Placeholder Content Image

Beloved Coronation Street star dies aged 89

<p><em>Coronation Street</em> star Joan Savage has passed away at 89. </p> <p>The actress, known for her role as Celeste Pickersgill in the  ITV soap series, was reported to have passed away peacefully in her home in Twickenham earlier this month. </p> <p>Her cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>Tributes have poured in from the star's friends and family. </p> <p>In a touching tribute, her daughter Kelly wrote:  "Mum always used to say 'I'd like to go with my tap shoes on' so the last few years have been extremely difficult for her and us as a family.</p> <p>"I hope she's reunited with her show biz contemporaries and putting on a show up there!" she added.</p> <p>Her friend, Cheryl Forbes paid tribute to the actress on X. </p> <p>"Our dear friend, the remarkable Joan Savage, passed away recently,"  she tweeted. </p> <p>"She was a real star and absolutely brilliant at everything she did," she continued. "An actress, comedienne, singer, impressionist and dancer.</p> <p>"She was truly a very special talent."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our dear friend, the remarkable Joan Savage, passed away recently. She was a real star and absolutely brilliant at everything she did. An actress, comedienne, singer, impressionist and dancer. She was truly a very special talent 💔 <a href="https://t.co/mDtL2YTeX6">https://t.co/mDtL2YTeX6</a></p> <p>— Cheryl Forbes (@mezzocheryl) <a href="https://twitter.com/mezzocheryl/status/1724507318316859598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Savage has spent over six decades in the show biz industry. She starred in an episode of <em>Dad's Army</em> in 1972, and made multiple appearances in <em>The Arthur Haynes Show</em> between 1956 and 1962. </p> <p>Aside from her glittering career on the screen, she also ventured out  into music, theatre and entertainment.</p> <p>She toured as the leading lady in a George and Alfred Black revue called <em>Music and Madness, </em>where she met performer Ken Morris - who she later on married in 1955 - and the pair performed as a double act. </p> <p>The duo appeared in multiple big shows and advertisements at the time including  <em>Hi Summer, The Black and White Minstrel Show, The Jack Jackson Show</em> and <em>The Arthur Haynes Show.</em></p> <p>In 1960, they welcomed daughter Kelly, but their love story was cut short when Morris tragically passed away on July 3, 1968 following a brain tumour. </p> <p>Four years later, Savage remarried, and tied the knot with husband  Bryan on November 1972.</p> <p>She continued performing and had also established herself as a solo artist, creating popular love songs, comedies and even went on to win the Nordring Radio Prize for her singing in 1974. </p> <p>Savage is survived by her husband Bryan, her daughter Kelly and her two grandkids.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty/ Youtube</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Neighbours and A Country Practice star dies

<p>Award-winning actress Joan Sydney has passed away at age 83. </p> <p>The <em>Neighbours</em> and <em>A Country Practice</em> star died peacefully on December 28, according to her friend, Wentworth star Sally-Anne Upton, who wrote in a tribute, “Thank you for all you have taught me. Love, friendship, many memories shared that will be treasured forever.”</p> <p>After moving from London to Australia in 1965, Joan became a beloved star after appearing on several Australian TV shows. </p> <p>She soon became a household name as Matron Sloane on <em>A Country Practice</em>, featuring in 453 episodes between 1983 and 1990.</p> <p>The long-running role earned her the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress in 1989.</p> <p>Sydney’s career continued to excel as Mary Patchett in <em>E Street</em>, Mary Price in <em>All Saints</em> and Valda Sheergold on <em>Neighbours</em> in 2002.</p> <p>The actress was a semi-regular character on Ramsay Street before becoming a full-time member of the cast between 2007 and 2008.</p> <p>Sydney’s impressive list of TV credits also included <em>Mother and Son</em>,<em> Something In The Air</em>, and <em>Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries</em>, while she appeared on stage in a number of productions such as <em>My Fair Lady</em>, <em>Equus</em>, <em>Hello Dolly</em>, <em>Cat on a Hot Tin Roof</em> and <em>The Importance of Being Ernest</em>.</p> <p>Friends, fans and former co-stars of the actress took to social media to share heartfelt tributes following news of her passing.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Oh no... This is terrible news indeed. Comedy is never as easy as it looks and this lady made it look effortless. I adored her. Vale Joan Sydney,” wrote <em>A Country Practice</em> star Shane Withington.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter / Getty Images</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Pat Rafter delves into “rift” between Ash Barty and US player

