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Craig McLachlan set to return to Aussie screens

<p>Six years after being "crucified" in the public eye, Craig McLachlan is set to make his return to Aussie screens. </p> <p>The 58-year-old was unexpectedly approached by movie producers who asked him to star in a new feature film, almost seven years since his last on-screen project. </p> <p>Speaking exclusively with <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13716307/Craig-McLachlan-Neighbours-Rocky-Horror-comeback-movie.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a>, McLachlan said his return to the big screen had helped him deal with the "poisonous hate" that had eaten away at him since he was hounded out of the industry six years ago.</p> <p>In 2018, McLachlan was forced to quit his leading role as Frank-N-Furter in a 2018 production of <em>The Rocky Horror Picture Show</em> after three of his former female co-stars accused him of serious inappropriate behaviour while performing alongside him four years earlier.</p> <p>The former <em>Neighbours</em> star was charged with 13 offences of assault and indecent assault after Victoria Police investigated the allegations but he was ultimately acquitted on all counts following a four-week trial in December 2020.</p> <p>Now, McLachlan candidly admitted that he was unlikely to ever find it in his heart to forgive the former co-stars who accused him of sexual harassment, and that he still blames them for "ruining" his life.</p> <p>"Here's the thing: hate is a poisonous thing. You have to get rid of the hate – and I've done that," he said.</p> <p>"Forgiveness is a different story. That’s hard s**t to do."</p> <p>McLachlan said he had "fallen out of love" with show business after his "public crucifixion" but decided to accept the role after discussing the opportunity with long-term partner Vanessa Scammell. </p> <p>"I only just went and met with the producers and the director last week and agreed to do it," he said.</p> <p>"I wasn't expecting to be approached about a return to acting… and certainly not about signing on to do a film – it was a complete surprise."</p> <p>"But it's a fantastic Australian production and Vanessa and I sat down and discussed it - and talked about whether it was the right thing for both of us. When you've had your life destroyed like mine has been, you need to take a little time to rest and recalibrate."</p> <p>"I haven't rushed into anything. I needed to think about what we wanted to do and what - physically - I could do. And we decided this was the right thing for us."</p> <p>McLachlan, who has been in therapy since the allegations first came to light, said he was grateful for his partner's support during the difficult few years, and is happy to be making his return to screen with a new lease on life. </p> <p>"When the s**t kicks off in the media, people start running for cover and they're afraid to put their heads up to support you publicly because they're worried about them getting chopped off," he said. </p> <p>"I'll be forever grateful to those people who did stand by me – people like Vanessa – who helped me keep going."</p> <p>"Irrespective of what anyone has ever said or alleged about me, nothing I do or say would ever be done intentionally to make anyone else feel uncomfortable. I know that’s not who I am."</p> <p>"But as for forgiveness? Ask me again about forgiveness a little further down the track."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Movies

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Aussie Olympian arrested in Paris after trying to buy drugs

<p>An Aussie Olympian has been arrested after he was caught on the streets of Paris trying to buy a gram of cocaine. </p> <p>Hockey superstar Tom Craig tried to outrun police when he was caught, before realising he couldn't evade the authorities and surrendered. </p> <p>He and teammates had been at a family and friends celebration at the Hotel Maison in Montmartre in the 9th arrondissement after both his team and the Hockeyroos team of girlfriend Alice Arnott lost in the quarter finals.</p> <p>The 28-year-old had spent nearly 18 hours in custody after being arrested at midnight on Tuesday before being released with “a probationary criminal warning for drug use”.</p> <p>As a result of his indiscretion, the Kookaburras veteran has had his Olympic rights stripped from him, been banned from the athletes village and told he does not have the right to march in the closing ceremony.</p> <p>Craig, who is a qualified solicitor, fronted the media in central Paris hours before an AOC press conference, in which he apologised for his behaviour.</p> <p>“I would firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” the Tokyo silver medallist said. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions."</p> <p>“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.” </p> <p>In the AOC press conference, Australian Olympic chef de mission Anna Meares said she was adamant Kookaburras star Tom Craig was acting alone when trying to purchase the drugs. </p> <p>“We do feel very confident that this is an isolated incident,” Meares said.</p> <p>“I would rather be here talking about the three gold medals that we have won today. But here we are first."</p> <p>“I cannot condone what Tom has done. He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences that come with decisions like this."</p> <p>“Our team has been exemplary at these Games and his actions do not reflect the values of this team, nor do they diminish this team’s performances. He has apologised, shown remorse and he has owned up to his mistake and we will support him if he needs help."</p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)/DAVE HUNT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

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"I'm a prisoner in my own body": Rob Burrow's heartbreaking last message

