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"Patrons yelled to stop": Comedy Festival rocked by death on opening night

<p>Melbourne’s comedy scene was rocked by tragedy on the opening night of this year’s International Comedy Festival, as an attendee suffered a fatal medical episode mid-show, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the event.</p> <p>The distressing incident occurred during comedian Michael Hing’s performance at the Palais Theatre, where a man on the upper level of the venue suffered a medical emergency. Attendees quickly responded, providing CPR in the dark while Hing remained unaware of the unfolding crisis.</p> <p>“[It] would have been at least 15 mins worth before the show stopping, and [it] only stopped as patrons yelled to stop performing,” one audience member told <em>The Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p>Another witness expressed dismay over the handling of the situation, stating, “I can’t believe they [the organisers] didn’t communicate with backstage to halt the show, and that it took the public to yell out to the comedian to stop for something to happen.”</p> <p>The Melbourne International Comedy Festival addressed the incident in a statement posted on Instagram, confirming the show’s cancellation.</p> <p>“Melbourne International Comedy Festival regrets to confirm that there was a medical emergency while the Opening Night Allstars Supershow was taking place this evening at the Palais Theatre,” a festival spokesman said. “The show was stopped and cancelled. The Festival will be in touch with all ticket holders tomorrow.”</p> <p>Victoria Police later confirmed the man’s death. “Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in St Kilda on Wednesday, 26 March,” a spokesman said. “Emergency services were called to a theatre on Lower Esplanade about 9pm. A man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.”</p> <p>Health worker Andrea Bortoli, who was sitting in the upper level’s front row, described the distressing scene as people began leaving and it “became quite obvious that someone was getting CPR. It was just obviously really distressing, so we wanted to leave,” she told <em>The Age</em>. </p> <p>Eventually, the theatre lights were turned on, and patrons were informed that the show had been cancelled.</p> <p>The Allstars Gala is one of the most anticipated nights of the festival, bringing together some of the biggest names in comedy. This year’s event was hosted by Hing.</p> <p>As news of the tragedy spread, comedian Dave Hughes expressed his sympathies on social media, writing, “All performers thoughts are with the family affected”.</p> <p><em>Images: Palais Theatre / MichaelHing.com</em></p>

Caring

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Schumacher’s wife issues statement after blackmail furore

<p>Michael Schumacher’s wife has issued a rare statement after three men were found guilty for blackmailing the Formula One legend. </p> <p>Corinna Schumacher says the family has appealed the two-year suspended prison sentence given to the “mastermind” behind the shocking plot.</p> <p>The perpetrators demanded $25 million (AUD) from the family in exchange of not releasing hundreds of private photos and videos of the Schumachers as well as digitised copies of Michael’s medical records.</p> <p>The public prosecutor’s office said 900 pictures and nearly 600 videos of the family and Schumacher’s digitised medical records were confiscated from the perpetrators.</p> <p>A district court in western Germany sentenced the main defendant to three years in prison, while his son received a six-month suspended sentence and a fine of $2,000 (AUD). </p> <p>Another defendant, former security guard for the family Markus Fritsche, received a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of $4,000 (AUD) for aiding and abetting the other two men.</p> <p>In a statement released on behalf of the family, Corinna said, “We have appealed against what we consider to be the far too lenient sentence for Mr. F.”</p> <p>“In my opinion, he was the mastermind behind this. What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. He should receive a punishment that deters any potential copycats.”</p> <p>Corinna and her family are considering further action against others allegedly involved in the operation.</p> <p>“We do not share all of the court’s statements, in particular that Mr F. is only accused of aiding and abetting and not of complicity,” the Schumacher family’s lawyer Thilo Damm said.</p> <p>“You can assume that we will exhaust all legal remedies available to us.”</p> <p>The family has shielded Schumacher from public view since his serious skiing accident in December 2013.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Attila Kisbenedek/EPA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

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Michael Clarke receive Cricket Australia's top honour

