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Ian Thorpe opens up on darkest moment of his career

Ian Thorpe has recalled the moment an irregular drug test almost upended his life and destroyed his reputation. The Aussie swimming legend opened up about a few key moments in his personal life that coincided with the height of his swimming career in a tell-all new book. The 41-year-old athlete singled out the drug test chapter as one of the darkest moments of his career in a new book Profiles In Hope, written by former NSW Liberal leader John Brogden. In 2006, Thorpe underwent a routine drug test that returned an irregular result, with French newspaper L’Equipe reporting that he had returned an unusual level of testosterone. However, results also showed a hormone called leutenising hormone, another naturally occurring substance. The news of the test gained international attraction, and resulted in Thorpe launching a lawsuit against the newspaper. “An irregular test isn’t uncommon. They happen. So firstly, no one should know that information to begin with,” Thorpe says in the book, according to the <a title="www.dailymail.co.uk" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-13845887/Ian-Thorpe-goes-public-never-heard-devastating-admission.html">Daily Mail</a>. “An irregular test means nothing. An irregular test gets thrown out." He said at the time the speculation that he was a cheat was “so upsetting” and the way the information was leaked to French journalist made him feel “deeply alarmed”. He also admitted that during the media storm around the testing, he did not want to leave his home and says now he had thoughts about taking his own life and staging it as an accident. The “Thorpedo” now has the tools in place for his mental health to look back and think he could have handled it better. “In that kind of state, you’re entirely irrational, your logic is warped,” he tells Brogden. “It’s only in the periods when you have clarity of mind, when your mental health is good, that you can actually reflect on things and say, ‘Well, I could have done this’. “I realised what I was doing wasn’t working, and that I needed help. So I got that help, and even though I was still in a long-term depressive state, I got better. I wasn’t at the point of suicide.” Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or <a href="http://lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="http://lifeline.org.au" data-sk="tooltip_parent">lifeline.org.au</a> Image credits: Shutterstock

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Sir Ian McKellen shares health update after fall

Sir Ian McKellen has admitted his health is deteriorating, after he <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sir-ian-mckellen-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fell off stage</a> during a performance in a London theatre a few months ago. The Lord of the Rings actor was starring in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre when he fell off stage and snapped his wrist. He also chipped a vertebrae, but has now revealed that he has other issues too. “I forget names … When you’re older you’ve got more to remember than people who are young," he said. “Nevertheless, it’s a nuisance when you can’t remember your best friend’s name or forget your telephone number.” Despite being 85, the actor is determined to keep working, but said that he will take time off until 2025. “What else would I be doing if I wasn’t working? I shall take the rest of the year off and then get back to work in January," he shared. “Just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working.” He is also eager to reprise his role as Gandalf in the 2026 film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which would be his first appearance as the wizard in 12 years. In an interview for the BBC, he said: “Well, I’ve had some indication from the powers that be, Gandalf will make an appearance, and I’m not letting anybody else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it.” Images: Jeff Moore/ Shutterstock Editorial

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“Miracle”: 1-year-old baby survives two days beside highway during hurricane

A one-year-old baby has been found alive on the side of a highway after surviving two days of dangerous hurricane conditions between the Texas and Louisiana border in the US. A truck driver spotted the one-year-old on a major highway, just a few kilometres where the boy's four-year-old brother was tragically found dead in a lake. The one-year-old had to survive stormy weather as Hurricane Beryl inundated the area with heavy rain and high winds, but was relatively unscathed when he was found. The truck driver recalled the moment he found the child to local news station KPLC, saying, "There was a little boy sitting down in the embankment there." "As I approached him, he smiled at me and then he started crying and walked toward me. Once he walked toward me, I grabbed his hand and he stopped crying at that point." Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory said the baby had a few insect bites, but otherwise seemed well. “This kid spent two days out in the weather on the side of the highway,” Guillory said while becoming emotional. “Thank God that trucker seen him. When you look at the video, here he was, you know, crawling toward the highway." “We look at this one-year-old as our miracle baby because he was still alive.” The children’s mother, 25-year-old Aaliyah Jack of Lake Charles, has been charged with failing to report a missing child, while the child's grandmother is fighting for custody of the infant. Image credits: News15

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Sir Ian McKellen rushed to hospital

Sir Ian McKellen has been rushed to hospital after he fell off stage during a performance in a London theatre. The Lord of the Rings star, 85, was starring in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre when he lost his footing during a tense fight scene. The actor then tumbled off the stage and into the audience, who heard his cries for help as theatre staff rushed to his aid, according to reports from the BBC. The audience were informed that the remainder of the evening performance had been cancelled and they were evacuated from the premises. Sandro, Trapani, a member of the audience who spoke to the BBC, described the moment as "very shocking." "I really hope that he is going to be alright," they said. "As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance." McKellen's condition is currently unknown, as the extent of his injuries are unclear. The esteemed actor was playing the role of John Falstaff in the production Henry IV, parts one and two, which was adapted and directed by Robert Icke. Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial

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Injured Ian Thorpe spotted in wheelchair

Aussie swimming legend Ian Thorpe has been seen using a wheelchair at the Olympic trials in Brisbane following a painful injury understood to have been sustained during the filming of a reality TV show. Thorpe, 41, was hurt while participating in the filming of Celebrity Amazing Race, <a href="https://7news.com.au/sport/swimming/ian-thorpe-spotted-in-a-wheelchair-after-suffering-a-painful-injury-while-shooting-a-reality-tv-show-c-14997532" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as reported by 7NEWS</a>, where he teamed up with his childhood friend Christian Miranda. Despite the injury, which has been described as serious and painful, the five-time Olympic gold medallist has persevered in his role as a broadcaster for the swim trials, navigating the Brisbane Aquatic Centre with the aid of a wheelchair. 7NEWS chief reporter Chris Reason provided an update on Thorpe's condition, assuring fans that "Ian Thorpe is completely OK, but apparently the injury was a serious and painful one." Thorpe's commitment to his broadcasting duties, despite his injury, has been noted by many at the event. His presence at the trials has been a source of inspiration for many young athletes competing in Brisbane. Thorpe's injury has not dampened the spirit of the Olympic trials, and his resilience continues to inspire. Fans and fellow athletes alike are wishing him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on his feet soon. Image: 7NEWS

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"Welcome home, Harold": Iconic Neighbours actor returns to Ramsay Street

More than 15 years after his departure, Harold Bishop is returning to Ramsay Street. Ian Smith's character has long been a fan favourite on Neighbours, after originally starring on the soap between 1987 and 1991, before he returned in 1996 until his departure in 2009. Since then, Harold has made multiple guest appearances, including in the 2022 finale. When Amazon picked up the Aussie show, Smith rejoined the cast for a short time but quickly left after a health scare. But now, Harold is making another comeback. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fVoAlvJEJ/?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/C5fVoAlvJEJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Neighbours (@neighbours)</a> </div> </blockquote> The official Neighbours Instagram shared the exciting news of his return, writing, “After 15 years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough." “We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs.” Fan were quick to flood the comment section with excitable messages, rejoicing in the fact that a fan favourite character was returning. “The best news. The show misses an elder character like Harold,” one person wrote. Another commented, “Absolutely amazing news to wake up too. Welcome home, Harold.” Image credits: Getty Images / YouTube

Deadly mushroom lunch survivor speaks out for the first time

The man who survived the deadly mushroom lunch in Victoria last year has spoken out for the first time, sharing what has kept him going through the tragedy. Pastor Ian Wilkinson, 70, was hospitalised for ingesting the poison, which claimed the lives of his wife Heather, his brother Don and his sister-in-law Gail, after attending lunch at Erin Patterson's home on July 29th 2023. Ms Patterson has since been charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder after inviting her ex-husband’s family over to her home for lunch and allegedly serving them the poisoned dish. Six months on, Ian Wilkinson addressed his congregation as he returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church on Sunday for the first time since the alleged poisoning, saying it had been a “big week” full of milestones for him. “At the start of the week it was six months since Heather, Gail and Don went to be with the Lord …” he told the congregation. “Friday was my birthday and yesterday was our 45th wedding anniversary." “So it’s been a pretty big week but I am grateful for all that God has given me, God has done through me.” The week prior marked 25 years since he first took on the role of pastor of the Korumburra parish, with the parishioners offering him a small gift following the sermon. Mr Wilkinson seemed overcome with emotion during parts his sermon, sharing with the congregation that he was grateful to be back after a terrifying two-month stint in the hospital while he fought for his life after the poisoning. “The ways are sometimes hard but God is good. He’s with us,” he said. “He promised to never leave … and I can say, that is true.” Image credits: Supplied

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"Immense relief": Death cap mushroom survivor released from hospital

Ian Wilkinson, the survivor of a suspected mushroom poisoning incident, has been discharged from Melbourne's Austin Hospital after spending two months in critical condition following a family gathering. Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor residing in the quaint South Gippsland town of Korrumburra, was among four individuals who fell seriously ill after consuming a beef Wellington dish suspected to have been contaminated with death cap mushrooms. Tragically, Wilkinson's wife, Heather, lost her life in the aftermath, as did Heather's sister, Gail Patterson, and her husband, Don. Ian managed to pull through, and his release from the hospital marked a significant milestone in his recovery. The Wilkinson family expressed their profound gratitude towards the hospital staff for their relentless dedication and exceptional care during this challenging period. "We are pleased to announce that Ian Wilkinson has made significant progress in his recovery and was released from Austin Hospital on Friday," the family said in a statement. "This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family. "The Wilkinson family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Leongatha, Dandenong and Austin Hospitals for their unwavering dedication and exceptional care that played a pivotal role in Ian's recovery. "The medical team's expertise and compassion have been a source of comfort and hope throughout this journey. "Additionally, the family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and well-wishes from the Korumburra community, church, friends, family, and colleagues. "This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community. "As Ian continues his journey towards full recovery, the Wilkinson family kindly requests that their privacy be respected." Meanwhile, the woman responsible for preparing the ill-fated meal, Erin Patterson, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/details-of-erin-patterson-s-police-statement-around-fatal-mushroom-meal-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remains a suspect</a> as police homicide detectives continue their investigation into the three tragic deaths. She vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Image: Facebook

