drama ahead, but her desire to find The One – and represent the gay community as one-half of the first lesbian couple to wed on the show – overtook her reservations. “I’ve been in two serious relationships in five years, and the second partner I would’ve considered myself wanting to marry her [but] we would take two steps forward, one step back,” she says. As one of three children in a European family, Amanda has been through her own major struggles over sexuality and coming out to her loved ones. “I did battle some depression and anxiety when I was about 17, trying to deal with my sexuality,” says Amanda, whose parents have not been entirely accepting. “My friends have been there for me in a way my family should have and weren’t.” Amanda also wants to encourage others struggling with their sexuality to be honest about who they are. “I know friends that haven’t come out to their family, and they’re nearly 40 and scared to tell their parents in case of what might happen,” she says. “Just tell them – one of two things will happen, they’ll reject you and never want to speak to you again, or they’ll accept it.”
anda
The outspoken bride opens up about her roller-coaster ride
N’T N HANDLE BITCHING’ Connie’s
SOLO ADVENTURES Aspiring marine biologist Connie may have been single for five years, but what she’s lacked in the love department, she’s made up for in adventure. After finishing up as a makeup artist and retail worker, the 27-year-old took some time out from everyday life to travel the globe. “I did some really awesome things. I used to work on an expedition ship, so I was out at sea for about nine months,” Connie tells WHO. “I lived in Antarctica for a little while … there’s actually no-one down there, so you kind of just hang out with penguins and all the wildlife!” The globetrotter also visited the west coast of Africa, the Arctic and Europe, adding, “You just meet so many amazing people along the way.” But now she’s back home in Melbourne and studying at uni, she’s relying on Australia’s craziest social experiment to find her one amazing person to share her life with – much to her mother’s dismay and her “die-hard After travelling the world, Connie is fan” sister’s joy. ready to settle down. “When it comes to career and what I want out of life, I know – I’ve been doing that already,” she tells WHO. “It’s the missing piece of the puzzle that I’m looking for now.”
Ivan with Cyrell from 2019’s MAFS season.
Ivan
IN IT FOR FAME OR LOVE?
MAFS has had its share of wannabe stars over the years, and this season’s Ivan has some thinking he’s chasing the spotlight, thanks to Instagram pictures of him with Cyrell Paule, from the MAFS class of 2019, and seasoned Bachelor star Keira Maguire. There’s also the fact he applied for a different reality show before stumbling across MAFS. But the 30-year-old real estate agent tells WHO he’s simply seizing an opportunity that came along at the right time. “I was in a little bit of a rut, and I thought, I’m a bit lost for love … why not?” he says. “I’m a roll-with-the-punches sort of guy.” Not one to keep his opinions to himself, Ivan looks set to divide people with his confident nature, and admits his past love failures have come from women not giving him a chance to prove himself. “Dating in the past, people would want me for 80 per cent of Ivan or even 90 per cent, but I could never find somebody that would want to take me for 100 per cent of who I am,” he says. So who is 100 per cent Ivan? “I can be really funny, I can be a little kid, I can be prim and proper and professional,” he says. “I like to keep active. I’m very heavily into cars, speed, adrenaline. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie!”
o
Nakkiah Lui THE SHOW
CHANGED
MYLIFE G rowing up, Nakkiah Lui was a big fan of Aussie sketch comedy TV shows such as Fast Forward, Big Girl’s Blouse and Full Frontal. She even tested out her own comedy stylings on her schoolmates. “I used to do Eric Bana’s ‘Poida’ character skits at assembly at high school,” the writer/actor/director tells WHO. “They were a real hit.” No real surprise then that Lui would go on to be an integral part of hit ABC Indigenous sketch comedy series, Black Comedy. The hilarious, irreverent and sometimes subversive show is back for a fourth and final series (starts Wed., Feb. 5, 9pm on ABC and iview). Here, Lui tells us why she’s proud of the show and what she really thinks about diversity on screens.
You’ve come a long way since your first job at a video store in western Sydney, right? My first job was at Civic Video in south St Marys, and to this day it’s my favourite job. I’d put on Sister Act 2 on Sundays in the store.
Actress Deborah Mailman (pictured left) has been one of many great guest stars on the series. Lui (right) also raved about Matt Day. “I used to have a mad crush on him as a kid when he was in Muriel’s Wedding. “And he hasn’t aged!”
Is the sketch featuring Nancy, the owner of the Aboriginal Percentage Investigative Agency, digging at a wider social issue? I think you experience certain things that can be really hurtful. People might ask, “How Aboriginal are you? Are you sure you’re Aboriginal?” This is so offensive because it’s like asking, “Do you know who your parents are?” And then you internalise that and think, “Maybe I’m not Aboriginal enough.” When you talk about something like that, you realise, number one, you’re not alone. Number two, if we can talk about it, maybe we can change it. And third, you can laugh about it and that laughter can be cathartic as well as subversive. What do you think about diversity on Australian screens? Overseas, people like Mindy Kaling, Donald Glover and even Lizzo are changing global conversations. There are so many opportunities for work (overseas), I think a lot of that multicultural talent will leave Australia. I think we might have a drought of talent if we don’t look at trying to change our industry. Things are changing, but I still think it (the industry) needs to be more inclusive. Is a move to Hollywood on the cards? I was over there last year having some meetings and I might be heading overseas this year; I don’t want to jinx it. When I went over I had very low expectations and the idea of even meeting people there intimidated me very much. It worked out well. It could go nowhere. At the end of the day, I’ll always go wherever the work takes me. ■ By Stephen Downie
“I think a lot of talent will leave Australia”
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: FAIRFAX SYNDICATION; ABC (2); INSTAGRAM
BE OUR GUEST
I learnt to write watching movies. Initially, were you nervous about whether Black Comedy would succeed? I never thought it would be as well received as it was. Doing Black Comedy completely changed my life. It was my first TV job and it’s taken me around the world. I have a career because of that show. Why has it worked? I think it opened people’s eyes to not just Indigenous comedy but what Australian comedy can be. ‘Larrikin’ is a word that’s been thrown around in the media lately, and I would definitely call Black Comedy larrikin. One of the things I love about Australian culture is the humour. It does take the p--s and doesn’t take itself too seriously, is a bit ridiculous and is sometimes slightly absurd. It is so much easier to connect with people if you’re able to have a laugh with them as opposed to having an ideological debate.
The ‘Black Comedy’ star on her exciting Hollywood plans
TELEVISION Lui with actress M Tapsell, who has iranda appeared in episodes of Black Comedy.
“I’m so proud of this show,” Lui says of Black Comedy, which is ending after four series.
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While it’s fierce competition on the show, the MKR trio are best friends at the end of the day.
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ladies: wife Ja and daughters Maeve and Lily.
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t may have been a winning formula, but after a decade of the same cooking dramas, My Kitchen Rules is coming back with a twist, as five winning teams from the past fight it out against five rookie pairs. Long-running judge Colin Fassnidge, 46, would like to take credit for the format shake-up, having planted the seed years ago that each judge should have their own team to mentor. “We’ve done MKR for so long and when you’re watching it, you’re
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of the IR K Outspoken chef Colin Fassnidge on beating the
going, ‘Oh, it’s getting a little bit tired,’” the Irish judge tells WHO. “And then they came up with this idea, which I actually said we should have done years ago – but no-one listened to me!” His idea has become a reality now, with MKR: The Rivals featuring Manu Feildel’s Champions up against Fassnidge’s Challengers, which means some friendly rivalry between the long-time chef friends. “Obviously I’m better and we just have to prove it,” Fassnidge says, pointing out that being given the inexperienced cooks is one example of his culinary superiority. “I was like, ‘Hello, [Manu’s] got past winners and I’ve just got Jenny From The Block, give me a break!’” It’s true that French chef Feildel, 46, has an advantage in being given teams such as Queensland couple Dan and Steph, the winners of Season 4 back in 2013, who have gone on to open their own restaurant. But Fassnidge is confident his teams have the skills to give their more experienced rivals
a run for their money. “A lot of people have gone on to do cooking as their job after the show, so they’re not novices,” Fassnidge says. “My team went in thinking, ‘Oh look, nice to see their heroes off the TV’, and once they start seeing the calibre of the food, my team know they have to step it up.” One promising team is Sue Ann, 56, and Sylvia, 52, Melbourne friends who met as children in their homeland of Malaysia. “I think Sue Ann and Sylvia will be stand-outs,” he says. “There’s an episode in the kitchen with them – she’s breaking into song, dancing, grabbing me!” While Feildel’s team will live together in a mansion in Sydney, Fassnidge’s aspiring chefs will reside in a spruced-up warehouse. They judge the Instant Dinners of the opposing team, and the third judge, Pete Evans, 46, gives feedback on both. Fassnidge jokes that Evans was jealous to not be given his own team to mentor, adding, “I think Pete called me out on a score I gave and was like, ‘Are you siding with your team?” But obviously Pete, he gives 10s to everyone because he’s boring, [but] when I give 10s, I’m quite emotional.” All jokes aside, the banter between the judges has come from years of working
“My team knows they have to step it up”
REALITY TV Fassnidge with two of his team members, and ones to watch, Sue Ann and Sylvia.
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rivals in this year’s ‘MKR’ together in often high-pressure environments. But Fassnidge says whatever happens on TV, stays on TV, and the trio are good friends when they go back to their daily lives. “We all drive home after the show – we live beside each other,” he says. “We drop Frenchy off first and I’ll drop Pete off last. I’m like the cab driver!” Fassnidge adds, “During the day we will proper argue, we are like kids, then on the way home we are friends.” Away from the MKR set, Fassnidge can be found riding his prized Ducati motorbike, doing charity work for mental health group R U OK?, and reporting for dad duty. While the chef and his Irish wife Jane like to keep their daughters, Maeve and Lily, out of the spotlight, he’ll occasionally give them a glimpse into what goes on at his TV job. “I brought my kids to set and they met Sue Ann and Sylvia and they were just there with their mouth open, like, ‘What is going on?’,” Fassnidge says. “They were in the corner of the kitchen for one of the days – I was on daddy daycare – and they were like, this place is an asylum!” ‘MKR: The Rivals’ premieres Sunday, Feb 2 at 7.00pm on Seven
GILLIAN ANDERSON
The
SEX files
36lWho
INTERVIEW Why the actress nearly turned down her role in the hit series ‘Sex Education’
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hen Gillian Anderson was first given the script for the pilot of the critically acclaimed British comedye immediately tossed it away. “I read a teeny bit of the first episode and threw it in the bin,” she says. “Initially I felt that it was too on the nose.” The actress believed the setup for the show – about a professional sex therapist whose own teenage son sets up shop advising his fellow students on the subject of carnal activities – to be too obvious. Anderson’s mind was changed by her real-life partner, Peter Morgan, the creator and writer of The Crown. “Pete essentially took it out of the bin and read it and loved it, and said, ‘You’re mad. This will be really good for you to do.’ I read it and I thought it was hilarious.” So, does Morgan get a percentage of the actress’ Sex Education earnings? “No,” Anderson says with a laugh. “But he does keep reminding me the success of it all is down to him.” Season 2 of the beloved Netflix series (now streaming) finds Anderson’s oncepartner-swapping character, Jean Milburn, settling down with a plumber, which complicates life for her son, Otis (Asa Butterfield), who is dating the man’s daughter, Ola (Patricia Allison). “Otis becomes not too happy about that once he realises what’s going on,” Anderson says, adding that Jean develops a few connections
Anderson stars alongside Asa Butterfield (left) in Netflix hit Sex Education.
of her own with the kids at Otis’ school following an outbreak of chlamydia. Otis does find happiness, however, after finally discovering the joys of self-pleasure at the literal climax of Season 1. “He certainly succeeds in learning how to masturbate in Season 2 and takes full advantage of it,” says Anderson. Such are the elementary lessons on a show like Sex Education. The former X-Files star insists she hasn’t learned much, sex-wise, in making the series, but reveals it has altered the way she talks to her own kids. “I feel like I have quite good boundaries with my kids,” says the actress, who’ll soon be seen playing British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in Season 4 of The Crown. “Except, since playing Jean, I ask inappropriate questions. Jean exists somewhere in my consciousness. She pops up and says things that two years ago I wouldn’t dream of saying!” ■ By Clark Collis
THE CROWN
With partner Peter Morgan.