<p>Michael Clarke will be the 64th player to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. </p> <p>The champion batter was unveiled as the latest inductee on Thursday, joining other former Test captains who have received the top honour. </p> <p>It's been a decade since Clarke hung up the bat with 8643 Test runs, and 7981 one-day international runs.</p> <p>Clarke who made his first ODI debut as a teen prodigy at Adelaide Oval in 2003, had established himself in the Test side within a year, scoring a memorable debut century against India in Bangalore.</p> <p>In 2011 he was appointed as skipper of the Test team, a position he held until his retirement from professional cricket in 2015. </p> <p>He is among the most decorated players in the 21st century, with two World Cups, the Ashes and several other individual honours. </p> <p>Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chairman Peter King congratulated  the player "who defined his generation."</p> <p>“On behalf of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee, it is my great pleasure to announce Michael Clarke AO as the first inductee to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for the 2024/25 season.</p> <p>“In selecting Michael as one of the three Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees for this season, the selection committee was met with statistics of a player who defined his generation and at his peak was ranked the best Test batter in the world.</p> <p>“More than that, Michael was an exceptional leader of our men’s Test and ODI teams who had a sustained period of success under his captaincy.</p> <p>“Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career started at just 17 at the SCG – the place where many of his highlights occurred, including a Test triple century against India in 2012.</p> <p>“While often lauded for his batting prowess, Michael also excelled with ball in hand having helped Australia secure victory in the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a spell of 3 for 5 in 1.5 overs with just seven balls remaining in the match.</p> <p>“Michael’s career will forever be remembered fondly by the Australian public and his standing held alongside those at the upper echelon of our game. On behalf of the selection committee, we congratulate Michael on his very deserved induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.”</p> <p>Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley also praised the cricket champion, saying: “I’m delighted Michael has taken his place in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame as one of Australia’s best and most prolific batters and as captain of highly successful Test and limited overs teams.</p> <p>“Michael’s elegant stroke play was a feature of Australian teams for over a decade. His application, temperament and leadership were exemplified throughout the many significant innings he played for his country, including leading Australia to World Cup victory on home soil in 2015," he added. </p> <p>“On behalf of everyone in Australian Cricket, I would like to thank Michael for his enormous contribution to Australian Cricket and congratulate him on this latest achievement.”</p> <p><em>Image: Andrew Cowie/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Famed Aussie cartoonist Michael Leunig dies

<p>Acclaimed Australian cartoonist and writer Michael Leunig has died at the age of 79. </p> <p>His family confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing that he spent his last moments on Thursday, “surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers”. </p> <p>“The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing — yet Mr. Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,” a post on his official Instagram account said.</p> <p>“Michael Leunig passed away peacefully today, in the early hours of December 19, 2024."</p> <p>“During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers — accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.”</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/DDwH8t7z50q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDwH8t7z50q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Leunig (@leunigstudio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Throughout his stellar career, his artwork featured in the <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em> and <em>The Age</em>, before he was controversially stood down from <em>The Age</em> in September after 55 years with the publication after some of his cartoons were thought to be too politically sensitive.</p> <p>Cartoonist for <em>The Australian</em> newspaper John Spooner told <em>ABC Radio Melbourne</em> the loss of Leunig felt "pretty huge", adding that working alongside Leunig at The Age in the mid 80s was "a riot of fun". </p> <p>"Leunig was a leader in the sense that he was an experimenter in graphic possibilities in newspapers, you know, like a half page full colour political or social cartoon," Spooner said.</p> <p>"A lot of the people who love <em>The Age </em>don't realise the depth of his contribution to the idea of The Age, which was essentially pluralistic, in other words, both sides of an argument got a run."</p> <p><em>Herald Sun</em> cartoonist Mark Knight also paid tribute to Leunig, saying, “It is a great loss, he was referred to as a national treasure and he was.”</p> <p>“As a kid I would buy his books – the famous Penguin Leunig was my great introduction to cartoons. I owe him a debt of gratitude. He had controversies with his cartoons, but I think he is bigger and more profound than cancel culture.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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ABC veteran announced his departure

