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The Voice 2025 coaches line-up leaked

<p><em>The Voice Australia</em> appears set to have a major cast shake up, following Guy Sebastian's shock <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/guy-sebastian-drops-bombshell-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">departure</a> from the show after six years. </p> <p>An insider told <em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em> that current coaches Kate Miller-Heidke and Adam Lambert are also saying goodbye to the show. </p> <p>Channel Seven is said to be in the final stages of locking their new line-up, which includes former fan favourites like Keith Urban. </p> <p>“The line-up that Channel Seven wants is Keith Urban, Jessica Mauboy, Ronan Keating and LeAnn Rimes,” the source told <em>Yahoo Lifestyle.</em> </p> <p>“They’ve all been on the show before and conversations had started a few months back.”</p> <p>Urban last appeared on the singing competition as coach in 2022, and fans were overjoyed when he appeared as a guest earlier this year. </p> <p>"Keith was asked about returning when he recorded a performance for the grand finale and he sounded open to the idea - as long as it works with his wife Nicole Kidman's plans to be back in Australia at the same time," the insider said. </p> <p>The source also said that US singer Rimes is likely to return as well. </p> <p>"In the lead-up to this year’s finale, LeAnn's management kept talking about the next series and what she plans to do differently," they said. </p> <p> “LeAnn was clear about her ambition to return next year and Channel Seven are keen to have her back after her artist won.”</p> <p>Jessica Mauboy, who was coach for the show from 2021 to 2023, left the series this year to focus on her music and go on tour, but Channel Seven are also keen to welcome her back. </p> <p>“There were always plans to bring Jess back at some point and viewers really missed her contribution this season," the insider said. </p> <p>“The conversation about Jess had been on the cards with or without Guy. It seemed the network was already looking at flipping Kate Miller-Heidke, who seemed a little out of place on the show."</p> <p>As for Ronan Keating, who was last seen on the show in 2016, the source said he was keen to appear on the Australian version of the show again. </p> <p>Channel Seven is expected to officially announce the 2025 lineup for <em>The Voice Australia</em> at their upcoming Upfront event this month.</p> <p>“One thing is for sure <em>The Voice Australia </em>will go on without Guy Sebastian and 2025 looks set to have one of the best line-ups without him." </p> <p><em>Images: Channel Seven</em></p> <p> </p>

TV

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Nicole Kidman bids farewell to her mother at intimate funeral

<p>Nicole Kidman has said a tearful goodbye to her beloved mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, during an intimate funeral service held at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lavender Bay, Sydney.</p> <p>The 57-year-old Oscar winner was supported by her husband, country music star Keith Urban, and their two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, as family and close friends gathered to honour Janelle’s life.</p> <p>84Janelle Kidman, 84, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/nicole-kidman-confirms-heartbreaking-family-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away in early September</a> after a long illness. The family, including Nicole's sister, journalist Antonia Kidman, and Janelle’s eight grandchildren, shared moving tributes at the service. Among them was TV host Lucia Hawley, the eldest of the grandchildren, who gave a heartfelt speech.</p> <p>The service was also attended by a number of notable figures from Australia’s entertainment industry, including actor Russell Crowe, broadcaster Peter Overton, and his wife, television personality Jessica Rowe.</p> <p>The news of her mother's passing reached Nicole while she was in Venice, Italy, for the Venice Film Festival on September 8, where she was being honoured with the Best Actress award for her role in the upcoming thriller <em>Babygirl</em>. Unable to attend the ceremony, director Halina Reijn accepted the award on her behalf and read a touching message from Kidman, in which the actress expressed her grief.</p> <p>“Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just passed,” Kidman’s statement began. “I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking. My heart is broken.”</p> <p>Janelle Kidman’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, but she had reportedly been battling health issues since 2016 when she suffered a suspected heart scare. Her passing comes nearly a decade after the death of her husband, Dr Antony Kidman, who died of a heart attack in Singapore in 2014.</p> <p>Kidman, who divides her time between Nashville, Manhattan, and Australia, remains close to her family despite her international career, often speaking about the pivotal role her mother played in her life and career.</p> <p><em>Images: 9News / Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Richard Simmons' cause of death revealed

