New Idea

It’s reality TV season! For me, it’s all about Survivor. I simply can’t get enough of it and often wonder just how I’d go stranded on a remote island, living on beans and rice while participating in brutal challenges and being blindsided and voted out of the game by my best friend. But if that’s not your cup of tea, you’re guaranteed plenty of drama over on Married at First Sight – our insiders tell us this is the most explosive season ever. Bring on the scandals! And if you prefer something a little more family friendly, Australian Idol returns this week with a bang! Happy reading! Editor newidea@aremedia.com.au newidea.com.au @newideamagazine @newideamagazine…

In the wake of Carrie Bickmore’s shock break-up from partner Chris Walker, it appears some of their A-list pals are giving her the cold shoulder. Just days after the couple of 11 years announced their split, Leigh Sales and Carrie’s former The Project co-star Peter Helliar shared social media images from an afternoon at the pub with Chris, a senior producer for the ABC. As Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann and cricketer Adam Gilchrist joined the trio for the drink, Leigh made a point of calling Chris “a legend”. A source tells New Idea that Carrie, 42, has been “rocked to the core” over seeing their mutual friends taking sides – and that “it’s almost like rubbing salt in the wound”. “Sadly, in Chris and Carrie’s case, the fact they all work in the same…

One man who will never let Carrie down is her radio show co-star Tommy Little. Last year, Carrie made it her “quest in life” to find him a girlfriend, taking out billboards across the country. And when she’s ready to get back on the wagon, insiders say Tommy will be there for her too. “Once Carrie decides she’d like to start dating, Tommy will be only too happy to return the favour and set her up with some top blokes,” says a source. “Tommy loves Carrie and wants her to find true love and happiness.”…

Guy and Jules Sebastian’s long-running feud with a neighbour has reached breaking point. The musician, 41, was granted an apprehended violence order against the 65-year-old man who lives next door to his Eastern Sydney suburbs home. The man allegedly threatened Guy and kicked over a fence between their properties. Charged with stalking with intent to cause physical harm and damaging property, the neighbour will face Waverley Local Court on February 2. He intends to fight the allegations, and says he is currently “seeking legal advice”.…

Rugby league legend Wally Lewis’ ongoing health concerns have forced him to step down from his role as Nine News’ Queensland sports reporter. “Wally is concerned about any long-term effects of concussion caused from his footy playing days,” a source tells New Idea. It comes after Wally, 63, revealed that his dad Jim had sadly been diagnosed with dementia. Wally admits he thinks the degenerative brain disease is something he’ll “probably end up with” too. “My health has made decisions for me in the past, so it’s my turn to make decisions for my health,” the father of three shared when making his announcement.…

The honeymoon might finally be over for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, with the actor issuing a very public declaration that his wife is officially off limits. At the recent LA premiere of J.Lo’s new film, Shotgun Wedding, Ben appeared none too pleased when his wife’s hunky co-star, Josh Duhamel, got a bit too close. Moments later, Ben, who is reported to have a “jealous streak”, was seen “eyeballing” Josh, 50, says an onlooker. The actor then appeared to then defend himself. Following the red carpet, Ben, 50, and J.Lo, 53, also exhanged a a few tense words. Ben, of course, need not worry. In fact, Josh, who is married, admits it’s Ben who he finds “dreamy!”…