<p>Aussie great Pat Rafter has opened up about the tension during Ash Barty’s match against her 2022 Australian Open final opponent, Danielle Collins.</p> <p>The now retired tennis star smashed the American 6-3 7-6 (7-2) which saw Barty claim her first home slam and the third of her career.</p> <p>Almost 12 months later, Rafter has opened up about the tension the pair had in which Barty didn’t want to lose to the American star and vice versa.</p> <p>“I knew with her and Danielle, they had a bit of a 
 what’s the word? There was no love lost anyway,” Rafter told reporters ahead of the United Cup.</p> <p>“Danielle’s pretty feisty. And Ash didn’t want to lose to her.”</p> <p>He said that there was a bit of worry when he saw Barty get “rattled” on court before getting out of her head and smashing the game.</p> <p>“It was pretty funny, I don’t know how much you can pick up on the on-court subtleties of it but I’m pretty aware of Ash and I understand where her mind’s at and I can see all her little movements and ticks,” Rafter continued.</p> <p>“I was going, ‘oh no, she’s getting rattled, she’s not good’. But she was able to pull it out which was pretty important.</p> <p>“I would have hated to see her get to the final and lose because she was the dominant player. I like seeing the best players win.”</p> <p>After her successful win, the now 26-year-old shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the game.</p> <p>She recently got married to her longtime partner Garry Kissick and is currently working at Optus.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Lisa’s lawyer’s hefty daily charge

<p dir="ltr">Lisa Wilkinson is being charged an eye-watering $11,000 a day for a high-profile lawyer following her speech at the Logies.</p> <p dir="ltr">Channel 10 has hired Australian Bar Association president Dr Matthew Collins QC for The Project host after her speech caused significant delays to the Brittany Higgins case, which was due to start this week.The case has now been postponed to October.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Collins is famous for winning high-profile cases - one of them being Rebel Wilson’s against Bauer Media, as well as YouTuber Jordan Shanks against former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lawyer says it’s possible that Wilkinson could be charged with contempt of court, and admitted she should have known better.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's certainly possible that the authorities will be looking at the speech that she made to the Logies and assessing that speech against the standard which applies in this branch of the law,” he said on Sunrise.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That standard is, did anything that she do have a tendency to interfere with the administration of justice?</p> <p dir="ltr">“You would hope that whenever the media is contemplating running a story about a serious criminal trial which is about to begin, they would be attune to the potential risks.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The mainstream media understands the risk inhering with talking about cases which are about to go to trial, particularly serious high-profile cases.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Wilkinson was already slammed for her comments last week by Chief Justice Lucy McCallum after rescheduling the case.</p> <p dir="ltr">It comes as Channel 10 warns publications of their criticism of Wilkinson and are not ruling out legal action for any harm that is caused.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This reporting is now causing significant harm and we ask these organisations to cease this harassment to allow Lisa the best opportunity to give her evidence in court and to enable the trial to go ahead in a fair and timely manner,” a spokesperson for the network said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are closely monitoring all coverage of this issue and Lisa and Network 10 reserve their rights in respect of any future defamation claims.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Images: Nine/Seven</p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Tributes flow for one of our oldest WWII veterans

<p>One of Australia's oldest surviving World War II veterans, Bert Collins has died. Aged 105, he was the oldest member of the Australian Labor Party.</p><p>Albert "Bert" Collins was due to celebrate his 106th birthday in March.</p><p>Tributes recognising and remembering the Bankstown local have been posted online following news of his death. "My friend Bert Collins passed away this morning," Blaxland MP Jason Clare said.</p><p>"Bert was the oldest member of the Australian Labor Party.</p><p>"He would have turned 106 next month. Rest in Peace old friend."</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad news. My friend Bert Collins passed away this morning. <br /><br />Bert was the oldest member of the ⁊<a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianLabor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianLabor</a>⁩ Party. <br /><br />He would have turned 106 next month. Rest In Peace old friend. <a href="https://t.co/kN0Td8I2wz">pic.twitter.com/kN0Td8I2wz</a></p>— Jason Clare MP (@JasonClareMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonClareMP/status/1492753650015703040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote><p>The Labor Party also posted "Vale Bert Collins" on social media.</p><p>Mr Collins rose to the rank of a sergeant in the 52nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment (AIF) based in Papua New Guinea.</p><p>The veteran's Anzac spirit has never wavered and was a quality admired by many.</p><p>"When I was a boy, my Mum instilled in me a very important lesson, which I've lived by my entire life," he told the Canterbury-Bankstown Council last year.</p><p>"She said I must remember to never be rude to anyone, to never tell lies and to always show respect towards others 
 and I have every day of my life."</p><p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Phil Collins sparks serious health concerns