<p>Richard Simmons' brother, Lenny, has revealed the fitness guru's cause of death was accidental. </p> <p>Lenny confirmed the 76-year-old's cause of death in a statement on Wednesday (Thursday AEST), and also thanked fans for the "outpouring of love" following his death.</p> <p>"This morning, Richard Simmons' brother Lenny, received a call from the LA Coroner's office," family spokesperson Tom Estey said in a statement to <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"The coroner informed Lenny that Richard's death was accidental due to complications from recent falls and heart disease as a contributing factor.</p> <p>"The toxicology report was negative other than medication Richard had been prescribed.</p> <p>"The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support during this time of great loss."</p> <p>Simmons, who rose to fame in the 80s as a TV fitness icon was found dead by his longtime housekeeper on July 13- a day after his 76th birthday. </p> <p>His brother previously paid tribute to the icon in an interview with <em>People </em>magazine. </p> <p>"I don't want people to be sad about my brother," he said just hours after the news of his brother's death. </p> <p>"I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He truly cared about people.</p> <p>"He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.</p> <p>"So don't be sad. Celebrate his life."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Richard Simmons' final message for fans

<p>Former staff of the late fitness guru Richard Simmons have shared what would be his last message to fans. </p> <p>The legendary fitness instructor <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/jane-fonda-s-heartfelt-tribute-to-richard-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. </p> <p>In a message posted to Simmons' X (formerly Twitter) account from "Richard's staff," it was stated that Simmons often planned his social media posts ahead of time.</p> <p>"Richard worked very hard on his posts for you," the message from Simmons' staff began.</p> <p>"He had many ideas and would work ahead… going back to each one making changes until he had it just like he wanted before posting," the message continued.</p> <p>"As you know, on the weekends, he would just share a photo with a caption. He always chose his photos and wrote his captions for the upcoming weekend by Friday."</p> <p>"So we have the post Richard planned to share with you last Sunday. We thought you'd want to see it."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the post Richard had planned for you for Sunday July 14, 2024. 3/3</p> <p>“Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars. <br />Love,<br />Richard” <a href="https://t.co/aatT3LkrsT">pic.twitter.com/aatT3LkrsT</a></p> <p>— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWeightSaint/status/1814768145137279282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>According to his staff, the message that Simmons intended to share with his followers on July 14th 2024, just one day after his death, read: "Let me fly you to the moon so we can gaze among the stars. Love, Richard."</p> <p>According to <a title="People" href="https://people.com/richard-simmons-staff-share-a-final-post-and-last-photo-before-death-8681177" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em>, </a>Simmons was buried on July 19th in Los Angeles. </p> <p>"Our beloved Dicky was laid to rest this morning surrounded by only family and closest friends," Simmons' brother Lenny Simmons told the outlet in a statement via Simmons' longtime publicist Tom Estey.</p> <p>"We pray for your continued love and support during this very difficult time."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Peter Foley/EPA/Shutterstock </em></p>

Caring

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Jane Fonda's heartfelt tribute to Richard Simmons

<p>Legendary fitness guru Richard Simmons passed away on Saturday, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. </p> <p>Tributes are flowing in for the beloved fitness guru, with Jane Fonda honouring his memory through a heartfelt post on Instagram. </p> <p>“Richard Simmons always wanted people to feel good and be happy," Fonda began in her tribute shared one day after Simmons' passing. </p> <p>"He would go out of his way to make people happy. I often wondered if maybe nobody had made him happy when he was a little boy,” she shared with a throwback photo of the pair. </p> <p>“He was generous. He gave of himself, of his time, to make people happy. He once popped out of a huge cake at the launch of some Jane Fonda WORKOUT event. That was generous.”</p> <p>She continued to praise Simmons' generosity, before adding that she - like many who knew Simmons - had lost touch with him as he stepped back from public life over the past decade. </p> <p>"I saw him last when I took him and a boyfriend of his to lunch at the Polo Lounge. The relationship was new and he was proud. I never saw or heard from him again and, like many thousands of others, I’ve mourned his absence from my life," she wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9adC5ptced/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9adC5ptced/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jane Fonda (@janefonda)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I hope he felt the love so many were sending him these last years. I hope it made him happy. I read he died peacefully in his sleep in his very white home.</p> <p>"Rest in Peace, Dear Richard." </p> <p>Lenny Simmons, his brother, has urged fans to remember the late fitness guru for the happiness he brougt them. </p> <p>"I don't want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people's lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help," he wrote.</p> <p>"So don't be sad. Celebrate his life," Lenny urged.</p> <p>Simmons rose to fame in the 1980s after he became a TV fitness icon.  He was known for his boisterous personality, his curly hair and colourful Lycra outfits. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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"Blew our marriage to smithereens”: Keith Urban's emotional admission