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Update from survivor of deadly mushroom meal

The lone survivor of a group of four individuals who consumed a meal containing suspected poisonous mushrooms has received an update from the family. The Victorian community continues to extend their support during this time. Tragedy struck as Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, lost their lives after partaking in a lunch gathering at the residence of Erin Patterson, Don and Gail's former daughter-in-law. The incident occurred in Leongatha, located in the southeastern region of Victoria, on July 29. Erin Patterson had prepared a meal for the group, which also included Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, a pastor at a Baptist church. The attendees fell seriously ill after the meal, exhibiting symptoms that aligned with the ingestion of toxic death cap mushrooms, according to the police. On a recent Sunday evening, Ian Wilkinson's family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Austin Hospital for their consistent care and support. They also acknowledged the numerous cards and letters received from concerned individuals in the public. The family shared: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness, prayers, and support from friends, family, and the broader community.” “Your thoughts and well-wishes have been a source of strength and comfort to us all. “As we navigate this difficult journey, we kindly request that our privacy be respected. We need space to grieve, support one another, and care for Ian without public intrusion.” While Ian Wilkinson, aged 70, remains in critical but stable condition at a hospital in the northeastern part of Melbourne, reports indicate that members of the South Gippsland community are willing to step forward as organ donors. Local councillor Jenni Keerie stated that people have been reaching out to her to inquire about becoming donors. Nathan Hersey, the Mayor of South Gippsland Shire, noted that the community has been discussing the significance of organ donation. In the absence of a community donor, Wilkinson might face a wait of up to a year for a new liver. It is worth noting that the majority of organ recipients in Australia experience waiting periods of at least nine months while searching for a suitable match. Images: Facebook / A Current Affair EDITOR'S NOTE: We received a number of comments in response to this article concerning organ donation. This one from a Reader really deserved being appended to the article: "I am a forever grateful liver recipient whose life was miraculously saved when all had gone catastrophically wrong. <a href="https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/</a> The only way we can increase organ donation is to increase next of kin consent rates. In Australia every person who passes under the right circumstances is a potential donor. Whether they are registered or not their family will be asked to consider organ donation and must give their consent for donation to proceed. Sadly 46% of families say no. In Victoria it is closer to 50%. Families are critical for organ donation and for a deceased donor to be found to support the victim of the Victorian poisoning, another healthy Victorian will need to pass tragically and on life support. Waiting for a donor is not like waiting for a spare part for your car from the factory. It is more like finding the perfect part at a car wreckers after someone has written of their car but the part you need is still ok. You can help raise awareness by helping to get families having the conversation about organ donation before tragedy strikes. Not waiting until they learn their loved one is never coming home." – Robert Manning, Forever grateful recipient and passionate Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant Awareness Advocate. Founder and Senior Advocate <a href="https://www.transplantadvocacy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.TransplantAdvocacy.com</a>

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“My dad was a brute”: Dicko reveals tough upbringing

Ian “Dicko” Dickinson has bared all on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in sharing his tough upbringing. The former Australian Idol judge, 60, spoke about growing up with a “brutal” father, who was part of the special forces unit of the British Army. “My dad was a brute. He spent five years in the SAS in Malaysia in the 1950s and I never got on with my dad that well,” he told his fellow jungle goers. “He wasn’t a great dad and [he was] pretty violent. All through my childhood, I’ve seen him destroy one, two, three blokes in a fight. He’s a little bloke, [but] he used to box for the SAS as well and he was a weapon.” The 60-year-old revealed his grandmother was just as tough. He opened up about a violent incident where she stabbed her own son, Dicko’s father, in the back. “[My dad’s] got a stab wound in his back that I assumed was from the army and he told me later in life it was from his mum. He wound her up so much that she turned around with a bread knife and went for him … and she stuck it in his back.” Dicko went on to tell his campmates that he’d never forged a relationship with his father but wanted things to be different for his children. So, he tried to facilitate a relationship between them and their grandfather. “I thought, ‘Well, I’ve got kids now. Maybe they should know their granddad?’” he said, revealing he purchased his father's plane ticket from Italy to visit the family in Geneva while they were living there. ”But he behaved really badly. I did that a couple more times and every time I paid for him to come back, he just behaved worse and worse. Then when I moved to Australia, I thought, ‘Actually, I don’t need him in my life’, so I just cut him off.” Despite the estrangement, Dicko thanks his father for inspiring him to do better in life. “My mum was my angel, but he was my driving force,” he said. “He never provided for the family, and I always said I’m going to provide for my family.” Later on, Dicko confessed he doesn’t hold any ill feelings against his dad because everyone has their good points and bad points. He said his father “was a fabulous entertainer, so if I’ve inherited any of those things from him, I guess I’ll accept them with good grace as well.” Image credit: Instagram

