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Hamish Blake reveals single most life-changing interview moment

Hamish Blake has revealed the A-list celebrity's candid answer to an interview questions that had a profound impact on his perspective. The radio and TV host appeared on the latest episode of the ABC program The Assembly, in which celebrities appear in front of a classroom of Australian university students, all of whom are autistic and studying journalism, and have permission to ask whatever questions they want. After Blake's extensive career, student Silas was keen to ask about what celebrity had the biggest impact on him. “You’ve interviewed a lot of people over the years, what answer to a question has most changed your perspective on life?” Silas asked a clearly-impressed Blake. “Ooooh … really good,” he responded. “We had Richard Branson on [Hamish and Andy], and one of the guys on our radio show, Jack, he basically said to him, ‘You are a billionaire. Can we just go downstairs to the ATM, can you give me a thousand dollars? It’s nothing to you but it will change my month’.” Blake went on to explain that the British entrepreneur gave a surprising response that has stayed with him ever since. “He was like, ‘I’ll tell you what – there’s something I’d give you all my money for’, and Jack’s like, ‘really?’ and [Richard] goes, ‘your age’. “I was like, that’s interesting. Jack was 22, and we were like, ‘What do you mean by that?’ and he said, 'I’d happily be broke and 22 than a billionaire and 68’, or whatever he was at the time.” Blake said the answer had "always stuck with him" and given him a new appreciation for ageing and freedom. “It’s true. I think that it will be true for all of us. As we get older, you’re like, ‘OK, money’s thing in life, a tool that can certainly take some bad situations and discomfort away, but it’s not happiness’. It’s nowhere near the exhilaration of getting to live, and all the best stuff is free,” he said. “I think about that all the time … That always stuck with me, that idea that we’ve got something immediately available to us, that in the future we’d give all our material possessions for.” Image credits: ABC

Pilot identified after horror helicopter crash

The young pilot who died after his helicopter plummeted into the roof of a Cairns hotel has been identified. Blake Wilson, a 23-year-old from New Zealand, was flying the twin-engine chopper for only a few minutes before it crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Far North Queensland. Wilson had been celebrating a farewell party with co-workers just hours before the horror incident. Nautilus Aviation, the company that owned the helicopter, confirmed the pilot had worked for them as a ground crew member for about four months and had been celebrating one final day with colleagues before moving to another air base. In an updated statement on Tuesday night, police said initial investigations suggested Mr Wilson, who died at the scene, was the sole occupant of the helicopter at the time of the crash. Following his tragic death, Nautilus Aviation issued a statement saying, “We would like to address rumours regarding a gathering of some Nautilus Aviation employees, including off-duty pilots, on Sunday night.” “We can confirm this event did occur and was a privately organised send-off for the individual involved in Monday morning’s incident, who was recently promoted to a ground crew position at another one of our bases." While the company did not identify the pilot the time, they did reveal they held a New Zealand pilot’s licence. “Although the employee held a New Zealand CPL (H) pilot’s licence, they have never flown in Australia or for Nautilus Aviation and were not authorised to fly Nautilus Aviation helicopters,” company statement read. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy and continue to offer our support to our employees during this very challenging period.” Mr Wilson had moved from New Zealand to Cairns for his flying training to follow his dreams of being a pilot at Christchurch Helicopters. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Huge names on board to overturn Hamish and Andy’s Olympic Village ban

Hamish and Andy's lifetime ban from entering the Olympic village could soon be overturned, as high profile supporters sign a petition for their return. Just last week the duo made headlines around the country when Andy revealed that he and Hamish copped the ban from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2012, after they <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/hilarious-reason-why-hamish-and-andy-are-banned-for-life-from-olympic-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broke security protocols</a> at the London Games. The boys, who were invited to the event, could not get into the Olympic village due to a clerical error, so they decided to sneak in with the help of an Aussie who helped them get in through someone else's pass. After telling the hilarious story on air, Triple M's Rush Hour have launched a petition called: “We Urge the IOC to Revoke Hamish and Andy’s Olympic Ban.” Several high profile individuals have since signed the petition including Mark Geyer, Grant Hackett, Tom Rockliffe and Wil Anderson. And now, Queensland premier Steven Miles has also jumped on board. “This does sound like a real injustice to me,” he said on the show on Thursday. “I’ve been hearing about your campaign and I’ve signed the petition.” He also said that he would do whatever he can to convince the IOC to have the ban overturned by the time Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032. “I’ll do whatever I can to try to convince the IOC to make changes, and obviously come 2032, we’ll have some say in the arrangements then too,” he said. “Hamish and Andy, they’ve served their time, and it’s time to let them back in.” Image: Triple M