<p>Keith Urban has opened up about the rocky start to his marriage with Nicole Kidman in an emotional speech in front of the Hollywood elite. </p> <p>During his speech at the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Nicole Kidman, which was filmed in April but aired over the weekend, Urban spoke candidly about their relationship and the early days of their marriage, when Urban spent time in rehab. </p> <p>Taking to the stage, he said, “We got married in June 2006, and barely four months into our marriage, the addictions that I had done really nothing about blew our marriage to smithereens.”</p> <p>“I went into the Betty Ford Center for three months,” Urban continued.</p> <p>“Four months into a marriage, and I’m in rehab for three months with no idea what was going to happen to us.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8dWHBDIC7c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8dWHBDIC7c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by American Film Institute (@americanfilminstitute)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“If you want to see what love in action really looks like, give that a whirl,” he said. </p> <p>“Nic pushed through every negative voice — I’m sure even some of her own — and she chose love. And here we are tonight 18 years later.”</p> <p>Urban went on to say his wife has “the capacity to love like no one I’ve ever met”.</p> <p>He went on to recall how they met at an event in 2005, where he got her digits on a “tiny piece of paper” that he carried “in his pocket for well over a week.”</p> <p>“I was scared,” the singer recalled. “I was nervous to call her and as prone as I might have been at the time to all sorts of delusional thinking, even I couldn’t stretch that to think that this extraordinary woman would ever see anything in a guy like me.”</p> <p>Urban finally plucked up the bravery to ring Kidman, and he said that when he did, it felt like they had “known each other our whole lives.”</p> <p>“It turned out that this mystic creature was really just a wide-eyed, vivacious giddy girl from the Sydney suburbs and despite being born in Honolulu, she was utterly Aussie through and through,” he said.</p> <p>“The thing about Nic, she loves life,” Urban added. “I’ve actually never met anyone who has such a passion for being alive. She knows the importance of expressing feelings as well. I wasn’t raised like this at all so our girls are very lucky to be learning from you, baby. I’m learning too.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Relationships

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Seinfeld star's worrying health update

<p><em>Seinfeld</em> star Michael Richards has revealed his secret battle with prostate cancer in 2018, and how he only survived after making the decision to undergo surgery. </p> <p>Richards, who played the ever-eccentric Cosmo Kramer in the 1990s sitcom, received the stage one diagnosis after a routine check-up showed he had elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.</p> <p>He opened up about the diagnosis to <em>People</em> magazine, saying, “I thought, ‘Well, this is my time. I’m ready to go’.”</p> <p>“But then my son came to mind just a few seconds later, and I heard myself saying, ‘I’ve got a nine-year-old, and I’d like to be around for him. Is there any way I can get a little more life going?’”</p> <p>Richards’ doctor recommended removing the comedian’s entire prostate because the biopsy “didn’t look good”, as Richards explained it "had to be contained quickly”.</p> <p>“I had to go for the full surgery. If I hadn’t, I probably would have been dead in about eight months,” the 74-year-old said. </p> <p>After facing the difficult health battle, Richards felt inspired to write his forthcoming memoir, Entrances and Exits, using a collection of diaries he had kept over the years.</p> <p>“I had over 40 journals I’d kept over the years and wanted to do a full review of my life. I’m turning 75, so maybe wanting to do that is something that comes with being my age. I wanted to connect with feelings and memory,” he told the publication. </p> <p>“I’m surprised at how much I was able to remember.”</p> <p><em>Greg Grudt/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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Nicole Kidman's daughters help celebrate mum's historic first

<p>Nicole Kidman taken to the red carpet with her family in tow for a rare appearance, as Nicole accepted a lifetime achievement award. </p> <p>The Aussie actress was joined by her husband Keith Urban and their two daughters, Sunday, 15, and Faith, 13, who were all dressed to the nines for the occasion.</p> <p>Nicole was also surrounded by her sister Antonia Kidman, brother-in-law Craig Marran and their family for the glitzy event. </p> <p>The 56-year-old actress has now become the first Australian to win the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, with the award often being dubbed the highest honour in American cinema. </p> <p>The accolade has also been won by the likes of Julie Andrews, Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Meryl Streep Morgan Freeman and many other iconic figures in the industry. </p> <p>The Academy Award winner who grew up in Sydney said on social media she was "deeply moved" to receive such a prestigious award. </p> <p>"Thank you to all of you and to the American Film institute for including me in this illustrious group of honorees — now let's have some fun!" she wrote on Instagram. </p> <p>When announcing Kidman as the recipient of the award, AFI released a statement saying, "Both a powerhouse performer, spellbinding movie star and accomplished producer, Nicole Kidman has captured the imaginations of audiences throughout her prolific career, delivering complex and versatile performances on-screen."</p> <p>"She is a force both brave in her choices and bold in each performance. AFI is honoured to present her with the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Overwhelming joy": Richard Wilkins shares first photo of new granddaughter