THE SIMPSONS
An unrecognisable Anderson will star as Margaret Thatcher on The Crown this year.
Anderson got the Simpsons treatment when she parodied her famous X-Files character.
THE FALL She starred as Stella Gibson for three years on crime drama The Fall.
THE X-FILES They became household name as Dana Scully and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) in the ’90s.
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Taylor Swift
WE D
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KNOW WILLHAP An anguished Swift in a scene from Miss Americana, released this week on Netflix.
CELEBRITY The distraught star reveals her anguish as her mother receives some devastating news
Swift and her mother have always had a close bond.
ON’T WHAT
PPEN The usually private star allowed cameras to follow her for months.
o her millions of loyal fans, it’s been business as usual for Taylor Swift – promoting her latest album Lover, glamming up for award shows and racking up Grammy nominations. But away from the public glare, etly helping her family through their darkest times as her mum, Andrea, 62, fights aggressive breast cancer. Last week, Swift revealed that Andrea has just been told the devastating news she now has a tumour growing in her brain. “She was going through chemo, and that’s a hard enough thing for a person to go through,” Swift tells Variety. “They found a brain tumour, and the symptoms of what a person goes through when they have a brain tumour is nothing like what we’ve ever been through with her cancer before. So it’s just been a really hard time for us as a family.” Andrea was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015, but went into remission. But last year, while Swift was filming her new Netflix documentary, Miss Americana (available on Netflix, January 31), it returned. The 30-year-old superstar has always been close to Andrea, crediting her mum for being the “guiding force” in her life. “Almost every decision I make, I talk to her about it first,” she says. “So obviously it was a big deal to ever speak about her illness.” Her mother’s health issues prompted her to put the brakes on her career for the first time since she started out, by reducing the number of shows in her Lover tour so she can have “breathing room”. “I mean, we don’t know what is going to happen,”
she continues. “We don’t know what treatment we’re going to choose.” But if there’s one thing she has learnt after years of professional hurdles, it’s that the show must go on. Miss Americana, which opened the Sundance Film Festival last week, isn’t the average ‘pop star on tour’ diary, but rather, an insightful look into how Swift went from refusing to voice her political thoughts, to finally feeling confident to stand up for her beliefs. “Every time I didn’t speak up about politics as a young person, I was applauded for it,” Swift reflects. “It was wild.” Ultimately, it was the fear of ruining her career that kept her quiet on the political front. She recalled how she was still an aspiring artist in 2003 when she watched the Dixie Chicks’ legacy fall apart after they said they were “ashamed” that President George Bush was from their home state of Texas. “I saw how one comment ended such a powerful reign,” she says. “These days, with social media, people can be so mad about something one day and then forget what they were mad about a couple of weeks later. That’s fake outrage. But what happened to the Dixie Chicks was real outrage.” But in 2018, Swift built up the courage to stand up for the LGBTQ community by throwing her support behind the Democrats in Tennessee. Her decision was not a popular one with her father, Scott, who admitted that past threats against his daughter had forced him to hire armoured cars. “This was a situation where, from a humanity perspective, and from what my moral compass was telling me I needed to do, I knew I was right, and I didn’t care about repercussions.”
“It was a big deal to speak about her illness”
Swift as a toddler in her mother’s arms. “Almost every decision I make, I talk to her about it first.”
blake It’s been four fun-filled years and the stars are closer than ever to heading down the aisle. As they sing on their new duet, when it comes to true love, it’s ‘Nobody But You’
en you spend y every moment eone – the Stefani does ff a surprise Stefani did just that when her Voice contestant Rose Short floored Shelton by performing his country-rock anthem ‘God’s Country’ during the Top 10 performance show. “Gwen worked on the creative arrangement and kept the performance details a complete secret from Blake,” says a friend of the couple, who recently celebrated four years together. “During the performance you could see the emotion all
over his face. It was such a tender moment.” The gesture was moving for Shelton, 43, because his 26th No. 1 hit represents a new chapter, one sparked largely by his blissful relationship with Stefani, 50. “I believe in God now more than I ever have in my life,” he told The Tennessean after taking home his first award in five years from the Country Music Association last November. “The biggest part of that is just how [Gwen came into my life. If you take God out of it, it doesn’t make sense. If you put God into it, everything that’s happened with us makes sense.” Looking at the lovestruck couple now, it’s hard to believe a happy ending was ever out of reach for Shelton
ROMANCE LOVE AND LAUGHTER “Four years has been a blur,” Shelton has said. “I never get enough of her.”
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gwen LIFE WITH GWEN’S BO YS Shelton (in April with Kingston, Stefani, Apoll o and Zuma) “is a great family man,” says the Stefani source.
ROMANCE Shelton and Stefani (at The Voice) are “always hopping back and forth to each other’s trailers,” says a friend.
Stefani was by Shelton’s side as he picked up the award for Single of the Year at the CMAs last November.
and Stefani. In 2015, amid the ends of their respective marriages – Stefani announced her split from Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale after 20 years together just weeks after Shelton and his ex-wife, country singer Miranda Lambert, finalised their divorce following four years of marriage – the singers, bruised and vulnerable, returned to the set of
NBC’s singing competition show for their second season together as coaches. Friends say the pair initially bonded over their shared heartbreak, but Shelton and Stefani –seemingly polar opposites in every other way – also felt an undeniable chemistry. “They’re two really good-hearted people who have been through a lot, and they connected,”
says country singer RaeLynn, whose wedding in early 2016 was one of their first public outings as a couple. “It’s not even opposites attract. They both have incredible hearts, and good people attract good people.” At the time, the then-fledgling couple released ‘Go Ahead and Break My Heart’, a sweetly tentative duet inspired by their unexpected romance. Now, more than three and a half years later, the stars are securely in love and planning for a future together, which they make clear on ‘Nobody But You’, a soaring duet featured on Shelton’s latest album, Fully Loaded: God’s Country. “I don’t want to live without you/ I don’t want to even breathe/ I don’t want to dream about you/ I wanna wake up with you next to me,” they sing on the heartfelt track. Though initially sent solely to Shelton, it was his girlfriend who persuaded him to record it. “Blake and Gwen were driving around in the car, and she put it on. They both loved it,”
NATURE LOVERS
I N S I D E T H E I R LO V E S TO RY
Stefani and Shelton carved their love into a tree while on a trip to Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
GAME FACES
The new couple posed for a selfie at a Cardinals-Packers game in December 2015, a month after confirming their relationship.
MORE THAN FRIENDS
Their friendship turned romantic in late 2015 during Stefani’s second season on The Voice.
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IT’S OFFICIAL!
In February 2016 Shelton and Stefani went public at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy gala.
Life has changed dramatically for Shelton and Stefani over the past few years. While some wondered how the former ‘No Doubt’ rocker – a California girl known for her ultra-glam look – would fit into Shelton’s down-home world of camping and camo, friends say Stefani and her sons, Kingston, 13, Zuma, 11, and Apollo, 5, quickly fell in love with Shelton’s rugged ranch life in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. “Gwen has changed a lot since she met Blake, and it’s all for the better,” says a Stefani insider. “She is much more relaxed and enjoys life more.” While much of their time is spent in Los Angeles because of work and school schedules, the couple try to squeeze in as many trips as possible to Shelton’s beloved lakefront home on weekends and holiday breaks. “He’s so fun and has shown Gwen’s kids another side of life filled with adventure,” says the friend. “The boys have really grown immensely by spending time with Blake.” He’s also happily taken on some extra parenting responsibilities. “He is a good dad, actually,” Stefani said earlier this year on the Today show. “He’s been helping me out a lot. I literally get to the point where I’m like, ‘You gotta get home – I need help!’ It’s hard. I got three boys.” Adds the Stefani source: “Blake knows that he is an important part of the boys’ lives but respects that Gavin is their dad. He just wants what’s best for the boys.” A big part of their happy family life includes forming their own
traditions. As they have in years past, Shelton and Stefani – with her kids and extended family in tow – will soon head to Shelton’s ranch for the holidays. “Blake has also become super close to her parents and her siblings,” says the friend. “They’re all very like-minded and comfortable with each other, and it was almost immediately like they were one big family.” Stefani has won over Shelton’s loved ones too. Whether she’s riding around Tishomingo with Shelton in his truck or singing along to every word of his performance at the CMAs, “Gwen brings this sparkle to the country world”, says the friend. “Her love for Blake is clear, and she’s been embraced by everyone.”
“It’s oneof those things that who knows? It had to have been meant to be”
DATE NIGHT
Shelton and Stefani hit the stage together at the Apollo in the Hamptons in August 2016.
In February Miranda Lambert surprised fans by announcing her marriage to then NYPD cop Brendan McLoughlin. “My heart is full,” Lambert (with her new husband at the ACMs last year) wrote on Instagram. Meanwhile, Gavin Rossdale made his relationship with model Natalie Golba red-carpet-official at the John Wick 3 premiere last May.
With their lives and families now perfectly Shelton and Stefani it’s clear that any blended, it’s only natural to wonder when heartbreak from the past is now squarely in Stefani and Shelton will tie the knot. Though their rearview mirror. “They’re still very the couple are pros at batting away pesky flirty, and they love to tease each other,” says rumours of a secret engagement (“We were the friend. But beneath their giddy exterior is married before we ever even met each other!” also a deep love that grows every day. “They Shelton has joked), sources say they have been fall more and more in love discussing marriage for some with one another, and their time now. “Blake was very happiness quotient keeps serious about Gwen right from rising,” says the friend. And the start, and early on he after finally finding their thought about proposing,” lifelong partner, Shelton and says the Stefani insider. Stefani refuse to take each Neither has cold feet about other for granted. “The giving taking the next step, but and the receiving, it all feels Stefani – a practising Catholic —Shelton on Stefani very even,” Stefani said last – hopes to have a church year. It is, she explained, “what I thought love ceremony with Shelton. While the Stefani was supposed to be. It’s pretty magical.” source confirms a church ceremony “isn’t ■ By Melody Chiu, with additional reporting possible currently”, their relationship is certainly “very serious”, adds the friend. “It’s by Pernilla Cedenheim, Jeff Nelson, Cynthia definitely headed toward marriage.” For Sanz and Brianne Tracy
Shelton supported Stefani in November 2016 as she picked up an award at Glamour’s Women of the Year celebration.
CUTE COLLABORATORS
THE EXES MOVE ON
HAPPIER THAN EVER
The couple posed together at the Bennett’s War premiere last August.
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says a source close to Shelton. “He feels like it’s their song. It just perfectly reflects where he is in his life right now.”
The
BIG T Froseth in Looking for Alaska.