Travel Trouble

Hilarious reason why Hamish and Andy are "banned for life" from Olympic village

It's not easy to get banned from the Olympic village, but somehow Andy Lee and Hamish Blake have managed to do just that. Despite being warned to “not to talk about this ever”, Andy threw caution to the wind during an interview with Triple M's The Rush Hour With Leisel Jones, Liam & Dobbo on Tuesday. He explained that he and Hamish copped the ban from the International Olympic Committee after an incident during the 2012 London games. “Hamish and I were given the honour of speaking to the (Australian) Olympians before it started,” Andy began. “There’s a lot of applications and security you have to fill out to get into the Olympic village … and someone who filled out the forms put my birth date as that day’s date," he continued. Despite that fact that it was clearly an admin error, the authorities refused entry to the duo on the day of the speech. Funnily enough, a quick-thinking Aussie came to the rescue and managed to sneak him in. “I won’t name who, but someone on the team said, ‘Hey, I can bring an outfit out. You look a little bit like one of the high jumpers,’” Andy recalled. “Suddenly I went through on someone else’s (pass) and we snuck in, which was obviously a huge breach of security at a time when they were trying to prove that security was tight.” Hamish and Andy delivered their speech and mingled with all the athletes, but their little lie was called out 90 minutes later, when the security team realised they'd been tricked. “They dragged us and put us in separate rooms and there was a lot of interrogation,” Andy said. “We were … just tight-lipped, and then the head of security came in.” In another stroke of luck, the head of security turned out to be an Aussie, who recognised the duo. “He went, ‘Hamish and Andy, what are you guys doing here?’ We explained, and he was more understanding,” the comedian said. However, because of their actions, the Australian Olympic team was also punished, with some of their visitor passes revoked. “That’s why I wasn’t really proud of what happened,” Andy said. “I hate the fact that some people missed out.” The IOC also made it clear to the duo that they weren't welcome back to the village. “We had to agree to be banned for life,” Andy recalled to the amusement of the Triple M hosts. Liam Flanagan jokingly suggested to Andy: “I think the campaign needs to start here. We need the ban lifted for Brisbane 2032!” To which he replied: “or, (we could try) another sneak in … let’s double down!” Images: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Hamish Blake shares major health scare

Hamish Blake has shared the details of a drastic health that resulted in surgery and a series of stitches on his face. The TV presenter took to Instagram to share the news with his followers, revealing that he had to have a skin cancer cut from his forehead. While he was quick to make a joke about the procedure, calling it a “mini-facelift”, he followed up with a serious message for his followers. Sharing a close-up photo of the stitches in his forehead, he wrote: “Got a mini facelift! I love it!” “I’m doing the other side in a few weeks. #love #tinylift #bitbybit.” But in the second photo, he wrote, “OK not really ... This is my reminder to anyone who needs it (ie: everyone) to get your skin checked every six months.” He added, “By the way, everything is totally fine, but glad she got caught very early).” After a particularly harsh summer, Hamish Blake joins a long line of celebs who have battled skin cancers, while reminding Aussies to keep on top of their routine skin checks. <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hugh-jackman-s-health-scare" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hugh Jackman</a> had two biopsies after doctors became concerned that he may have skin cancers on his nose. While the tests came back clear, the Hollywood legend issued a warning to his followers, saying if his scare “reminds even one person to put on sunscreen with a high SPF, then I’m happy.” Journalist and news presenter <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/deb-knight-urges-influencers-to-stop-glorifying-tanning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deb Knight</a> also issued a recent warning about “glorifying tanning” after sharing the results of her annual skin check up. Knight shared a series of photos showing the sun damage on her skin, writing, "Got off pretty lightly from my annual skin check. Just a few barnacles zapped but nothing serious this time round.” "Timely reminder to get your skin checked and protect it from the sun in the first place," she added, before tagging two melanoma treatment specialists and the Melanoma Institute Australia. Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Caring

Update on Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's terrifying break-in

Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have revealed details of the terrifying break-in at their rental home in Woollahra, while the couple and their two children, Rudy and Sonny, slept. The thief, identified as Daniel Booth, broke into the couple's four-bedroom home in December 2021 and stole the keys to their Land Rover and Zoe's bag which contained the keys to her Tesla, $1000 in cash, and her designer wallet. Booth was arrested hours later, with the help of a tracking device installed in the stolen Land Rover, and faced Sydney Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to a raft of charges related to a crime spree which occurred at the time, including a few other stolen vehicles and bags. Booth also admitted to groping a female Corrective Services officer while in custody before telling her: "Sorry miss." In 2018, Booth was serving a jail sentence for robbery with a serious weapon, and was released on parole in late 2021 before committing his Sydney-wide crime spree only weeks later, before getting arrested again after stealing from the Blakes. Crown prosecutor Maeve Curry revealed that the thief has been complaining of "paranoia and delusional thoughts" over the past 18 months, so the sentencing judge would have to balance "the community's interest in protection and also in punishment being imposed' against the difficulty of 'his personal circumstances'." Judge Donna Woodburne will sentence Booth in February 2024. He will remain behind bars until he returns to court. Image: Getty