<p>Richard Wilkins has become a grandfather for the third time! </p> <p>The entertainment reporter took to Instagram to share the joyous news on Sunday, with a sweet photo of him holding his granddaughter. </p> <p>"What an overwhelming joy to meet the youngest member of our little family Amira Jean. What a perfect little princess you are, absolutely divine! Born 6/4/24," he captioned the photo. </p> <p>"GrandDaddyPapaBear loves you so much … and can’t wait to watch you make your mark on the world!"</p> <p>He then congratulated his son Nick and daughter-in-law Breana for welcoming their first child together. </p> <p>"Congratulations to your magnificent parents Bree and Nick … I love you and am so proud!"</p> <p>Nick and Bree married in March 2023 and first announced the news of their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/richard-wilkins-joyful-family-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pregnancy</a> last September. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5dAJ4WLrko/?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/C5dAJ4WLrko/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Richard Wilkins AM (@richardwilkins)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Wilkins also talked about the newest addition to his family on <em>Today Extra, </em>and said: "My son Nick and his beautiful wife Bree had a little bubba on Saturday." </p> <p>He also shared his interests in numerology and how stoked he was about baby Amira's April 6th birthdate. </p> <p>"You know I like numerology so 6, 4, 24 is a good birthday," he quipped.</p> <p>Family, friends and fans were quick to share their congratulations in the comment section of his Instagram post. </p> <p>"Best granddaddy papa bear out there," his daughter-in-law Breana commented. </p> <p>"Congratulations! So much love to you all," added media personality Jessica Rowe. </p> <p>"What an adorable little bundle of joy," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Precious. Congratulations to you and your family. So much fun being a grandparent," added another. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Sir Richard Branson in serious bike crash

<p>Richard Branson, the adventurous billionaire and founder of Virgin Group, is no stranger to pushing the limits. However, his latest escapade – a biking mishap on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands – left him with shocking injuries, adding to a long list of near-death experiences throughout his life.</p> <p>In a recent Instagram post, Branson shared the aftermath of his bike crash, recounting how he flew off his bike after hitting a pothole on the picturesque island.</p> <p>The accident resulted in severe cuts on his elbow and a haematoma on his hip. Remarkably, despite the intensity of the crash, Branson escaped without any broken bones, though the same could not be said for his biking companion, Alex Wilson, who also took a spill but thankfully emerged relatively unscathed.</p> <p>"Took quite a big tumble while cycling in Virgin Gorda a little while ago!" Branson wrote. "I hit a pothole and crashed hard, resulting in another hematoma on my hip and a nasty cut elbow, but amazingly nothing broken.</p> <p>"We were cycling with Alex Wilson, who fell after me, but thankfully he was ok as well. I’m counting myself very lucky, and thankful for keeping myself active and healthy."</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3OP6hBMP7B/?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/C3OP6hBMP7B/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Richard Branson (@richardbranson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This incident is just the latest in a series of biking accidents for Branson. In 2018, during an endurance charity race, he feared he had broken his back after another biking mishap. Similarly, in 2016, while cycling with his children in the British Virgin Islands, he had a terrifying headfirst collision with the road, leaving him fearing for his life.</p> <p>Branson's penchant for adventure has led him into numerous dangerous situations over the years. From surviving a sinking fishing boat during his honeymoon to crash-landing a microlight aircraft he didn't know how to fly, his life reads like a catalogue of adrenalin-fuelled escapades. Even the inaugural test flight of Virgin Atlantic in 1984 wasn't without drama, as an engine exploded mid-air.</p> <p>Skydiving accidents, near misses with hot air balloons, and daring stunts like wing-walking on a Virgin Atlantic plane or jumping off the Palms Casino in Las Vegas further illustrate Branson's willingness to embrace risk in pursuit of thrills.</p> <p>Despite the multitude of close calls, Branson maintains a resilient spirit, viewing each brush with danger as an opportunity for growth and appreciation for life. His Instagram post following the bike crash in Virgin Gorda captures this sentiment, as he reflects on his luck and gratitude for staying active and healthy.</p> <p>For Branson, it appears that the thrill of the unknown far outweighs the comfort of caution. As he aptly puts it, "After all, the brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all."</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Country music star dies at age 62