<p>Longtime host of <em>ABC News Breakfast</em> Michael Rowland has announced his departure from the coveted role. </p> <p>Rowland shared the news on-air on Monday morning, revealing that his last day on the show will be December 13th, despite ABC bosses asking him to stay on the show into next year. </p> <p>“I have some news to announce - and the teams here, they know this news already - I’m leaving News Breakfast at the end of next week," he said. </p> <p>"I’m sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice, but I’m not one for long and drawn out farewells.”</p> <p>“I love working on <em>News Breakfast</em>. Every morning is a buzz and it’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC. But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”</p> <p>“I am looking forward to a break and spending more time with my family. My beautiful children were 7 and 5 respectfully when I started the show and they’re now in their 20s,” he said.</p> <p>“There has been an enormous amount of family sacrifice that has gone on to enable me to do the job for 15 years, so looking forward to spending time with them and my beautiful wife, Nicky, as well.”</p> <p>“I will miss the fabulous Brekky team, but I will miss our viewers even more. I am intensely proud of helping build the News Breakfast audience over the years. Thank you all sincerely for entrusting me with your mornings.”</p> <p>Rowland will remain with the ABC and will return to the national broadcaster in mid-2025 to work on “exciting projects.”</p> <p>The presenter and news journalist started his career at the ABC in 1987, and was appointed co-host of <em>News Breakfast</em> in 2010, covering major events such as federal and state elections, four US presidential elections, the Black Summer bushfires and floods in NSW and Victoria, the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC</em></p> <p class="paragraph_paragraph__iYReA" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 1.5rem 0px; font-family: abcsans, -apple-system, blinkmacsystemfont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> </p>

TV

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"Alive and well": Fans confused over Dr Harry Cooper death announcement

<p>Dr Harry Cooper and Channel Seven have been forced to clarify that the famous TV vet is alive and kicking after his Wikipedia page stated he had died. </p> <p>According to Cooper's Wiki page, the TV personality died at the age of 80 on November 16th 2024.</p> <p>However, Ben Fordham and his 2GB team have confirmed that this is not the case. </p> <p>"[Dr. Harry] has had a bit of a shock this week, courtesy of something that appeared online," explained Fordham on his popular radio show.</p> <p>"This week we were contacted by a listener, they alerted us to the fact that according to Google and Wikipedia, Dr. Harry Cooper was no longer with us!"</p> <p>Fordham explained that he had done his own investigations of the claims and observed the Wikipedia page in question, which read that "Dr. Harry Cooper OAM, more commonly known as Dr. Harry, an Australian vet and TV personality best known for his media appearances, born February 20, 1943, died November 16, 2024."</p> <p>The unofficial death notice prompted several listeners to reach out to the team at 2GB, asking if they'd heard any news about Dr. Harry's alleged death.</p> <p>"A fan of Dr. Harry Cooper got in touch w us a couple of days ago and said, 'Did you know that Dr. Harry had died?," shared Fordham.</p> <p>"And we all looked at each other and said, 'No?'</p> <p>"And then we got another message, 'Can you confirm that Dr. Harry has passed away?' Again, we were looking online, and he was in New Idea at the start of the year celebrating his 80th birthday."</p> <p>"And the most recent story about Dr. Harry was from September, when he visited a camel farm."</p> <p>In order to confirm once and for all, Fordham reached out to the Seven Network, who provided a statement revealing the good news that, "Harry is alive and well."</p> <p>"After tipping off Seven, the reference to his death has been removed from Wikipedia," Fordham added. "So, its another reminder – you can't believe everything you read."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Allison Voight/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas celebrate 24th anniversary