KRISTINE FROSETH
The American and Norwegian former model is seen by some as the new Margot Robbie, and has had rave reviews for her roles as Kelly in the Netflix series The Society and in the title role in Looking for Alaska on Hulu. A second season of the former airs later this year, and Froseth, 23, is reportedly being approached by major film studios for starring roles in future projects.
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JULIA GARNER The actress, who turns 26 this week, already has an Emmy for her performance as Ruth in Ozark, and has been securing major TV roles in shows, including The Americans, Dirty John and Maniac since she was 17. This year, she’ll star as a scheming Instagram-legendary German heiress in Inventing Anna and is rumoured to be lining up several major film roles.
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In fantasy teen drama The Society.
next
CELEBRITY WHO looks at the nine fastest-rising stars who are set to explode onto our screens in 2020
THINGS! JOEY KING
After making her film debut at 7 years old in Reign Over Me playing Adam Sandler’s daughter, King has appeared in more than 25 movies. Now 20, she has just received her first Golden Globe nomination, for her role in Netflix series The Act, and superstardom is beckoning. She’s currently filming the sequel to another Netflix release, The Kissing Booth, and has many other projects in the works.
King in her 2018 movie The Kissing Booth.
With AnnaSophia Robb (left) in the disturbing true story The Act.
The couple have dated for over three years.
JOE ALWYYN
Yes, he is Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, but the 28-year-old Brit is so much more. A respected actor, Alwyn has appeared in a number of high-profile and critically acclaimed films including The Favourite and Mary Queen of Scots. This year he will star opposite Shailene Woodley in the latest film adaptation of Me Before You author Jojo Moyes’ work, The Last Letter from Your Lover.
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CELEBRITY The second film is out in February …
… in time for Valentine’s Day.
NETFLIX (2); GET TY IMAGES (2); 20TH CENTURY FOX; GET TY IMAGES (2); NETFLIX; GET TY IMAGES
LANA CONDOR
If you haven’t been counting down the days until the release of the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before sequel, then you’re either lying or you’re missing out big time! Condor, 22, adopted from a Vietnamese orphanage by American parents as a baby, landed her breakout role as Lara in 2018. Her big break was in X-men Apocalypse, and she has three movies due out this year.
46 l Who
FLORENCE PUGH
The English actress has been gaining multiple plaudits for her screen work for six years, but in 2020, she is set to join the A-list thanks to her stunning, Oscar-nominated performance as jealous sister Amy March in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women. Pugh, 24, has already won several awards for the role, and is nominated for countless others including an AACTA, BAFTA and Critics’ Choice. Later this year, in a rather different role, she appears on in Marvel alongside Scarlett Joh ack Widow. Davis (right) with co-star and director Waititi.
ROMAN GRIFFIN DAVIS
He’s still only 12, but the British child star has already bagged a Golden Globe nomination for his acting debut in Jojo Rabbit as a Hitlersupporting little boy in Nazi Germany who finds himself conflicted when his mother secretly takes in a Jewish girl. He was also shortlisted for a Critics’ Choice and Screen Actors Guild award. Director Taika Waititi saw over 1000 boys for the role before casting him. When asked what the strangest thing about the awards season was, he answered: “Well, we went to Los Angeles and they had chicken with waffles. And that was strange.”
Sabrina has been a big hit for Netflix.
KIERNAN SHIPKA
After making her TV debut aged 5 months in ER, Shipka, 20, became a prolific child star and landed the role of Don Draper’s daughter in Mad Men at just 6, collecting two Screen Actors Guild cast awards. Her big break was playing the title role in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in 2018. The third season was released in early January, and a fourth is in development.
TRACKING A MONSTER
THE TEXAS KILLING FIELDS Since 1971, the bodies of dozens of young women have been found on a desolate strip of land beside a freeway. Now, as DNA reveals the identities of the last two victims, police think they finally have the breakthrough that has eluded them
48 l Who
I
TRUE CRIME
n the afternoon of February 2, 1986, two boys riding their dirt bikes through an overgrown 10-hectare expanse of land along Calder Road in League City, Texas, became overwhelmed by a sickening smell. They thought it might be the decaying corpse of a dog or maybe a deer, but as they traced the smell to its origin, they found something far more horrifying: the decomposing bodies of two young women. Investigators soon identified the first body as 16-year-old Clear Creek High School sophomore Laura Miller, last seen at a pay phone nearly two years earlier. But police had no idea who the other woman was – and Jane Doe remained unidentified. Five years later, horseback riders making their way through the brush and mesquite trees in the same area came upon another decomposing body – just metres away from where the others had been found. And again police couldn’t identify the woman. Janet Doe joined Jane Doe in the League City coroner’s office. Since 1971, dozens of murder victims have been found in and near the eerie stretch of land along the Interstate 45 corridor between Galveston and Houston – the ‘killing fields’, to locals – and police believe at least some of the murders For nearly three
NO LONGER UNKNOWN
FROM LEFT: SARAH WILSON; LEAGUE CITY POLICE (2)
So many bodies have been discovered on the small stretch of wasteland.
decades the bodies of Audrey Lee Cook (top) and Donna Gonsoulin Prudhomme were unidentified by police. “Now that we know who they are,” says Richard Rennison of the FBI, “we are closer to solving the case.”
NEW LEADS Lt. Michael Buffington is spearheading the new investigation into the cases, using new DNA technologies to reconstruct the faces of unidentified victims.
are connected. “A lot of heartache,” says senior FBI agent Richard Rennison of the case. “A lot of people not knowing what happened to their loved ones.
“A lot of unanswered questions.” Now law enforcement, aided by new ways of working with DNA technology, finally has a break in the case – and names for Jane and Janet Doe. After running the women’s DNA profiles through a national genealogy database, researchers discovered that Jane is Audrey Lee Cook, 30, a mechanic last seen by her family in 1985;
and Janet is Donna Gonsoulin Prudhomme, 34, a married mother of two boys who had disappeared in 1991. “These women, they couldn’t defend themselves. They couldn’t speak for themselves,” says Dr Connie Bormans, lab director at FamilyTreeDNA, who worked with authorities to process the women’s DNA profiles. “We gave a voice to the dead.”
THE WOMEN CONNECTED BY A SICK KILLER
Dozens of victims have been found along the notorious corridor known as the Texas killing fields. While some of the cases have been solved, others remain open and possibly connected, including those of Heide Fye, Audrey Cook, Laura Miller and Donna Gonsoulin Prudhomme. “Science is evolving, and that goes in our favour,” says Rennison. “I’m very optimistic.”
Brenda Jones, 14, found in 1971
Collette Wilson, 13, found in 1971
Rhonda Johnson, 13, found in 1972
Sharon Shaw, 14, found in 1972
Kimberly Pitchford, 16, found in 1973
Suzanne Bowers, 12, found in 1979
Brooks Bracewell, 12, found in 1981
Georgia Geer, 14, found in 1981
Laura Miller, 16, found in 1986
Donna Gonsoulin Prudhomme, 34, found in 1991
Lynette Bibbs, 14, found in 1996
Tamara Fisher, 15, found in 1996
Krystal Baker, 13, found in 1996
Laura Smither, 12, found in 1997
TRUE CRIME Who did they date? Who were their friends? What did they do in school? Just everything.” The victims’ relatives also hope for answers about what happened to their missing family members. Audrey, who was born in Memphis and eventually moved to the Houston area, had grown estranged from her family but always made sure she called her mother on Christmas Day and her birthday. In 1986 Audrey’s mother never got a call, and a letter she had sent Audrey was returned. “It worried her mother,” recalls Audrey’s sister-in-law Shirley Love, who says Audrey’s parents died without knowing what happened to their daughter. –Victim’s “In 33 years there was never sister-in-law a period of more than six months that I wasn’t doing something to locate her,” she says. “I never gave up.” Last year Love saw a Facebook post from police asking for help identifying Jane Doe that showed a sketch of a woman with a gap in her bottom teeth. “The hair on my body just rose, and I went, ‘Oh my God,’” she recalls. “I just knew.” Love put police in touch with a fourth cousin of Audrey’s, who provided the DNA sample that put the pieces together. In the case of Donna, answers came after investigators matched Janet Doe’s DNA to
“The hair on my body just rose”
a deceased Louisiana man and contacted the man’s daughter-in-law, Shera LaPoint. LaPoint, who herself is a genealogist, spent the next weeks working with police to build family trees until she finally figured out who Janet might be. “It consumed me,” LaPoint says. “When I finally found out her name and saw a picture of her, I just broke down.” Donna had apparently fled Louisiana for Texas after an abusive relationship, leaving her two sons in the care of their grandmother. “She loved music and she loved people,” says her sister Dianne Hastings. “She was a happy, fun, loving mother, sister and friend.” Hastings is relieved to have answers about her sister but admits the closure also brings pain. “If I think about the way she was murdered,” she says, “it’s too much to bear.” For now investigators continue searching for any clues about the lives the victims led before they died in hope of bringing their killer or killers to justice. “We’re making progress,” the FBI’s Rennison Police have says. “No amount described the of time that’s passed patch of land is too long. This criss-crossed by dirt roads can be solved.”
DUMPING GROUND
as the “perfect dumping ground for a serial killer”. Bodies can lie unnoticed for several weeks.
Debbie Ackerman, 15, found in 1971
Gloria Gonzales, 19, found in 1971
Maria Johnson, 15, found in 1971
Michelle Garvey, 15, found in 1982
Heide Fye, 25, found in 1984
Audrey Cook, 30, found in 1986
Sarah Trusty, 23, found in 2006
Terressa Vanegas, 16, found in 2006
Jessica Cain, 17, found in 2016
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TOP LEFT: LEAGUE CITY TX/YOUTUBE; BOT TOM RIGHT : GET TY IMAGES; FEY, COOK AND MILLER: LEAGUE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Not knowing the identities of Jane and Janet Doe haunted League City for years. In December 2018, police working with forensic experts created DNA-based sketches based on skull reconstructions and sent the images out into the public, hoping someone might recognise the women – but weeks passed and no answers came. Then, a month later, detectives used the DNA to construct family trees of potential relatives of the victims and ran the information through national databases. A match for Donna came through in “minutes”, according to Rennison; Audrey’s followed days later. Once law enforcement confirmed the results, they contacted the women’s relatives. “Families got some closure,” says Rennison. And authorities got some potential crucial new clues to what they believe is at least one serial killer operating in the area. “This opened two huge doors to the possibility of more leads to identify the killer, which is the ultimate goal,” says Rennison. “The fact that we know who these two people are will certainly give us additional leads. We need to talk to people who knew them, to tell us anything they remember.
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TEXT AND STYLING: TONI HYNES. PHOTOGRAPHY: SUE FERRIS
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PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS 7 PLANET-FRIENDLY PERFUMES From reusable packaging to cleaner ingredients, the perfume world is embracing sustainability. “While there is still much to be done, it’s a journey fragrance houses and manufacturers of fragrances are committed to,” says Fragrance Foundation president Linda G. Levy.
CELEB TO TR 6 POTENT TONERS
These new formulas deliver skin-boosting d ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C. To prrevent irritation, avoid ccombining them with other treatments, says o dermatologist Dr Rosemarie Ingleton.
The London-based brand uses only sustainably sourced ingredients such as lemon zest and chilli pepper.
Pore minimising
$38 for 10mL
Floral Street Neon Rose Eau de Parfum mecca.com.au
Youuth to the People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner sephora.com.au
Mugler offers refillable flacons for your favourite scents, M leading to less wastage.
