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Journalists rumoured to replace Alex Cullen on Today

<p>Two female Channel Nine journalists are rumoured to be the front runners for Alex Cullen's sports presenter role on the <em>Today </em>show, after he was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/we-ll-miss-him-terribly-alex-cullen-steps-down-from-today" target="_blank" rel="noopener">axed for accepting a $50,000 gift</a> from billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>Insiders have told the <em>Daily Mail </em>that Roz Kelly and Danika Mason are the top contenders for the role, alongside Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic. </p> <p>They also claim that Kelly is "the obvious first choice" with her current role as the sports presenter on Friday and Saturday evenings, but she might not be too keen on taking the role. </p> <p>"She's polished and the viewers already know her and love her. But she's got two young sons and her husband has to travel to India a lot for work," the source told the <em>Daily Mail. </em></p> <p>"Right now, her life is really finely balanced and in a good place so she might not be too keen to take on all the pressures and demands of live television five days a week." </p> <p>"Danika is also equally amazing and is the other really strong contender that everyone is talking about at the moment," the source continued. </p> <p>Another source suggested that Mason was actually the top pick for the position, as she already has a loyal NRL fan base. </p> <p>"Danika would have to be the top pick - she's an absolute live wire, which is what you need at breakfast, and is a hard-worker who throws herself into every challenge with everything she's got," they said. </p> <p>"While nothing has been decided as yet, she's definitely in strong consideration." </p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Beloved Man About the House actor passes away

<p>English actor Brian Murphy best known for his role as George Roper in <em>Man About the House </em>and its spinoff series <em>George and Mildred</em> has died aged 92. </p> <p>The star's agent confirmed he died on Sunday at his home in Kent, with his wife and actress, Linda Regan, by his side. </p> <p>"It is with the greatest of sadness that we have to announce the death of our client actor Brian Murphy," the actor's agent, Thomas Bowington, said in a statement to <em>Deadline</em>. </p> <p>"It is almost impossible to describe the depth of his talent and humanity. A truly joyful and profoundly good hearted man."</p> <p>Regan has since paid tribute to the actor, who she was married to for over 30 years, with an emotional message. </p> <p>"My love for you will never die. RIP sweetheart," she wrote to X, alongside a photo of them kissing. </p> <p>"I will love you forever darling, and all your wishes will be carried out as you wanted. My soulmate," she continued in a follow-up tweet.</p> <p>"I know we will meet again, until then I'll hold on to the love we shared for 35 years."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will love you forever darling, and all your wishes will be carried out as you wanted. My soulmate. I know we will meet again, until then I’ll hold on to the love we shared for 35 years <a href="https://t.co/i8nNIkZYTc">https://t.co/i8nNIkZYTc</a></p> <p>— Linda Regan (@Linda_Regan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Linda_Regan/status/1886769269150560670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>'Allo 'Allo! </em>star Vicki Michelle also paid tribute to the actor, saying she was "so so sad" to hear of his death. </p> <p>"Great actor and Gorgeous friend, always fun. My heart goes out to Linda and family. Such a Wonderful couple."</p> <p>Murphy started out acting in theatre and tv in the '60s before being cast in the sitcom, <em>Man About the House</em>, in 1973. </p> <p>He rose to fame shortly after, starring alongside  Richard O'Sullivan, Paula Wilcox and Sally Thomsett in the sitcom which ran for six seasons. </p> <p>Murphy continued playing his character George in the spinoff series, <em>George and Mildred</em>, which ran for five seasons. </p> <p>He was also in films including <em>The Booze Cruise, Sparrows Can't Sing</em> and T<em>he Boy Friend</em>.</p> <p><em>Image: Paul Grover/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

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Tiger Woods reveals sad family tragedy