<p>Country music singer Toby Keith has died at the age of 62 after an 18-month battle with stomach cancer. </p> <p>A statement was posted to the musician's website confirming his passing, saying, "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family." </p> <p>"He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time."</p> <p>Country music icon Dolly Parton led the tributes to the late star shortly after the news of his death broke. </p> <p>Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "It's always hard when we lose our brothers and sisters in country music."</p> <p>"Toby Keith was one of the greats in every way. He will be missed but his music and legacy will live on. Love Dolly."</p> <p>Musician Carrie Underwood also shared a post to her more than 13 million followers on Instagram, calling him a "a true blue cowboy".</p> <p>"Saddle up the horses, Jesus, 'cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!" she wrote.</p> <p>"We're gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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The unfunny fallout: Richard Wilkins causes bizarre boycott of Barry Humphries memorial

<p>In what can only be described as a plot twist worthy of its own sitcom, the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/free-tickets-up-for-grabs-to-barry-humphries-state-memorial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">memorial service for Australian comedy icon Barry Humphries</a> is shaping up to be more dramatic than the very finest of soap operas. </p> <p>The cause of this uproar? None other than the involvement of Richard Wilkins, the silver fox of entertainment reporting, as the MC/host of the event.</p> <p>It seems Wilkins' mere presence has caused such distress among some of Humphries' nearest and dearest that they've decided to boycott the memorial altogether. </p> <p>One of Humphries' longtime friends, Professor Ross Fitzgerald, <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/family-friends-slam-richard-wilkins-as-mc-for-barry-humphries-memorial/news-story/b6e4dd1ddcd20237a4b88e83cac40e33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expressed his disbelief</a>, saying, "Like a number of Barry's friends, I was amazed and aghast that Channel 9 personality Richard Wilkins was chosen to be the MC at this important event, Barry's memorial." </p> <p>Fitzgerald continued, "I find it very hard to believe that members of the family and the children, for example, would have approved this."</p> <p>And now, while the upcoming memorial turns into a high-stakes game of 'Who Wants to Avoid Richard Wilkins?', Sydney Confidential went on to report that while Humphries' widow Lizzie Spender played a role in organising the service, Humphries' daughter Emily was not consulted and won't be attending. </p> <p>But Wilkins has his fair share of defenders. Australian TV producer Mark Llewellyn took to Twitter to proclaim, "Humphries would have abhorred these snobs," adding, "Shove a gladioli up their boycotting bottoms!" That's one way to settle a family dispute.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Seven entertainment reporter Peter Ford, in an attempt to play peacemaker, tweeted, "It's all very unfortunate and obviously not Richard's fault. He's a great M.C." </p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Sir Richard Branson shocks 150 Virgin passengers with free $7000 cruises

<p>Sir Richard Branson has shocked passengers onboard a domestic flight by gifting all travellers a free cruise. </p> <p>There were 150 passengers onboard a flight from Melbourne to Hobart when the Virgin Group founder dialled in via FaceTime to share the exciting news. </p> <p>Speaking over the PA system, Branson told travellers of the arrival of Virgin Voyages' in Australia, with those onboard making the same trip as the upcoming maiden voyage from Melbourne to Hobart on December 11th. </p> <p>“We’re counting down to Virgin Voyages’ arrival Down Under – setting sail the Virgin way with adults-only itineraries across Australia and New Zealand. Sorry kids, you’ll have to sit this one out,” Branson told passengers.</p> <p>“Well, today, you happen to be travelling on the same route as our Aussie Mermaiden Voyage."</p> <p>Branson then shared the exciting news that those onboard the flight would be receiving an incredible gift. </p> <p>“To celebrate this milestone, I’m pleased to gift each adult on board a free Virgin Voyages cruise,” he said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzspCI4LyMA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzspCI4LyMA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Virgin Australia (@virginaustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Each person was gifted a $7,000 cruise voucher to claim on a Virgin Voyages trip anywhere around Australia. </p> <p>Branson continued speaking to those onboard the flight, saying, “The foundations of Virgin Australia were about keeping the air fair and we’re proud to be taking that same mantra to the sea with Virgin Voyages.”</p> <p>He said he wanted to give Aussies the opportunity to have an “affordable, stress-free holiday” where they could take a well-earned break, have fun and get a dose of vitamin sea.</p> <p>A Virgin Australia spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/richard-branson-gifts-virgin-passengers-on-a-domestic-flight-a-free-cruise/news-story/57421f325fcffd5634d554c75aedaf5f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> the feeling on-board was “electric” with passengers left stunned.</p> <p>“We are committed to creating wonderful moments on-board so it was a real pleasure to see so many surprised faces when Sir Richard finally made the announcement all guests had won a free cruise,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“The operating crew were in on the secret and stayed tight-lipped until Sir Richard’s call came through.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Courtesy of Virgin Australia</em></p>