Line smoothing
$175 for 100mL
Pixi Retinol Tonic myer.com.au
Mugler Alien Eau de Parfum Eco-Refill davidjones.com
54 l Who
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$47
Pat McGrath Labs Eye Ecstasy Eye Shadow Palette sephora.com.au
$59
$25
$35
Dr. Roebucks Tama Healing Mask sephora.com.au
For a matte finish
$63
$25
Foreo UFO Farm to Face Mask Manuka Honey sephora.com.au
Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Setting Powder in Deep Peach sephora.com.au
2 SETT
G POWD
you’ve never used a sett these will convert you. They’ree n arly l invisible and create te a fl flawless effect that’s likee having havi a real-life filter on your skin. For a radiant finish
$59
Cover FX Illuminating Setting Powder in Light sephora.com.au
3 MANUKA HONEY
Scarlett Johansson credits Manuka Honey masks for her glowing, radiant complexion.
B RY R NOW
$47
Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in 27 davidjones.com
From hot new makeup hues to fresh fragrances and more…
5 FEATHERED BROWS Forget those perfectly microbladed arches you’ve seen on Instagram. Now pros are choosing a more natural look, says makeup artist Kale Teter, who works with Ashley Graham. Use a pencil to fill in any sparse spots, then sweep the hairs upward with a brow spoolie, and you’re done! $22.95
ASHLEY GRAHAM
SCARLETT JOHANSSON
You’ll find this type of honey is in everything from cleansers to eye creams. “Manuka is more anti-bacterial than traditional honey, plus it’s extremely nourishing,” says wellness expert Dr Amy Shah. We love these hydrating masks that will heal even the driest of skin.
Revlon ColorStay Brow Pencil in Blonde myer.com.au
4 LIQUID LIDS Why spend precious minutes on eye makeup when you can apply it in seconds? These liquid eyeshadows go on as easily as lip gloss. Just dab on your lids, then use your pinky or ring finger to blend it in a “windshield wiper motion”, Giorgio Armani Beauty ma artist Tim Quinn.
Kosas 10-Sec d quid Eyesh dow cca. au
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$22.95
Hello Kitty x O.P.I.Nail Polish in My Favourite Gal Pal Available in David Jones & Myer stores
$58 (set of three)
FENTY BEAUTY
Fenty Beauty Frosted Metal Lipstick 3-Piece Set (Limited Edition) sephora.com.au
$8.95
Sally Hansen InstaDri Nail Polish in Midnight Drive chemistwarehouse. com.au
$19
Bourjois Contour Clubbing Waterproof Eye Pencil – Bleu Neon priceline. com.au
Top tip
If you’re not ready to channel an ’80s vibe with blue shadow, why not opt for a blue hue for your next mani or pedi ... go on, try it!
$43
Kosas 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow in Nitrogen mecca.com.au
CHLOE MORETZ
BEAUTYBLUES
Board the blues train with Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020, Classic Blue 19-4052 $37
Stila Shimm mer & Glow Liquid w– Eye Shadow Vivid Sapphhire mecca.com m.au
$11
Sephora Collection ful Duo Eyy – 11 Rien N us sephora.co co au
Sea
forest of the Finger PaintTrio hadow Palette sephora.com.au
TEXT: TONI HYNES. PHOTOGRAPHY SUE FERRIS
for trio)
WHO ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Kick off the new year the right way at WHO MOVES, including a Saturday morning of power Pilates, beats by DJ Eve Speciall, keto friendly breakfast snacks and smoothies and a killer gift bag! Saturday February 1, from 8am – 10.30am at Linseed House, The Grounds of Alexandria. Only $30. Get your tickets now at who.com.au.
WHAT IS WARTOFF FREEZE?
MORE OF WHAT YOU LOVE
At Palmolive they’re all about giving you more of what you love and less of what you don’t. That’s why their body washes are made with skin loving ingredients, natural extracts and great fragrances. And it’s why they leave out parabens, phthalates, alcohol, silicones, gluten, soap and BPA.
Wart-Off Freeze freezes warts! Based on the technology used by healthcare professionals, cryotherapy, the wart is frozen to the core in just 10 seconds. WartOff is fast, effective, safe and easy to use. RRP $29.25. Available in Pharmacy. Visit wartoff.com.au
lavender $39.95 Zara tank top zara.com
$575
Lizzie Fortunato earrings modaoperandi.com
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Boohoo blouse au.boohoo.com
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Tony Bianco heels davidjones.com
$40
Respiro Studio hair clip valetstudio.com
LAVEN
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Next dress next.com.au
Alice + Olivia pants net-a-porter.com
Blue and green should never be seen bbut
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Oliver Peoples sunglasses matchesfashion.com
Diane von Furstenberg pants net-a-porter.com
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ChloĂŠ wallet matchesfashion.com
@lucywilliams02 wearing O seree Swimwear top and Baar and Bass pa nts 58ll Who 58
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Dazie heels theiconic.com.au
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Alexander McQueen sunglasses shop.nordstrom.com
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Maggie Marilyn jumpsuit maggiemarilyn.com
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Witchery blazer witchery.com.au
we do love it with purple
PRADA S/S 20
BARCELONA FASHION WEEK S/S 20
NDER $290
Oscar & Zali bag oscarandzali.com
$79.95
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EDITED BY PAIGE MCMILLAN. IMAGES: GET TY IMAGES, INSTAGRAM
Witchery scarf witchery.com.au
Staud handbag staud.com
$471
Clare V. bag shopbop.com
$245
Paige denim skirt orderofstyle.com
$30
Topshop top topshop.com
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Tell us about your involvement with Portsea Polo and Forever New? I was super honoured to be invited as Forever New’s special guest this year at the Portsea Polo [on the Mornington Peninsula, Vic]. I’d never been so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I brought some of my aunties, my cousins and my mum, and we all had such a great day. There was rosé, so I was all set. Were you wearing Forever New? Yeah! They gave me a few options to pick from the day before. I ended up wearing a Forever New dress from the new summer collection. It was very floral and frilly, and you know it was fun for me because playing around with feminine style is something that is pretty new for me, in terms of my style evolution, if you can call it that? Speaking of “style evolution”, would you describe your personal style? Honestly, I feel like I’m constantly shifting modes depending on how I feel. By the way; I get told that I dress like a little boy who hasn’t gone through puberty yet, and then you know there are other days that I just want to dress in all black, big boots and leather jackets. Some days, I want to dress in sweats and sometimes it’s super girly and frilly. In general, I really love shopping at op-shops. You can always get the best stuff there! I would always go to op-shops with my mum [as a kid], so I guess I just kind of transferred that over into my adult life. I’m a big believeer in comfort and feeling powerful and alsso getting a bargain. How do you feel your style differs from your character on The Bold Type? I think we are similar in the way that we are both really into playing around with different looks and different styles and not ever putting ourselves in one category. But I think one item of clothing in Kat’s wardrobe is the budget of my entire wardrobe. I’d love to be able to afford the $1000 pieces but it’s just not my vibe, and I don’t think I could ever justify it. 60l Who
Do you have a style muse? Oh man, I feel like I have so many style muses. I love to go on Tumblr and look up old pictures of Diana Ross to get beauty and style inspiration. I love old Josephine Baker kind of looks and Donna Summer and then also some of the newer stuff like Lizzo. Honestly, I want to look in the mirror and feel what she feels, but so far I’m not there yet. What do you think stands out about Australian fashion to you? The thing I’ve always loved about Australian fashion is that you can get such amazing pieces for a really accessible price. There is this kind of mid range in Australian fashion, it’s not just crappy stores then really high end, there’s this middle ground of really cool brands that are doing really cool stuff. If you could live with only a few items from your wardrobe, what would they be? My blue Space Jam T-shirt, Nike slides, a pair of Blundstone boots that are waterproof and snowproof, my favourite jean jacket, a green bucket hat that reminds me of being in school, like ‘no hat, no play’, a moonstone necklace that was given to me by my hairstylist, oh, and a fanny pack, a black one and a pink one. I probably live off only 10 items.
Dee wearing Forever New su mmer collection at Portsea Polo.
EDITED BY PAIGE MCMILLAN. IMAGERY: GET TY IMAGES, INSTAGRAM
STYLE TALK
K with Aisha Dee
WHO sat down with The Bold Type star to discuss all things fashion – post Portsea Polo
$44.99
Colette by Colette Hayman colettehayman.com
$69.95 Zara blouse zara.com
THE BOLD TYPE
GETTHE LOOK
$131
Lizzie Fortunato headband shopbop.com
$427
Staud sandals shopbop.com
Try a stylish combo of colourful hues and feminine styles mixed with black accents
$2274
Zimmermann dress farfetch.com
$104
Topshop dress topshop.com
$640
Red Valentino skirt matchesfashion.com
$2700
Miu Miu bag store.miumiu.com Aisha Dee
$863
Salvatore Ferragamo pants net-a-porter.com
$99
Zara heels zara.com
$119
Country Road shirt countryroad.com.au
Katie Stevens
Meghann Fahy
Whol61
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Loud noise can have a negative impact on your health.
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RN IT DOWN F
HOW TO STOP NOISE POLLUTION AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH
rom your neighbour’s yapping Jack Russell to people streaming video content on the bus, modern life has a constant background buzz. While we may be used to it, scientists say the nonstop daily noise levels are triggering our fight or flight stress response and leading to a host of health issues including depression, heart disease, cancer, headaches, tinnitus and dizziness. Shocking, right? Research published in European Heart journal found that road traffic and aircraft noise, especially at night, increases the risk of high blood pressure. “Just as we were ignorant about the long-term health implications of smoking, we are ignorant of the facts about how sensitive the ear is to loud noise,” says Rafaele Joudry, founder and director of Sound Therapy International. Noise pollution contributes to 1 million healthy life years being lost each year, according to the World Health Organisation. “Sound is all
around us, even in natural areas there is the sound of leaves, animals and birds. We accept this sound as part of our environment until it becomes annoying or intrudes on what we are doing,” says Marion Burgess, a researcher in the Acoustics and Vibration Unit, UNSW, who adds that we all have individual levels of our own noise thresholds, and what is annoying is highly subjective, with some people being more noise sensitive than others.
Environmental noise Noise becomes a pollutant when the volume or annoyance levels rise above what is considered acceptable – think of how uneasy it feels to walk past someone jackhammering in the city. But it’s not just the obviously infuriating noises that can make us sick. In the 2011 World Health Organisation (WHO) report titled ‘Burden of disease from environmental noise’, the authors note the sounds
we’re hearing that we’re not even aware of, even ones when we’re asleep, such as traffic, helicopters, human voices (e.g. from TV) and alarms, are still triggering the same stress response.
Silence please Quietness or at least, much lower levels of noise is becoming a desirable commodity. People scramble for the silent carriages on trains, unplugged retreats are having a popularity surge and Norway’s ‘Slow TV’, which broadcasts hours of train journeys, a cruise ship sailing and long chess games, has been watched by millions. “It’s worth doing what you can to reduce your experiences to noise that you find annoying,” says Burgess. “Walk along a back road in preference to a busy road, close windows on the ‘noisy’ side of the house and ventilate from the quieter side. If there are really annoying neighbourhood noises keep the windows closed or use music to mask out sounds.”