<p>An emotional final message from rugby legend Rob Burrow has been released in the days after his death. </p> <p>The former footballer <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rugby-league-hero-dies-at-just-41" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the age of 41 on Sunday after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, with his former club, the Leeds Rhinos, sharing the news of his passing. </p> <p>Before he died, Burrow was involved in the making of a documentary about his life by the BBC, titled <em>There's Only One Burrow</em>, only agreeing to appear in the program on the condition it only be used after his death.</p> <p>In the documentary, Burrow spoke of how the cruel disease impacted his life and how he hoped to raise awareness for MND research.</p> <p>"I want to live in a world free of MND. By the time you watch this I will no longer be here," he said in the video.</p> <p>"In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. I'm just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league."</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/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BBC SPORT (@bbcsport)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>His pre-recorded final words were shown to his friends and family on screen, reacting to his words.</p> <p>"I'm a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath," he said.</p> <p>"I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home."</p> <p>Recalling his diagnosis, he said, "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them."</p> <p>In an emotional segment of the widow, Burrow's wife Lindsey spoke of how she learnt of her husband's devastating disease.</p> <p>"I remember that moment being told it's not good news. Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said 'thank god it's me and not the kids'. That's all he was bothered about," she recalled.</p> <p>When asked about his children, Burrow became emotional, saying, "I had no idea how my family would cope. They've become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours." </p> <p>"I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them."</p> <p>Burrows finishes the piece, saying. "As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this."</p> <p>"I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration."</p> <p>"My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to be brave and face it."</p> <p>"Every single day is precious. Don't waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out."</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>

Caring

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"Disgraced actor, bully, monster": Craig McLachlan opens up on assault allegations

<p>Craig McLachlan has opened up about how the incident assault trial took a toll on his mental health and career. </p> <p>The former Neighbours actor was charged with seven counts of indecent assault and six of common law assault in 2019, after four women, who he starred alongside with in the stage production of the <em>Rocky Horror Show</em> came forward. </p> <p>McLachlan has long denied the allegations, and was eventually cleared of all charges. </p> <p>Now, the former actor is appearing on the new season of <em>SAS Australia</em>, and has spoken candidly about how his life changed after the trial. </p> <p>“When I started on Neighbours, I was in people’s lounge rooms night after night, day after day,” he told <em>SAS</em> producers.</p> <p>“But there was something that happened about five years ago that was shocking for the public and shocking for me."</p> <p>“Craig McLachlan, disgraced actor. Workplace bully, monster.</p> <p>“So I’m here to exorcise some pretty extreme pain with some pretty extreme pain.”</p> <p>Speaking with <em>SAS</em> Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and DS Jamie ‘Jay’ Morton, McLachlan said he is still angry about what happened, and carries a lot of emotional weight from the trial. </p> <p>"I suffer extreme social anxiety. I find it very difficult to trust situations where there are a lot of people, especially women."</p> <p>“I’m more anxious about being in a new group of people than I am about climbing up the side of a mountain."</p> <p>“I know that sounds bizarre, but for me, I’m afraid it’s true.”</p> <p>Middleton sensed McLachlan was becoming angry when talking about the case, to which McLachlan responded, "I was charged with 14, 15, 16 offences ... It’s one thing to be so publicly crucified, it’s another thing to be charged. I was found not guilty of any wrongful behaviour. It’s because I was f***ing innocent ... I’ve been profoundly hurt, so there’s always going to be some residual anger."</p> <p>McLachlan went on to share how he was "abandoned" by close friends in the entertainment world when the allegations first came to light. </p> <p>He said, "People who only months before looked me in the eye and said 'You create the most wonderful work environments imaginable' ... abandonment, total abandonment. A tiny handful of courageous people I have friendships with over 30 years were always there, but the vast majority - gone."</p> <p>He said the abandonment from his friends "really f**king hurt", to which the SAS team told him he has "gotta let it go". </p> <p>"That’s why I’m here," McLachlan said.</p> <p>"For me, the big takeaway from this experience will be moving forward, to find that I can function without anger and fear. But beyond that, learning to trust people again."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Channel Seven - SAS Australia</em></p>

TV

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Socceroos legend slams Prince William's "patronising" Matildas remark

<p>Craig Foster has slammed Prince William's "patronising pat on the head" for the Matildas after their defeat in the England v. Australia Women's World Cup semi-finals. </p> <p>Foster, a Socceroos legend and staunch supporter of Australia becoming a republic, reacted angrily to Prince William’s attempt to congratulate the Matildas in the wake of their 3-1 defeat against the Lionesses.</p> <p>Shortly after the game, Prince William sent a message to both teams.</p> <p>“What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses — on to the final!” William wrote to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter account after the tense semi-final came to a close.</p> <p>“Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W”</p> <p>King Charles also chimed in on the messages of support, and was full of praise for both teams.</p> <p>“My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said.</p> <p>“While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.” </p> <p>But Foster, who is the co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement, saw through the royal family's messages and didn't want to hear their condescending messages of support and praise. </p> <p>“You’ve been proudly supporting England all tournament. Not a word for Australia. Not that we expect it. We prefer the honesty. Without the patronising pat on the head in defeat,” Foster tweeted.</p> <p>“Support the Lionesses &amp; let us get on with our business, mate.”</p> <p>Foster's message welcomed a mixed reaction, with many agreeing with his sentiment and reinforcing the notion of Australia becoming a republic, while others thought it was obvious that William would be barracking for England, as he is president of Britain’s Football Association.</p> <p>One person simply added to Craig's tweet saying, "What a weird take on a quite gracious sentiment."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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First victim of Hunter Valley bus crash farewelled