Cruising

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Richard Wilkins' joyful family news

<p>Richard Wilkins is ready to embrace the "Granddaddy Pappa Bear" role once again, after announcing that his son Nick and wife Bree are expecting their first child together. </p> <p>The veteran TV presenter, 69, told <em>Today Extra </em>that his son is expecting a daughter sometime in April, and he couldn't hide his excitement. </p> <p>"Our little family is very excited!" he told the <em>Today Extra</em> hosts.</p> <p>"I just wanted to say and share it with everybody that my beautiful son Nick, who got married to beautiful Bree, they got married in March, they're having a little baby girl," the proud grandfather gushed. </p> <p>"That's not Dicky, that's Granddaddy Pappa Bear to you!"</p> <p>"I just wanted to share that. Our little family is very excited," he added. </p> <p>Nick and Bree got married earlier this year in an outdoor wedding surrounded by family and friends. </p> <p>Wilkins shared a photo of the beautiful wedding with the caption: "Hearty congratulations to my magnificent son Nick and his wife Bree... what a wonderful day! #Soproud #Familyiseverything."</p> <p>The entertainment editor has always been proud of how big his family is, with five kids: Adam, 50, Rebecca, 40, Nick, 39, Christian, 28, and Estella, 19. </p> <p>His daughter Rebecca is a mum of two. </p> <p>In a previous interview with <em>9Honey Parenting</em>, the 69-year-old shared that: "Seeing everybody happy and together is my great joy. </p> <p>"Oh, I just love it when we're all together. I love them interacting with each other."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine/ Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Richard Wilkins and Sir Bob Geldof catch up live on air

<p dir="ltr">Richard Wilkins is the man with a black book of celebrity contacts so it’s no surprise that he’s friends with rock legend Sir Bob Geldof.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Boomtown Rats</em> frontman was being interviewed for his own accomplishments, and the upcoming launch of his own independent radio station Disrupt Radio when he interrupted the interview to catch up with his old mate.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Lovely to see you, you're looking well I have to say," Wilkins told Geldof.</p> <p dir="ltr">Who replied: “I’m good how are you”, which Wilkins quickly responded to before asking his question.</p> <p dir="ltr">After answering a few questions about his upcoming gigs with <em>The Boomtown Rats</em>, the rock legend couldn’t hold his excitement of seeing his old mate and asked Wilkins how he was, for the second time.</p> <p dir="ltr">"How are things with you?" Geldof asked Wilkins.</p> <p dir="ltr">To which a slightly flustered Wilkins replied: "I'm good man, I will give you a call after the show," as he tried to get the show back on track.</p> <p dir="ltr">This elicited a chuckle from the <em>Today Extra</em> co-hosts Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Davies who quipped “it’s not about you, it’s more about Bob” before steering the conversation back to the original topic of interest.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Today Extra</em></p> <p> </p>

Music

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How Richard Wilkins impressed Michael Parkinson

<p>Richard Wilkins has opened up on his memorable interview with media legend Michael Parkinson, and how he managed to impress the interview king with one simple question. </p> <p>From a young age, Wilkins was in awe of Parkinson's interviewing ability, watching his every show with his parents during his childhood. </p> <p>Over the course of his astonishing career, Parkinson, a broadcast journalist and author, had interviewed more than 2,000 people. </p> <p>An inspiration to Dickie, the Nine journalist admitted that "in a weird way" watching the media icon propelled him to want to get up close and personal with some of those people as well.</p> <p>When Wilkins got the chance to sit down with Parkinson in 2019, he said the two just "clicked", making it one of his most memorable interviews.</p> <p>"I guess the older type people, who I've grown up appreciating what they do, I think they get a sense that you're not necessarily a fawning fan, but you certainly know what you're talking about and are up for a chat," Wilkins told <a href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/richard-wilkins-interview-michael-parkinson-dickies-diaries-exclusive/f7fde9cc-49bd-4dcb-a742-5ab8f0f9d563" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>9Honey Celebrity</em></a>.</p> <p>During their conversation, Wilkins impressed Parkinson with a question he had never been asked before. </p> <p>"I said, 'So, how important is that first question when you're sitting down opposite someone and you're trying to break the ice and get into their heads?' Wilkins recalled.</p> <p>"I've never been asked that before," Parkinson, then 85-year-old, said.</p> <p>"He said 'Well, it's very important, and I always think very long and hard about the first question.'"</p> <p>"And I said, 'So, how was that one?' He said, 'It was very good'. So we got on very well."</p> <p>At the end of their chat, Parkinson shared some wisdom with Wilkins, which he carries with him throughout his work. </p> <p>Parkinson said, "I think the most important thing about interviewing is to actually establish a relationship with the person sitting opposite because after all, it's a totally phoney operation."</p> <p>"All this nonsense, around, this palava, walking down the stairs, the band playing, all that sort of stuff. And I don't care who you are, when you reach the bottom of the stairs, you see this stranger opposite you, me, and you think 'what the hell am I doing here'."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

