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Grandparents found hugging after being killed by fallen tree

Marcia Savage, 74, and Jerry Savage, 78, had already turned in for the night as Hurricane Helene roared outside. Their 22-year-old grandson, John Savage, had checked in on them to make sure they were fine after he heard a snap. “We heard one snap and I remember going back there and checking on them. They were both fine, the dog was fine." he recalled. But not long after disaster struck and John and his father heard a "boom" as one of the largest trees on their property in Beech Island, South Carolina came crashing down on top of his grandparents' bedroom, killing them. “All you could see was ceiling and tree,” he said. “I was just going through sheer panic at that point.” John said his grandparents were found hugging one another in the bed, in what he described as a final heroic act from Jerry who tried to protect his wife. “When they pulled them out of there, my grandpa apparently heard the tree snap beforehand and rolled over to try to protect my grandmother,” he said. Jerry did all sorts of handy work but worked mostly as an electrician and carpenter. Jerry went “in and out of retirement because he got bored”. “He’d get that spirit back in him to go back out and work," his grandson said. Marcia was a retired bank teller who was very involved in their church. Their daughter Tammy Estep said Marcia loved cooking for her family, especially for Thanksgiving, and was known for her banana pudding. The couple were high school sweethearts and were married for more than 50 years, with Tammy recalling that "their love was immediate, and it was everlasting”. “They loved each other to their dying day,” John said. The couple are among more than 150 people confirmed dead in one of the deadliest storms in US history. A GoFundMe organised for their funeral expenses says that they were survived by their son and daughter, along with their four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Images: Facebook

Caring

"He is underneath us": Kyle Sandilands' savage swipe at Ben Fordham

Kyle Sandilands took a savage swipe at 2GB radio host Ben Fordham on Thursday morning, after his KIIS FM show with Jackie O won this year's radio ratings. The Kyle and Jackie O show was ranked the number one breakfast show over Fordham's show five out of seven times in this year's surveys, with Fordham coming in close second with a 16.2 per cent share compared to the duo's 16.3 per cent share. "If you want to know what happened to Ben Fordham, he is underneath us," Sandilands said during his show on Thursday. "It's like having sex with someone and they die. That's Ben. Ben is the dead person." After the savage swipe, Sandilands gave a shout out to all of the employees working with him. "Once again, to our own staff, I've got to thank you all. We retain the number one overall position as the largest greatest most listened to radio show in the history of Australian radio," he added. As his colleagues cheered and applauded in the studio, Sandilands added: "Calm down now. So the biggest most listened to show ever in the entire history of radio, we are that. "Also the biggest radio station in the country well done for the whole team." The Kyle and Jackie O show have 797,000 people tuning in each week, with KIIS 1065 ranked as the number one radio station in Sydney. "It's another fantastic day for us at ARN," their Chief Content Officer Duncan Campbell said in a statement. "The positive momentum from the last survey has continued and it's great to see Kyle and Jackie O maintain their lead over Ben Fordham on 2GB." "The pair have had a phenomenal year – they not only remain unbeaten as the #1FM Breakfast show but have now held the #1 overall spot in Sydney for five out of seven surveys this year, meaning they've officially won 2023!" he added. The last time 2GB's Ben Fordham Live beat K the duo in radio ratings was in July, after months of coming in close. Fordham and Sandilands are actually good friends behind the scenes despite roasting and playing pranks on each other. Images: Instagram/ KIIS FM/ 2GB

Music

Beloved Coronation Street star dies aged 89

Coronation Street star Joan Savage has passed away at 89. 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. Her cause of death has not been revealed. Tributes have poured in from the star's friends and family. 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. "I hope she's reunited with her show biz contemporaries and putting on a show up there!" she added. Her friend, Cheryl Forbes paid tribute to the actress on X. "Our dear friend, the remarkable Joan Savage, passed away recently," she tweeted. "She was a real star and absolutely brilliant at everything she did," she continued. "An actress, comedienne, singer, impressionist and dancer. "She was truly a very special talent." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 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> — Cheryl Forbes (@mezzocheryl) <a href="https://twitter.com/mezzocheryl/status/1724507318316859598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2023</a></blockquote> Savage has spent over six decades in the show biz industry. She starred in an episode of Dad's Army in 1972, and made multiple appearances in The Arthur Haynes Show between 1956 and 1962. Aside from her glittering career on the screen, she also ventured out into music, theatre and entertainment. She toured as the leading lady in a George and Alfred Black revue called Music and Madness, where she met performer Ken Morris - who she later on married in 1955 - and the pair performed as a double act. The duo appeared in multiple big shows and advertisements at the time including Hi Summer, The Black and White Minstrel Show, The Jack Jackson Show and The Arthur Haynes Show. 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. Four years later, Savage remarried, and tied the knot with husband Bryan on November 1972. 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. Savage is survived by her husband Bryan, her daughter Kelly and her two grandkids. Images: Getty/ Youtube