Legal

Stepson of billionaire trapped on sub called out for gross behaviour

The stepson of the billionaire trapped onboard the OceanGate Titanic submersible has been called out online for attending a rock concert while his step-father remains missing in the Atlantic Ocean. Brian Szasz is the stepson of billionaire Hamish Harding, who is trapped on the missing vessel along with four others, days after the group left on an expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic. While rescue efforts continue to locate the group, Szasz has caused a stir online after being spotted with a beaming smile attending a Blink-182. Among those furious and confused by Szasz's actions was rapper Cardi B, who slammed the man on Instagram to her 167 million followers. "One of the billionaires that's missing underwater from that submarine s–t …Their stepson is at a concert, right?" Cardi B starts. The rapper noted that she felt that attending a concert, and post about it online amid the search and rescue of a loved one felt tone deaf. "People is like, um, 'What is he supposed to do? Be sad at the house? Is he supposed to go look for him himself?' Yes," she said. "Isn't it sad that you a whole f—ing billionaire and nobody gives a f–k about you?" the rapper asks. "That's crazy. I'd rather be broke. I'd rather be broke and poor, but knowing that I'm loved." Szasz fired back at the rapper, telling her to "show some class for once in your life", while he responded to the media storm after he claimed his family "would've wanted him to go" to the concert. "Yes, I went to @Blink182 last night. What am I supposed to do, sit at home and watch the news? Not sorry this band has helped me through hard times since 1998." Just hours after the online backlash over attending the concert, Szasz was once again being slammed online for flirting with an OnlyFans model on Twitter. Szasz retweeted an image of Only Fans it-girl Brea flashing her backside in a G-string with the caption, “can i sit on u” on the social media site, with Szasz responding, “Yes please!” The post came just minutes after he asked followers to “please keep my family in your prayers.” One commenter wrote of the unusual behaviour, “Lmao quote tweeting a thirst trap while your stepdad is lost at sea is wild business”, as another slammed, “Unreal to be tweeting this [right now.]” Another user added, “This guy loves blink-182 and having ladies sit on his face and he’s not afraid to let the world know.” Image credits: Facebook / Action Aviation

Family & Pets

Project host Hamish MacDonald ties the knot

The Project host Hamish MacDonald has married his longtime partner, Jacob Fitzroy, with his co-hosts sharing snaps of the wedding online. Pictures of the special day were posted on The Project’s Twitter account as MacDonald deactivated his social media accounts in 2020. The three shots saw the TV host donning a traditional Scottish kilt, while Fitzroy dazzled in a classic black tux and white bow tie. In one image, the pair were shown in an outdoor setting surrounded by friends being showered with confetti. Another snap shows the newlyweds smiling sweetly at each other. In a video posted on Twitter, co-host Georgie Tunny announced the news, saying, “There has been a wedding in The Project family this weekend; our very own Hamish MacDonald and his longtime partner Jacob. “Here are some cheeky little snaps – don’t they both look stupidly handsome and so gorgeous. And we are so thrilled for them. They could not look more in love.” She went on to say that she would “start crying”. “They are so beyond beautiful.” Sarah Harris added, “I love the kilt,” while Michael Hing joked, “Didn’t get an invite for some reason, don’t know why.” The others were quick to note he was working. Tunny said, “I just hope that they had the most magical day.” MacDonald made his first red carpet appearance with Fitzroy in June 2019 when they attended the GQ Gentlemen’s Ball in Melbourne, where the TV host was serving as moderator. “I’m always proud to stand beside my best friend and favourite human,” he captioned an image of him and Fitzroy kissing in a photo booth. “And while I hope that one day soon it won’t be newsworthy to hold the hand of the person you love, for now, we’d both like to say thank you for the overwhelming messages of love and support.” The lead-up to the nuptials wasn't all smooth sailing with the police called to a party at MacDonald’s Sydney home in March 2023 following complaints from neighbours after festivities allegedly continues for six hours. The party was reportedly held to celebrate the upcoming wedding. Image credit: Twitter