3 WAYS TO INVITE SILENCE INTO YOUR DAY
2
3
CANCEL NOISE
TUNE OUT
SWITCH OFF
Turn your commute into a private sanctuary. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. $599.95, bose.com.au
Play white noise or the sound of rain to help you sleep better. White Noise App. Free from the App Store
Enjoy your morning coffee in the garden instead of in front of the TV. TEXT TARA ALI
1
Who l 63
“I loved trying out new recipe alternatives to some of my favourite foods to keep things interesting.”
Lost
5.3KG “Everyone surrounding me knew I was giving this a red-hot go for eight weeks and encouraged me to stay on track.”
A
lexa Tubertini, 26, knew there were certain foods that didn’t agree with her body, but she couldn’t figure out what they were. In the evenings she would feel bloated, lethargic and be craving sugar. “I would always have a little chocolate post-dinner,” she says. Wanting to understand what foods worked better for her body, Alexa signed up to the Keto-Fit Challenge.
ALEXA’S 3 TIPS Plan ahead “Suss out the menu online if you’re going to eat out.” Find alternatives “I really craved pizza on week 3 and found an amazing ketofriendly recipe.” Enlist support “My friends made their dinner party keto to help me!”
THE CHALLENGE Keto is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that tricks the body into a fat-burning process called ketosis. Over the eight weeks, Alexa followed a structured meal plan, increased her exercise and introduced Keto-Fit products into her diet. As well as making the change from her typical carb-heavy meals, Alexa also decided to incorporate intermittent fasting as part of the challenge. “Giving up brekky was actually easier than I thought. It was more lunch and snacking that I struggled with initially.“ To aid her on her journey, Alexa added Keto-Fit products to her diet and she quickly become a fan of the Keto-Fit MCT Powder. “It was really easy to incorporate into my morning coffee and I felt it helped me start my day off on the right foot. It really helps curb your appetite too, which is great in the prevention of over-snacking!”
Inspiring
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TRANSF
ALEXA TUBERTINI • WEIGHT BEFORE 73.9KG • WEIGHT AFTER 68.6KG
“I loved that I woke up in the morning always feeling light.”
THE RESULTS Alexa noticed she was visibly less bloated from the second day of the challenge. “Having structure to my diet really helped curb my over-eating. On keto I really waited for my body to tell me when it was hungry before feeding it.” Happy with her results, Alexa says she is now incorporating a wider variety of fruit and veg into her diet as they help her feel better and stronger at the gym. “I have learnt a lot about how my body reacts to food at different times of the day, and what I personally need to function at my best.”
Breakfast Black coffee with Keto-Fit MCT Powder (I fasted) Snack Cheese Lunch Keto nut-crackers with cheese, avocado, tomato and tuna Snack Berries Dinner Grilled salmon salad and haloumi Snack Pork crackles
“I saw this challenge as a good presummer shred opportunity.”
“I immediately was visibly less bloated from pretty much the second day!”
Head to pharmacare.lpages.co/keto-fit-sign-up-meal-plan to download the seven-day keto meal plan.
FORMATION Whol65
TEXT BY TARA ALI. PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE FURZEY. ALEX WEARS RUNNING BARE CROP TOP AND TIGHTS WWW.RUNNINGBARE.COM.AU.
TYPICAL DAY’S EATING
GREEN DAY
ADD A DASH OF COLOUR TO YOUR MAIN MEAL WITH THIS DIVINE (NOT TO MENTION DELICIOUS!) ZUCCHINI SIDE
Lemon and Mint Marinated Zucchini SERVES 4 AS A SIDE, PREP: 25 MINS INGREDIENTS Olive oil 2 lemons, zested and juiced 2 garlic cloves, bruised Sea salt 16 baby zucchinis, halved lengthways Mint, a small bunch, shredded
METHOD
1
Whisk 4 tblsps olive oil with the lemon juice, zest and bruised garlic cloves. Season with salt and pour into the bottom of a large baking dish. Toss the zucchinis with a little more oil. Heat a chargrill plate to high. In batches, add zucchinis cut-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until really chargrilled. Turn over and cook for another couple of minutes, then lay them cut-side down in the marinade. Repeat with remaining zucchinis. Leave to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. To serve, put the zucchinis on a platter, spoon over some of the marinade and sprinkle with mint.
2
3
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Wine Notes
A HELPING HAND The recent bushfires have destroyed so much. But a positive to come out of this disaster is the way our country has come together to show its support by donating money, food and essentials. As communities are surveying the damage and preparing for the future, I keep asking myself if there is more we can do. Well, there is. Planning a visit to the impacted areas that rely heavily on tourism is also a great way to help, as it will be critical for their economic recovery. The Adelaide Hills, one of my favourite wine-producing areas, has seen up to 20 wineries affected by the recent bushfires. However, the roads are open, the power is on, the wine is chilled and the charming main streets are intact. There are still so many beautiful lush green
views and your visit will genuinely help this beautiful area. All of the cellar doors listed on the Adelaide Hills Wine website (adelaidehillswine.com.au/visit/cellardoors) are still open for business, despite some of them having lost vines, equipment and stock. Rest assured, the experiences on offer have not changed, nor has the wine. Wineries with cellar doors that were most impacted were Golding Wines, Barristers Block and Anderson Hill – but they are operating as usual and still have their cellar doors, gardens and some surrounding vineyards intact. And if you can’t make it to the area, here’s how you can still help. Buy wine … lots of it! Direct from the winery is best – but purchasing it any way you choose certainly helps.
BEFORE AND AFTER
$25
Croser NV Sparkling croser.com.au
$5 from this sale will be donated directly to the CFS Foundation.
$149
‘The Recovery 6 Pack’ Bushfire Support barristersblock.com.au
$25
Golding Wines The Exchange 2015 Chardonnay goldingwines.com.au
BY CLEO MUNNS
$37
Henschke 2017 Henry’s Seven henschke.com.au
Croser is running a competition for the chance to win a trip to Adelaide Hills. To enter, simply share a photo of your ‘Croser Moment’ at the Westpac Open Air Cinema in Sydney. Visit croser.com.au/ openaircinema for all the details
RECIPES ADAM BUSH & JANINE RATCLIFFE; PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREW BURTON; STYLING: ROB MERRET. FOOD STYLING: KATY GREENWOOD; OLIVE MAGAZINE UK; IMAGE OF WINERY INSTAGRAM
The extent of the fire damage across Henschke’s Lenswood vineyard.
WHO’S GUIDE TO THE MOST LUXURIOUS DESTINATIONS HERE AND ABROAD
A SAMUI FOOD SAFARI Thailand’s second largest island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, spas and nightlife but as we discover, Koh Samui is also a haven for foodies
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JOSEPHINE CAMPBELL
Art Director
The Outrigger offers a tranquil jungle-meetscoast setting.
STAY Thai cuisine is one of my favourites and a few days on the Coconut Island, as locals call it, was the perfect excuse to embark on an island food safari. I enjoy exploring the traditional dishes on offer but also the fusion of other cultures and how they all go together. I’m staying at Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort, which is located on a secluded 300m stretch of beach overlooking the tranquil waters of Hanuman Bay. It’s just 10 minutes from the airport, five minutes from Chaweng and 10 minutes from Fisherman’s Village. Each of the resort’s 52 suites and villas has its own private plunge pool and sun deck, offering a welcoming retreat from the outside world. As well as relaxing in the privacy of my one-bedroom garden pool villa, I also enjoy kayaking in the bay and sampling dishes from the resort’s oceanfront all-day dining restaurant Edgewater, which serves international cuisine, including pizzas served hot from the stone pizza oven. outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/thailand/kohsamui/outrigger-koh-samui-beach-resort
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The vibrant share plates and cocktails at Chi Samui.
EAT Koh Samui is a culinary destination in its own right with world-class Thai and Western cuisine on offer throughout the island. Hailed as the best Italian on the island, Pepenero offers regional Italian flavours in an elegant setting, making it the idyllic place for a romantic dinner. There’s also an impressive wine selection. Chi Samui, on the white sandy shores of Bangrak Beach, is a chic space with beanbags, sun beds, sun loungers and swings by the water. With its uber cool design, it’s a great place for cocktails, tunes and delicious food. British-born chef Andrew Freeman creates modern, fresh dishes using local and artisanal produce. Dishes include Tom Yum Soup, rice paper rolls with tamarind dipping sauce and tuna tartare as well as the restaurant’s specialty, krabong – spiced pumpkin fries. There’s even a delicious vegan chocolate cheesecake for dessert!
DO WeGreen is a new, and unique, tourist destination that showcases the culture of Samui, past and present. This vegetable farm and culture park combines cultural learning, local wisdom and organic vegetable growing with a delicious restaurant for an educational farm-to-table experience. We try a traditional Thai dessert that takes six hours to prepare and ate Siam Ruby Queen corn, which is native to Thailand. The whole experience was my favourite part of the trip. If you’re inspired by Thai cuisine and want to recreate it at home, don’t leave the island without doing a Blue Fire Thai cooking class at Outrigger. We made Tom Kha Gai, a coconut soup with galangal and kaffir lime leaves, as well as Pad Thai Goong, a stir-fried noodle dish with tamarind sauce. For some me-time, the Outrigger’s Navasana Spa offers a jet-lag massage – a relaxing treatment that boosts headto-toe circulation by stimulating and invigorating the whole-body circulation. The massage relieves the tiredness associated with travel and promotes a sense of deep relaxation. It’s the perfect recovery from a long flight. Also, visit the Big Buddha temple, which sits on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s north-eastern corner, and take in the stunning views while you’re there.
The starter at WeGreen, a unique farm-to-table Thai experience.
DRINK
Getting there Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, with direct, international, and domestic flights from Bangkok (1 hour), Phuket (45 minutes), and Pattaya (75 minutes).
The Social Samui Sunset Bar and Kitchen boasts arguably the best sunsets on Koh Samui. With a hand-crafted cocktail menu and inspiring g food, this place is a must-do when visiting this island paradise. Better yet, you can enjoy a tipple – or two – from one of the bean bags on the expansive timber deck and listen to the waves lapping the shore below. thesocialsamui.com
Sip cocktails and watch the sun set over Bangrak Bay at The Social Samui.
Josep hine en jo after the Blueys the Tom Kha Gai soup Fire Thai cook ing class Who l 71
The impressive Botanic Gardens are a relaxing way to enjoy Singapore.
FINDING YOUR ZEN IN SINGAPORE Singapore might not be an obvious choice for a healthy getaway but the south-east Asian nation has a lot to offer in the wellness space. Loved for its culinary opportunities, sightseeing, shopping and iconic hotel Raffles, Singapore also has world-class green spaces such as the must-see Botanic Gardens, with 82 hectares of rainforest and overgrown plantations where visitors can take part in Tai Chi classes. Enjoy a mani or pedi at the Nail Social, Singapore’s first socially conscious salon, or splash out on a visit to ESPA Sentosa, a world-class spa set among 10,000 square metres of lush, tropical gardens. For a green-minded stay, PARKROYAL on Pickering boasts 15,000 square metres of sky-gardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls and cascading vertical greenery. Meanwhile, Swissôtel The Stamford offers ‘Vitality Rooms’ to boost overall health and wellbeing. Australian chef Cameron Matthews.