<p>Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) that his mother Kultida Woods had passed away at the age of 81. </p> <p>"It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning," the legendary golfer began his tribute shared on social media. </p> <p>"My Mum was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable," he continued.</p> <p>"She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible."</p> <p>The athlete added: "She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie," Tiger's children with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, before thanking everyone for their "support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time".</p> <p>He signed off the message with: "Love you Mum," and a photo of his mum smiling. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFqGymgRsnY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFqGymgRsnY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Her cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>Tiger's post was flooded with messages of condolences from stars in the sporting world, including NFL great Tom Brady, and A-List stars including Justin Timberlake and Mark Wahlberg. </p> <p>"So sorry for your loss. I send you a big hug ❤️" former tennis champion Rafael Nadal wrote.</p> <p>"We're so sorry for your loss, Tiger," the official United States Golf Association said.</p> <p>Woods once described his mother as the "enforcer" who was very "tough" on him in a 2017 interview. </p> <p>“My dad was always the person who would plant seeds and give me encouragement but also would say things that would fester inside me that wouldn’t come to fruition for a while,” Woods said.</p> <p>“He was very worldly and deep in his thinking. My mom was the enforcer. My dad may have been in the Special Forces, but I was never afraid of him.</p> <p>“My mom’s still here and I’m still deathly afraid of her. She’s a very tough, tough old lady, very demanding. She was the hand, she was the one, I love her so much, but she was tough."</p> <p>Over the years Kultida has supported her son through his golfing achievements and career milestone, including in 2019 when he was awarded a Medal Of Freedom in Washington by President Donald Trump. </p> <p>In 2022, she attended his World Golf Hall of Fame Induction, and up until last week she reportedly attended her son's TGL match in Florida. </p> <p><em>Image: SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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Peter Overton opens up on health battle

<p>Nine News star Peter Overton has opened up about the brutal health battle that's kept him away from the news desk over the past few weeks. </p> <p>The presenter had to undergo surgery on his vocal chords, after doctors found a polyp that urgently needed to be removed. </p> <p>“I took six weeks annual leave, and then my voice suddenly said, I’m on annual leave as well. I got very husky and raspy over the holidays, and went to the GP. He sent me to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon, and suddenly the holiday turned into an operation in a Sydney hospital,”  Overton said.</p> <p>“I had a polyp, quite a large polyp on one of my vocal cords.</p> <p>"They stick a camera up your nose and then down into your vocal cord, and then on a big screen, you see your vocal cords. And I saw this. It was like a big blister, a lump just hanging off the cord.</p> <p>“And I must admit, it scared the living daylights out of me."</p> <p>The polyp was removed three days later and he could return home after a day in recovery, but was unable to talk for a week. </p> <p>“It was interesting being mute. If I went to get the milk, I’d write an email to myself and it would say I’d have to show it to someone!”</p> <p>News of Overton’s health scare first emerged earlier this month, when his wife, Jess Rowe, revealed that he was on <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/jess-rowe-explains-peter-overton-s-absence-from-the-news-desk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extended leave</a>. </p> <p>Overton shared that he's been working with a speech pathologist to get his voice back to what it was like before. </p> <p>"I've worked with a great speech pathologist who has got me back to the point I'm at," he said.</p> <p>"And three weeks since the operation, I'm doing the news again."</p> <p>"The human body is amazing. I've really learned that, and I've learned about the healing process, and I've learned about how intricate your vocal chords are and what they do," he added. </p> <p>"It's been fascinating."</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Dave Hughes spills on worst A-list celeb interview