<p>Phil Collins has sparked concerns about his health after an interview on BBC Breakfast. </p> <p>Appearing with his Genesis band members to promote the group's reunion tour, the 70-year-old musician said his son, Nic Collins would be drumming for the band going forward. </p> <p>When asked why he wouldn't be drumming, Collins said, <span>"I'd love to but you know, I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. So there are certain physical things that get in the way."</span></p> <p>Collins will still be singing with that band, but admitted he will miss drumming live. </p> <p>He said, <span>"I'm kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I'd love to be playing up there with my son." </span></p> <p>He isn't sure he will be touring much longer after the reunion shows, which have already been postponed due to the pandemic. </p> <p><span>"We're all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed," he said. </span></p> <p><span>"I think yeah, I think just generally for me, I don't know if I want to go out on the road anymore."</span></p> <p><span>Fans were upset about the news of his declining health, and took to Twitter to wish him well. </span></p> <p><span>One fan wrote, “Shocked and sad to see #PhilCollins physical health and wish I could see #Genesis ‘Put to Bed’ U.K. tour. First fell in love with Genesis in the mid 80s as a teen, progressing to Phil Collin’s unique multi-gifted musical genius as a solo artist."</span></p> <p>Another posted, “Aww just seen Phil Collins on BBC Breakfast. He doesn’t look at all well.”</p> <p>A third said, “Wow. Watching Phil Collins speak, again, what a reminder to live life to the full and awareness of our time on earth.”</p> <p><span>Collins has had health issues for many years, including a series of broken bones and had major back surgery in 2015 which left him with lasting nerve damage. </span></p> <p><span>He also suffered from a fall in 2017, which left him relying on a cane to assist with walking. </span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

Placeholder Content Image

"Grief hits us like tsunamis": Heartbreak for Richard E Grant

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Actor Richard E. Grant has shared how his heart is breaking following the death of Joan Washington, his wife of 35 years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grant said he was overwhelmed by the support he received from fans, fellow actors, and loved ones.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[We’re] overwhelmed by the messages of love, condolence &amp; support we have received from loved ones and strangers from all over the world and the appreciation from actors Joan taught over the years,” the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Posh Nosh</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star wrote on Twitter.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Overwhelmed by the messages of love, condolence &amp; support we have received from loved ones &amp; strangers from all over the world &amp; the appreciation from actors Joan taught over the years. Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her 💔 <a href="https://t.co/VDhpFQwmrh">pic.twitter.com/VDhpFQwmrh</a></p> — Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardEGrant/status/1434221078696562691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Grief hits us like tsunamis as we try and put one foot in front of the other without her.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grant announced his wife’s passing on Twitter on Friday, sharing a video of him dancing with her to a song by the Platters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“ONLY YOU! Joan - Love of my Life &amp; Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia,” he captioned the clip.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Our hearts are broken with the loss of your life last night. 35 years married &amp; 38 together.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">đŸŽ”ONLY YOU!đŸŽ”Joan - Love of my Life &amp; Giver of Life to our daughter Olivia. Our hearts are broken with the loss of your Life last night. 35 years married &amp; 38 together. To be truly known and seen by you, is your immeasurable gift. Do not forget us, sweet Monkee-mine 💔💔💔💔💔💔 <a href="https://t.co/YcdVAVK1ja">pic.twitter.com/YcdVAVK1ja</a></p> — Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardEGrant/status/1433723682870997001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Washington worked as a voice and dialect coach with many Hollywood stars during her long career.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She worked with Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, and Vanessa Redgrace, as well as with actors on both </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Star Wars: The Phantom Menace</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Attack of the Clones</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hollywood stars have since shared their tributes to the leading dialect coach, including Chastain.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My heart is broken,” she wrote on Twitter. “Joan Washington had such a profound impact on me, yes, as an artist, but mostly as a woman. Every day I was excited to go to work and giggle with Joan.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She was a barometer of truth with a wicked sense of humour. I loved her very much.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mad Max</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Favourite</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> actor Nicholas Hoult shared a message thanking Washington for her kindness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I can never thank her enough for all her kindness, the lessons she taught me and the memories I’ll cherish,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Comic and actress Dawn French also paid tribute to Washington.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Joan Washington will ALWAYS be remembered by those of us who knew her and were taught by her, as a PHENOMENAL WOMAN. So much love to Richard E. Grant and all the family,” French said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Richard E. Grant / Instagram</span></em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Jean Smart leads new comedy series