AUSSIE FLAVOUR ON BINTAN Celebrated chef Cameron Matthews is heading to Indonesia’s Bintan Island for a chef residence at the Sanchaya in March. Just 50 minutes from Singapore, the exclusive beachfront boutique estate has 29 luxurious villas and suites, an Indonesian-inspired spa and several worldclass dining options. As part of the estate’s ‘Guest Chef’ series, Matthews, the group executive chef for Spicers Retreats Hunter Valley, will be the chef in residence over the weekend of March 27-29, 2020. Guests can enjoy luxurious food and accommodation, including two nights in a Lawan Thai Villa or Sanchaya Suite, two places at one of Matthews’ dinners, a Sunday brunch, plus pre-dinner cocktails throughout the weekend and a daily a la carte breakfast. thesanchaya.com
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GOOP AT SEA Actress turned businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand Goop has partnered with Celebrity Cruises for the inaugural Goop at Sea, an ultimate wellness experience, taking in Spain, France and the Italian Riviera. Paltrow and Goop’s chief content officer, Elise Loehnen, as well as wellness experts and healers, will join retreat goers aboard the Celebrity Apex for the 11-night wellness cruise from August 30 to September 6. celebritycruises.com/au/specialty-cruises/ goop-at-sea
Set sail for the Celebrity Apex X Goop at Sea experience.
E L RO
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h c r a se
U BY O Y O HT T BROUG
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horosco
BY MILTON BLACK
WHAT YOUR STARS SAY THIS WEEK
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
MAR. 20–APR. 18
APR. 19–MAY 20
MAY 21–JUN. 20
A special home or business Keep an open mind in your project may take up much of daily affairs and be prepared your spare time as you prepare for the unusual or unexpected. and arrange with others to Compromise is your key as the organise a successful outcome. ambitions of others could Property interests may fascinate conflict with your own and you, especially planning a cause tensions. Steady as she re-build or landscaping. Career goes and don’t rock the boat. offers advancement to a higher Everything seems to take level. Children may require longer than you’d wish assistance with coaching, so expect delays, minor sporting programs or special frustrations and restrictions. curriculum dealings. Exercise and release stress.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
JUN. 21–JUL. 21
JUL. 22–AUG. 22
AUG. 23–SEP. 22
Plans laid some time ago will now begin to mature and your present circumstances will enable you to branch out in a more progressive direction. Ideas you’ve been longing to discuss with family or friends will now find a pleasing response from others. Beauty appeals; you may exercise your body, change your hairstyle or have that exquisite treatment you have promised yourself.
Keep an open mind in everything you do. On the home front there will certainly be a hive of activity and it may be a good idea to keep your emotions to yourself at this time. People around you may not be at all impressed if you blab your subconscious out loud. If you prefer to sacrifice a good relationship, you are heading in the right direction.
It’s an excellent week to go out and socialise, kick up your heels and have some fun. You may be the centre of attention around friends and will enjoy their company. This is a super time for finances and advancing your personal interests through new investment contacts and opportunities. Expect an exciting and adventurous time. Your partner may sweep you off your feet.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
SEP. 23–OCT. 22
OCT. 23–NOV. 21
Those important personal Entertainment, pleasures, and or partnership decisions should creative activities will keep you now be made. Allow your amused. You may also find it subconscious to take the difficult to hide your feelings lead and avoid negative from others, and you shouldn’t procrastination. If you need to try. In love and relationships, consult an expert or seek out you may experience greater the opinion of another person emotional depth than usual in an advisory capacity, now is and relationships with the the time. Residential changes opposite sex are ideal. Health may interest you or you may and happiness are both assured decide to take up a new and a busy communications lifestyle or travel. cycle is up ahead.
CAPRICORN GET TY IMAGES (2); PUZZLES BY PACIFIC PUZZLES
Your restlessness is beginning to show around others and authority figures can appear unyielding so avoid challenging them – you could come off second best. If you are interested in a change, new challenge, project or venture, this week favours a speculative opportunity to sign important papers, contracts, business deals and financial matters. Show confidence and initiative.
AQUARIUS
NOV. 22–DEC. 21
Time will run you off your feet with lots of errands, telephone calls, meetings and gettogethers with people who are important to you. This is an excellent week to change your direction, career or business and make things more secure for yourself and your family. You seem to be at the right place at the right time when opportunity knocks. Stick to a financial budget.
PISCES
DEC. 22–JAN. 20
JAN. 21–FEB. 18
FEB. 19–MAR. 19
Much activity concerning work, partnerships and finances could throw you into a whirl. With so much happening, you may find it difficult to maintain your equilibrium. You should calm down and be willing to compromise with others on any issue. Trying to take the lead throughout this period could be foolhardy as you may be reckless and obstructive.
Home and family matters will be of great importance, and you may have new added responsibilities. Home decoration, painting, landscaping and garden maintenance may be up for discussion. Avoid the tendency to do things lavishly or expensively. If you are signing papers or buying an important item check and recheck them.
Social and business communications, personal conversations and public relations may bring unexpected and exciting surprises. Avoid being hasty, jumping to conclusions or reacting negatively. Don’t be impatient with duties and responsibilities. Calm down – this is not a time to be over-reacting. A little TLC is what you need now.
Isla Fisher
The Aquarian actor turns 44 on Feb. 3.
1
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SUDOKU
9
Place a number from 1–9 in each empty square so each row, column and 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1–9. This puzzle is HARD.
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10-MINUTETEASER
ACROSS 1
6 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 19 22 23 24 26 29 32 33 35 36 37 38 39
Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek comedy The Breaker ___ (8) Dustin Hoffman virus movie (8) George Harrison song “My Sweet ___“ (4) “Sparrow” singer ___ Sandé (5) The Crown and Ocean’s 8 actress Helena ___ Carter (6) I Am Woman and American Horror Story actor Evan ___ (6; pictured) Hayley Atwell series ___ Carter (5) The Circle star ___ Watson (4) 2018 Zachery Byrd fraternity horror (6) The Rook and Riviera actor ___ Lester (6) 1992 Phish single (6) Helen Mirren thriller Teaching Mrs. ___ (6) Calvin Harris song featuring Ne-Yo (3’1,2) Mayans M.C. actor ___ James Olmos (6) Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and I, Frankenstein actress Miranda ___ (4) Tiger Lily’s mum, Paula ___ (5) Graves and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend actor ___ Astin (6) Rihanna track “___ and Drive” (4,2) “Flashdance... What a Feeling” and “Fame” singer ___ Cara (5) Ryan Gosling caper The ___ Guys (4) Sandra Bullock office romance The ___ (8) Justice Crew song “Friday ___” (2,6)
DOWN 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 18 20 21 23 25 27 28 30 31 34 37
SCRAMBLER
Create words of four letters or more using the given letters only once, but always including the centre letter. Do not use proper names or foreign words. Can you find the nine-letter word?
N A
A E L
T T
E R
2018 Cardi B track “Thru Your ___” (5) Jessica Barden adventure The ___ of the F***ing World (3) 10-MINUTE TEASER Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce and House D I A S P H actress Lisa ___ (9) O F S I L S M A R I A E B U I L N Neighbours actor ___ Dennis (6) R O M U L U T H E O A Splitting Up Together star ___ Hudson (6) R F A O D Bewitched spin-off series (7) I F W R A M O N E S U E What/If and Bridget Jones’s Baby star S A P L A C E ___ Zellweger (5) M A O A N G U S U The Weeknd tune “False ___” (5) N O 1981 Diana Ross and Lionel Richie hit N A P R E S T I G E duet “___ Love” (7) X A A E H E S T E L L E E A T Thomasin McKenzie and Ben Foster R A E O S L drama ___ No Trace (5) L I U B O R I F A N S Carly Rae Jepsen song “___ With Me” (3,4) A S T Y D N Hayden Panettiere cheerleading sequel SUDOKU Bring It On: ___ Nothing (3,2) Asante Blackk and Caleel Harris biography mini-series When ___ (4,3,2) Gerard Butler flick ___ Has Fallen (7) Bruno Mars ballad “___ Rain” (2,4) The Sixth Sense star Haley Joel ___ (6) Empire of the Sun track “___ Door” (2,3) Beyoncé song “Love ___” (2,3) Australian film award (1,1,1,1,1) 2018 Taissa Farmiga and Demián Bichir horror The ___ (3)
How did you score? GOOD: 15+ VERY GOOD: 25+ EXCELLENT: 35+
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS L D I L O S E B S R A E E E V E L T I P E O E N I T E E T U R A O R I M O I A D I Z Z E E
N E W Y O R K O D D L I F E O F
SCRAMBLER cent, centre, cite, cittern, cretin, eject, enter, entice, enticer, entire, erect, erne, inert, inject, inter, jeer, jitter, nicer, niece, recent, recite, rein, reject, rent, rete, reticent, retie, rice, rite, teen, tenet, tenrec, tent, tenter, tercet, tern, tier, tierce, tine, tinter, tire, titre, tree, treen, trice, trine, trite, nice Nine-letter word interject
THE Pick of the week
LIS
YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES EACH WEEK “These boys went at me pretty good,” Adam Sandler says of the Safdie brothers. “Of course I would die to work with them again.”
“I didn’t want to play a victim, but [the Safdies] didn’t write her like that,” Idina Menzel says.
“It started with stories our dad used to tell us,” Josh Safdie says of the inspiration for the movie.
STREAMING
UNCUT GEMS STARRING: Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel, LaKeith Stanfield Adam Sandler works and works, making one movie a year when he isn’t making three. Quantity sure isn’t quality, though the diamonds sparkle. Take Uncut Gems, a vibrantly madcap dark comedy. As jeweller Howard Ratner, Sandler rocks shiny earrings and shinier glasses, plus gleaming teeth and circular facial hair. He looks like a midlife crisis, and the overkill extends to his constant salesman chatter. Howard owes money all over New York. At least one debt could turn fatal. Salvation rests in an Ethiopian opal, which arrives in his Diamond District shop the same moment as the NBA’s Kevin Garnett (charmingly playing himself). Howard thinks he can score big off the rock and the basketballer, but the spiralling storyline carries him from bad to worse. His wife (Menzel) wants him out. To cover all the
THREE TIMES ADAM SANDLER GOT SERIOUS THE ACTOR SOMETIMES SHOWS HIS DRAMATIC SIDE
losses he can’t afford, he keeps betting cash he doesn’t have. The first time we see Howard, he’s midcolonoscopy. That’s as comfortable as he’ll ever get. The directors are Josh and Benny Safdie, the thrilling filmmakers behind 2017’s insidiously fun Good Time. Uncut Gems is so playfully over stuffed that ace cast members like Menzel and LaKeith Stanfield don’t have enough to do. Howard is a Sandlerian type – raging, crying, punching a celebrity. But Sandler is revelatory in the role. He’s never been better, really, balancing speed-walking desperation and fast-talking salesmanship with sorrow and glee. What’s the word for a performance that’s loud and meaningful, hyperbolic yet terribly human? That’s Sandler in Uncut Gems – he’s opera, man. (On Netflix from Fri., Jan. 31)
Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Spanglish (2004)
Funny People (2009)
Although still a comedy – albeit a black one – this film saw Sandler play a character struggling with loneliness and rage.
In this movie about a troubled family, Sandler put in a sensitive turn as a husband whose wife belittled both him and their daughter.
Written and directed by Judd Apatow, this dark comedy starred Sandler as a famous stand-up comedian grappling with a terminal illness.
THE
Midway is the latest film to revisit Pearl Harbor and the ensuing conflict.
Fionn Whitehead in Dunkirk.