<p>Dave Hughes has revealed the "rudest" A-list celebrity he's ever interviewed in the latest episode of  <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!</em></p> <p>The radio star was talking about all his celebrity interviews throughout the years with campmate Max Balegde, who then asked him: “I want you to be honest – who was the rudest?” </p> <p>“If we’re going to be honest … it hurts me to say it, but it’s … Ben Stiller. I was a big fan, and he was just a pain in the a**e," Hughes replied. </p> <p>Hughes then joked that he might've  “ruined his Hollywood career” by calling out the A-list actor and director known for films like <em>Zoolander </em>and <em>Meet the Parents</em>. </p> <p>The radio broadcaster didn't reveal when he'd encountered Stiller or why the actor was a "pain in the a**e" . </p> <p>In the latest episode of <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!</em> former MAFS star Samantha Moitzi was the first of this season's contestants to be evicted from the jungle. </p> <p>Last week, Aussie TV legend Sigrid Thornton was the latest celeb to join the show in its 11th season. </p> <p>It's the first time the actress appeared in a reality show during her 40-year career, telling <em>news.com.au</em>: “I felt like if I was going to say yes to a challenge like this, then this was the time for me. I mean, I’ve never done reality television; I’ve never done anything remotely like this.”</p> <p>“But I don’t hold any particular judgement around it; I’ve removed all potential judgement because I don’t know what it’s going to be. All I know is that it will be extraordinary, exciting, unexpected, and I hope a little bit wonderful.”</p> <p><em>Image: I'm A Celeb/ 10</em></p> <p> </p>

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Sinead O’Connor’s final wish revealed

<p>Almost two years after the Sinead O'Connor's tragic death, the legacy she left behind for her children has been revealed. </p> <p>According to Irish probate records obtained by <em>The Sun</em>, O'Connor left her £1.7 million (AUD 3.38 million) estate to her three surviving children, with ex-husband John Reynolds named executor of her estate. </p> <p>After debts, legal fees, and funeral costs, the estate was reduced to £1.4 million (AUD 2.78 million). </p> <p>The document also contained specific instructions for her children to ensure they get their money's worth out of any unreleased music that she has recorded. </p> <p>“I direct that after my death, and at the discretion of any of my children who are then over 18, my albums are to be released to ‘milk it for what it’s worth’,” she wrote. </p> <p>Signed in 2013 ahead of her conversion to Islam in 2018, the document also outlined her burial requests, where she noted her children may “dispense my ashes as they see fit” and to be buried in priest's robes with a copy of the Hebrew bible and her album, <em>Theology.</em></p> <p>The singer's youngest son Yeshua was given her collection of guitars. </p> <p>O’Connor passed away in July 2023 at the age of 56, after she was found unresponsive at her London home by first responders.</p> <p>Her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/coroner-finally-reveals-sinead-o-connor-s-cause-of-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cause of death</a> was later confirmed to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, after a a copy of her death certificate was obtained by the <em>Irish Independent</em> newspaper. </p> <p><em>Image: Co/ZUMA Press Wire/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Money & Banking

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Sixties pop icon passes away aged 78

<p>British pop icon Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78, with the BBC confirming the news by citing a statement from her spokesperson. </p> <p>“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” the statement read. </p> <p>“Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”</p> <p>Faithfull was best known for her debut single <em>As Tears Go By</em> which reached the UK top 10 in 1964. </p> <p>She was also famously the girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in the 60s, becoming a muse for the rock star, inspiring songs such as <em>Wild Horses </em>and <em>You Can't Always Get What You Want</em>.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in for the singer, with Jagger describing her as "a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress," saying he was "so saddened" by the loss. </p> <p>His Rolling Stones bandmate Keith Richards shared that he was "so sad" following her death and that he "will miss her". </p> <p>Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood posted an old picture of him, Faithfull and Richards in a recording studio with the caption "Farewell dear Marianne". </p> <p>He then shared a more recent photo of the pair with the caption: "Marianne will be dearly missed. Bless her xx".</p> <p>Throughout her life, the singer had suffered multiple health problems, including bulimia, breast cancer and emphysema caused by decades of smoking.</p> <p>After a period of drug addiction and homelessness in the early 1970s, Faithfull resurrected her career with the critically acclaimed album Broken English in 1979. She also wrote three autobiographies and had a film acting career. </p> <p>Her most recent comeback was in 2020, and despite falling into a coma and being hospitalised for three weeks after catching Covid, she recovered. </p> <p>In March 2022, the singer moved to Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors and other professional performers in London. </p> <p>Faithfull is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar, who she shares with ex-husband and artist John Dunbar. </p> <p><em>Image: Bill Francis/Kobal/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Eagles star announces retirement after shock health diagnosis