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Shane Warne’s dad takes aim at Warnie series’ false narrative

<p dir="ltr">Keith Warne, father of the late cricket legend Shane Warne, has offered his take on Channel 9’s<em> Warnie</em> miniseries.</p> <p dir="ltr">A large number of viewers took issue with the first episode, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/rougher-than-sandpaper-gate-warnie-series-a-swing-and-a-miss-with-fans">voicing their displeasure across social media for all to see</a>, and while Keith’s thoughts weren’t quite as vehement, they didn’t shine the most positive light on the series, or paint an accurate picture on <em>Warnie</em>’s behalf.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Warne patriarch shared his thoughts with entertainment reporter Peter Ford ahead of the first episode going to air, and Ford went on to discuss that take with 3AW’s Jimmy Bartel and Mark Allen. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I took a call last night from Keith just before it went to air last night,” Ford told the hosts, before going on to share that the previous week, he’d reported that “Keith and Shane’s brother Jason had gone in for a private screening” and had come out both “pleasantly surprised” and “quite happy with what they had seen.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Ford explained that that was what he’d been “told by people who were there”, but in talking to Keith the night before, he’d learned that that was “not an accurate description of their reaction to it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Keith is a very astute man, he knows it’s entertainment, he knows it’s not a documentary, but he feels that they missed out on a few key things,” he continued. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The main thing is he feels they didn’t portray the growth of Shane from the larrikin teenager to the mature adult who wanted to make a difference in the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ford then shared that Keith felt “there were some inaccuracies that didn’t reflect well on Shane”, in particular the cricket great’s relationship with Liz Hurley.</p> <p dir="ltr">Shane’s 10-year marriage to Simone Callahan ended in 2005 when the couple announced their divorce, and he met Liz in 2010 at a horse racing event, with the two revealing their engagement in 2011. </p> <p dir="ltr">They were together for three years, but ultimately called off their engagement - and their relationship - in 2013. </p> <p dir="ltr">And while their romance was “correct”, according to Keith via Ford, “in the show it’s presented that he did that during the time he was still married to Simone and Keith is quite adamant there was a distance between those two things happening.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s not angry, he’s just disappointed by the result.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Richard Wilkins' big night out with Russell Crowe after his Oscars win

<p>While Richard Wilkins has been hosting Nine's coverage of the Oscars red carpet for two decades, one year sticks in his memory as being particularly unforgettable. </p> <p>In 2001, Wilkins' second year hosting, he rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood elite on the red carpet before they went inside for the all important ceremony. </p> <p>He spoke with actor Russell Crowe, who later won the Best Actor award for his performance in <em>Gladiator</em>. </p> <p>Following the win, Wilkins and Crowe joined forces for the celebrations. </p> <p>"I was fortunate enough to be hanging out with him and his posse that night, roaring around town," the journalist remembers with a cheeky grin on his face.</p> <p>"When you win an Oscar, on Oscar night, the city is yours," says Dickie, before revealing they were driven around Los Angeles in two huge black SUVs to endless parties.</p> <p>"Popping into Elton John's party and going here and there and everywhere."</p> <p>Despite the fun and chaos of the afterparty, Wilkins explained that a lot of work goes into the coveted hosting gig. </p> <p>"I would spend weeks beforehand ringing all the publicists and telling them where we were gonna be," he said.</p> <p>Wilkins also shared that there a lot of people working behind the scenes on the big night, with producers feeding him information in an ear-piece before he conducts his interviews. </p> <p>"Having producers in my ear and saying Nicole's just arrived, she's wearing a blue dress. She's coming down there and then doing radio interviews and things," he says.</p> <p>"For me and my producer... you know you've earned your pay at the end of Oscars Day that's for sure."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

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Controversial call on Ben Roberts-Smith