<p>Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. </p> <p>The Hollywood couple, who've been together since 1998, took a trip down memory lane and shared photos from their nuptials as well as loving tributes to each other. </p> <p>Zeta-Jones shared three photos of their wedding day and the moment they officially became husband and wife. </p> <p>"24 years ago, I said, I do," she began in the caption.</p> <p>"Happy Anniversary darling Michael. Our love is like a hole in one…. You have to see it to believe it. Love you," she added with a series of red heart emojis. </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/DCgehPtsXt2/?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/DCgehPtsXt2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Catherine Zeta-Jones (@catherinezetajones)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Douglas shared one photo of their wedding day, showing the two cheek-to-cheek as they smiled for the camera, with Zeta-Jones' showing off her stunning ring. </p> <p>"24 years ago my darling," wrote Douglas. "Wow was I a lucky guy! Happy Anniversary Catherine!" </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/DCgB47hs8kA/?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/DCgB47hs8kA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael Douglas (@michaelkirkdouglas)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first met in 1998, after Douglas said he fell in love at first sight and arranged a meeting with her through his publicist. They began dating shortly after. </p> <p>They got engaged the following year and had their first child together in 2000. </p> <p>Zeta-Jones and Douglas share two kids together, Dylan, 24 and Carys, 21, who are both following in their parents footsteps and pursuing careers in acting. </p> <p>Douglas also has a son from a previous relationship, named Cameron Douglas, 45.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Dr Chris Brown's new show revealed

<p>Beloved TV personality Dr Chris Brown is returning to Aussie screens with a brand new show. </p> <p>Following his departure from Network Ten last year, the TV vet has joined Seven and now his latest project with the broadcaster has been revealed. </p> <p>Brown is set to join some other well-known Aussies including Mick Molloy, Amanda Keller, Kate Ritchie and Matt Preston, who will be his untrained and unqualified veterinary assistants on the show <em>Once In A Lifetime</em>. </p> <p>In the upcoming show the beloved vet will embark on global wildlife journeys with the other entertainers, as they help iconic animals while navigating unpredictable situations. </p> <p>From saving endangered species to facing wild dangers, the stars will be at the forefront to experience the best of what nature has to offer. </p> <p>Brown is already a big hit for Seven, after the success of his show <em>Dream Home</em> last year. </p> <p>He left Network Ten in February 2023, after a 15-year career at the network. </p> <p>His departure was a blow for Ten, as the popular TV presenter hosted multiple programs over the years. </p> <p>It is understood that he is on a two-year contract with Seven, which is believed to be worth more than $1 million a year. </p> <p>Some of the other upcoming series that will be making a return to air on Seven next year include: <em>Farmer Wants A Wife, Australian Idol, My Kitchen Rules, The Voice, Dancing With The Stars </em>and <em>The 1% Club.</em></p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au</em></p>

TV

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Michael Schumacher’s son gives rare interview about his father

<p>Michael Schumacher's son has shared a rare insight into his life after his dad's devastating skiing accident. </p> <p>Mick Schumacher, who was only 14 at the time of his dad’s accident, pursued his dream of reaching F1 without his father's guidance, and has spoken about how much his dad father continued to inspire him. </p> <p>In the new book <em>Inside Mercedes F1</em> written by Matt Whyman, the author had unrestricted access to the team, with the book including a conversation with Mick about his father’s influence.</p> <p>The 25-year-old, who became a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023, told Whyman, “I was a crazy kid — everything my dad did, I did."</p> <p>“He was really supportive and a lot of fun, but could also be challenging. One time in a karting race I braked very late going into a corner and gained a lot of time."</p> <p>“When I told him about it, he said, ‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’."</p> <p>“Whenever he felt like I was not taking it seriously, he would say, ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we do not need to do all of this’."</p> <p>“I insisted that I wanted to race and he said, ‘Okay, then let’s do it properly’. So we started doing more European karting and I was getting better.”</p> <p>Mick later explained that he learned “a lot of technical points” from his dad that he “still uses today”, adding, “I started racing in the Formula classes the year after the accident and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet."</p> <p>“I started karting aged three. I was six when I first went scuba diving. Aged 10 I was skydiving."</p> <p>“My dad was always very open to me trying out whatever I wanted to do and racing is all I wanted to do, because I enjoyed it the most.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Eric Alonso/DPPI/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Baywatch star dies after lengthy health battle