Caring

Nick Kyrgios' savage swipe at I'm A Celeb

Nick Kyrgios has shared his honest and unfiltered thoughts about celebrities heading into the jungle. The tennis champion was engaging with his fans during a Q&A on Instagram on Wednesday night, when one of his followers asked if he would ever consider appearing on the show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me out of Here! Kyrgios shared his brutal response on the public platform, expressing his distaste for the Channel Ten reality show. “No,” he responded. “People that go on that show tend to not be celebrities anyway, excuse to get money..." “They take themselves a bit too seriously because they are known in Australia.” While it's clear Nick won't compete on I’m A Celeb anytime soon, a number of other high-profile sports stars have appeared on the show across its nine seasons. Fellow tennis star Bernard Tomic was a part of season four in 2018 and became the first contestant in the show’s history to withdraw, calling it quits after just three days in the jungle. Several football players have also entered the jungle, including Barry Hall, Brendan Fevola, Dane Swan and Beau Ryan, as well as cricketers Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, Merv Hughes and Shane Warne, boxers Anthony Mundine and Danny Green, and Olympic swimmers Leisel Jones, Lisa Curry and Emily Seebohm. Image credits: Getty Images

Neighbours and A Country Practice star dies

Award-winning actress Joan Sydney has passed away at age 83. The Neighbours and A Country Practice 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.” After moving from London to Australia in 1965, Joan became a beloved star after appearing on several Australian TV shows. She soon became a household name as Matron Sloane on A Country Practice, featuring in 453 episodes between 1983 and 1990. The long-running role earned her the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress in 1989. Sydney’s career continued to excel as Mary Patchett in E Street, Mary Price in All Saints and Valda Sheergold on Neighbours in 2002. The actress was a semi-regular character on Ramsay Street before becoming a full-time member of the cast between 2007 and 2008. Sydney’s impressive list of TV credits also included Mother and Son, Something In The Air, and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, while she appeared on stage in a number of productions such as My Fair Lady, Equus, Hello Dolly, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The Importance of Being Ernest. Friends, fans and former co-stars of the actress took to social media to share heartfelt tributes following news of her passing. “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 A Country Practice star Shane Withington. Image credits: Twitter / Getty Images

News

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

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

Family & Pets

Jean Smart leads new comedy series

The award-winning actress stars in the new US comedy Hacks, one of the most talked about new shows this year. 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). The show’s cast also includes Carl Clemons Hopkins (Hamilton) as Deborah’s chief operating officer, and guest appearances from Kaitlin Olson (Coyote Ugly), Christopher McDonald (Thelma & Louise), and Rose Abdoo (Gilmore Girls). Hacks was created by the trio behind Broad City, with critics raving about its originality and humour. The 69-year-old has shared her enthusiasm about the role, which allows her full skill and talent to shine through. “I read it, and I just said, ‘This has it all. This could be so great’,” she told the Los Angeles Times of the script. “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.” Smart’s co-star, Einbinder, is a stand-up comedian and a newcomer to scripted TV. In a show of comradery, Smart helped ease Einbinder’s nerves ahead of her final audition according to an interview she did with Glamour. “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’." “She was just so classy and cool. I credit a lot of our chemistry to Jean being so warm.” Hacks premieres to Australian audiences on Friday, August 6, with all 10 episodes available. Image: Stan