Neighbours reveals which stars are moving back to Ramsay Street

New details have emerged over which Neighbours cast members will be returning to Ramsay St when the series launches on Amazon’s FreeVee late 2023. The show - axed after 27 years on air - will benefit from the presence of a few fan favourite faces, with Annie Jones, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Georgie Stone, and Tim Kano reprising their roles as Jane Harries, Terese Willis, Mackenzie Hargreaves, and Leo Tanaka respectively. And for those hoping to see Ramsay St’s iconic faces in the mix again, have no fear, Ian Smith will be returning at Harold Bishop. He will, however, only be returning as a guest, along with April Rose Pengilly (the actress behind Chloe Brennan), and Melissa Bell (Lucy Robinson). The announcement is not the first to delight fans of the long-running soap, with the likes of Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson), Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy), Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy), and Ryan Moloney (Toadie Rebecchi) already having confirmed their commitment to the revival. Georgie Stone took to Instagram to share the news of her return, along with a series of snaps with her fellow cast members. “Ramsay Street here we come… (again!),” she captioned the image, noting her excitement and that fans should “stay tuned”. <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/CpNEXARrsfH/?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/CpNEXARrsfH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgie Stone (@georgiestone)</a> </div> </blockquote> Fans were thrilled with the news, and showered Georgie with their enthusiasm in the comments - a few, however, were miffed that they’d been through an entire finale only to have to pick it all back up again. “Fantastic to see the familiar favourites all coming back!” gushed one fan. “Can't wait for Neighbours to start back again! Honestly, I barely watch TV anymore without my daily fix of Neighbours.” “Yes, can't wait for watch Neighbours again,” echoed one. “Cannot wait to have you back on our screens,” wrote another. And in a comment that appeared to speak for the masses, one declared “love that you guys are all back!” The news was also shared to Neighbours’ official twitter account, with a special video from the cast members to commemorate the announcement. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We're so excited to announce that Annie Jones, Georgie Stone, Rebekah Elmaloglou and Tim Kano will be reprising their roles in the new episodes of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Neighbours?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Neighbours</a> later this year! 🎉✨ Plus we will have special guest appearances by Ian Smith, April Rose Pengilly & Melissa Bell! <a href="https://t.co/6ZLKkmKJWE">pic.twitter.com/6ZLKkmKJWE</a> — Neighbours (@neighbours) <a href="https://twitter.com/neighbours/status/1630529084013834240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> Neighbours’ producers have announced that the series will not be jumping around with its timeline, instead picking up where the finale left off. The series is set to go into production in the next few months, with new episodes likely in the spring - Australians will be able to catch the first-run episodes on Channel 10, and one week later on Amazon Prime Video. Images: Instagram

"Overlooked": Ian 'Dicko' Dickson miffed at Australian Idol reboot

Dicko is reportedly feeling snubbed after he wasn’t asked to appear on the Australian Idol reboot. The former judge was one of the originals on the panel when the show first aired in 2003. Dicko, 59, is said to be particularly jealous because his former co-star, Marcia Hines, will be making a guest appearance on the new judging panel. “Dicko was always known as ‘the mean judge’ but producers are keen for Marcia to step up as the tough and controversial judge this time,” a source told <a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Idea</a>. “However, the decision has left Dicko feeling a bit hurt as he feels like he has been overlooked by the series.” The other original Australian Idol judges consisted of Dicko, Marcia Hines and former pop star Mark Holden. Marcia Hines will be a guest judge on Tuesday, filling in for the temporarily absent judge, Meghan Trainor, 29. Dicko gave a tell-all interview back in 2021, weighing in on the show being potentially rebooted after being taken off the air in 2009. Speaking to the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tv-reload/id1546841378">TV Reload podcast</a>, he said, “To be honest, they should have second thoughts.” “There's no guarantee that because it was an iconic television show 18 years ago, that it's going to do the business now,” he added. Dicko’s told the podcast that he felt Channel 7 should reconsider the reboot. The new judging panel consists of Meghan Trainor, Harry Connick Jr, Amy Shark and Kyle Sandilands. Earlier last year, there were reports that Sandilands would not appear own the show if he had to work with Dicko. “Kyle Sandilands will agree to be on Seven's revived Australian Idol if he can sign the contract live on-air + won't work with Osher Gunsberg, Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Marcia Hines & Mark Holden.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Elsewhere, there are reports that KIIS shock jock and new dad Kyle Sandilands will agree to be on Seven's revived Australian Idol if he can sign the contract live on-air + won't work with Osher Gunsberg, Ian "Dicko" Dickson, Marcia Hines & Mark Holden. — SydneyCityTV (@SydneyCityTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyCityTV/status/1559367867652775937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2022</a></blockquote> There have been no comments made by the Seven Network about Dicko’s emotional response.