Relationships

Robert Blake dies at 89

Actor Robert Blake has died at the age of 89. In a statement released on behalf of his niece, Noreen Austin, said that Blake had died from heart disease, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles. The former child actor was renowned for two reasons. His Emmy-winning role in the 1970s television series Baretta made him a household name among actors of his generation. More notably, he became known as the defendant in a murder trial of his wife. Born Michael James Gubitosi in 1933 in Nutley, New Jersey, his father was an Italian immigrant, and his mother was an Italian-American who wanted their three children to get into show business. When Blake was 2, he was performing with a brother and a sister in a family vaudeville act called The Three Little Hillbillies. In 1961, he and actress Sondra Kerr married and had two children, Noah and Delinah. They divorced in 1983. He met his second wife, Bonny Lee Bailey, in 1999, at a jazz club where, ironically, he went to escape loneliness. "Here I was, 67 or 68 years old. My life was on hold. My career was stalled out," he said in an interview with the Associated Press. Blake told the outlet he had no reason to dislike Bakley. "She took me out of the stands and put me back in the arena. I had something to live for.” When Bakley gave birth to a baby girl, she named Christian Brando, son of Marlon, as the father. However, DNA tests pointed towards Blake. Blake first saw the little girl, named Rosie, when she was two months old and immediately became the focus of his life. He married Bakley because of Rosie. "Rosie is my blood. Rosie is calling to me," he said. On the day Balkey died, Blake was dining with her at a neighbourhood restaurant in Studio City, California, in 2001. Bakley was fatally shot outside the restaurant. Blake claimed she was shot when he left her in the car and went back to the restaurant to retrieve the handgun he had mistakenly left behind. Police were initially baffled, and Blake was not arrested until a year after Bakley died. The story of their strange marriage made waves soon after, from the child it produced and its violent end all played out in court. While imprisoned and awaiting trial in 2002, Blake told the Associated Press in an interview that he lamented his change in status with fans nationwide. "It hurt because America is the only family I had," he said. The actor was adamant that he had not killed his wife. Prosecutors claimed that he planned to kill his wife to get sole custody of their daughter Rosie and that he had tried to hire hitmen for the job. However, the evidence was not substantial, and a jury rejected that theory. In March 2005, a jury ultimately acquitted him of the murder. However, in November 2005, a civil jury found him liable for her wrongful death. Blake was then ordered to pay Bakley’s family $30 million, a judgement which sent him bankrupt. When he was young, Blake starred in the Our Gang comedies and acted in the classic film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. His career peaked in 1975-78 with the cop series, Baretta. He starred as a detective who carried a pet cockatoo on his shoulder and was keen on disguises. He won an Emmy in 1975 for his portrayal of Tony Baretta, although behind the scenes, the show was riddled with disputes involving the temperamental star. He is, however, perhaps best known in Hollywood due to his major role in the film In Cold Blood. Blake gained a reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest actors but also one of the most difficult to work with. He later admitted to struggling with alcohol and drug addiction in his early life. Once a wealthy man, Blake spent millions on his defence and ended up living on social security and a Screen Actor’s guild pension. In a 2006 interview with the Associated Press, a year after being acquitted, he said he hoped to restart his career. "I'd like to give my best performance," he said. "I'd like to leave a legacy for Rosie about who I am. I'm not ready for a dog and fishing pole yet. I'd like to go to bed each night, desperate to wake up each morning and create some magic." Image credit: Getty

News

"Our Berty boy has died": Zoe and Hamish mourn the passing of beloved cat

Zoe and Hamish Blake are mourning the death of their beloved cat just days after their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/inside-hamish-and-zoe-foster-blake-s-insane-10th-wedding-anniversary-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10th wedding anniversary</a>. The skincare mogul shared the devastating news to Instagram with a series of photos with their pet cat, Meowbert. “Our Berty boy has died. In his sleep, on his favourite chair. How fortunate we were to share his life, to have his company, his affection, his energy and presence with us every day,” her caption began. “Sixteen years of exquisite companionship, affection, sweet little paw pads and the specific and lovely knowledge that the smallest heartbeat in our family was always nearby.” Zoe then revealed that she and Meowbert fell in love with Hamish at the same time, making his passing more difficult. “Oh, I will miss him deeply! He sat on my desk as I wrote, he moved around from apartment to apartment with me in my twenties,” she continued. <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/CmIs04tPrIV/?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/CmIs04tPrIV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ZOË FOSTER BLAKE (@zotheysay)</a> </div> </blockquote> “He fell in love with Hamish at the same time I did, he permitted our babies to pat and tug and chase him, he allowed me to cuddle his soft, arthritis-riddled body every morning...There was no finer feline, no cuter face, no better friend. “Vale Meowbert.” Several of the couple’s friends and followers offered their condolences following Meowbert’s death. “I’m so sorry to hear this news, what a lovely companion,” one wrote. “Oh Zoe.I’m so sorry. What a wonderful friend he was to you. I’m so glad I met him !! He had the BEST life. Sending big love,” another commented. “Oh Zo, I’m so sorry. What a beautiful Berry boy he was. Sending love!” someone else wrote. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Inside Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's insane 10th wedding anniversary party

Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in style. The power couple threw a Swinging Sixties-inspired party with the theme “1964 wedding” at their stunning $9 million mansion in Sydney. With a guest list of high profile celebrities including comedian Andy Lee and radio host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, the party sure was a banger. The loved up couple dressed up as newlyweds with Hamish donning a light blue suit with a cigar and Zoe in a mini sleeveless wedding dress. It seems like no expenses were spared either with the party featuring a tiered wedding cake, as well as authentic table settings, glassware and décor. Hamish took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the fun party, joking that he and Zoe got married in 1964. “58 years ago in 1964 my trillion carat wife @zotheysay and I tied the knot but I swear to god babe, it only feels like 10. xx 😘 (PS heckava night),” his caption read. “Our 10-year wedding anniversary party. The theme was ‘1964 Wedding’ for no other reason than it seemed very fun, and we love Mad Men. (Also, each other! Very much!),” Zoe’s caption read. She included another post revealing who was there: “Our party theme of ‘1964 Wedding’ left it wide open: we had six brides and grooms, two priests, wedding singers, numerous bridesmaids, and several drunk uncles. And a lot of fake cigarettes.” All their posts were inundated with congratulations from friends and fans. Images: Instagram

Relationships

Julie Goodwin puts colleague in his place

Julie Goodwin appeared as a host on The Sunday Project and was quick to have the audience in stitches. The beloved MasterChef Australia star was introduced by co-host Hamish MacDonald who expressed his disappointment that she didn’t cook something for the team. “Please put your hands together for the one and only, MasterChef's Julie Goodwin,” Hamish said. “It's great to see you, but I'm not happy that you didn't bring snacks.” Julie was quick and witty in her response: “If we're going to be colleagues, get used to that!” The rest of the panel and the audience laughed before Hamish responded sarcastically saying Julie is “so much nicer in real life”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheProjectTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheProjectTV</a> is coming live from the traditional lands of the Gadigal People. We begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. <a href="https://t.co/pIvth3zTAN">pic.twitter.com/pIvth3zTAN</a> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1548586383752810499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2022</a></blockquote> Following the finale of MasterChef Fans & Favourites, Julie had managed to make it to the top five before she was eliminated for presenting a burnt sticky date pudding to the judges. The 51-year-old accepted the decision and was asked by guest host Mitch Tambo what she has “against sweets”. “It's just not my jam, so to speak. I'm a savoury kind of a cook. So you know, I do desserts when I need to... it's just not my forte,” she said. “I would have preferred any one of the other courses but you get what you're given on MasterChef. You've got to run with it.” Julie recently opened up about her fear of rejoining the series after winning the first ever season of MasterChef. "It was pretty scary because there was a feeling there that everything's on the line. I won the show 13 years ago and built a career out of that," she said. "To put myself back into that situation, that competition, I felt like I may be risking all of that.” Images: Channel 10