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The award-winning actress stars in the new US comedy </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hacks</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, one of the most talked about new shows this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Starring Smart as the legendary Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, the series follows the dark mentorship which develops between her and young writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder).</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The show’s cast also includes Carl Clemons Hopkins (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hamilton</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) as Deborah’s chief operating officer, and guest appearances from Kaitlin Olson (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coyote Ugly</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), Christopher McDonald (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thelma &amp; Louise</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), and Rose Abdoo (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gilmore Girls</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hacks</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was created by the trio behind </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Broad City</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, with critics raving about its originality and humour.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 69-year-old has shared her enthusiasm about the role, which allows her full skill and talent to shine through.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I read it, and I just said, ‘This has it all. This could be so great’,” she told the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Los Angeles Times</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of the script.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s so funny, and it’s balanced with these dark moments. If I could pick out a dozen of my favourite parts I’ve ever done, on stage or in front of the camera, and put them in the body of one person, I feel like [Deborah] is an amalgam of a lot of my favourite things.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smart’s co-star, Einbinder, is a stand-up comedian and a newcomer to scripted TV.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a show of comradery, Smart helped ease Einbinder’s nerves ahead of her final audition according to an interview she did with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Glamour</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The last stage of the audition was the screen test with Jean," Einbinder said. "I was really nervous going in, but Jean called me the night before and said, ‘I know it may feel a little surgical tomorrow with all the COVID precautions, but I just want to let you know, I think you’re really great. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun’."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She was just so classy and cool. I credit a lot of our chemistry to Jean being so warm.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Hacks</em> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">premieres to Australian audiences on Friday, August 6, with all 10 episodes available.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Stan</span></em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Joan Collins shuts down Piers Morgan over Meghan Markle question

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a new interview with Piers Morgan, Dame Joan Collins stayed tight-lipped when asked about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Morgan’s ITV series “Life Stories”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“What do you make of what’s going on with the British royal family now, with Meghan, Harry, the feud, with [Prince] William, [Prince] Charles?” Morgan asked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dynasty</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> star - who was made a dame in 2014 by the Queen - wasn’t interested in sharing her opinion on the reported feud between Harry, his brother, and their father.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My lips are sealed on that subject,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I just don’t want to go on national TV and say what I think about Meghan and Harry, because look what happened to you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Morgan seemed to appreciate her response and said: “Exactly - thank you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The former morning show host’s repeated criticism of Markle following the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah Winfrey saw him walk off the set and quit </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good Morning Britain</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in April.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier this month, he accused the Duchess of Sussex of telling “downright lies” and called her “Princess Pinocchio” over the weekend.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: news.com.au</span></em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