Savage Garden refuses to sell out their famous song

Hayes said he’s been approached recently by an advertising company wanting to use the band’s 1997 major hit – Truly Madly Deeply – which Hayes wrote. The singer made his fans laugh on Twitter by sharing the lyrics the advertising company wanted to use and Hayes posted: “If you knew how much money I turn down and how hard I fight to protect your high school memories.” The lyrics the company had pitched to him were: VERSE 1 I’ll bring you Greek, I’ll bring you French, I’ll bring you Japanese. I’ll bring you Thai, Steak from the Pub, bring all the food that you need. Close to your door with every step, I’m outside holding your food. It will be warm, It will be tasty ‘cause I’m counting on a real good rating. That’s the reason I’m bringing, you Deep Fried Chicken CHORUS 1 I want to stand with you on food mountain I want to float with you in some cheese. [insert brand name] Like this forever Until more fries rain down on me. Twitter users thanked the singer for not selling out and they described the advertising company’s lyrics as “truly madly cringy”, “awful” and “a travesty.” “These lyrics make me want to throw myself off food mountain,” tweeted <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/savage-garden-star-darren-hayes-rejects-companys-awful-pitch/news-story/@daggerandpe" target="_blank">@daggerandpen</a>. “‘I want to float with you in some cheese’ is my new pick-up line,” wrote <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/clairenelson/status/1422342652658425858?s=20" target="_blank">@clairenelson</a>. And <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/timbyrneses/status/1422343095534854154?s=20" target="_blank">@timbyrneses</a> tweeted: “Could you still record it? The people need to hear this cringe.” Truly Madly Deeply was a huge hit for Hayes and his Savage Garden bandmate, Daniel Jones, when it was released in 1997. The song went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the US and it became the first song in the chart’s history to spend a full 52 weeks inside the top 30. In Australia it won the ARIA award for Single of the Year and was nominated for Song of the Year but lost out to another Savage Garden song, To the Moon and Back. Savage Garden won 10 ARIAs that year from 13 nominations. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Music

Joan Collins shuts down Piers Morgan over Meghan Markle question

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”. “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. The Dynasty 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. “My lips are sealed on that subject,” she said. “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.” Morgan seemed to appreciate her response and said: “Exactly - thank you.” 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 Good Morning Britain in April. Earlier this month, he accused the Duchess of Sussex of telling “downright lies” and called her “Princess Pinocchio” over the weekend. Image: news.com.au

Gladys responds to savage attack from Jodi McKay

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> The NSW Parliament resumed for the first time after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s ex-partner, former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, finished giving evidence to ICAC. The ICAC probing was whether or not he abused his parliamentary power for personal gain. This was not left unnoticed by Labor leader Jodi McKay, who hammered the NSW Premier during question time. McKay asked Berejiklian the following: “In July 2018, you knew ICAC was investigating Daryl Maguire’s dealings with Country Gardens and his commissions from property developers. We now know he told you about Country Garden, and we now know he told you about the commissions. Why did you not report this to ICAC as you were legally required?” The Premier responded: “I reject the imputations of the question, and secondly, she asked me the same question last week.” “And thirdly, we should allow the integrity body to do the work it needs to do while I do the work the people of NSW expect me to do: have the best COVID recovery plan in the nation, have the best and strongest economy and the best health administration.” The heated question time session came after a scathing tweet from McKay. “For the last year, I’ve looked (the Premier) in the eye when I’ve asked questions – believing she too wanted politics to be the best it can be. I respected my opponent. Today I’ll see a woman who has diminished the role of Premier & set an impossibly low standard. All respect is gone,” she wrote. The Labor MPs have also seized on comments made by the Premier to radio host Ben Fordham, saying she didn't take any interest in Maguire's business deals as MPs are allowed to make money from side deals. “That’s the key thing, rightly or wrongly. MPs are allowed to do deals and make money, as long as they disclose it in the right way,” the Premier said on the 2GB program. Deputy Opposition Leader Yasmin Catley said that the Premier's comments on 2GB amounted to saying that corruption was "acceptable". “It is quite clear that she feels there is nothing wrong with members of this parliament receiving sales commissions from property developers,” Ms Catley said. </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Ageless Joan Collins celebrates birthday in glamour

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. The legendary actress spent her special day in the company of her husband Percy Gibson, 55. Taking to Instagram, Collins shared a photograph of the pair holding up a tiny birthday cake perfect for two. <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&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&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Joan Collins (@joancollinsdbe)</a> on May 24, 2020 at 2:28am PDT </div> </blockquote> Joan looked simply stunning and dressed in an elegant white number, and finished off the look with understated jewellery and a slicked back hairstyle. Joan's husband, who is 32 years her junior, looked playful and happy as he put his arm around his wife. “It wasn't just a happy birthday it was a sensational one – I'm still reeling from the brilliant surprises,” she wrote Joan has received lots of messages from loving fans on social media and a few comments on how good she looked at 87. <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&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> <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&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 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&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Joan Collins</a> (@joancollinsdbe) on May 23, 2020 at 8:25am PDT </div> </blockquote> "You look breathtakingly young- the secret please x" one fan remarked. Another said: "Looking very loved and beautifull.. you never seem to get any older." The performer admitted she has hopes of living until 100 years old. "Will I outlive you all? No, I don’t want that," she said during an interview with Mirror Online. "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".