"Keep going!": Sunrise cameraman sprints off to help rescue families

An Aussie cameraman has dropped his camera to help people through rising flood waters, as the US state of Florida is battered by Hurricane Ian. After causing fatalities in Cuba, the hurricane hit the US overnight, with “catastrophic” winds of up to 240 km/h - making it the fifth-strongest hurricane to hit the US - leaving millions without power and destroying hundreds of homes. During a live cross to the city of Naples in southwest Florida on Thursday morning’s episode of Sunrise, cameraman Glen Ellis abruptly stopped filming, rushing to aid people wading through the floodwaters, including one person holding a child’s hand and carrying belongings. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> In dramatic scenes, a Channel 7 cameraman has dropped his camera to assist people fleeing fierce winds and rising waters as Hurricane Ian smashes the US state of Florida.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sunriseon7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sunriseon7</a> <a href="https://t.co/e9bk6wsWgr">pic.twitter.com/e9bk6wsWgr</a> — Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/1575228363458760704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote> US correspondent Tim Lester continued describing the harrowing conditions as Ellis ran over to help. “Keep going, keep going,” Lester tells Ellis. Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch then asks if the team are okay. “It’s an enormous storm, yeah no we’re fine,” Lester replies. “We are just helping some people through the water here, that is our camera operator, Glen Ellis, out there. I think you can see he is trying to help people who are wading away from their homes.” While Lester continues reporting, Ellis can be seen helping more hurricane victims carry their belongings to higher ground. “We have spoken to a couple of them and they tell us already that their houses have been lost in the water, they’re flooded right through and they’ve had to abandon them,” Lester says, as another crew member picks up the camera and zooms in on Ellis. “They’ve just had no other way of doing it. But they are trying to get out and obviously what we’ve got here, is a relatively high ground, so we are lucky enough to be able to talk to you and this is a place where people in Naples, Florida, to try and get away from the water essentially.” The Sunrise team aren’t the only reporters helping out or even seeing the effects of the Category 4 storm for themselves. Among the footage circulating on social media of reporters fighting the elements, one clip shows meteorologist Jim Cantore being hit by a flying tree branch and struggling to keep himself upright while reporting for The Weather Channel in Punta Gorda, about 100 kilometres north of Naples. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Jim Cantore got hit by a flying tree branch during hurricane report <a href="https://t.co/ybONC3VR51">pic.twitter.com/ybONC3VR51</a> — Gifdsports (@gifdsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/gifdsports/status/1575204822243954690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote> It comes after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned citizens in an address on Wednesday evening that the worst may be yet to come. “This storm is doing a number on the state of Florida,” DeSantis said, urging residents who were braving the storm to stay in their homes or emergency bunkers. With the hurricane expected to turn into a tropical storm as it moves across the US, the governors of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina have all pre-emptively declared states of emergency. The US government has also sent 300 ambulances with medical teams and will send in 3.7 million meals and 3.5 million litres of water to the state once the storm passes. “We’ll be there to help you clean up and rebuild, to help Florida get moving again,” President Joe Biden said on Wednesday. “And we’ll be there every step of the way. That’s my absolute commitment to the people of the state of Florida.” Image: Sunrise

Travel Trouble

"That was a scared kitty": Brave Hurricane Ian rescue warms hearts

Hurricane Ian has wreaked havoc in Florida as it made its way through the densely populated city. The category 4 hurricane hit Cayo Costa, just north of the city of Fort Myers, on Wednesday with shocking five metre high waves and winds of around 250 km/h. Videos showing the flow on effects of the powerful hurricane have been shared widely on social media, with one showing a man rescuing a cat warming people’s hearts. “My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach,” Megan Cruz Scavo wrote on Twitter. The man could be seen making his way through knee-high water toward the cat before grabbing it and making his way back to safety. The video soon made the rounds with many congratulating the man for his efforts in saving the poor animal. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneIan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurricaneIan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Naples?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Naples</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bonita?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bonita</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FortMyers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FortMyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/BlBC9P1rdy">pic.twitter.com/BlBC9P1rdy</a> — Megan Cruz Scavo (@MeganScavo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeganScavo/status/1575156353865510912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2022</a></blockquote> “That sweet cat was so scared! Your boyfriend rescuing that little feline darling was a beautiful thing. Karma saw it, and will remember you all,” someone wrote. “So good about being slow and calm! That was a scared kitty too,” another commented. “Watching him approach the cat with respect was beautiful! That poor sweetie was clearly afraid, and trusted him to care for it,” another wrote. The storm, which hit Cuba first unfortunately took two victims, before another 23 migrants were reported missing when the boat they were sailing in sank off the Florida Keys. Deanne Criswell from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said there will be “catastrophic impacts” from the hurricane for a while. “There is going to be catastrophic impacts, and not just where we’re going to see the storm make landfall, but we’re also really concerned about all of the inland flooding because it’s bringing with it a lot of rain and it’s going to move slowly,” she told CNN. Images: Twitter