<p>Family and friends have joined together for the emotional farewell of Angus Andrew Craig, at the first funeral of the ten wedding guests killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash. </p> <p>The 28-year-old was farewelled at a service held at Worrigee in Nowra on Monday morning, with many of those who attended the wedding present to say their goodbyes. </p> <p>Angus grew up on the south coast of New South Wales before moving to Singleton where Maddy Edsell and Mitchell Gaffney, the bride and groom, were also living.</p> <p>A notice of his funeral celebrated him as an “adored son, much loved brother and brother-in-law and beloved partner of Isabella”.</p> <p>Angus's sister Georgia laughed and wept as she remembered her brother who would now never meet her first child, which is due in two months time. </p> <p>"How cruel is this loss, of a lovely well-mannered gorgeous boy who matured into a lovely responsible thoughtful good-looking man," she said.</p> <p>Angus had only just moved in with his girlfriend Bella, who shared how "incredibly heartbroken" she was by losing the love of her life. </p> <p>“It’s so hard to put into words the immeasurable impact Angus had on my life and even harder to accept the fact we’ve lost such a beautiful, kind and exuberant soul,” Bella said at the service. </p> <p>"He was open minded and curious, he was up for any adventure no matter how quirky."</p> <p>“It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the bright, thoughtful and generous person he was."</p> <p>“When I’m feeling sad, when my emotions feel overwhelming and the world feels a bit dull, I’ll remind myself that tomorrow will be better."</p> <p>“I will smile and I will laugh, I will admire every sunset and every nice view. I will remember I’m forever a better person for having loved and been loved by you Angus.”</p> <p>Angus's funeral was the first of the ten wedding guests who were killed in a devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley on June 11th, when the bus taking them to their accommodation rolled while driving through a roundabout. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p> <div id="ad-block-4x4-1" class="w_unruly ad-block unruly_insert_native_ad_here ad-custom" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; text-align: center; float: right; width: 705.202209px; margin-bottom: 24px;" data-type="unruly" data-ad-size="4x4,640x360" data-device-type="web" data-cb-ad-id="hybrid-banner-1" data-cb-dfp-id="unit=ndm.news;" data-ad-tar="pos=1" data-ad-pos="1" data-google-query-id="CMCykP3v3_8CFeHUcwEdIqUE3Q"></div>

Family & Pets

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“Rare for a mother to say that”: Tina Turner’s heartbreaking fear revealed

<p dir="ltr">Tina Turner’s daughter-in-law, Afida, has revealed the star’s deepest fear for her children, and her agonising health struggles prior to her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tributes-flow-for-tina-turner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death</a>, in an emotional interview with the <em>Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida revealed that the <em>Proud Mary</em> singer, who outlived two of her four children, grieved for them every day and was “extremely sick” by the time her second son, Craig, passed away.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you lose a child, or a loved one, you are going to cry every morning and every night,” Afida said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Craig, had passed away at the age of 59 by suicide in 2018. His brother Ronnie passed away just four years later at the age of 62 from colon cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida, who is Ronnie’s widow, shared that the only comfort was that Tina was finally reunited with her beloved sons.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They never had time to spend together and now all three of them are together.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida also revealed Tina’s deepest fear for her son Ronnie, and how she was worried he could “turn out like” his abusive father, Ike Turner</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Tina] sometimes told me, ‘You don’t want to stay with him. He is going to be like his father’. It is pretty rare for a mother to say that,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At first, he was kind of like his father, but after that he was going very well,” she added\, revealing that she’d given Ronnie an ultimatum to get his act together.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He made a very big effort to keep me. In the beginning it was very hard because I was not willing to stay with him,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Afida also opened up about the star’s death and revealed that despite Tina’s health struggles, the singer was extremely strong and resilient, which made her family think that she would live forever.</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/CsoyspoMrqy/?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/CsoyspoMrqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Afida Turner (@afida_turner)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“She was ill for a long time, but she was extraordinarily strong too,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was fighting for her life from 2017 until now. We knew how sick she was, but she was doing so well that this was not expected,” Afida added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Devastating leaked email places Jenny Craig on brink of collapse

<p dir="ltr">Weight loss firm Jenny Craig is reportedly closing its doors after four decades leading the industry. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to leaked staff communications, <em>NBC News</em> have shared that the company’s corporate and salaried field employees will face their final day of work on May 5, while their hourly staff will experience theirs on May 9. In the email, Jenny Craig explained that this was occurring “due to its inability to secure additional financing”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Employees were informed, however, that they would be receiving a “final pay cheque, including your full compensation earned through your last day of work and all accrued, unused paid time off”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rumours have circled the company for some time, with <em>Bloomberg</em> reporting in just April 2023 that they were on the hunt for a buyer. The publication claimed that a source told them the company was “considering a bankruptcy filing” if their efforts to secure a buyer failed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Bloomberg </em>also shared the news that the company was in around $250,000 USD in debt (~$376,000 AUD/NZD).</p> <p dir="ltr">Around the same time, corporate staff at the company’s California office received notice that they would be closing June 24, but that that day may actually be as soon as the next Friday. An FAQ was also released to them, alongside an explanation that they would be decreasing their physical operations to make way for their more e-commerce focussed business model. </p> <p dir="ltr">As a spokesperson told <em>NBC News</em> in the wake of the reports of potential layoffs, the company was “embarking on the next phase of our business to evolve with the changing landscape of today’s consumers. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Like many other companies, we’re currently transitioning from a brick-and-mortar retail business to a customer-friendly, e-commerce driven model. We will have more details to share in the coming weeks as our plans are solidified.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite this assurance, even coupled with the latest communications, it remains unclear whether or not that transition will still be taking place, with employees left in a state of limbo. </p> <p dir="ltr">The industry supergiant currently employs over 1,000 members of staff, with approximately 500 stores - both company-owned and franchised - across just the United States and Canada, with a further 600 around the rest of the world, including Australia. </p> <p dir="ltr">The company was actually founded in Melbourne in 1983, by husband and wife Jenny and Sidney Craig. The American couple went on to take their venture back to the states, but not until two years later in 1985. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while the situation looks dire overseas, an employee did tell Bloomberg that franchise-owned locations “may remain open”, though this is yet to be confirmed.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Outrage over Craig McLachlan’s TV return