<p>Steuart Smith, the lead guitarist of iconic rock band <em>The Eagles</em> has announced his retirement. </p> <p>The 72-year-old musician, who joined the band back in 2001, shared that he would be leaving the band following a shock health diagnosis. </p> <p>"It is with profound regret that, due to performance issues associated with my recently diagnosed Parkinsonism, I find that I must bow out of my role with <em>The Eagle</em>s while I can still do so gracefully," Smith told <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"It's been a great quarter of a century, and I had hoped to be able to finish out this year with the band, but I must now do what’s best for all concerned."</p> <p>According to<em> Parkinsons.org.uk</em>, parkinsonism is "an umbrella term used to cover a range of conditions that share similar symptoms to Parkinson's".</p> <p>Bandmate and founding member of <em>The Eagles, </em>Don Henley, also released a statement praising Smith's talents, adding that the group will "be forever grateful" for his contributions to the band and their tour. </p> <p>“Steuart Smith has retired from touring. <em>The Eagles </em>will be forever grateful for the extraordinary talents that he brought to both our recordings and live performances," he told the publication. </p> <p>"Steuart will be greatly missed, but he will always be a part of our musical family. We know our many fans join us in wishing him well."</p> <p><em>The Eagles, </em>were formed in 1972 with founding members Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. They are known for their hit songs like<em> Hotel California</em> and <em>Lyin Eyes</em>. </p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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AFLW star celebrates arrival of her new baby

<p>AFLW superstar Maddy Prespakis and her partner, high-profile Melbourne influencer Sophie Cachia have welcomed a baby girl. </p> <p>Cachia gave birth to daughter Esme Sophie Shaw on Tuesday “watched on by her amazing big brother and sister” — her children from a previous marriage to former AFL player Jaryd.</p> <p>“My dream experience to have them there and now diving deep into my love bubble,” Cachia said.</p> <p>Prespakis said there were “lots of smiles and tears”, with the Essendon midfielder adding, “I’m speechless, THE best day of my life.”</p> <p>“My love you are amazing, I’m so proud of you. Baby girl is finally here.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFbMNR1T7TD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFbMNR1T7TD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sophie Shaw (@sophiecachia_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Cachia shared the news of her pregnancy in July 2024 following a three-year process via donors.</p> <p>She denied online rumours that her former partner Jaryd was the father, saying only a few close friends knew the person’s identity.</p> <p>“I knew I’d face questions and intrigue, that’s totally fine and perhaps one day when I’m ready I will discuss everything,” the 33-year-old wrote at the time.</p> <p>“However, something I wasn’t ready for was the assumption/questions around my ex-husband being the ‘father’. Do you know many people having kids with their ex six years after separation lol??"</p> <p>“Just because we have an amicable family relationship co-parenting our amazing B&F, doesn’t mean we’re making more babies together. Leave him and his personal life out.”</p> <p>Cachia and Prespakis went public with their relationship late last year.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Overflowing with love": Fergie celebrates newest grandchild

<p>Sarah Ferguson has welcomed her fourth grandchild with the arrival of Princess Beatrice's second daughter. </p> <p>The Duchess of York shared a sweet photo of the new baby to Instagram, introducing the tiny tot and sharing her name. </p> <p>"Overflowing with love and joy to be able to welcome Athena Elizabeth Rose into the world," Fergie wrote. </p> <p>"She is already so adored and I'm incredibly blessed to be a Granny once again. So proud of Edo, Beatrice and the rest of my little 5-a-side team!"</p> <p>Proud new dad Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who took to the sweet snap of the camera-shy bub covering her face in her oversized onesie, commented on the post.</p> <p>"The best Gigi," he wrote, referring to what Fergie's grandkids call her.</p> <p>Edoardo also shared a post of the new baby, saying their family is "already completely besotted with her."</p> <p>He added, "A massive thank you from my wife and I goes out to all the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their exceptional care and support during this incredibly special time."</p> <p>Beatrice and Edoardo welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, on September 18th 2021, who is now three. Beatrice is also a loving stepmother to Mapelli Mozzi’s son, Christopher Wolf, affectionately known as Wolfie, from a previous relationship.</p> <p>Fergie is also a proud parent to her daughter Princess Eugenie's two children, August, three, and Ernest, one.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Jamie Oliver opens up on former feud with Gordon Ramsay