Family & Pets

Ian Thorpe gets his Olympic report card

Ian Thorpe has proven he doesn’t need to be in the pool at the Olympics to be a star. Twenty-one years after first winning gold at the Sydney Olympic Games, Thorpe has given his expert commentary for Channel 7 during the Tokyo games – and fans are absolutely loving it. From winning gold medals to predicting the future, Ian Thorpe has proved he can do it all at the Olympics. Twenty-one years after first winning gold at the Sydney Games, Thorpedo is playing a starring role in Tokyo – but in a very different capacity. The Australian swimming legend is giving his expert analysis for Channel 7. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="../media/7842727/ian-thorpe-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/60b14eeb144d4ffcb3369202de846398" /> Thorpe always believed Titmus was going to bring it home late. Image: Supplied. Through the swimming legend’s insight, he predicted what Katie Ledecky’s final time would be and got within a second of the stopwatch. Thorpe went at it again during Aussie superstar Ariarne Titmus’ second blockbuster showdown of the Games with Ledecky in the 200m freestyle final on Tuesday. “I think Ariarne has Ledecky covered in this race,” Thorpe said. “She can transition a lot better into different speeds. So she’ll build up her speed, whereas Katie Ledecky seems to get stuck in one gear. “She has a consistency that comes with that speed, but she can’t increase it in any way — it doesn’t develop. “Whereas when you saw Ariarne come over the top of Ledecky in the 400m freestyle final, she was gradually increasing that speed and there was a 0.4 second difference in their last 50m.” Thorpe was right again, proving his expertise is on point. Ledecky went hard and Titmus was trailing the whole way up until the final lap. The 20-year-old from Tasmania eventually overtook her biggest rival in the final 25m to win gold medal No. 2. Thorpe took time to point out Titmus’ turning ability, and said she was accelerating into the wall and springing off of it better than Ledecky was. The Aussie finally took the lead for the first time at the final turn. His fellow Channel 7 commentator Leisel Jones, who has competed in four Olympics, praised Thorpe when Japan’s Ohashi Yui won the 200m women’s individual medley. “I’m going to say Thorpey called that before we started,” Jones said during Seven’s broadcast. “He said, ‘Watch for Ohashi Yui to go for the double’.” “After seeing that 400 IM, this was the clear frontrunner in this race,” Thorpe said when explaining why he tipped Ohashi to win again. Aussie watchers have praised the Olympic swimmer for his brilliant commentary, with one saying: “He is amazing, I love listening to him. Another wrote: “Ian Thorpe owns commentary. He regularly calls the winner 50m out.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Love <a href="https://twitter.com/IanThorpe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IanThorpe</a> commentary for the swimming. — Eric (@bananman1234) <a href="https://twitter.com/bananman1234/status/1420593762816847872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> A third person added: “How wonderful Ian Thorpe’s commentary. He is so informative, speaks so calmly.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> And how wonderful is Ian Thorpe’s commentary.He is so informative,speaks so calmly.Great👏 — Lynette (@lynettekc) <a href="https://twitter.com/lynettekc/status/1420566887612616704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <a href="https://twitter.com/lynettekc/status/1420566887612616704?s=21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://twitter.com/lynettekc/status/1420566887612616704?s=21</a> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Ian Thorpe is the Ricky Ponting of swimming commentary. — justin1flynn 🐯🏆🏆🏆 (@justin1flynn) <a href="https://twitter.com/justin1flynn/status/1420558861140852741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2021</a></blockquote> Image: Neal Simpson/EMPICS via Getty Images