Beauty & Style

Media outlet’s savage response to Meghan and Harry’s brutal letter

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex told a number of British tabloids on Sunday that they would never deal with their outlets again, and on Tuesday, The Sun’s editor issued a brutal response. The royals sent a letter to the editors of The Sun, Daily Mail, Mirror and Express where they wrote they would no longer respond to any questions or inquires made by journalists working for the outlets. Instead, they both said they would employ a policy of “zero engagement” with the tabloids, except through their lawyers. The representative who sent the message on behalf of the couple said they refused to “offer themselves up as currency for an economy of clickbait and distortion” and accused the outlets of running stories that are “distorted, false, or invasive beyond reason”. It is just a new log in the ever fiery battle between the Sussexes and the British media. The Sun’s Executive Editor Dan Wootton did not take the brutal letter lying down however and published an opinion piece where he said the ex-royals chose to “put their lifestyle before family or country” and need to cease “pathetic fights” and instead focus on different issues. “Harry and Meghan’s decision to flee to a sunny Californian mansion – on a carbon emitting private jet, of course – showed that their character is based on a desire to put their own lifestyle first before their family or country,” Wootton wrote in a brutal response to the couple. The tabloid editor went on to discuss Prince Harry’s claim that the British media was “lying” about how serious the coronavirus was in the UK. The royal told the podcast Declassified: “I think what has happened especially in the UK is the very best of the human spirit and it's proving that things are better than we are led to believe through certain corners of the media. “Certainly when you're in isolation it can be very worrying when you're sitting there and the only information you're getting is from certain news channels, but then if you're out and about and you're on the right platforms you can really sense this human spirit coming to the forefront.” Wootton criticised Prince Harry by writing the royal lived over “9,000km away in a luxury Hollywood mansion” and that as a “former senior member” he has virtually “no access” to government information to support his claims. “He has no qualifications or expertise whatsoever to comment on the severity of a pandemic,” the journalist went on to say. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their intention to withdraw from their position as senior royals in January. On April 1, the couple ceased using their HRH titles and currently reside in sunny Los Angeles.

Travel Trouble

ALDI's savage solution to “sneaky” toilet paper trick

ALDI has announced their drastic new measures to crack down on shoppers who are using “sneaky” tricks to get around grocery bulk-buying restrictions during the coronavirus outbreaks. CEO Tom Daunt says customers who attempt to get around the product policies will be handed to police. “Together with our store employees we’ve developed new conditions of entry to our stores,” Mr Duant said. Rules for entry into ALDI Australia’s stores now include “respecting employees and their physical space” and “practising good hygiene”. “Do not attempt to ‘game’ our product restriction policies,” Mr Duant went on to say. “We remind you that we will not accept any violent behaviour (verbal or physical) in or around our stores and the police will be called immediately if required.” The German grocery chain’s major move follows after it was realised parents were getting young children to line up and buy toilet paper packets on their own to get past the “one pack per customer” rule. People on social media shot back at the sneaky trick by labelling the act “un-Australian” and “sneaky”. “When the chips are down people think of themselves,” one frustrated person said on Facebook as fears gear up over COVID-19. “These people are greedy and selfish,” another wrote. One angry shopper could be heard shouting “that’s un-Australian – there will be nothing left for anyone else” in a store as parents were allegedly handing their children cash to carry out the task. The bizarre tactic comes as Coles, Woolworths and Aldi battle to deal with the “unprecedented” demand for essential supplies over the weekend. The supermarket giants introduced new grocery limits not long after, with ALDI Australia’s CEO Tom Daunt announcing on Wednesday morning that the supermarket was introducing limits on dry pasta, flour, dry rice (excludes microwave rice), paper towels and hand sanitiser – two packs per customer. ALDI had previously held off introducing grocery limits, only restricting shoppers to just one pack of toilet rolls.