<p>Christie Whelan Browne has condemned the decision to put Craig McLachlan back in the limelight as part of the 2023 cast for <em>SAS Australia</em>. </p> <p>The series, which has been known to give its cast members ‘redemption arcs’, has faced criticism in the past for highlighting the likes of Wayne Carey and Sam Burgess.</p> <p>And now Browne - who accused McLachlan of sexually assaulting her during their theatre performances run - has taken to Twitter to voice her disgust at his return to television, asking the question, “how do we feel about someone who was charged on multiple sexual assault charges being put back on tv and being referred to simply as a ‘controversial figure’? </p> <p>“I also saw a post saying he was the ‘winner’ of that case. But if you bother to read the judgement- he was acquitted on a technicality and the judge WHO HEARD THE EVIDENCE, believed it happened. </p> <p>“I am so f***ing sick of this s**t.” </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">How do we feel about someone who was charged on multiple sexual assault charges being put back on tv and being referred to simply as a ‘controversial figure’?</p> <p>— Christie Whelan (@Christie_Whelan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Christie_Whelan/status/1632555087989211137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Browne’s supporters were in agreement, with many unhappy to see yet another disgraced star given a free pass back to national attention. </p> <p>“SAS have a type, they gave Sam Burgess a redemption song story, now McLachlan. It's poor form, next they will give the guy from Hey dad another go, wrote one, before pleading with Channel 7 to “DO BETTER”.</p> <p>“I hate it,” wrote another. “In the same way as a sportsman gets past sexual assault charges and then in a post-match interview refers to it as ‘a hard year for me. I'm just glad to be on the field doing what I do’.”</p> <p>“As soon as I read the headline I knew exactly what tv show it was that he’d be appearing on,” shared one, a comment alongside dozens on how people were unsurprised at SAS Australia’s move. </p> <p>McLachlan was charged in 2018 when Browne - along with two fellow female cast members - brought forward allegations of indecent assault. McLachlan was the star of their 2014 <em>The Rocky Horror Picture Show</em> production.</p> <p>He denied the allegations against him, and was found not guilty by a magistrate in December 2020 after a criminal trial. </p> <p>McLachlan has not had an acting job since the accusations were brought to light, and the <em>SAS Australia</em> announcement marks his return to television. </p> <p>The 57-year-old was reported by<em> The Daily Telegraph </em>to be flying from Sydney to train with ex-special forces in preparation for his time on the challenging reality series. </p> <p>The 2023 season has been declared to have a gruelling training regime that is set to have its participants “sweating bullets”. </p> <p>The mission statement for the 2023 season says the training regime will have the cast “sweating bullets”.</p> <p>McLachlan will be joined by convicted drug smuggler ‘cocaine Cassie’ Sainsbury, former world boxing champ Anthony Mundine, Thai cave rescue hero Dr Craig Challen, Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis, model Lindy Klim, and Olympians Stephanie Rice, Peter Bol, and Matthew Mitcham. </p> <p>Footy commentator Abbey Holmes, former reality TV star Tim Robards, actor Zima Anderson, retired NRL star Boyd Cordner, and rugby star Mahalie Murphy will also be joining the crew for the 2023 season. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Fans blown away by Casey Donovan's incredible new look

<p>Casey Donovan has revealed her extreme weight-loss after following a strict Jenny Craig dieting program.</p> <p>The Australian Idol star, 34, has posed by Uluru for NITV’s 10th anniversary celebration, flaunting her new slimmed down frame that she has worked hard for.</p> <p>Casey attributes her weight loss success to Jenny Craig and shares that she's been in touch with coach Angela while travelling.</p> <p>"We spoke about the reality of travelling and doing my absolute best to stick to the program and had honest conversations about how to build my plate if my meals can't be packed in my suitcase," Casey shared.</p> <p>She added: "[Jenny Craig] gives you the tools to eat with confidence and an understanding of what your plate and portion size should look like so you can enjoy the finer things in life. Life is about living and learning how to manage the silly season".</p> <p>Casey revealed in November she now weighs under 100 kilograms for the first time in as long as she can remember.</p> <p>"I'm feeling as healthy as ever! I'm looking and feeling my best self" she wrote.</p> <p>Casey has been chronicling her weight-loss journey on social media, revealing in October that she had set a goal of losing 20kg – and has already surpassed that.</p> <p>She said she hoped that by committing to a weight-loss program she will be able to have children one day.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram / Facebook</em></p>

Body

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Problem Aussie females silently suffering