<p>Jamie Oliver has opened up about his former feud with Gordon Ramsay on <em>The Louis Theroux Podcast</em>. </p> <p>The 49-year-old told Theroux that after years of exchanges with the <em>Hell's Kitchen</em> star, their wives Jools Oliver and Tana Ramsay were the ones who stepped in an encouraged them to patch things up. </p> <p>"I was a target [for] probably 10 years, I think, it was regular," Oliver said of Ramsay.</p> <p>"I generally used to bite [back] once a year, and then that used to set him off for another year ... I think it kind of generated the noise, it was serving its purpose for him - I mean, I'd have to ask Gordon what it was all about.</p> <p>"Cause we never fell out, we got on for the first couple of years, and then - as he did more TV - it just went on and on and on, and it was quite, it was painful but in the end it was Jools and his wife Tana that sorted it out."</p> <p>Oliver revealed that despite their former feud, his kids are friends with Ramsay's children. </p> <p>"It was like, 'come on dads, grow up' so I think that both of us got a telling off, and then we went to have a drink and put it all to rest and let bygones be bygones," he said.</p> <p>When Oliver's Italian chain went under, Ramsay was "very supportive" and "very kind", even sending him messages of encouragement. </p> <p>Oliver also opened up on his feud with Marco Pierre White, and said he was "destroyed" to hear his "hero" slam him in the press and didn't know what sparked it as they never worked together. </p> <p>"He doesn't like me at all, still doesn't," he said, but added "that's fine, I don't need anything from him".</p> <p>"I still think he was like a game changer, he was still my hero for that period of my life but that's life, and it's not just Marco, it's lots of people," Oliver said.</p> <p><em>Image: Alan Davidson/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Food & Wine

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How I'm A Celebrity producers keep cast anonymous

<p><em>I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! </em>has been back on Aussie screens for a week, and now an inside source has revealed how everything works. </p> <p>Speaking to <em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em>, the source revealed that the show will be dropping one more celebrity into the jungle, this time "a 'famous' Australian actress that is known internationally," with the code name 'Seal'. </p> <p>The code names are an essential part of ensuring that the celebrities stay anonymous before they go into the jungle, with this year's theme for code names being animals you would find in the ocean. </p> <p>"Network 10 created codenames that allow producers to get the ‘celebrities’ into 'the jungle' without worrying about who hears their name," the insider said.</p> <p>"Producers have been referring to Hughesy as 'the dolphin' for weeks," they said. </p> <p>They cited a few other examples including: Matty J who was given the code name Manta-Ray, Nicky Buckley had the code name Narwhal, Reggie Sorenson was the Red Emperor and Shayna Jack was Starfish. </p> <p>"To get the cast of 'celebrities' into the jungle without revealing the line-up is a covert operation that has been getting more complex every year," the insider said. </p> <p>The source revealed that this is because one of the previous competitors, Sam Dastyari, found  the names of all the celebs before entering the jungle and texted the complete cast list to a journalist in Australia.</p> <p>“We don't even tell Julia Morris and Robert Irwin until we absolutely have to because we literally trust nobody," they continued.</p> <p>“Some people swore black and blue they knew our cast this year but most were way off and that is done on purpose."</p> <p>The insider also revealed the the flights to South Africa were all spread out, with some celebrities flying up to 10 days before they enter the jungle, while others arrived the day before. </p> <p><em>Image: Channel 10</em></p>