Gavin Scott
T
MOVIES ABOUT THE SAME WARS?
his week, Midway, another movie about the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the subsequent Battle of Midway, opens in cinemas. Earlier this month, 1917, yet another film about World War I, was released. The question has to be asked: are more films about World Wars I and II necessary? Aren’t there new topics filmmakers can explore? At least in the case of 1917, director Sam Mendes approached things in a different way, by filming long scenes that make the movie seem like it was shot in one continuous take – and he may just end up with an Academy Award for his efforts (see page 84). Even so, it’s still a movie about a conflict that has already been the subject of countless films. In nearly every story about Midway, it is described as a “passion project” of director Roland Emmerich, who raised the funds to produce it himself. Lack of investors is rarely a good sign. One review from its November release overseas described it as “a long, loud and tedious history lesson”. No, thank you. Not even a star-packed cast including Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Woody Harrelson, Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Luke Evans and Aaron Eckhart can get me across the line.
I mean no disrespect to those who fought, and I’m not saying WWI and II aren’t worth memorialising. It just seems like we already have a sufficient body of work that does that job. There are many great films that depict warfare, from Gallipoli (1981) to Saving Private Ryan (1998) to Dunkirk (2017). And there are many more great films that delve into other aspects of wartime, like The Great Escape (1963), Schindler’s List (1993) and The Pianist (2002). Yes, you can always find a new way of approaching a subject if you try hard enough. Or, you could find inspiration elsewhere. Other subjects that I think we could probably place a moratorium on making more movies about: Ned Kelly, the works of Jane Austen – watch out for the latest version of Emma, coming on Thu., Feb. 13. – and most Shakespeare plays. I mean, how many additional films of Hamlet and Macbeth does the world actually require? There is nothing better than going to see a film based on a true story about which you know absolutely nothing because it’s the first time it has been told on the big screen (and you weren’t across the events in the first place). Or an adaptation of a novel that hasn’t
already been made into a movie time and time again – the exception to that rule: this year’s Little Women, and only because it turned the narrative on its head. But given Hollywood’s love for all things tried and tested, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of World War I and II films – not by a long shot. • George MacKay in 1917.
TONES AND I In 2018, Tones and I was busking on the streets. Then ‘Dance Monkey’ became a worldwide smash. Here, she shares the pros and cons of her whirlwind rise. ‘Dance Monkey’ has hit No. 1 in 20 countries and logged more than a billion streams. Why do you think it has resonated? The song, I guess, has become everyone’s song. [My manager] told me that it definitely wouldn’t be a radio hit, that it would just be a “live” song. So I wasn’t expecting much, to be honest. But it’s one of the biggest radio hits of [2019] – maybe because it’s just a bit weird. It’s great that it happened, but I don’t care if another song goes to No. 1 for the rest of my life. It’s not a priority. I just hang out with my friends. I let them come into the room [when I’m writing or recording], because I know they’re not going to try and squeeze me for money. They can just hang out; we can have fun. And it’s a really relaxed environment. The song is about an experience you had busking one night in Byron Bay. What was that time of your life like for you?
Quick-fire Q&A
I loved that part of my life. I was living with all my friends in a van, so it was really hot in the e morning. I would get up at six, otherwise I’d wake w up in a ball of sweat. Then we’d just go d down to the beach or play basketball and then t go busk at night for, like, four, five hours. It was a good life. Everyone talks about how it must have been difficult, but it really wasn’t. It was probably the best time I’ve ever had. How does that compare to what life is like for f you now? One O is a life that people think isn’t good, and a one is a life where people think, “Well, aren’t a you so lucky that you went through that t hard time to get here?” But in my mind, I was way happier then than now. I’m still happy, but it’s very different. Everything is v e very serious now. It’s good to have a fan base to t share my songs with, to be excited about releasing a track and to have someone give a s--t. And playing the shows that I’ve gotten to t play is amazing. But everything is so structured. s I’ve just gone from zero to 100, flying overseas. And I don’t want to disappoint d people, but I’m a nervous flier.
Moment in time
Short takes MISS AMERICANA It has already made headlines thanks to Taylor Swift’s very public battle to make use of her older music, and this documentary (on Netflix from Fri., Jan. 31) will no doubt provide even more newsworthy moments as it explores the ups and downs of her past couple of years, and her decision to use her substantial platform to speak out on topics that matter to her.
HARD QUIZ S5 What would be your expert topic? As everyone’s favourite niche subjects quiz returns (starts Wed., Feb. 5 at 8pm; ABC), you can consider that question while watching contestants show their expertise on everything from Lady Gaga and Xanadu to typewriters and poet William Butler Yeats. Gold Logie Award-winning host Tom Gleeson is back on hand to control proceedings.
SUPER BOWL Feb. 12, 2012: At that year’s British Academy Film Awards, Meryl Streep lost her shoe when taking to the stage to accept her Best Actress award for The Iron Lady, with Colin Firth springing into action as her Prince Charming. This year’s awards air on Mon., Feb. 3 at 8.30pm (AEDT); UKTV.
What’s better than one superstar doing the half-time show at this year’s NFL grand final (airs Mon., Feb. 3 at 10am (AEDT); Seven)? Two bigname singers, with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira set to give non-sports fans a reason to switch on. Throw in Demi Lovato doing the national anthem, and there will be plenty of girl power amongst all that testosterone on display.
‘Dance Monkey’ has racked up a recordshattering 24 weeks on top of the ARIA singles chart.
THE
LIST
Quickfire Q&A
KUMAIL NANJIANI The actor and Little America executive producer, 41, takes us inside the heartwarming, humorous and humane immigrant stories of the Apple TV+ anthology series (streaming now). What was the most intriguing challenge for you and your fellow producers [including wife Emily V. Gordon, Lee Eisenberg and Alan Yang] in bringing Epic magazine’s Little America series to TV life? We wanted to make short films that were completely different tones. We wanted some to be funny, some to be romantic, some to be thrilling. You moved d to America from Pakistan a at 18 and studied computer science and philosoph hy before becoming g a comedianactor. Obv viously, there is no one immig grant experience, but how did your story help shape th he show’s vision? It w was exactly what yyou said, that no one story is the same. A lot of times when you hear the word immigrant, the image you get in your head – no matter how you feel about immigration issues – seems to be pretty monolithic. What I brought to it was kn nowing that every single story is com mpletely different Haaz Sleiman (left) and Adam Ali in Little America.
and as varied as the human experience. Immigration is a polarising issue in the US right now. Did that make this an ideal time to share these stories? The only way that guided us was in that we did not want these stories to be political in any way. You’re making a show about immigrant experiences – inherently, it’s going to be politicised. But we just wanted to present entertaining, moving, funny, poignant human stories. What was the most fortuitous moment in the casting process? For Rafiq’s [Haaz Sleiman] episode, we cast Syrian actors, but they were in Syria and we couldn’t get them visas because there was a ban on people from Syria coming into America. Apple was kind enough to move production to Canada for one episode so that we could do a story about someone from Syria coming to America, ironically. What does Hollywood often miss in its portrayal of immigrants? Painting them with the same brush – either demonising them or making them feel noble, or assuming their life has been full of hardship. The only thing that immigrants to America have in common is that they moved to America. I feel like Hollywood sometimes wants to tell a very specific immigrant story, whereas we wanted to break that notion. I mean, we have a story about a gentleman from Nigeria who wants to be a cowboy. We have a story about a woman from Uganda who wants to bake cookies. These are completely different experiences – and not the stories I’ve really seen. Ones with massive stakes, ones with tiny stakes. It’s not always life-or-death. Sometimes it’s just about wanting your kids to spend some time with you.
BOOK
RIPTIDES Kirsten Alexander One rainy night in 1970s Queensland, Charlie is driving to his father’s rural property with his sister, Abby, next to him in the passenger seat, when he swerves and forces another vehicle off the road. The other driver, a young pregnant woman, is killed instantly and the shell-shocked siblings flee the scene. When they arrive at their father’s place, they realise the awful truth of the woman’s identity and pledge to keep secret their involvement in her death. But over the coming weeks, their shared deception begins to tear them apart and with the police closing in, and Abby’s journo husband on the trail of a story that could uncover their guilt, they are soon backed into a corner. From the author of last year’s acclaimed Half Moon Lake, this is a suspenseful read about guilt and grief. (Out Tue., Feb. 4)
TED BUNDY: FALLING FOR A KILLER Imagine if the man you were dating turned out to be a serial killer. That was the reality Elizabeth Kendall was faced with when it transpired that her goodlooking, well-dressed, ambitious boyfriend, Ted Bundy, was one of America’s most notorious murderers. Despite an overload of Bundy material this past year – it was the 30th anniversary of his death in 2019 – this new docuseries has something substantial to add to the conversation. For the first time, Kendall and her daughter, Molly, for whom Bundy was a father figure, go on the record to tell their story. Falling for a Killer also goes beyond their fascinating interviews, as well as input from victims who survived, to view Bundy’s crimes from the female perspective, with considered discussion about a woman’s role in the US during the 1970s and how that played a part in Bundy’s killing spree. (On Amazon Prime Video from Fri., Jan. 31)
MOVIE
SEBERG
STARRING: Kristen Stewart Stewart’s third film in as many months (following Charlie’s Angels and Underwater), this movie sees her portraying film star Jean Seberg. Based on real events, Seberg follows the FBI’s surveillance of the actress after she formed a relationship with African-American activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie) in the midst of the Black Power movement in the late 1960s. Increasingly stressed and paranoid due to what amounted to stalking and harassment by the intelligence agency, Seberg’s story is a tragic one, but this film doesn’t feel as urgent as it could. One reason for that is the inclusion of a sympathetic (and fictional) agent (played by Jack O’Connell), whose conflict about what the FBI is doing to Seberg undercuts the depiction of what she experienced. (Out now)
STREAMING
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
MOVIE
MOVIE
A HIDDEN LIFE
THE GRUDGE
Terrence Malick’s new movie is the story of Austrian conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter (August Diehl), who refused to serve in the Nazi military. Like so many Malick films (The Tree of Life), it is solemnly meditative and almost disorientingly beautiful – like falling through the flakes in an overturned snow globe.
Although it shares it title with the 2004 horror film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar (itself a remake of the original Japanese movie), this Grudge is not a do-over. Instead, it’s a new film with new characters (played by the likes of John Cho, Betty Gilpin and Jacki Weaver), and some minor links to the previous trilogy.