Patti Newton's heartwarming Logies moment

Patti Newton took to the Logies stage to a standing ovation, before introducing and presenting the newly renamed ‘Bert Newton award for the Most Popular Presenter. Standing in front of an early photo of herself with her late husband, Patti spoke about her grief and how she knew Bert would always be with her. "I actually didn't think I was going to be able to do this tonight, because it is still very raw and I will never get over him not being here," she told the audience. "But I know he is with me. And here... he is inside me,” she added, going on to explain the ‘Bert’ necklace she was spotted wearing on the red carpet earlier that night. "My daughter had this Bert [necklace] made for me, so I will be wearing this forever around my neck,” Patti said “I will know who I am and when I cannot remember anymore, I will say who's that? It will be Bert." Patti reflected on her late husband’s “bravery”, the great experiences he had throughout his TV career, and one of the things he really loved. "He really did live his dream," she said, "but the one thing he really loved was this show, the Logies. This was his baby." She added that Bert had another “love”: his daughter Lauren, son Matthew, and six grandchildren. “I have been his partner for 57 years, it is a long time,” she said, prompting an eruption of applause she quickly responded to. "Thank you, but I don't need applause because I have loved every minute of those 57 years.” Patti then introduced the award named in Bert’s honour. "I've been so blessed that he chose me, and I think that's why we're so pleased that the award for the most popular presenter is going to be known as the 'Bert Newton Award for the Most Popular Presenter'," she said. "I was only thinking today, if I could just ask him how he feels about this particular award being named in his honour, and I'm absolutely certain that he would say, 'What? Not the gold, then?" she joked. To end her speech, Patti said: "He never wanted to be forgotten, so I hope he never is." She then presented the award to Hamish Blake for presenting Nine’s Lego Masters. On receiving the award, Blake said the fact that Bert “loved what he did” was something that struck him, and spoke of the late presenter’s generosity and kindness. “There will never be another Bert,” he said. See the full list of 2022 Logie winners below. <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Newsreader, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Drama Series) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Richard Roxburgh, Fires, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Actor) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Anna Torv, The Newsreader, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Actress) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Project – Brittany Higgins Interview, Network 10 (Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Incarceration Nation, NITV (Most Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Heather Mitchell, Love Me, BINGE and FOXTEL (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Supporting Actress) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Colin Friels, Wakefield, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Supporting Actor) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Fires, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Outstanding Miniseries or Telemovie) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Gogglebox Australia, FOXTEL (Most Popular Entertainment Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Bluey, ABC (Most Outstanding Children’s Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Guy Pearce, Jack Irish, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Popular Actor) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Tony Armstrong, News Breakfast, ABC (Graham Kennedy Award For Most Popular New Talent) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Project, Network 10 (Most Popular Panel or Current Affairs Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Kitty Flanagan, Fisk, ABC (TV WEEK Silver Logie – Most Popular Actress) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Hamish Blake, Lego Masters Australia, 9Network (Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, Network 10 (Most Outstanding Reality Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Jacki Weaver, Yellowstone, Stan (TV Week Silver Logie – Most Popular Australian Actor Or Actress In An International Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network 10 (Most Popular Comedy Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020, Seven Network (Most Outstanding Sports Coverage) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> MasterChef Australia, Network 10 (Most Popular Reality Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Travel Guides, 9Network (Most Popular Lifestyle Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Home And Away, Seven Network (Most Popular Drama Program) </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Lego Masters Australia, 9Network (Most Outstanding Entertainment or Comedy Program) </li> </ul> Image: Nine

Surprise favourite heading into Logies weekend

With the Logies just around the corner, debates about who could take home the Gold Logie are heating up, with gambling platforms even weighing in on who it could be. Radio star Hamish Blake has been dubbed a “shoo-in” for the award, but Sportsbet claims Channel 7’s Sonia Kruger could be tipped to nab the award instead, per <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/awards/logies/sportsbet-betting-odds-hint-sonia-kruger-is-hot-on-hamish-blakes-tail-for-gold-logie/news-story/06132b23f0f63ab0760c5d5ab77b766d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. Though Blake is still the frontrunner, with betting at $1.80, it’s come as a drop from $1.40 over the past few weeks. Meanwhile, Kruger has gone from $6 to $4, making her the second favourite. Following close behind is MasterChef’s Melissa Leong at $5.50, with Home and Away star Ray Meagher sitting at $10 and I’m a Celeb’s Julie Morris on $11. A victory for Kruger has been a long time coming, with her 20-year career being recognised with a nomination for Most Popular Personality. Speaking to <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/06/2022-gold-logie-nominee-sonia-kruger.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TV Tonight</a> earlier in the week, the 56-year-old said it was “high time” a women nabbed the award, noting that most of the male nominees already have a Gold Logie to their name. “And it’s not a popularity contest but I did host every show on Channel 7 last year and deserve it more than everyone else,” she joked. Sportsbet’s Sean Ormerod echoed the sentiment. “Sonia would be a deserved winner if she takes home the Gold,” he said. “There isn’t much she hasn’t appeared on, Big Brother, Holey Moley, Dancing With The Stars, to name a few, and there’s no doubt her popularity with the voting public.” The 62nd TV Week Logie Awards is set to air on Channel Nine this Sunday at 7pm, with live voting for the Gold Logie open from now until the red carpet telecast. To vote for your favourite from the short-list of nominees, head <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/awards/oscars/the-will-smith-slap-has-no-place-at-the-oscars-but-absolutely-belongs-at-the-logies/news-story/91b43d68880147bb09c11961703acbb5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Getty Images

Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake snap up stunning natural retreat