<p>Incontinence is an uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder. I should know. I’ve had difficulty with bladder control since my back gave out in April 2021.</p> <p>I’m not alone. One in four Australians and one in three women suffer from incontinence. More than half are under the age of 50, largely due to childbirth.</p> <p>The majority, like me suffer in silence with this uncomfortable, embarrassing and debilitating disorder.</p> <p>It got so bad I was having to wear pads from the minute I got up or else risk embarrassing leakage. It became an issue every day and significantly impacted my quality of life and confidence.</p> <p>There were times I literally couldn’t stand up from my chair without leaking down my leg.</p> <p>I would suffer in silence.</p> <p>Continence is just as important as sexual arousal, sexual response and ease of orgasm, but when it’s not holding, it’s not happening.</p> <p>I spoke at a recent function publicly about my incontinence and I was surprised to see the level of interest and engagement with the topic. Many guests told me after the event they suffer incontinence but have never told anyone or sought any form of medical care.</p> <p>Technology has come a long way in this field. Women’s Wellness platform EmpowerRF from InMode uses internal radiofrequency platforms VTone, FormaV and Morpheus8V which more women are now using.</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/vtone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VTone</a> – a gentle intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and neuromuscular re-education treatment. Women with weak pelvic floor muscles are using this.  </li> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/formav" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FormaV</a> – deep tissue heating. Women with dryness and muscle tone issues are using this. Treats incontinence and in particular the feeling of urgency. It also aims to improve vaginal dryness and burning/stinging associated with menopause and associated painful intercourse. It can enhances\ sexual response.</li> <li><a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/morpheus8v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morpheus8 V</a> is micro-needling with radiofrequency (in the vagina). Women wanting to improve vaginal laxity and urinary incontinence are turning to this.  </li> </ul> <p>While incontinence impacts our lifestyle it also impacts the environment. </p> <p>A recent study from Southern Cross University and the University of Queensland has found that by 2030 waste from absorbent hygiene products (AHP) generated by adults [used for incontinence] will outnumber that produced by infants by between four and 10 times. </p> <p>After food waste, sanitary, incontinence products and disposable nappies ending up in landfill are becoming one of the most significant waste issues, comprising between 5-15 per cent of waste in household bins. It can take up to 800 years for the products to break down.</p> <p>This has to change - and I suspect it will the more we talk openly about it. </p> <p>For more information visit <a href="https://www.inmode.com.au/pages/empower-rf-womens-wellness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EmpowerRF</a>.</p> <p><strong>Written by Dr Judy Craig , Natural Looks Cosmetic Medicine in Subiaco WA</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

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“We’ve been expecting you”: Daniel Craig receives royal honour

<p dir="ltr">Daniel Craig has been awarded one of the highest royal honours - the same one held by the character he is most well-known for playing: James Bond.</p> <p dir="ltr">Craig was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">In Ian Fleming’s Bond novel, <em>From Russia With Love</em>, a Soviet spy chief notes that 007 received the honour in 1953, and that it’s “an award usually given only on retirement from the Secret Service”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Outside of fiction, spies aren’t the only recipients of the honour, with diplomats and Brits working overseas also receiving it in recognition of their services to the UK “internationally”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-478ce96c-7fff-9a7f-a77e-852543e43824"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Craig, who holds citizenship in the US and is listed on the Investiture roll as being from New York, received the CMG in recognition of his service to film and theatre in the 2022 New Year Honours.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’ve been expecting you…</p> <p>🎖️The Princess Royal presents Daniel Craig with The Order of St Michael and St George - the same honour held by his character James Bond - in recognition of his outstanding contribution to film and theatre. <a href="https://t.co/X20TP6BogL">pic.twitter.com/X20TP6BogL</a></p> <p>— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1582319162307018752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">He was presented with the medal during Tuesday’s ceremony by Princess Anne, with the royal family sharing a photo of the pair on social media with the playful caption, “We’ve been expecting you”.</p> <p dir="ltr">After 15 years, Craig ended his time as the martini-slinging spy in 2021, starring in the film <em>No Time To Die</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">As for who will take the reins after Craig, Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson told <em><a href="https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/bond-producers-barbara-broccoli-and-michael-g-wilson-on-the-fate-and-future-of-007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empire</a></em> that <em>No Time To Die</em> wasn’t the end of the story for 007 - but it could take some time to find the actor’s replacement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When you change the actor you have to reimagine the direction the film's gonna go in. When you hire an actor, you're hoping you're going to spend a decade at least with them and make four or five or six films with them,” Broccoli said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's not just flicking through <em>Spotlight</em> and saying, 'Oh, there's a guy who's 6'1"' We're going to take our time. We want to get a sense of where we want to go with the series and we want to do that before we bring anybody else on.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d8cb95c6-7fff-c6e0-95a1-43d9141b8e48"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @RoyalFamily (Twitter)</em></p>

Movies

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Craig McLachlan films his own Neighbours finale tribute