<p><em>Baywatch</em> actor Michael Newman has died at the age of 68 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. </p> <p>The actor, who played  lifeguard Mike “Newmie” Newman on <em>Baywatch</em> in the 1990s, was diagnosed with the neurological condition 18 years ago, and died “from heart complications” on Sunday evening “surrounded by his family and friends.”</p> <p>His death was confirmed Tuesday by Newman’s close friend, Matt Felker, who recently directed the Hulu docu-series about <em>Baywatch</em>.</p> <p>“I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious and he looked [at] me and in typical Mike fashion said, ‘You’re just in time,’” Felker told <a href="https://people.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em>.</a></p> <p>Newman was the only <em>Baywatch</em> cast member who was a real-life lifeguard. He appeared on 150 episodes of the show, the most of anyone except David Hasselhoff.</p> <p>While starring on Baywatch, he continued to work as a full-time firefighter and returned to the job after the show ended in 2001, until he retired after 25 years.</p> <p>Newman was 50 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006, as he spoke about living with the disease just months ago. </p> <p>“This terminal disease has allowed me a lot of thinking time, which I maybe didn’t want, but it’s brought me wisdom,” Newman told <em>People</em> in August.</p> <p>“My body has changed so slowly that I hardly notice it, yet I am constantly reminded that Parkinson’s has now become the centre of my life,” he added.</p> <p>“I am cherishing the days that I get to be on this earth with family and friends,” he went on. “I’m taking life seriously.”</p> <p>Newman spent the final years of his life raising money with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson’s.</p> <p>The late star is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sarah, their children Chris and Emily, and their 1-year-old granddaughter, Charlie.</p> <p><em>Image credits: SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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Michael Schumacher attends first 'public' event since accident

<p>Michael Schumacher has reportedly attended his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/michael-schumacher-s-daughter-ties-the-knot-at-luxury-spanish-villa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">daughter's wedding</a>, making this his first public appearance in 11 years. </p> <p>Gina Schumacher tied the knot with Iain Bethke at the family’s luxury villa in Mallorca over the weekend, and while Michael's attendance was previously unknown, several outlets have reported that he attended the special event. </p> <p>The Formula 1 icon's wife, Corinna, has kept his condition private since his tragic skiing accident in 2013, with only an extremely small inner circle of people allowed to see him, therefore this marks the first time that Michael has been 'seen' by extended friends and family. </p> <p><em>The Daily Mail</em> reported that privacy was extremely tight at the event, with wedding guests required to leave their phones at the front door upon arrival. </p> <p>The family also reportedly looked at hiring a large security team to keep photographers away. </p> <p>The success of the event has reportedly raised hopes that the family will consider future opportunities for the Ferrari icon to be seen in public, with more people reportedly being let into the 'inner circle'. </p> <p>Michael's son Mick, who has been dating 23-year-old Danish model Laila Hasanovic for two years, is reportedly engaged to her, and in January it was reported that she had been given approval to visit the F1 legend. </p> <p>Updates on the former racer's health have been few and far between.</p> <p>Late last year, Schumacher's former boss at Ferrari and close friend Jean Todt revealed: "He is simply not the Michael he used to be. He is different, and is wonderfully guided by his wife and children who protect him. His life is different now, and I have the privilege of sharing moments with him. That's all there is to say."</p> <p>Corinna also spoke publicly about the accident and her decision to keep Michael's condition private in a 2021 Netflix documentary.</p> <p>"'Private is private’, as he always said. It’s very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible,” she said. </p> <p>“Michael always protected us and now we are protecting Michael. What he really didn’t like was the press, the people, all the hype around him. That’s not what he wanted. He wanted to do the sport," she continued. </p> <p>In the documentary she also said: “I miss Michael every day.</p> <p>“But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.</p> <p>“Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”</p> <p>Michael reportedly moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive Spanish villa where Gina's wedding was held in September 2020 according to the Spanish press. </p> <p>According to<em> The Sun</em>, Michael spent much of his recent life at the  $50 million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Michael Schumacher's daughter ties the knot at luxury Spanish villa