"Bubble boy" Thomas Collins dies after being unable to return home to QLD

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>A young boy who struggled with an auto-immune disease for most of his life passed away on Saturday.</p> <p>Thomas Collins was just 3 years old when he died after being diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) just days after he was born.</p> <p>The deficiency means he has no ability to fight off diseases and makes the risk of infections life-threatening.</p> <p>He spent 858 days in the hospital and was kept in a "plastic bubble" to stop him from catching diseases.</p> <p>Tom's conditions worsened while in a Melbourne hospital and the young family weren't able to move back to Queensland for support from their other family members due to COVID-19 restrictions.</p> <p>Tom's parents Leah and Morgan Collins have been fighting for their son to be let into Brisbane as he was nearing the end of his days but were unable to get a response from Queensland Health in time.</p> <p>The reason the family were in Melbourne was due to a specialist in a Melbourne hospital being the only person who could deliver the treatment Tom needed.</p> <p>The family shared their heartbreak on Facebook.</p> <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftomsbattle%2Fposts%2F913107189094286&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=552&amp;height=760&amp;appId" width="552" height="760" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> <p>“It is with deepest sorrow and fractured hearts that we tell you of Thomas’s passing this evening,” the Collins family posted on Facebook.</p> <p>“He passed peacefully in the arms of his parents.</p> <p>“Despite our best efforts we were unable to get him home to Queensland.</p> <p>“No response from Qld was received in time. We understood the potential conditions were very distressing and would have separated our family during transport.</p> <p>“We would then be forced to quarantine in the room he would have passed in as he was unlikely to survive 14 days quarantine.</p> <p>“We chose to do what our son needed most, which was to be with his parents in a peaceful environment to the end. We were able to do that for him.”</p> <p>“Sadly, we now have a choice between 14-day hotel quarantine, or wait 14 days south of the border to get back to Queensland, via NSW,” they said.</p> <p>“We wished we could be surrounded by family during this time but this is the hand we have been dealt.”</p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Ageless Joan Collins celebrates birthday in glamour

<p>Joan Collins, in all her beauty and grace, has left fans desperate to know how she has managed to keep her youthful glow as she celebrated her 87th birthday on the weekend.</p> <p><span>The legendary actress spent her special day in the company of her husband Percy Gibson, 55.</span></p> <p>Taking to Instagram, Collins shared a photograph of the pair holding up a tiny birthday cake perfect for two.</p> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAkMpChFmD5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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/CAkMpChFmD5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Joan Collins (@joancollinsdbe)</a> on May 24, 2020 at 2:28am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Joan looked simply stunning and dressed in an elegant white number, and finished off the look with understated jewellery and a slicked back hairstyle.</p> <p>Joan's husband, who is 32 years her junior, looked playful and happy as he put his arm around his wife.</p> <p>“It wasn't just a happy birthday it was a sensational one – I'm still reeling from the brilliant surprises,” she wrote</p> <p>Joan has received lots of messages from loving fans on social media and a few comments on how good she looked at 87.</p> <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/CAiQpj0FLWl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiQpj0FLWl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">First thing in the morning my loving #ahubby showered me with #flowers #gifts and #surprises - more to come! 🎂🎉🎁</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/joancollinsdbe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Joan Collins</a> (@joancollinsdbe) on May 23, 2020 at 8:25am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"You look breathtakingly young- the secret please x" one fan remarked.</p> <p>Another said: "Looking very loved and beautifull.. you never seem to get any older."</p> <p>The performer admitted she has hopes of living until 100 years old.</p> <p>"Will I outlive you all? No, I don’t want that," she said during an interview with Mirror Online.</p> <p>"I’ll settle for 100 years old, like Olivia de Havilland, who played Melanie in Gone With The Wind. She lives in Paris and is still going strong".</p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

Dame Joan Collins is back

<p>Dame Joan Collins, 86, is back in the spotlight after appearing in a major ad for the beauty campaign for makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury.</p> <p>The Hollywood star is seen smiling alongside younger models which advertises the celebrity make-up artist’s brand-new Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation.</p> <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/B1b89G0gLIb/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1b89G0gLIb/" target="_blank">Darlings, just ONE MORE DAY until the launch of my NEW! AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FOUNDATION and MAGIC VANISH Colour Correctors. These NEW! products are where MAKEUP MAGIC meets SKINCARE SCIENCE - I can’t wait for you all to experience the FLAWLESS FEELING đŸ’«âœšđŸ’“đŸ€©đŸ’–!! I LOVE this incredible shot from my Airbrush Flawless Foundation campaign. Featuring 60 GORGEOUS men and women, from @joancollinsdbe to @missfamenyc, @mypaleskinblog and @chey_maya!! #FLAWLESSISAFEELING - - #CharlotteTilbury #AirbrushFlawlessFoundation #New #ComingSoon #FoundationLaunch #Makeup #Beauty</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/ctilburymakeup/" target="_blank"> Charlotte Tilbury, MBE</a> (@ctilburymakeup) on Aug 21, 2019 at 11:52am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The foundation itself comes in 44 different shades and after the advertising campaign now has a 17,000 strong waitlist for the shades.</p> <p>The product is highly anticipated amongst the beauty community as it includes the Magic Replexium Serum that claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 22 per cent after eight weeks of use.</p> <p>“I have worked with the best laboratories in the world to create my most miraculous skin-creation yet,” says Tilbury, according to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/head/article/45714/1/joan-collins-shines-in-new-charlotte-tilbury-foundation-campaign" target="_blank">Dazed</a>.</em></p> <p>“When I wear this foundation, people ask me if I have had work done! Have I been on holiday? No, no, no! It’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation.”</p> <p>Dame Joan Collins has been flawless since appearing on television at the age of nine. Scroll through the gallery to see how she’s aged (or hasn’t!) over the years.</p>