Lego Masters Australia host Hamish Blake and author Zoe Foster Blake have jumped on the celebrity bandwagon heading south of Sydney after spending more than $4 million on a scenic home. The celebrity couple are <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/inside-hamish-and-zoe-blakes-43m-new-house-on-the-nsw-south-coast/?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the latest</a> to buy into the south coast, following on from recent purchases made by Deborah Hutton and Gerry Harvey in the area. Their new six-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Jamberoo - about an hour and a half south of Sydney - was last sold in 1996 for $566,000, but has undergone extensive renovations since. According to the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-jamberoo-137476998" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a>, the home is nestled in “some of the most stunning scenery in Australia”, offering “breathtaking views of verdant valleys and hills to a sparkling seascape beyond”. It also has views of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Illawarra from the outdoor balcony that wraps around the entire house and looks over a croquet lawn. Spread out across just one level, the home’s interiors include an open plan dining room and gourmet kitchen, a lounge room with a stone fireplace, and bedrooms housed within two separate wings that also come with their own en-suites. Outside, the 7.47-acre property also includes an orchard with lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit trees, a herb and vegetable garden, and a double-car garage set up as a teenagers retreat complete with a billiard table and separate sitting area. The home is another large addition to the couple’s real estate portfolio which comes just a year after they dropped a whopping $8.925 million on a home in Vaucluse. The home was sold to the couple by Ray White’s Michelle Lay. Images: @zotheysay (Instagram), Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Tempers flare on The Project over mandatory vaccinations

Tuesday night’s episode of The Project saw two hosts clash over mandatory vaccinations. A disagreement between Kate Langbroek and Hamish McDonald played out on live television following a news segment about mandatory jabs for employees in some workplaces. Langbroek shared that the pair had disagreed on the issue in an earlier off-air briefing. “You weren’t calling me a gentleman at that point,” MacDonald said. “Nearly everyone was (pro) mandatory vaccine, but I’m not mandatory vaccine for work,” Langbroek explained. “I’m not anti-vax,” she admitted, “but I’m very uncomfortable prescribing mandatorily to people what they have to put in their bodies to work or participate in - I’m just not.” She argued that her aversion may be due to her upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness. “They had the concept of disfellowshipping, which I find so repugnant. I hate the thought that people will be disfellowshipped from their lives because they have hesitation or doubts about the vaccination,” she said. But, MacDonald countered that her doubts could be impacting others. “So as an employer, you’re responsible not just to Kate, who might be cautious, you’re responsible to all your employees, right?” he said. “If you let Kate continue to come into work, you can transmit it to us and then we can transmit it to our families. If you want to visit…” “That’s when your vaccine has to do its work, mate!” Langbroek interrupted. “And my vaccine.” “But the vaccine doesn’t prevent you from contracting the virus or transmitting it, it just reduces the likelihood that you will end up in hospital or that you will die,” MacDonald explained. “The reality is, if someone comes to our workplace, gives it to me, I can take it to a residential aged care facility, where my father might be, and then spread it through there. I don’t want to do that,” he said. “People bringing Covid into the workplace is not safe.” Though Langbroek agreed with his point, she pressed that it shouldn’t be mandatory to get the jab. “If you had the right to go into your workplace and feel protected, does someone else also not have the right to decide what they put in their body?” The fiery conversation came to an end with Langbroek pointing out that she has had one dose of the vaccine and one of her children was vaccinated earlier that day. Image: The Project / Channel 10

Blake Lively shares cheeky snap promoting Ryan Reynolds’ new film

Blake Lively has shared a cheeky bikini photo to help promote her husband Ryan Reynolds’ new film. The former Gossip Girl actress shared a rare photo of herself on Instagram where she donned the swimsuit and is standing on her tiptoes with her back to the camera. “Go see @freeguymovie this weekend or you’ll be bummed,” she captioned the photo. <img style="width: 281.6500711237553px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843288/https___prodstatic9net-10.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cef11b776ba242d98e4e98d0d6bb2bca" /> Image: 9honey To add in some humour, the star included a GIF of Reynolds with a shocked expression. After sharing the snap, Reynolds posted his own sweet message of gratitude towards his wife on social media, along with a photo of the pair smiling together. “Free guy wouldn’t be the movie it is without @blakelively,” Reynolds captioned the picture. “She was essential in every part of the making of this film, creatively and emotionally, and the cameo everyone is talking about was entirely her idea. #WorkWife.” <img style="width: 289.56422018348627px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843289/placeholder_681f82a242f00893_1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fc124c89c9984dd1959ff2fcf99038fd" /> Image: Blake Lively / Instagram Earlier this month, Reynolds and Lively appeared at the premiere of Free Guy in New York. Pictured walking the red carpet together, Reynolds joked that it was the first time their relationship had been announced on Instagram. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSJdQCmLeXV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSJdQCmLeXV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)</a> </div> </blockquote> “What a huge night for #FreeGuy. And what a huge night for @blakelively because this means we’re Instagram official,” he captioned several photos from the event. “I know how important that was to her.” Image: Blake Lively / Instagram

Relationships

The Project reunion: Hamish comes home!