Ian Chappell calls it quits

Ian Chappell, the beloved Aussie and international cricketing icon, has finally called stumps on his celebrated, 45-year commentary career. The 78-year-old, who rose to fame as a commentator alongside the likes of Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Tony Grieg on the legendary Channel 9 team, has decided to throw in the mic and bid this chapter farewell. <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> He told the Sydney Morning Herald, he had been thinking about his retirement for quite some time. “I had a minor stroke a few years back and I got off lucky. But it just makes everything harder,” Chappell said. “And I just thought with all the travel and walking up stairs and things like that, it’s all just going to get harder. “Then I read what Rabbits (recently retired rugby league commentator Ray Warren) said with retirement and it really struck home when I read the bit where he said, ‘you’re always one sentence closer to making a mistake’.” Chappell played cricket for 16 years through the 1960s and 70s, which included being a key figure in the World Series Cricket before retiring from the sport in 1980. His legendary career included 75 tests and 673 runs in 16 ODI matches at an average of 48.07. Chappell then went on to jump straight behind the mic in 1980 for Channel 9 and never looked back. Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle posted: “Never pulled a punch, told it as it is, never talked down to anyone, wonderful professional & my role model for broadcasting work ethic. The great #IanChappell thinks it is time to retire from broadcasting. Was a privilege to work with him & I hope that proud voice is always heard.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Never pulled a punch,told it as it is, never talked down to anyone, wonderful professional & my role model for broadcasting work ethic. The great <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IanChappell?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IanChappell</a> thinks it is time to retire from broadcasting. Was a privilege to work with him & I hope that proud voice is always heard — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1559109133097259008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Former Indian star turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar tweeted: “My idol, my mentor, the greatest blessing I have had as commentator was the company of Ian Chappell the commentator. Happy retirement Chappelli!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> My idol, my mentor, the greatest blessing I have had as commentator was the company of Ian Chappell the commentator. Happy retirement Chappelli! — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1559192108497502208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote> Seven Cricket commentator Lisa Sthalekar added: “Oh. When I first wanted to get into commentary, Ian Chappell was extremely kind in sitting down with me & giving me his tips of the trade. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for his help & how he and the rest of @wwos team shaped cricket broadcast.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Oh 😔 when I first wanted to get into commentary, Ian Chappell was extremely kind in sitting down with me & giving me his tips of the trade. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for his help & how he and the rest of <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> team shaped cricket broadcast. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thankful?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thankful</a> <a href="https://t.co/ofthKPoXZj">https://t.co/ofthKPoXZj</a> — Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) <a href="https://twitter.com/sthalekar93/status/1559112252300709889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote> “15yrs on from the thrill of having Chapelli summarise with me on my first ever intl commentary with TMS, turns out I was involved for his last season of commentary, with ABC. A total icon of Nine’s Wide World of Sport. Glad we’ll still get to read his forthright columns,” BBC commentator Alison Mitchell said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 15yrs on from the thrill of having Chapelli summarise with me on my first ever intl commentary with TMS, turns out I was involved for his last season of commentary, with ABC. A total icon of Nine’s Wide World of Sport.🎙 Glad we’ll still get to read his forthright columns. <a href="https://t.co/HiEAyCDoMf">https://t.co/HiEAyCDoMf</a> — Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlisonMitchell/status/1559279836815826944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="post-actions-component" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible;"> <div class="upper-row" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 8px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; height: 24px;"> <div class="right-box-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; justify-content: flex-end; color: #323338; font-family: Roboto, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff;">Image: Getty</div> </div> </div> </div>

“I needed to say it”: Ian Thorpe opens up about coming out

Ian Thorpe has opened up about the moment he first decided to speak out about his sexuality during an interview with English television presenter Sir Michael Parkinson, and how he wished had come out earlier. The former Olympic swimmer spoke about the 2014 interview during Sunday night’s episode of This Is Your Life, telling host Melissa Doyle he was “comfortable” coming out at that moment. “I was always doing this interview with Sir Michael Parkinson. I had just come out to my family and to my very, very closest friends,” the 39-year-old said. “I had spent some time with [Sir Michael Parksinson] before the interview and told him, ‘You should ask me if I’m gay because I’m going to tell you I am’.” Thorpe added that it was the first time he felt he could put himself “out there” and be his “authentic self”. “I needed to say it,” he continued. “It was the first time I felt I was comfortable enough to put myself out there. It was important to be my authentic self.” During the 2014 interview, he said: “I’ve thought about this for a long time. I’m not straight. And this is only something that very recently – in the past two weeks – I’ve been comfortable telling the closest people around me exactly that.” Referring to the first time he was asked about his sexuality at 16 years of age, Thorpe said he didn’t know at that stage but “was still gay at the end of the day”. “Yes I lied about it,” he said. “I’m comfortable saying I’m a gay man.” The then-31-year-old also spoke about his fears of letting his friends, family and the country down by being open about his sexuality. “Part of me didn’t know if Australia wanted its champion to be gay. But I’m telling the world that I am,” he said, adding that the support of his family and friends made him wish he’d come out sooner. Image: Twitter