Beauty & Style

Placeholder Content Image

Joan Collins on working in Hollywood in the 1960s: “The very thought was utterly repugnant”

<p>TV and screen legend Joan Collins appeared on CBS recently and opened up about many aspects of her life, including her career and courtships, to roles such as <em>Cleopatra</em> and the casting couch.</p> <p>The actress, 85, was candid about her experiences as a film star in the light of the #MeToo movement. She revealed she was promised one of the biggest roles in film history as long as she slept with the producer.</p> <p>“There were some very, very big people who promised me this role if I would be ‘Nice’ to them,” she explained.</p> <p>“This was the casting couch. I was dancing with one of the men who was the head of the studio. And he said, ‘I can put you up in a nice little apartment and I will come and visit you and you’ll not only get all the best roles at Fox, but we will see that you get <em>Cleopatra</em>.”</p> <p>Collins revealed in a column for <em>The Daily Mail</em> in 2017 that this man was Buddy Adler, the then head of 20<sup>th</sup> Century Fox.</p> <p>Collins responded quick-wittedly: “I said, ‘Great idea, and I am here with my agent, Jay Kanter, let’s go talk to him about it.’”</p> <p>Collins was questioned on whether she was aware of her actions of denying these propositions and Collins explained she had long held firm on her values.</p> <p>“I was never, ever, ever going to settle for giving my body to some old man for a role, or even a young man or anybody. I would never do that, ever, ever,” she reiterated.</p> <p>In the column she recalled Adler’s response to this remark. He said “Honey, you have quite a sense of humour.”</p> <p>She replied with the same wit, saying, “And a sense of humour is all you’ll ever get from me.” This response cost her the role of <em>Cleopatra</em>, as Elizabeth Taylor landed the coveted gig playing the Egyptian Queen.</p> <p>Collins further discussed her experience in a column for <em>The Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p>“The head of 20<sup>th</sup> Studio Fox at the time, Buddy Adler, and the chairman of the board – a Greek gentleman old enough to be my grandfather – bombarded me with propositions and promises that the role was mine if I would be ‘nice to them,’” Collins wrote for <em>The Daily Mail</em>.</p> <p>“It was a euphemism prevalent in Hollywood. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t – the very thought of these old men was utterly repugnant. So, I dodged and I dived, and hid from them around the lot and made excuses while undergoing endless screen tests for the role of Egypt’s Queen.”</p> <p>Collins further opened up about her romances, from her love affair with Warren Beatty and on-set romance with Harry Belafonte to ranking her five husbands in the interview.</p> <p>Collins alluded to Warren Beatty as one who relished in his press.</p> <p>“We used to stop on Sunset Boulevard at the newsagents and Warren would look through modern screen and see if we had pictures in a magazine,” she recalled.</p> <p>The screen legend was asked if she was in love with Beatty and replied: “I think so. It’s like Prince Charles said, ‘Whatever love is.’”</p> <p>Later, on the set of <em>Island In The Sun</em>, Collins met Harry Belafonte and romance soon followed. Although Collins revealed John Forsyth on <em>Dynasty</em> wasn’t her biggest fan.</p> <p>“John didn’t like me,” Collins revealed. “John is old school and misogynistic, and a bit sexist. He frankly didn’t like this English woman and every person saying that she made the show.”</p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Dame Joan Collins reveals the secrets to her successful marriage