TV

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Guy Pearce's secret split with Game of Thrones star

<p>Aussie actor Guy Pearce and Carice van Houten, the mother of his son, have split.</p> <p>The <em>Game of Thrones </em>actress took to Instagram to confirm their split, and that the pair have remained close as they co-parent. </p> <p>“I don’t usually engage in discussions about my personal life, but because of a number of conclusions in the media last week regarding my relationship with Guy, I wanted to make something clear,” she shared on her Instagram story alongside a photo of the pair. </p> <p>“He and I are great friends and love each other very much, but we haven’t been a ‘couple’ for years.</p> <p>“I am, however, very proud to say we are in a wonderful partnership raising the true love of our lives - our beautiful son. And his hamster. The end.”</p> <p>Rumours of their split first began last month, when Pearce revealed during an interview that his first wife Kate Mestitz was the "greatest love of my life" but now that love is for his son.</p> <p>"My ex-wife, Kate, was the greatest love of my life, but I’ve moved on from her now and the greatest love of my life is my child, Monte," he told <em>The Guardian</em>. </p> <p>Pearce and van Houten first started dating in 2015, just months after the actor split from his ex-wife Mestitz. </p> <p>A year later, Pearce and van Houten went on to have a child together named Monte. </p> <p><em>Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Ash Barty shares pregnancy update

<p>Ash Barty is expecting her second child with husband Garry Kissick, and while the tennis legend is excited for the future, she has shared some of her concerns with raising two young children.</p> <p>The couple already share son Hayden, 18 months, and are set to have a newborn and a toddler to care for. </p> <p>"It's been probably the best part of my life, being able to share this next chapter with my husband Garry, and we have no idea what we're doing but he's alive and he's happy," she told the <em>Herald Sun</em>.</p> <p>"Terrified for what is going to come next but we'll figure it out, I'm sure," she added. </p> <p>The 28-year-old also said that while it's not in her nature to deal with "chaos" she hopes to make it work. </p> <p>"As an athlete I used to be the most meticulous, organised person and now it's absolute carnage," she said. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD_vAWhxAOd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD_vAWhxAOd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Garry Kissick (@gazlfc90)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The tennis champion posted her pregnancy news to Instagram on Christmas Day, with a photo of her son Hayden standing in front of their Christmas tree with a shirt that read "I'm going to be a... big brother". </p> <p>She captioned the snap with: "Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!", which was quickly inundated with congratulatory messages from her friends and followers. </p> <p>Barty and Kissick welcomed Hayden one year after they <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/game-set-and-match-ash-barty-ties-the-knot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tied the knot </a>in a private ceremony in Queensland on July 30, 2022, just months after she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/ash-barty-announces-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired</a> from tennis. </p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Cruise line asks for travellers help with billion-dollar ship design

<p>If you've ever been on a cruise ship and had your opinions on what elements of the ship could be improved, now is your chance to have your say. </p> <p>Celebrity Cruises is giving travellers the opportunity to help design the cruise line's newest billion-dollar ship, Celebrity Xcel.</p> <p>In a first for the cruising industry, dedicated cruisers will assist in making key decisions across culinary, entertainment and interior design for the new ship. </p> <p>"We want to ensure our guests love our products and experiences, so involving them in the process to perfect Celebrity Xcel was a great way to achieve this," Michael Scheiner, chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises, said.</p> <p>Open to anyone who wishes to have their say, the global community of travellers will test, try and vote on new experiences, through online polls and one-of-a-kind experiential in-person events.</p> <p>The Dream Makers community will have final say on design elements of the ship, such as textiles and interior design choices, as well as picking their favourite dining and beverage options to be served onboard. </p> <p>Plus, they get to provide input on headline shows, selecting playlists, and partake in selections to appoint pivotal entertainment positions onboard.</p> <p>"Celebrity Cruises is known for ground-breaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea," Michael said.</p> <p>"When Xcel launches guests won't have just found their happy place, they'll have helped us build it."</p> <p>Celebrity Xcel launches in November 2025 and will be the fifth ship in the cruise line's award-winning Edge Series.</p> <p>Those interested in joining Xcel Dream Makers to have their say on the new ship can learn more at <a title="" href="http://www.celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers</a>.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Celebrity Cruises</em></p>