Ian Thorpe breaks silence after ex’s death

Ian Thorpe has finally broken his silence two weeks after his ex-boyfriend Ryan Channing passed away. The 32-year-old was battling several health issues while on holiday at Bali and was rushed to hospital after fainting from an overdose of prescription medication. Doctors were unsuccessful in reviving Channing, who died on May 8 at Bali’s BIMC Hospital. The skincare entrepreneur was Thorpe’s first boyfriend after he came out back in 2015 - and he has since spoken about his tragic death. “This is a relationship that I had that was a long-term relationship and I feel for Ryan’s family,” Thorpe told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/ian-thorpe-speaks-for-first-time-since-former-longterm-partner-ryan-channings-death/news-story/9e20b734491ad7f27b59d98dc33ba18a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>. “I hope people are able to respect their privacy as well. I think when it is someone that is so young, it is tragic for anyone to see them passing at that kind of age.” The pair were in an on-off relationship for about four years and were also engaged at one point before breaking it off completely in 2019. Channing’s mother Joy spent the last two days next to her son in hospital and issued a statement thanking everyone for their support. “Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming love and support you have shown to us through this tragic time in our lives,” she wrote on Instagram. “We are still in Bali but hope to be able to home (sic) soon.” Channing’s skincare company The Blaq Group also issued a statement at the time of his death remembering him for his “fun spirit”. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that The Blaq Group founder, Ryan Channing, has passed away at the age of 32,” the tribute began. “Ryan had been battling with health issues over the past few months and died in hospital after being taken suddenly ill on Sunday May 8th whilst on holidays in Bali." “His inspiration led to the creation of highly regarded skincare brands, Flight Mode and Generation Skin as well as the flagship brand Blaq which strives to empower equality through its distinctive messages of acceptance and inclusivity. “His fun and loving spirit will be missed by all. “Rest In Peace, Ryan Channing. “August 31st 1989 - May 8th 2022.” Images: Instagram

Caring

Ryan Channing's cause of death revealed

Ian Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend Ryan Channing’s cause of death has been finally revealed by Indonesian authorities. Ryan Channing, a model, lawyer and skincare brand creator from Perth, was at Bali’s BIMC Hospital on <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/ian-thorpe-s-ex-boyfriend-dies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May 8 when he died</a>. The 32-year-old was battling several health issues on the holiday island and was rushed to hospital after fainting due to “overdose of prescription medication”. Doctors spent two days trying to save his life but were unsuccessful. His body is expected to arrive in Perth on Friday on a repatriation flight from Indonesia with the funeral to be held next week. Channing’s mother Joy spent the last two days next to her son in hospital and issued a statement thanking everyone for their support. “Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming love and support you have shown to us through this tragic time in our lives,” she wrote on Instagram. “We are still in Bali but hope to be able to home (sic) soon.” Channing’s skincare company The Blaq Group also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/ian-thorpe-s-ex-boyfriend-s-family-responds-to-vile-rumours" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued a statement</a> at the time of his death remembering him for his “fun spirit”. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that The Blaq Group founder, Ryan Channing, has passed away at the age of 32,” the tribute began. “Ryan had been battling with health issues over the past few months and died in hospital after being taken suddenly ill on Sunday May 8th whilst on holidays in Bali." “His inspiration led to the creation of highly regarded skincare brands, Flight Mode and Generation Skin as well as the flagship brand Blaq which strives to empower equality through its distinctive messages of acceptance and inclusivity. “His fun and loving spirit will be missed by all. “Rest In Peace, Ryan Channing. “August 31st 1989 - May 8th 2022.” A representative for Ian Thorpe said “thoughts are with Ryan’s family” when news of his death broke. The skincare entrepreneur was Thorpe’s first boyfriend after he came out back in 2015. The pair were in an on-off relationship for about four years and were also engaged at one point before breaking it off completely in 2019. Images: Instagram

News

Ian Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend’s family responds to vile rumours

A close relative of Ian Thorpe’s ex-boyfriend Ryan Channing has slammed vile rumours claiming that the 32-year-old had HIV when he suddenly passed away in Bali. The only detail his family have confirmed pertaining to his passing is that it was not the result of Covid, although he was hospitalised in Sydney with the virus eight weeks ago. His skincare company, The Blaq Group, confirmed that Channing had been battling health issues for a few months prior to his death, but the nature of those issues remains unknown. Trolls took to Channing's Instagram page overnight on Wednesday to spread unverified rumours that he took his own life, and that he had the HIV virus. But Abbey Channing, a young relative, hit back - politely asking people not to “make assumptions about somebody's death”. The Blaq Group posted an emotional tribute on Thursday, remembering the 32-year-old for his “fun loving spirit”. “It is with heavy heart that we share the news that The Blaq Group founder, Ryan Channing, has passed away at the age of 32,” the tribute began. “Ryan had been battling with health issues over the past few months and died in hospital after being taken suddenly ill on Sunday May 8th whilst on holidays in Bali." “His inspiration led to the creation of highly regarded skincare brands, Flight Mode and Generation Skin as well as the flagship brand Blaq which strives to empower equality through its distinctive messages of acceptance and inclusivity. “His fun and loving spirit will be missed by all. “Rest In Peace, Ryan Channing. “August 31st 1989 - May 8th 2022.” A friend has shared that Channing, had been “battling health issues for some time”. Channing was the first long term boyfriend of former Olympic swimming champion Thorpe after coming out as gay and the two were in an on-again, off-again relationship for four years until they split for good in 2019. Channing's last Instagram post was a photo from Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital eight weeks ago after testing positive to the virus. A representative for Thorpe said his thoughts were with Ryan's family. Image: Instagram

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Ian Thorpe opens up on darkest moment of his career

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