<p>In honour of the final episode of <em>Neighbours</em> that aired on Thursday night, Craig McLachlan has shared a video in tribute to his role on the show.</p> <p>He posted the video to his Facebook page before the last Neighbours episode began, after he was noticeably excluded from being in the momentous episode.</p> <p>His tribute honoured his role as Henry Ramsay, brother of Kylie Minogue's character Charlene, in the show, which he played from 1987 to 1989.</p> <p>“I’m calling it, I’m declaring national bib and brace overalls day in honour of Henry Ramsay and of course to celebrate the Aussie super soap, <em>Neighbours</em>,” he said.</p> <p>“Do you know, I got the call to join the show way back in 1986? An exciting call that changed my life, a call that I’ll be forever grateful for."</p> <p>“Good memories, good people.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCraigMcLachlanOfficial%2Fvideos%2F354860523515103%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="429" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>While in character as Henry, he told himself, “Thanks for letting me be part of YOUR special <em>Neighbours</em> celebration, I really appreciate it."</p> <p>“Hey, I used to cop a lot of flack about this hair, but the mullet’s back, and the mullet’s here to stay and so is Henry Ramsay. Thanks again, I’ve got to finish this, love you guys,” he said.</p> <p>In his post, McLachlan said he put the clip together “to say goodbye to Henry and <em>Neighbours</em>”.</p> <p>“I loved my time on Neighbours, loved the cast and crew, love you all too! Hope you get a kick out of it,” he wrote.</p> <p>The video comes just after a spokesperson for McLachlan called his snub from the finale episode "<a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/why-craig-mclachlan-s-neighbours-finale-snub-is-so-devastating" target="_blank" rel="noopener">devastating</a>", while accusing the show's creators for succumbing to "cancel culture" to leave him out, after he was cleared of assault charges made against him by four women he worked with on the <em>Rocky Horror Show</em> live production in 2014.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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Why Craig McLachlan's Neighbours finale snub is so "devastating"

<p>Craig McLachlan has slammed "cancel culture" as the reason he was excluded from the final <em>Neighbours</em> episode. </p> <p>McLachlan played the brother of Kylie Minogue’s character Charlene, Henry Ramsay, in the beloved soap from 1987 to 1989, but was not invited back to the highly-anticipated show's finale. </p> <p>Craig accused the show's creators for succumbing to "cancel culture" to leave him out, after he was cleared of assault charges made by against him by four women he worked with on the Rocky Horror Show live production in 2014.</p> <p>He claims his past has now come back to haunt him, telling <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/19339434/neighbours-craig-mclachlan-cancel-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> he believes his legal troubles are the reason he was shunned from the show's star-packed finale, which will see a number of familiar faces reprise their roles.</p> <p>His entire onscreen family, including Kylie Minogue’s Charlene, his onscreen stepfather Harold Bishop, played by Ian Smith, and even a cameo from his on-screen late mother Madge (Anne Charleston) as a ghost, will give viewers one last show after 36 years on the air. </p> <p>A spokesperson for McLachlan said his on-screen mother being reincarnated so Anne Charleston can be involved in the episode was a particular sticking point for the actor. </p> <p>“Henry’s dead mother is being reincarnated for the final episode — but cancel culture won’t allow her son Henry to appear or even be acknowledged,” a spokeswoman for McLachlan exclusively told The Sun, going on to call the snub “devastating”.</p> <p>“What Craig and his partner have endured over the past four-and-a-half years — only to come out the other side and be confronted by, among other things, the attempted permanent erasing of his part in <em>Neighbours</em> history — is devastating,” the spokeswoman said.</p> <p>“Craig was not invited to take part in the closing episode or indeed to contribute in any way to the end of <em>Neighbours</em>."</p> <p>“Henry was, and continues to be, an all-time <em>Neighbours</em> favourite, a character Craig loves to this day. Craig happily and enthusiastically contributed to a number of <em>Neighbours</em> celebratory milestones over the years and was always so thrilled to be invited to partake.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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“Our hearts are broken”: Top chef dead at just 38

<p dir="ltr">The founder of a popular Japanese burger chain Ume Burger has died suddenly aged 38.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kerby Craig worked at Michelin star restaurants in the United Kingdom and Canada before coming back to Australia and started a new burger joint known as Ume Burger.</p> <p dir="ltr">The company announced the devastating news on their Instagram page, revealing that Kerby passed away on June 9. </p> <p dir="ltr">“With deep sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of our founder, our dearest son and brother, mentor and friend, Kerby Craig,” they wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Words can barely express our grief. Today, as we celebrate his life well-lived we also acknowledge the 10 year anniversary of the Ume brand established by Kerby in 2012 with a much loved fine dining Japanese restaurant in Surry Hills.”</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/CeuRPUcvkOR/?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/CeuRPUcvkOR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sydney Food Umeburger (@umeburger)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The business spoke about Kerby’s hard working ethic and passions from the age of 15, which eventually led to him creating the Ume Burger chain.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Kerby strived to live out his passions and worked tirelessly to make Ume what it is today, bringing joy and fun to people through good food. He was driven and free-spirited, pursuing his goals with a determination very few people possess,” the post continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“From a young age, Kerby’s independent nature revealed he would pave his own way through life, forging beautiful friendships and experiences along the way. At the age of 15 he left school and began working as an apprentice chef at Tetsuya Wakuda’s Rozelle restaurant, sparking a formidable career and life-long love of food and hospitality.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He worked his way through the best restaurants in London, Canada and Sydney to achieve what he set out to in his short life. There’s no easy passage to great success in hospitality, as many will know. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The long hours and hard work in Michelin star restaurants in the UK and hatted restaurants in Sydney took Kerby to his first great achievement of earning 6 consecutive hats at Koi, Woolwich. Following his departure from Koi he opened Ume and won his very own hat as both chef and owner.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Kerby’s devotion to cooking and business peaked through the creation of his pride and joy, Ume Burger. Through establishing Sydney’s premier fast-casual Japanese burger restaurant, Kerby created a living legacy that tens of thousands of foodies have experienced and loved, and will continue to across two landmark venues with a future vision we hope to deliver on.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kery was described as outspoken, passionate, carig, loyal and charismatic larrikin with a “larger than life personality”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“For anyone who spent any time with Keby, you walked away feeling happy and full. He loved Sydney hospitality, Japan, his sweet dog Bobby, his popcorn, snacks and adored his family and friends. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Kerby always found time for you, he had the biggest heart and an even greater laugh.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We extend our heartfelt thanks for your condolences. We express our gratitude to all who have supported Kerby in his journey and supported his businesses. We respectfully request privacy at this difficult time. A proper tribute wll be made in the coming week. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Ume restaurants will be open for business as usual, just as Kerby would have wanted. We are bereft. He was our everything. Our hearts are broken. Rest in Peace.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