<p>Gina Schumacher has officially married her partner Ian Bethke. </p> <p>The 27-year-old daughter of racing icon Michael Schumacher, tied the knot in an ultra-private ceremony in Mallorca on Sunday, September 30. </p> <p>The happy couple, who reportedly met while at riding school, had a stunning ceremony at the Schumacher family home, Villa Yasmin, in Puerto De Andraitx.</p> <p>"Forever yes to you, yes to forever ❤️" she wrote in an Instagram update. </p> <p>Set near the beach, with a beautiful view of the mountains, the newlyweds shared an embrace, with the beautiful bride in a creamy white lace gown that she accessorised with dainty jewelry. </p> <p>Gina opted for a low, tousled ponytail which highlighted her natural features. </p> <p>The groom donned a pinstripe suit with a dark grey tie and crisp white dress shirt. </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/DAejBeBoJ8T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAejBeBoJ8T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Gina Schumacher (@gina_schumacher)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Michael's brother, Ralf Schumacher, was also in attendance and shared a snap with his boyfriend, Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne, who he has been publicly dating since July.</p> <p>They shared a glimpse of the wedding with a photo of them posing in front of a sunset, with the caption: "We had a wonderful time in #Mallorca. The sunsets and the atmosphere were magical ✨✨✨."</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/DAglZouMUDd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAglZouMUDd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne (@etn_cst)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans congratulated Gina and her husband on their new milestone.</p> <p>"Congratulations Gina you look gorgeous, your great dad will be so proud of you," one wrote. </p> <p>"Congratulations to both of you. ❤️" added another. </p> <p>"All the best and happiness + health for the whole family," wrote a third. </p> <p>It has yet to be confirmed whether Michael was in attendance, as the former race car driver has not been seen publicly since his skiing injury in 2013. </p> <p>German publications report the ceremony was kept secret until the announcement on social media. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Quirky grandfather shocks Today hosts with unusual funeral plans

<p>Michael 'Skip' Field has decided he doesn't want his family crying for him at an ordinary funeral when he dies. </p> <p>Instead, the quirky Queensland grandfather wants a celebration for his final send off and wants his family to remember him in a very unique way. </p> <p>Skip shared his funeral plans with <em>Today</em> hosts Sarah and Alex, who were perplexed by Skip's plans for his final send-off. </p> <p>"I've been to a lot of funerals over the years, I'm an old fart and I never enjoyed any of them," Skip said.</p> <p>"So come the time I turn toes up, they're going to cart me off to the crematorium for a big barbecue, where I'll be the guest of honour, then when the heat dies down, they're going to put me in a little shoe box and give my young son a ring," he said.</p> <p>"He'll come and pick me up and I'm an avid cowboy shooter, we load our own ammunition and one of the things that happens to cowboys when they pass on is they have a cowboy salute where you get a big, long line and everybody fires a shotgun, bang, bang, bang, bang, and have a salute."</p> <p>"Well, I'm going to get my ashes mixed into the shotgun shells and donate the shotgun shells to the range and they can shoot me off down the range."</p> <p>"Plus all the smoke that comes out at the end of the barrel is a bit blue, but being a Queenslander, I've got a bit of maroon chalk that's going to go in with the ashes, so when they come out at the end of the barrel it's going to be a maroon tinge on it," he said.</p> <p>Today hosts Sarah and Alex were gob-smacked by the idea of Skip donating his ash-filled bullets to the local firing range, but that's not all he has planned.</p> <p>"The other thing is a friend of mine's got a cannon and we're going to shoot part of the ashes out of the cannon at Pleasant Range near Dalby," he said.</p> <p>"Then the kids don't need a big, morbid ceremony, so they're going to have a party here at my house and I bought this thing called the 'loved one launcher' that is like a giant party popper, you put your ashes in and it'll shoot you 75 yards into the air with confetti and streamers and all that - Yeehaw! It's going to be great."</p> <p>Skip said the whole process cost less than getting a casket for the ground and it would be the last big thing he gets a say in.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today</em></p>