THE
LIST
TV
DOCTOR DOCTOR S4 STARRING: Rodger Corser, Nicole da Silva, Ryan Johnson A year has passed in Whyhope, during which time Dr Hugh Knight (Corser) has settled into the role of doting dad to baby Eliza, and he and Penny (Hayley McElhinney) have almost signed a deal for the cardiac unit. But the
arrival of a disgraced doctor forced to do penance for her out-of-control behaviour – sound familiar? – threatens all he has worked for. Kate Jenkinson is a great addition to the cast as Dr Tara Khourdair, who shares red-hot
chemistry with Hugh. Meanwhile, the return of Charlie (da Silva) equally wrong-foots Matt (Johnson). The time jump helps breathe new life into this always solid local drama series. (Starts Wed., Feb. 5 at 9pm; Nine)
SURVIVING R. KELLY PT II: THE RECKONING
TV
It is rare for true crime docuseries to have sequels, but so much has happened in the aftermath of Surviving R. Kelly airing in early 2019 that it warrants a follow-up. The Reckoning’s first episode alone covers a lot of terrain, speaking to Kelly’s brothers, who shed light on his upbringing and the abuse he suffered as a child, and two former employees, who denounce the singer’s accusers. The women who went on the record describe the backlash they have suffered from Kelly’s supporters, and we see what happened during a Season 1 premiere screening, which was evacuated after a threat was made. As for the repeated criticism levelled at the parents of the girls involved with Kelly, some of those parents show up to be interviewed. By addressing the other side of this story, Surviving R. Kelly ends up bolstering its case and once again demonstrates the bravery of the women speaking out. One criticism: some of the material could be more tightly edited. (Starts Sat., Feb. 1 at 9.30pm; CI)
TV
GREAT AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY JOURNEYS
TV
STARRING: Michael Portillo
BLACK COMEDY S4 STARRING: Nakkiah Lui, Aaron Fa’Aoso Sketch comedy shows are hit and miss – some segments are a riot, while others don’t land. But it’s never long before the next sketch. That’s as true with Black Comedy as any other series, although the success rate of its gags is high. Despite claims people are too easily offended nowadays (usually by someone saying offensive things and trying
to pass them off as jokes), Black Comedy proves that’s not the case. The writing takes the mickey out of Indigenous Australians and other cultures’ views towards them, like the extended Get Out spoof and the broke Tooth Fairy sketch in Episode 1. Difference is: these are actual jokes and they are funny. (Starts Wed., Feb. 5 at 9pm; ABC)
PODCASTS
This is one of two series about Australian rail travel hosted by Brits currently on air – the other, Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip, is on Tue. at 8.30pm on the ABC. And while Portillo and his preference for brightly coloured slacks are an acquired taste, this series does a good job of holding Australia accountable for shameful elements in our past (via the host’s trusty antiquated guide book) at the same time as celebrating what our nation has become. Sometimes it takes an outsider to see both sides. (Starts Tue., Feb. 4 at 7.30pm; SBS)
ALBUM
CHASING COSBY
THE CATCH AND KILL PODCAST
Like the R. Kelly case (see left), the allegations of sexual abuse against Bill Cosby circled him for many years until relatively recently coming to a head. Investigative journalist Nicole Weisensee Egan has reported on the case since 2005, and this podcast, which she hosts, recaps how the story has unfolded. The details of the comedian’s crimes, for which he has been convicted despite protestations of innocence, are shocking, as is the way he was able to operate quite openly, thanks to his status and circle of enablers making it hard for victims to come forward.
Ronan Farrow’s must-read book, Catch and Kill, deals with another high-profile case of a powerful man in the entertainment industry, allegedly assaulting women: Harvey Weinstein. This companion podcast works on two levels – for those who haven’t read the book, it walks you through Farrow’s investigation; for those who have, it contains fresh interviews with people who featured in the book and audio clips of evidence described that let you hear for yourself how the Hollywood producer operated.
TREAT MYSELF
Meghan Trainor
After banging out two albums in 16 months, the‘All About That Bass’ singer has taken her time with this third album – and it shows. Treat Myself is front-loaded with songs that show Trainor’s versatility – from synthy single‘Wave’ to the sassy‘Funk’ and‘Nice to Meet Ya’ (featuring Nicki Minaj) to the more plaintive‘Ashes’. Maintaining the self-love message that has defined her career, the album loses a little of that unpredictability by Track 15. (Out Fri., Jan. 31)
y A Awards 2020
WIN?
SOME OF THE MAJOR CATEGORIES – INCLUDING BEST PICTURE – ARE WIDE OPEN AT THIS YEAR’S OSCARS, BUT WE DO OUR BEST TO PREDICT WHICH NOMINEES WILL TRIUMPH ON THE NIGHT
BEST PICTURE Q Ford v Ferrari Q The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Q Joker Q Little Women Q Marriage Story Q 1917 Q Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood Q Parasite At least four films nominated this year are being spoken of as potential winners: The Irishman, 1917, Once Upon a Time… and Parasite. Although each has favourable qualities, Quentin Tarantino’s tale of a faded movie star and his stuntman BFF might just sway the industry voters. Q
BEST ACTOR Q
BEST ACTRESS
ANTONIO BANDERAS Pain and Glory
CYNTHIA ERIVO Harriet
Q
LEONARDO DICAPRIO Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
SCARLETT JOHANSSON Marriage Story
Q
Q
Q
ADAM DRIVER Marriage Story
Q
JOAQUIN PHOENIX Joker Q JONATHAN PRYCE The Two Popes
Q
Pryce and Banderas register their first ever Oscar nominations, but all signs point to Phoenix, who has received three previous nods but no wins, taking home the trophy for his role in the controversial origin story.
Q
Q
ANTHONY HOPKINS – The Two Popes Q
AL PACINO – The Irishman
Q Q
JOE PESCI – The Irishman
Q
Q
KATHY BATES – Richard Jewell
Q
LAURA DERN – Marriage Story
Zellweger’s portrayal of film legend Judy Garland is the best thing about Judy, and as a result, her performances is one of only two nods the movie received. The other nomination: best makeup and hairstyling.
BEST DIRECTOR Q
Q
FLORENCE PUGH – Little Women Q
MARGOT ROBBIE – Bombshell
Like Pugh, she’s in Little Women, but Dern should triumph for her Marriage Story performance of a divorce attorney hired by Johansson (nominated for best actress as well as in this category for Jojo Rabbit).
BONG JOON HO – Parasite Q
SCARLETT JOHANSSON – Jojo Rabbit
BRAD PITT – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood That right there is a list of acting legends, all putting in performances that are among the best of their careers. Pitt, the only one of the five not yet to have won an acting Oscar, should even the score.
RENÉE ZELLWEGER Judy
Q
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
TOM HANKS – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
CHARLIZE THERON Bombshell
Q Q Q
SAM MENDES – 1917
TODD PHILLIPS – Joker
MARTIN SCORSESE – The Irishman QUENTIN TARANTINO – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood
It’s a boys’ club again, and while his war film could win best picture, Mendes should be honoured for his ambitious, continuous take style. As co-writer, he’s also up for best original screenplay.
The 92nd Academy Awards airs Mon., Feb. 10 at 12pm (AEDT); Seven.
PHOTO CREDIT XERUMQUO SANDES ESTRUNTOTAT AUTA VEL EARIA VERSPELIAMET ET QUE SENT VOLUM RES SED QUAMUS ENDE PREMPERIT ESE MODICITATAT.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Q
SAOIRSE RONAN Little Women
JAMES’ STARSTUDDED SELFIE LOS ANGELES, JAN. 21
James Corden snapped a selfie on his Late Late Show, when guests Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda took part in a dating game.
FLOWER POWER
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: BACKGRID; GET TY IMAGES (3); BACKGRID
LOS ANGELES, JAN. 21
CANOODLING CO-STARS NEW YORK , JAN. 21
After years of speculation, Bohemian Rhapsody stars Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton were all laughs in NYC after finally confirming those dating rumours.
86 l Who
Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s daughter Scout stepped out in a colourful kimono last week, almost a year after slamming the paparazzi for taking unwarranted images of her and her younger sister, Tallulah.
GREEN WITH ENVY HONEYMOON PHASE LOS ANGELES, JAN. 22
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, who married last year, were spotted having a romantic day out in LA.
NEW YORK, JAN. 22
Just a few weeks ago Christie Brinkley stunned in a tiny red bikini. But the 65-year-old proved that wherever she goes all eyes are on her as she dazzled in an emerald fur coat.
Who l 87
PARIS FASHION WEEK
ALL WHITE
A week after her break-up with Pete Davidson, Kaia Gerber modelled a white lace gown and matching veil from Givenchy’s new collection.
KLOSS DAZZLER
Supermodel Karlie Kloss stunned in a bold all-white ensemble and platform heels as she walked the runaway during retiring fashion legend Jean Paul Gaultier’s dazzling Haute Couture parade.
88 l Who
THE FASHION KING
After 50 years in the fashion ring, Jean Paul Gaultier, the designer behind Madonna’s cone-shaped bra, was carried by models after closing his final runaway show in Paris.
HELLO SAILOR
In a nod to the‘70s, Gigi Hadid donned flared white pants and a revealing blue and white striped top all from Jean Paul Gaultier’s new season collection. Walking down the runway, the 24-year-old model bid farewell to the ground-breaking French designer.
WINNIE’S THRONE
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With white clearly a major trend for next season, model Winnie Harlow posed on a spectacular white throne in a thigh-split silk gown and black lace boots at the Ralph & Russo party.
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Edward could ever ask for – definitely does 2am wake ups better than me”. Hackett shares twins, Charlize and Jagger, 10, with ex-wife Candice Alley.
PREGNANT Jones (right) with his fellow Pythons.
Comedy fans are mourning the death of Monty Python founder Terry Jones, who passed away at his London home on January 21, aged 77. In a statement, Jones’ family said he died“after a long, extremely brave but always good-humoured battle with a rare form of dementia”. Along with his Python cohorts – Eric Idle, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and the late Graham Chapman – Jones helped change British comedy. Jones was part of the group’s TV series, Flying Circus, and he starred in and directed three of their films, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life. Cleese paid tribute to Jones on Twitter, writing: “Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of Life of Brian. Perfection.” While Idle tweeted: “It’s too sad if you knew him, but if you didn’t you will always smile at the many wonderfully funny moments he gave us.”
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DIVORCE US Celebrity Big Brother’s Courtney Stodden, 25, and Green Mile actor Doug g Hutchison, 59, have finalised their divorce, with Stodden writing on Twitter on January 20: “I’m officially divorced today.” Stodden controversially married Hutchison when she was 16 and he was 50.
While his girlfriend, Morgana McNelis, wants to get hitched, Charlie Hunnam is indifferent to the idea.
“You make a lot of friends when you go to jail, because they’re like-minded peop people.” Lily Tomlin on getting arrested while attending a rally.
“She w was doing the movie, Australia A … She used to complain about the blow b flies and the cows mo ooing.” I’m a Celebrity… C Get Me Out O of Here!’s Rhond da Burchmore on Niicole Kidman.
“Itt’s not a crim me to go to bed that eearly.”
Rose Byrne defended her and husband Bobb by Cannavale’s 9.455pm bedtime.
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their first child, a son, on January 18. They shared their happy news After more than a decade on Instagram on January 20. together, Desperate Housewives While they didn’t share any actor Jesse Metcalfe, 41, and details about their son, Graham fiancée Cara Santana, 35, have wrote: “At 6pm on Saturday our split. A source close to Santana lives changed for the better.” ● said the pair broke up on January Olympic swimming legend Grant 22. “Cara is not going to comment Hackett and his fiancée Sharlene and asks that everyone please Fletcher welcomed a baby boy, respect her privacy at this time,” Edward Anthony Hackett, a representative for on January 18. On Santana tells WHO. January 21, Hackett, 39, wrote on BABIES Instagram that Model Ashley Fletcher was “the Graham, 32, and her most graceful, patient husband, Justin Metcalfe and loving mother Ervin, 31, welcomed
Olympian Usain Bolt is expecting his first child with girlfriend, Kasi Bennett. “I just want to say a king or queen is about to be here,” Bolt, 33, captioned a photo on Instagram of Bennett, 30, 30 cradling her baby bum mp. Bennett wrote: “Our biggest blessing. Our greatest celebration. Our goldeen child. Coming soon.” ● Modern Family starr Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita are expecting their first child together. Ferguson, 44, shared his news while appearing on The Late Late Show with James Corden on January 23.
“She’s very eager [to get married]. I’ll do it because it’s important to her, but I don’t have any great romantic feelings towards it.”
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Monty Python member Terry Jones has passed away.
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