Cruising

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Maggie Beer celebrates 80th birthday

<p>Maggie Beer has celebrated her 80th birthday. </p> <p>The beloved celebrity chef's official Instagram account shared a video of her celebrating her milestone birthday with loved ones and the caption: “We would like to wish our wonderful Maggie a very happy 80th birthday today!</p> <p>"A true icon, and much loved by everyone. Thank you for always inspiring us and providing us with the most delicious recipes &amp; products.</p> <p>"We love you Maggie."</p> <p>Fans across the nation were quick to send their birthday wishes to the celebrity chef, with many thanking her. </p> <p>“Many happy returns Maggie! Thank you for being a great source of joy for us all,” one wrote.</p> <p>“Bless you Maggie. Happy birthday and thank you for all that you have done, especially for Aged Care," another commented. </p> <p>“Have a great Birthday Maggie 80 wow have a fantastic day,” commented another.</p> <p>“Happiest of birthdays to Mrs Maggie Beer a national treasure and Australian icon thanks for all you do love your work !!”</p> <p>“Happy Birthday Maggie – you are unstoppable and we love you heaps.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE_DBEUq4cF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE_DBEUq4cF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Official Maggie Beer (@maggie_beer)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The birthday celebrations come after a rough year Beer, as she continues to recover following <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/maggie-beer-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a fall at her home</a> in 2024. </p> <p>At the time, her family shared on social media that while she had suffered a couple of injuries including "minor bone fractures", she was being taken care off by her doctors who "are confident she will make a full recovery". </p> <p>In a recent interview with <em>The Australian</em>, Beer revealed that she has "come such a long way" in her recovery journey, and learned a few valuable lessons. </p> <p>“I’ve come such a long way, considering I’ve been home from hospital for a month and when I first came home I’d be up for an hour and back to bed for an hour,” she told the publication at the time.</p> <p>“Yesterday, I was up all day without resting – that is a monumental step forward. Full recovery takes time and I’m not the most patient person in the world.</p> <p>“So I’m learning to be a different kind of person, accepting that things go slowly sometimes.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Novak Djokovic responds to Tony Jones' apology

<p>Tony Jones has issued a full apology to Novak Djokovic, following the tennis star's decision to boycott his post-match interview with Channel Nine because of Jones' <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/novak-djokovic-refuses-post-match-interviews-after-offensive-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"offensive comments"</a>. </p> <p>Jones broke his silence on Monday morning during an interview on Nine's <em>Today</em> show, saying that he had already apologised to members of Djokovic's support team behind the scenes - days before the walk-off. </p> <p>“If I could just give you a bit of a timeline here — the comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humour. Which is consistent with most things I do, whether it be the Sunday Footy Show or on the morning show or here," he explained. </p> <p>“Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.</p> <p>“As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them, so this is 48 hours ago.</p> <p>“But any disrespect that Novak felt that I caused and as I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which clearly he does.”</p> <p>He also apologised to the Serbian fans he heckled, saying that "what I thought I was doing was an extension of that banter", clarifying that he felt bad for letting down the Serbian fans. </p> <p>Jones' also explained that he "overstepped the mark" when he told the crowd of fans “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out." </p> <p>“I can stand here and put whatever spin I want on that, but it can only be interpreted as a throwback to the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/novak-djokovic-told-to-leave-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid years</a> when he was kicked out," Jones said. </p> <p>“That has angered Novak, which I completely understand now.</p> <p>“It’s an unfortunate situation. It’s been one of personal angst for Novak. It’s quite clearly personal angst for me as well. But I think the priority here now is to focus on the tennis again.</p> <p>“He’s got an amazing match coming up tomorrow night against Carlos Alcaraz and I hope his focus can now be on that and my focus is now the broadcast again. I can only again tell Novak what I did 48 hours ago and that is that I do apologise if he felt I disrespected him.”</p> <p>Djokovic has since acknowledged the apology and is prepared to move on and focus his attention on his upcoming match against Carlos Alcaraz.</p> <p>“Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested, and is now moving on and focusing on his next match,” a Tennis Australia statement read.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Queen guitarist Brian May recovering from health scare