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New twist to Craig McLachlan’s defamation case

<p dir="ltr">Craig McLachlan has suddenly dropped his defamation case against the <em>ABC</em>, <em>Sydney Morning Herald</em> and actress Christie Whelan-Browne on the same day the first of 11 women was due to give evidence against him.</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan launched the case in the NSW Supreme Court in relation to articles accusing him of touching, kissing and groping actresses without permission while working on<em> The Rocky Horror Show</em>, <em>Neighbours</em>, <em>City Homicide</em> and <em>The Doctor Blake Mysteries</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Barrister Michael Hodge QC told the court on Friday that he had “just been given notice that Mr McLachlan is applying for leave to discontinue the proceedings”.</p> <p dir="ltr">After adjourning for discussions, the court resumed at 2pm for the case to be withdrawn.</p> <p dir="ltr">Costs will also be determined against McLachlan.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday, actor and friend of McLachlan Daniel Thompson told the court his friend was loved by everyone in the industry until media reports accusing him of sexual assault and harrassment caused him to be shunned.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was fearing the worst,” Thompson said, who was the second person to testify about worrying McLachlan could take his own life.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thompson described McLachlan as “a very sensitive person” and said he was worried the reports would destroy him.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though McLachlan agreed he had made sexual jokes and pranks during his time on <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em>, including deep-throating bananas, he has denied the allegations made in 2018.</p> <p dir="ltr">He has also accused Ms Whelan Browne and two other women of approaching the media for notoriety or money.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>ABC</em>, Nine (who owns <em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em>) and Ms Whelan Browne have defended their stories as true.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-17674dc7-7fff-f80b-fb0d-9fffe344cfc5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Craig McLachlan's tearful partner takes the stand

<p dir="ltr">Craig McLachlan’s long-term partner has burst into tears in court as she recalled the moment he told her he was accused of sexual harassing his co-workers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Vanessa Scammell, McLachlan’s partner since 2021, took the stand at the NSW Supreme Court as the second week of the defamation trial begins.</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan is suing Christie Whelan Brown and media outlets ABC and Fairfax for defamation claims made in 2018 over reports of assault, indecent assault, harassment and exposing himself to female cast members of the <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em> during the 2014 production of the musical.</p> <p dir="ltr">He has continued to deny the allegations as the media outlets defend their claims on the basis of truth.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Scammell told the court that the cast of <em>The Rocky Horror Show</em> were affectionate with each other and would often greet each other with hugs and kisses.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also said that Ms Whelan Brown would “flick the elastic” on McLachlan’s shorts while making “interesting remarks”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She would make references to what was underneath the boxer pants and would flick him with a towel,” Ms Scammell told the court, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/actor-craig-mclachlan-sent-videos-of-himself-pretending-to-masturbate-to-female-costar/news-story/a77110fa715bacd9f68c13fce404fb71" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Scammell also revealed that Ms Whelan Brown would “flick Craig in the groin or backside” and saw her give him a “solid slap to the buttocks” backstage at a show in Melbourne.</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan’s partner was asked about how the pair felt when the accusations came out from ABC and Fairfax noting that he was “devastated, humiliated and destroyed”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was incapable of answering and I was worried about his mental state,” an upset Ms Scammell said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was so damaged that I could barely get a constructive sentence out of him”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that the couple only saw each other a week after the allegations broke.</p> <p dir="ltr">They ran into each other’s arms and fell to the ground where they “didn’t speak for 40 minutes”.</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan had earlier finished giving evidence for the fifth day of the trial where he told the court he sent videos of himself pretending to masturbate to Ms Whelan Brown.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actors had most recently worked together on the Network Ten television series The Wrong Girl from 2016 to 2017 and would use crude, sexual nicknames such as “gobbler and blumpkin”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Defence barrister Michael Hodge QC questioned McLachlan if the nicknames prompted him to send the videos.</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan once again said in the video he was pretending to masturbate and wasn’t in the toilet.</p> <p dir="ltr">He told the court that he would prank and make sexual jokes on the set of the musical like deep throating bananas, masturbating on crew members’ arms and using the nicknames.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Hodge questioned whether he would peel the banana to make it appear as a phallus, to which McLachlan said: “Well the banana is already the appropriate shape, but yes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The trial continues.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine News (2020)</em></p>