Food & Wine

Dame Joan Collins is back

Dame Joan Collins, 86, is back in the spotlight after appearing in a major ad for the beauty campaign for makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury. The Hollywood star is seen smiling alongside younger models which advertises the celebrity make-up artist’s brand-new Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation. <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> <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 💫✨💓🤩💖!! 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 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 </div> </blockquote> The foundation itself comes in 44 different shades and after the advertising campaign now has a 17,000 strong waitlist for the shades. 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. “I have worked with the best laboratories in the world to create my most miraculous skin-creation yet,” says Tilbury, according to <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>. “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.” 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.

Beauty & Style

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

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 Cleopatra and the casting couch. 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. “There were some very, very big people who promised me this role if I would be ‘Nice’ to them,” she explained. “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 Cleopatra.” Collins revealed in a column for The Daily Mail in 2017 that this man was Buddy Adler, the then head of 20th Century Fox. 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.’” 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. “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. In the column she recalled Adler’s response to this remark. He said “Honey, you have quite a sense of humour.” 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 Cleopatra, as Elizabeth Taylor landed the coveted gig playing the Egyptian Queen. Collins further discussed her experience in a column for The Daily Mail. “The head of 20th 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 The Daily Mail. “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.” 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. Collins alluded to Warren Beatty as one who relished in his press. “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. 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.’” Later, on the set of Island In The Sun, Collins met Harry Belafonte and romance soon followed. Although Collins revealed John Forsyth on Dynasty wasn’t her biggest fan. “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.”

Movies

Dame Joan Collins reveals the secrets to her successful marriage

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. 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. 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. “Percy and I manage our lives together, even down to household chores. We don’t have live-in staff,” Dame Joan revealed. 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.’” Another secret to Dame Joan and Percy’s successful marriage? The couple’s bathroom arrangements. 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." 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. “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.” Dame Joan added, “Percy loves me best when we are at home together – me without makeup and him unshaven and in his tracksuit bottoms.” What do you think of Dame Joan Collins’ secrets to a successful marriage? Share your secrets to a happy marriage with us below.

Movies

Joan Collins to be fairy godmother of a cruise

Even cruise ships need fairy godmothers it seems. 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. "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. The S.S Joie de Vivre will sail Uniworld's Paris & Normandy route, its slightly smaller size in comparison with similar cruise ships allowing it to dock in the hear of Paris. Able to accommodate 128 passengers, the vessel will feature two royal suites, eight junior suites and 54 staterooms, all with marble-lined bathrooms. 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. The French-inspire furnishings, art and antiques have also met Collins' taste test. “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." Written by Lorna Thornber. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Cruising

105-year-old Aucklander shares her secret to long life

Joan Brennan is 105 and credits her long life to home grown herbs – she discovered natural therapies in her 50s – and friendships. Brennan celebrated her latest birthday on Saturday at a party with friends and family at Point Chevalier's Selwyn Village. She said looking after her health had always been important to her. <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35801/2_497x280.jpg" alt="2 (169)"/> She said she tried to stay away from taking conventional pills and tablets whenever possible. Some of the plants she had grown included milk thistle and arum lily - which she put on septic sores. Friendship had always been very important to her as well, she said. Her son, Barry Brennan said he believed she had lived so long because she had good genes, developed excellent survival skills from living through the 1920's and 1930's and had lived healthy by eating wisely and exercising every day. Brennan continued to volunteer every Tuesday at an opportunity shop. Selwyn Village senior administrator Lisa Hulton said Brennan regularly caught three buses from the village to buy organic vegetables on Richmond Rd. She's also the grand master of the 500 club at the village. Its members said she ran the weekly club, baked something different for it every week, did the dishes afterwards and still played a good game. Brennan was born in England in 1912 and moved to Australia in 1922 with her mother and sister, after her father was killed in WWI. She moved to New Zealand and trained as a nurse before returning overseas to the Isle of Man. Brennan met her husband Tom while in England and they relocated to New Zealand after getting married in 1935. For seven years they were lighthouse keepers on Portland Island in Hawkes Bay, looking for submarines and reporting on the weather. "These were very happy times - we did a lot of fishing together," she said. The couple relocated to Auckland, first to St Mary's Bay and then to Campbells Bay. In 1990 the Brennans shifted into Selwyn Village and Tom died in 1998. Written by Mary Fitzgerald. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

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