<p>Maybe fifth time’s the charm? After divorcing four previous husbands, Dame Joan Collins says she has finally found the secrets to a happy marriage. </p> <p>In an exclusive interview with <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5431059/Dame-Joan-Collins-reveals-secrets-successful-marriage.html">The Mail on Sunday Life</a> the first secret, she shared, is banishing your other half to another room if they snore.</p> <p>The legendary stage and screen star also revealed honesty and giving compliments are also important factors in keeping a marriage successful, as is sharing the housework.</p> <p>“Percy and I manage our lives together, even down to household chores. We don’t have live-in staff,” Dame Joan revealed.</p> <p>Giving an open and hilarious insight into her 18-year marriage to her fifth husband, 52-year-old theatre manager Percy Gibson, Dame Joan, 84, explained, “We are together 24/7 except when he snores, and I say, ‘Darling, I think it’s best that you sleep in the guest room tonight.’”</p> <p>Another secret to Dame Joan and Percy’s successful marriage? The couple’s bathroom arrangements.</p> <p>Agreeing with fellow film star Michael Caine, the actress shared, “Michael once said the secret to a happy marriage is separate bathrooms. I know most people don’t have that luxury, but in our homes, and whenever possible in hotels, we try to keep to that rule. It really does make a difference."</p> <p>But their marriage and living arrangements aren’t always amicable. “Of course, we get irritated with each other, but we are quick to say sorry and we don’t have any secrets,” Dame Joan admitted.</p> <p>“We compliment each other all the time but I’m also quick to point out if he’s getting a bit of a tummy, and he will say if I’ve gone a bit OTT [over the top] with the glitz.”</p> <p>Dame Joan added, “Percy loves me best when we are at home together – me without makeup and him unshaven and in his tracksuit bottoms.”</p> <p>What do you think of Dame Joan Collins’ secrets to a successful marriage? Share your secrets to a happy marriage with us below.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Movies

Placeholder Content Image

Joan Collins to be fairy godmother of a cruise

<p>Even cruise ships need fairy godmothers it seems.</p> <p>Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has just named legendary actress Dame Joan Collins as the godmother of its newest "Super Ship", the S.S Joie de Vivre, with a spokesperson explaining that she will lend her personality to the vessel and bestow good fortune on all who sail upon it.</p> <p>Los Angeles-based Uniworld's parent company, The Travel Corporation, wasn't entirely sure they'd proceed with building the S.S Joie de Vivre after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015.</p> <p>But after more than seven decades of transporting travellers to the City of Light, the company decided it was more important than ever to show its continued support to the city and its citizens.</p> <p>"It seemed fitting to invite Dame Joan Collins to be godmother of Uniworld's French-based S.S Joie de Vivre knowing she also is a great supporter of the majestic city of Paris where the ship will regularly sail from," the spokesperson said.</p> <p>Collins, who has dozens of film, television and theatrical credits and is also a best-selling author, has close ties to France, rarely missing a summer in the Riviera, where she has a house, or missing Paris Fashion Week.</p> <p>"A renowned bon vivant, the English actress also embodies the 'joy of living' philosophy that is reflected in every bold detail and gentle touch of our newest Super Ship," Uniworld CEO Ellen Bettridge said.</p> <p>The S.S Joie de Vivre will sail Uniworld's Paris &amp; Normandy route, its slightly smaller size in comparison with similar cruise ships allowing it to dock in the hear of Paris.</p> <p>Able to accommodate 128 passengers, the vessel will feature two royal suites, eight junior suites and 54 staterooms, all with marble-lined bathrooms.</p> <p>And guests won't have to wait to get to Paris to embrace the French appetite for good food and wine with the ship's focus on farm-to-table cuisine and local varietals.</p> <p>The French-inspire furnishings, art and antiques have also met Collins' taste test.</p> <p>“I hold France and its City of Light close to my heart, and now, thanks to Uniworld, my ties to the beautiful country are even closer," the former Dynasty actress said. "I am honoured to be the godmother of the S.S. Joie de Vivre and welcome guests from all over the world to fall in love with Paris just as I have."</p> <p><em>Written by Lorna Thornber. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p>

Cruising

Our Partners