<p>Sir Brian May's wife, Anita Dobson, has given an update on his health, following his minor stroke last September. </p> <p>The Queen guitarist, revealed that he had lost control over his arm after the minor stroke, with his wife saying that the health scare had reminded her that "life is precious". </p> <p>“Brian is stable now”, she told <em>The Sun </em>newspaper.</p> <p>“The start of the year has been up and down. We both had the flu but we took the kids to Lapland, 15 of them," the actress, who has been married to the musician for almost 25 years, added. </p> <p>She also said that he had "never been happier" since they had moved from London to the countryside. </p> <p>“To see what it has done to Brian... he loves it. He loves the birds and the animals”, she said.</p> <p>“He feeds all the birds and the badgers, foxes and pheasants. It’s like running a pub for animals.”</p> <p>In another social media post, Sir Brian had previously said the health scare had been “a little scary” but praised the “fantastic care” he received from Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. </p> <p>At the time he was "grounded" after being advised not to drive, fly or do any activity which would send his heart rate too high.</p> <p>Sir Brian and his family have since been “spending time at home” and “taking each day as it comes”.</p> <p>“It makes you realise that at any minute it could be you. You don’t have to necessarily be old, it could be anyone”, Dobson said. </p> <p>“You think you are fit; you see these people who run marathons and then at a young age they are gone.</p> <p>“You have to live every day as if it was your last. It’s not easy to do that.</p> <p>“You forget and think ‘I’ve got another week’ and it’s all booked up.</p> <p>"You have to be aware that life is precious, and with life changing so fast we are all on a bit of a thin thread, if you like.”</p> <p><em>Image: Maureen McLean/ Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Nine reporter stood down over controversial $50k gift

<p><em>Today</em> show presenter Alex Cullen has been stood down after accepting a huge cash prize from <em>The Block</em> billionaire Adrian Portelli. </p> <p>Portelli, known for his attention-grabbing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/the-block-billionaire-s-generous-christmas-stunt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antics</a>, recently announced that he was sick of his nickname "Lambo guy", which had stuck after turned up to a 2022 auction of <em>The Block</em> in a yellow Lamborghini. </p> <p>The billionaire put a call out to the media saying that he would give $50,000 to the first journalist or presenter to publicly call him by his new preferred nickname "McLaren Man." </p> <p>Cullen dropped the nickname on-air during a <em>Today</em> show cross from the Australian Open on Friday morning, even sharing footage of the moment on his Instagram account afterwards, tagging Portelli in the post.</p> <p>“We have a winner! Well played sir,” Portelli wrote in an Instagram story, sharing a screenshot of a bank transfer. </p> <p>Cullen's employer, Channel Nine, said that the presenter had agreed to step down on Saturday while the network looked into the payment. </p> <p>“Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,” a Nine spokesperson told <em>news.com.au</em>. </p> <p>“Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned.</p> <p>“While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.”</p> <p>Accepting cash, gifts or benefits to undermine journalistic independence, and inappropriately using a journalistic position for personal gain, are both breaches to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) Journalist Code of Ethics.</p> <p>It was created by journalists in 1944 to promote basic values for the Australian media industry.</p> <p>As news of the controversy spread, Portelli took to Instagram to speak out against journalists who still refer to him as "Lambo guy". </p> <p>“I wanted to show the media that I do have a large platform as well, and I’m not afraid to use it. Maybe be a bit more respectful, and I’ll respect you guys as well,” he said in a video posted on Saturday night.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p>

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