Hamish Macdonald will return to The Project after 18 months as the host of Q+A. The 40-year-old revealed that he would be returning to Channel 10 just 48 hours after he announced his exit from the iconic ABC current affairs program on Monday. Hamish joined Q+A in February last year following the departure of the founding presenter, Tony Jones, who spent 12 years there. Hamish will reunite with Lisa Wilkinson as co-host of The Sunday Project. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842591/scott-morrison-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0a825038d88e48188b8c127941f58c76" /> "I am over the moon to be returning to 10 and thrilled about the opportunity to make great local and international content with this dynamic group of producers and presenters," Hamish said in a statement from Channel 10. "It is also a total joy to be heading back to the desk with Lisa, Tommy [Little] and the people I love so much," he added. Hamish previously worked for Network 10 between 2010 and 2013. He rejoined in 2017 as a regular host of The Sunday Project. In a statement about his leaving Q+A on Monday, he hinted at an “exciting new opportunity.” He also indicated that he would be “working more” with the ABC “in the future”.

Hamish Macdonald's shock departure

Q+A host Hamish Macdonald has announced he is leaving the ABC after 18 months in the job. The TV journalist, 40, replaced veteran Tony Jones on the popular program in late 2019. He left his coveted position as The Sunday Project host on Channel 10. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842539/daily-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/72306f6f871b4a948248e6ed68140c7a" /> Hamish on Q+A. Image: Supplied While Macdonald has not detailed what is next for him after ABC, the star’s departure follows months after he revealed an extreme amount of online abuse. In a chat with Stellar in January, Macdonald said his role on Q+A through 2020 saw him receive the most hate on social media he has ever encountered. “If you’re someone who sits in the middle of those exchanges in your day job, you end up copping it from every direction. I’ve never had more abuse for the interviews I’ve conducted than I had last year,” he said. “And the abuse has come from left-wing people who don’t like you asking difficult questions of Dan Andrews, and it’s come from people on the right who don’t like you asking difficult questions of the federal government. I’ve definitely learnt you can’t please everyone.” In a public announcement, Macdonald said he is “enormously grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to host Q+A and to work alongside wonderful, talented and passionate people. “I am really proud of what we’ve achieved together during these extraordinary times. “I’d also like to thank the incredible Q+A audience for all they contribute to this program each week. It is, after all, their show. Their questions and stories from all corners of Australia are inspiring, revealing and clever – and it has been a privilege to receive and read them. “I’m really excited to be moving on to a new opportunity, and working more with the ABC in the future.” ABC’s director of news Gaven Morris said in a statement: “Everyone at the ABC thanks Hamish for the incredible job he has done. “At one stage during the lockdown he was presenting a live panel discussion program that wasn’t allowed to have either an audience or panellists in the studio. His experience and versatility came to the fore. “Hamish has long been a part of the ABC family and we look forward to continuing that relationship when opportunities arise.” When the TV personality was appointed host of Q+A in November 2019, it was believed he’d continue to host The Sunday Project. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842544/daily.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2f7ceff0e6564bf49e3f5e808f592354" /> Hamish and Lisa Wilkinson on The Sunday Project. Image: Channel 10 However, reports quickly emerged that he was forced to step down entirely and would only appear on the program in an occasional capacity. “We’re largely reliant on the goodwill of the ABC if he’s going to continue with The Sunday Project,” Ten’s executive director of news and current affairs Peter Meakin told The Australian at the time. Macdonald has hosted a series of programs since his career began to take off in 2010, when he was appointed senior correspondent and fill-in presenter on 6:30 with George Negus.

News

Hamish Blake offloads home to mystery buyer for record price

Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster Blake’s Richmond pad has sold for an eye-watering price, breaking a major record for the suburb. The luxurious, modern three-bedroom home at 79a Rowena Parade, Richmond, went onThursday evening for $7.435m off a $5.9m-$6.3m price guide. Jellis Craig Stonnington agent Carla Fetter said the new buyer is not to be named, but denied that they had AFL ties. “It’s a really expensive one so I’m not in a position to say anything about the price … the buyer has asked us to be very discreet,” Ms Fetter said. She said the home’s location and lavish fit-out were the major features that caught the eyes of potential buyers. “It’s probably one of the best offerings in Richmond. It’s on Richmond Hill in a really prestigious area, but the house itself was spectacular.” The celebrity power couple moved to Sydney at the start of 2020, buying a home in the posh Vaucluse area.

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