Legal

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Court releases backstage pics in Craig McLachlan defamation trial

<p dir="ltr">Craig McLachlan's defamation trial has shown several risqué photos with co-star Christie Whelan Brown whom he is suing.</p> <p dir="ltr">The images were released by Sydney's Supreme Court on Tuesday and were taken back in 2005 when the pair first met for the production of the musical <em>Grease</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan’s barrister, Kieran Smark told the court that the images were showing the sort of relationship the pair had before things turned sour. </p> <p dir="ltr">“They met, and he will tell you about becoming friends with her,” Mr Smark told the jury.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She‘s standing with her hands against the wall and pretending or playing at something to do with simulated sex, one supposes.”</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan took to the stand and told the court that Ms Whelan Brown had actually asked him to take the sexually suggestive photos, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/craig-mclachlans-backstage-pics-with-christie-whelan-browne-released-as-defamation-trial-continues/news-story/134f5b077a3ad81ef1b804460789e0cc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">He agreed to take the photos with her but rejected her offer of pulling her hair.</p> <p dir="ltr">He explained that their relationship was “terrific”, with “lots of laughs” and they got on “fabulously well”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Whelan Brown is expected to give evidence at a later date as the trial continues.</p> <p dir="ltr">McLachlan is suing Ms Whelan Brown and media outlets ABC and Fairfax for defamation claims made in 2018 over reports of assault, indecent assault, harassment and exposing himself to female cast members during the 2014 production of the musical.</p> <p dir="ltr">The media outlets are defending the claims on the basis of truth.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Sydney Supreme Court</em></p>

News

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Daniel Craig opens up on private moment with the Queen

<p>Actor Daniel Craig has reflected on the time he spent with Queen Elizabeth while filming the opening <em>James Bond</em> skit for the London 2012 Olympics. </p> <p>The 53-year-old actor appeared on <em>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert</em> on Wednesday, where the talk show host asked what Her Majesty is like behind closed doors. </p> <p>"I understand that you may not be able to answer this question, but I'm gonna ask anyway: What's she like in private?" the US TV host said.</p> <p>To which the 007 star replied, "Very funny. Very funny."</p> <p>He said the Queen was "cracking a joke" at the actor's expense when they were posing for a photo opportunity. </p> <p>Daniel recalled, "We were having our photographs taken and she just went, 'Oh no, he's the one that doesn't smile. Fair enough!'"</p> <p>He also admitted that in between filming the skit in Buckingham Palace, he was "rolling around on the floor" with the Queen's corgis.</p> <p>He said, "I think they have their own footmen, they're very friendly."</p> <p>In the famous skit, Daniel Craig portrays his famous <em>James Bond</em> persona, as he arrives at Buckingham Palace to escort the Queen to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. </p> <p>The memorable scene ended with stunt performers, doubling for Bond and the Queen, jumping out of the helicopter and parachuting into the stadium.</p> <p>Speaking about the skit in 2012, Daniel said, "It wasn't supposed to be funny. It was supposed to be serious."</p> <p>"She was fun, incredibly game. We had a short space of time and I was a bit grumpy as it was my day off and suddenly I am at the Palace with the Queen at her private chamber."</p> <p>"And she improvises a little bit. She was supposed to be sitting at the desk and she asked if she could write, so she pretended to write."</p> <p>In 2019, the Queen's dressmaker and confidante Angela Kelly revealed it took "just five minutes" to persuade Her Majesty to appear in the skit. </p> <p>You can watch the iconic skit below. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1AS-dCdYZbo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em>Image credits: YouTube - Olympics</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“I think she was taken aback”: Rami Malek’s surprising chat with Kate Middleton

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek claims he caught Kate Middleton “off-guard” during one of their brief conversations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 40-year-old actor appeared on </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://youtu.be/DsZC0ugWdr0" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jimmy Kimmel Live</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on Wednesday following the premiere of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">No Time to Die</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in which he appeared as Bond’s adversary.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sharing that he crossed paths with the Duchess of Cambridge at the London premiere, Malek revealed that it was an earlier encounter at the 2019 BAFTA Awards that had an impact.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I just looked at Princess Kate at one point and said, ‘This must be exhausting’,” he </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/rami-malek-says-he-caught-kate-middleton-offguard-with-one-question/news-story/8a4e9e45f2d9076f00bb8e91416f1329" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">recalled</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She said, ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘You just had a baby right?’. I think she was taken aback. She said, ‘How are you doing?’ and I said, ‘No, how are you?’.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> “And in the most regal, elegant way, she’s like well, you know, gave me a look, but you can tell. Imagine, dressed to the nines, you have to talk to all these actors.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The conversation took place 10 months after Kate gave birth to Prince Louis, her and Prince William’s third child.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was so cool, because I think I caught her off-guard for a second and [she] had that look of, in the most elegant, professional, royal way, ‘Yes, it’s a lot having a kid,” he added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Actor Daniel Craig also had some kind words with Kate at the London premiere of his final James Bond film.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You look jolly lovely!” he told her, as she graced the red carpet with a glittering gold gown.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Though Craig is unsure as to who will be taking on the spy next, Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and Henry Cavill are believed to be the top candidates.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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