Retirement Life

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My Kitchen Rules star dies at just 46

<p><em>My Kitchen Rules New Zealand </em>contestant Michael Murray has passed away at just 46. </p> <p>An extended family member, who asked not to be named, has confirmed his death on Monday afternoon. </p> <p>“It’s a shock to all those who know him,” the relative told <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>. </p> <p>No cause of death has yet been released. </p> <p>Murray, of Ngāti Maniapoto heritage, competed in the 2024 season of the popular cooking show with his cousin Piki Knap. </p> <p>According to their biography for the series, the pair grew up together in Te Kūiti, south of Auckland, and developed their love of cooking from entertaining family guests.</p> <p>Murray was a huge Jamie Oliver fan, and was comfortable in front of the camera, after spending 12 years in Mexico where he worked on  telenovela soap operas and did small stints on other shows. </p> <p>He returned to New Zealand after the pandemic. </p> <p>“My background is modelling and acting,” he told <em>The New Zealand Herald</em>.</p> <p>“I was Mr New Zealand back in 2005, and that’s what took me overseas and eventually to Mexico. Obviously, I’m not Mexican, but they thought I was Latino! </p> <p>"I did some great work there, then to come home and be a part of this whole journey with MKR is a blessing in disguise. I’ve always put my hand up to opportunity.”</p> <p>Murray's family are now dealing with the devastation of losing another loved one after Murray's aunt passed away from terminal cancer a few months after the duo started filming for MKR. </p> <p><em>Images: My Kitchen Rules NZ</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Dr Chris Brown to reunite with Amanda Keller on new show

<p>Dr Chris Brown and Amanda Keller will be reunited on screen for the first time in two years. </p> <p>Keller confirmed on her WSFM breakfast show that she will reunite with Brown for his new series <em>Once in a Lifetime, </em>and will be travelling across the globe to film the show. </p> <p>“It’s a show called Once in a Lifetime, and Chris Brown is hosting this," she told listeners on Tuesday morning. </p> <p>“And this is a show I know that he’s wanted to do for years … I do know which country I’m going to, but I’m not allowed to say. It’s in Africa.</p> <p>“It’s Chris’s show. He and I are hanging out, and I’m going to be having experiences.</p> <p>“My nature is to over-research things and there’s nothing I can do. I can’t do that. So it’s a TV show where I can go into it floating, I can get on a plane and not have to be anxious about having to prepare something.</p> <p>“It’s a real gift for me, so I’m excited. But I have arranged for people to come in and play with you while I’m away.”</p> <p><em>Once in a Lifetime</em> will air on Channel 7, and was announced last year. </p> <p>It is an animal adventure series starring Brown, where he will be "pushed to his limits in the pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter," according to a Channel 7 spokesperson. </p> <p>“But he will not be travelling to the furthest corners of the globe alone. In the most delicious twist, Chris will be taking the country’s most intriguing and entertaining personalities along … as his veterinary assistant," they added. </p> <p>This is the first time the duo are reuniting on screen after working on <em>The Living Room</em> together for a decade before it was axed in 2022. </p> <p><em>Images: Ten</em></p>

TV

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Michael J. Fox celebrates 36th wedding anniversary