<p>Following the dismissal of Ben Roberts-Smith's defamation trial, politicians and defence experts argue that his belongings should remain in the Australian War Memorial until he is criminally proven guilty.</p> <p>The civil case saw Australia’s most decorated living soldier lose out to <em>Nine</em> newspapers due to claims he had committed war crimes, including a murder while deployed in Afghanistan.</p> <p>Amid the findings, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/australian-war-memorial-urged-to-remove-ben-roberts-smith-s-uniform-from-display" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many have urged</a> Roberts-Smith should be stripped of his medals, including the Victoria Cross, and to have any mention of him removed from the Australian War Memorial.</p> <p>However, Liberal MP and former soldier Keith Wolahan argued that Roberts-Smith should still be featured in the memorial’s commemorations of the war in Afghanistan.</p> <p>He told <em>ACB TVs Q+A</em> program, “It’s a part of our history, but I think it should acknowledge the Brereton report and perhaps this defamation trial,”</p> <p>The Brereton report is the official inquiry by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force that found a culture of unlawful killings, horrid initiation rituals as well as cover-ups within the Australian military during his time in Afghanistan.</p> <p>Wolahan said it may not be necessary to include references to the defamation trial until criminal investigations are finalised, saying that politicians should “stay out of criminal proceedings”.</p> <p>“Ben Roberts-Smith still has a right to appeal and there’s a question about whether there’s a criminal charge,” Wolahan said.</p> <p>“He’s entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process, but I think the Brereton report belongs in the War Memorial.”</p> <p>Wolahan is a three-tour veteran of Afghanistan and served as an operations officer, platoon commander and deputy chief of operations.</p> <p>The former captain added that the Australian Army “have to hold ourselves to a higher standard”.</p> <p>“When you look at the Brereton report, you cannot ignore it. Yes, it’s not at the criminal standard and that defamation trial was not at the criminal standard, but you cannot ignore the findings,” he said.</p> <p>The <em>Q+A</em> panel discussed the culture within the armed forces of the West, with war correspondent Michael Ware noting that soldiers must go to a “very dark place” to face war.</p> <p>“It says we’ve all participated in small war crimes, I know I’ve certainly seen my share of them,” he said.</p> <p>“And according to the laws of war, and I have to tell you, this is a harsh reality – we in the West – we kill children.</p> <p>“If an eight-year-old is placing a roadside bomb, a sniper can legally shoot that child.”</p> <p>He then argued that despite that, there is an even worse cultural issue within the Australian Army.</p> <p>“All that said, there is a line you don’t cross, you've got to have a moral compass ... it does appear to me that there was a culture that developed over a period of years within the regiment where this just became a part of the way they operated and Ben Roberts-Smith is not alone.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty / Instagram</em></p>

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"She treats it like a sport": Richard Wilkins reveals toughest interview

<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; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible;"> <div class="upper-row" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 8px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: flex-end;"> <div class="right-box-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; display: flex; justify-content: flex-end; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Richard Wilkins has opened up about the toughest interview of his career.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Nine Entertainment </em>reporter revealed that a 2015 interview he did with <em>Material Girl</em> singer Madonna, kept him on his toes.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I guess Madonna would have to be up there. I've done a few interviews with her. She treats it like a sport," Wilkins revealed.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the interview, Wilkins played a drinking game with the singer, where she told him that their chat would not be "your average interview".</p> <p dir="ltr">"One of the last interviews I did with her she had a bottle of tequila and two shot glasses. She said if you ask a really good question, I'll have a shot and if you ask a really stupid question you have to have a shot."</p> <p dir="ltr">As the interview went on the two shot glasses remained empty.</p> <p dir="ltr">At one point, the singer let out an expletive in response to one of Wilkins’ questions and immediately apologised, to which Wilkins jokingly asked whether she should have a shot for swearing.</p> <p dir="ltr">"No, that's not part of the... I make up the rules to this game, OK," she quipped, with a smile creeping across her lips.</p> <p dir="ltr">The two were super competitive as the bottle of tequila remained untouched throughout the interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">When they discussed Madonna’s thirteenth album <em>Rebel Heart</em>, Wilkins finally broke the streak after asking her a question about changing her image.</p> <p dir="ltr">Without uttering a word Madonna pours him a shot, to which Wilkins groans, “Oh come on”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I always answer the same way,” the singer justified and then told Wilkins to “drink up”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wilkins recalled this moment as if it happened yesterday.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I said, this new record, you know you're going in a different direction... 'Oh, the reinvention question, alright here you go'," he recalled, miming pouring a drink.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was all fun and games, but you've got to be on your toes when you interview Madonna, because she does not take any prisoners,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 9Honey</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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