<p>Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan are celebrating 36 years of wedded bliss. </p> <p>On Tuesday, the two actors - who first met in 1985 when they were cast as each other's love interests on <em>Family Ties -</em> took to Instagram to celebrate their marriage. </p> <p>"Here's to a lifetime of love with the love of a lifetime. Happy anniversary, T. Forever ♥️," Fox wrote, alongside a throwback photo of him and Pollan by a pool. </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/C9e_t4buipY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9e_t4buipY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Michael J Fox (@realmikejfox)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Pollan shared a throwback photo of her and Fox on a beach with two golden retrievers, and a more recent image of the pair on the same beach. </p> <p>"Same spot, different year!" she wrote in the caption. </p> <p>"Happy anniversary my love, we haven't changed a bit 😘 I love you!"</p> <p>Fox replied to the sweet tribute in the comments, saying: "Gosh...I love you. Let's keep on keepin on❤️"</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/C9fKYldRT47/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9fKYldRT47/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tracy Pollan (@tracy.pollan)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans took to the comments to share their best wishes to the couple. </p> <p>"Just watched the episode of <em>Family Ties</em> at the train station. So beautiful that your love for each other remains unshakeable, and eternal. Happy Anniversary!!!" wrote one fan. </p> <p>"I’m convinced Hollywood will never see a sweeter couple than you two. You are an inspiration," added another. </p> <p>"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the strongest couple I know!! Wishing you so many more happy years together!!" wrote a third. </p> <p>While the pair first met in 1985, they didn't get together until a few years later when they were reunited on-screen in <em>Bright Lights, Big City. </em>Within seven months the pair were engaged and went on to tie the knot on July 16 1988. </p> <p>They have since welcomed four children: Sam Michael Fox, Aquinnah Kathleen Fox, Schuyler Frances Fox and Esmé Annabelle Fox.</p> <p>Their love story has endured it all, including Fox's Parkinson's diagnosis, which is documented in Fox's 2023 documentary, "STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie." </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

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Dr Charlie Teo's surprising next move after Aussie surgery restrictions

<p>One year after being slapped with restrictions that effectively stopped him from operating in Australia, Dr Charlie Teo is restarting his career overseas. </p> <p>The neurosurgeon was investigated by Australia’s Health Care Complaints Commission, who last year placed restrictions on the surgeon after they discovered he had been operating on tumours that had been deemed "inoperable". </p> <p>Now, one of China’s most respected neurosurgeons has thanked Australia for imposing such restrictions because it has allowed her country to benefit from the controversial surgeon’s ability to remove high-risk brain tumours.</p> <p>Dr Teo has been operating regularly in China including on high profile VIPs, and at least eight other countries around the world, according to reports from the <em>Sunday Telegraph</em>. </p> <p>An investigation has found Dr Teo has operated on 150 patients, with many of them being from Australia, in China, Spain, Germany, India, Switzerland, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, and Nepal since the restrictions effectively stopped him from operating in Australia.</p> <p>In an interview from Beijing, Professor Ling Feng, Deputy Director of the China International Neuroscience Institute, said she is “not worried” about the restrictions imposed on Dr Teo a year ago for unsatisfactory conduct.</p> <p>“I took a careful look into what happened over there. I don’t think it should be imputed to Charlie’s neglect of care and passion for the patients,” Professor Ling told the <em>Sunday Telegraph</em>.</p> <p>“It is just a different view of the indications for surgery. Similar cases occur across the world. Instead, I ‘thank’ Australia for the restrictions on Charlie, which gave me the opportunity to work with him.”</p> <p>In the past year, patients have travelled from Australia, Romania, Britain, Saudi Arabia, France, Indonesia, and Singapore to have Dr Teo operate.</p> <p>Of those surgeries Dr Teo’s logbook documents one death, one “poor” outcome, three “fair outcomes”, 20 “good outcomes” and 145 cases have been documented as “excellent”.</p> <p>Dr Teo says his results are better than ever and he feels terrible for patients in his own country that he can’t help, but hopes that he may one day be able to return to Australian operating rooms to help patients. </p> <p>“All it would take is one sensible and brave person in one hospital somewhere in Australia to change the status quo,” Dr Teo said.</p> <p>“Just one person to sit back and go ‘okay he might be an a**hole, he might be into money, he might be a bit of a cowboy, he might be all the things the media have said he might be, but the fact is that patients, Australian patients, some need him and he does operations that other people don’t do and most of those outcomes are good so what about we just drop the politics and allow him to operate in Australia?"</p> <p>“That’s all it would take … some common sense for the greater good, not for his sake but for the sake of patients.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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