I’d been a stay-at-home dad, as my wife, a doctor, was the higher earner.
Frustrated and bored, I was ready to start making money again, but felt too far from the lawyer I’d been before my son was born.
The idea of escorting came to me after my wife agreed to open up our marriage to other people.
The topic had arisen after she’d found inappropriate texts to another mum at our son’s playgroup, and even though I hadn’t done anything physical with this woman, it made me confess my desire to have sex with other people.
“If it’s going to save our marriage, let’s do it,” she agreed.
At first, I went on Tinder before the idea of making money from sex occurred to me.
Surprisingly, my wife seemed more on board with paid sex than casual encounters.
So here we were, as a couple, deciding the best pictures to use to make me appeal to other women. My wife had shot them using one of the professional cameras I used as a hobby.
When my first booking came in a few weeks later, she helped me pick out what to wear – pale chinos, a well-cut shirt and a dark blazer – before we put our son to bed and I kissed her bye.
“I love you,” I told her.
On the drive over to the address of the motel I’d been given, pangs of guilt stabbed my gut each time I thought about her at home.
An hour later, I parked outside the motel and knocked on the door of my first-ever client.
When a rather beautiful 30-year-old brunette answered, excitement began to overtake my nerves.
At least I don’t have to fake attraction, I thought.
She was visibly shaking and clearly more nervous than me.
“Hi,” I smiled, opening my arms to her.
Shyly, she walked into them, and I held her for several minutes, stroking her hair.
“Would you like me to kiss you?” I asked releasing her.
“Oh, okay,” she squeaked.
Things from there moved quickly.
Once she was satisfied, I held her as we talked.
She told me her friends had booked me to help her get back into dating.
“I was with my ex for years,” she said. “He broke my heart by sleeping with someone else.”
She craved intimacy, but the pain she’d suffered made her reluctant to put herself out there again, especially as her self-esteem had taken a hit.
Over time, I began to realise most women who booked me had suffered emotionally and used escorting to help build themselves up again.
Some were newly divorced and hadn’t had sex for years. Others were still married, but it was either loveless or their husbands no longer had the ability to perform.
Sadly, I lost count of the number of women who had suffered sexual abuse or domestic violence. They struggled to trust anyone but a paid professional where they could control the environment.
On one occasion, I was even booked by a husband, as a gift for his wife, but that was the last time I ever took on any surprise bookings.
When I knocked on the door and explained who I was, a look of sheer horror spread across her face.
Her husband had clearly got things very wrong.
“So sorry, I’ll go,” I said, making a hasty retreat.
But there was one client that really stuck with me.
Her name was Sam and she’d been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, shortly after separating from her ex-husband.
Knowing she only had two to five years to live, she saw dating as pointless, but still wanting intimacy she’d decided to go down the route of an escort for companionship, booking a couple of times a week.
Over the years, Sam and I formed a strong bond, and I couldn’t help but develop an affection for her.
As an escort, you’re not meant to allow yourself to become attached, which sometimes isn’t possible.
When Sam’s illness developed to the point she needed full-time care, our visits stopped, and to this day I don’t know if she’s dead or alive, which cuts me deeply.
There were extreme highs during my time as a male escort, but there were also extreme lows. My marriage failing was another one.
After six months, what had meant to be a side hustle, morphed me into becoming one of the most in-demand male escorts around and I was working at least three times a week.
At first, I offered one-hour appointments at $300, but I realised the time was too rushed so increased the booking time to two hours minimum.
Even when I was home, I was absent, spending time messaging my clients, so eventually, after a year, my wife and I agreed it was time for me to move out.
Fortunately, we were able to remain good friends, and we’re united as parents to give our son the best life that we can.
While I was an escort, I wrestled with the question of whether I could be a good parent and a sex worker at the same time.
Though I was present in his life, I worried about what I’d say when my son started asking me questions about what I did.
Earlier this year, I finally left the sex industry after four years. It was difficult, but knowing I’d provided the best service I could and helped so many women, made it easier.
Now, I want to use my experience to guide and educate the next generation of men. Most importantly, my son.
After seven years as a paramedic, the burnout associated with being an emergency worker had well and truly set in. On an average shift, we would witness some of the best and worst days of people’s lives. Pivotal life moments for our patients were just one of many traumas witnessed by us in one shift.
But Lorna made me think.
From the age of two, I was training in Judo since my grandad John was the owner-operator of the local club. By five, I was competing for national titles.
Fighting, along with training in aerial arts, was something I enjoyed to blow off steam after work. Whether it was administering adrenaline or chasing after it, I knew that an office job simply wasn’t for me. So being a stunt person sounded perfect.
After my shift ended, I googled stunt courses and discovered The Stunt Academy on the Gold Coast.
I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
At 28, I decided if I was going to do this, it was now or never.
So I set about making it happen.
Within three weeks, I’d taken extended leave without pay from work and moved over to Queensland to do the course.
Over the next couple of years, I learned how to fall and absorb impact, how to fight at a distance and make the “hits” sell it to camera, I learnt wirework and parkour, and even how to be set on fire.
It was physically demanding, but I loved it.
In my first paid role, I was cast as a double for an actress in the TV show Harrow, where I was knocked to the floor and tackled by security.
On a trip back to Perth, I reconnected with an old schoolmate, Brett, and we hit it off since he too worked in the film and tv industry.
“I’ll come visit you in Queensland,” he said.
Within three months, he’d moved over to live with me. And not long after that, we were engaged and pregnant with our first child, Lockie.
Soon after, I returned to stunts and was asked to perform in Baz Lurhmann’s blockbuster movie, Elvis.
“A solid, yes!” I told the stunt coordinator.
Wearing a 1950s dress, I along with other stunt women, was tasked with storming the stage where Elvis was performing.
It was hard to believe that I was being paid to do this!
While stunt work comes in ebbs and flows, I decided to combine my two loves and set up a first aid training business called Action & Emergency.
As a mum, first aid suddenly seemed so much more important to me. It made sense to teach the community how to look after them when I couldn’t be there.
The knock on effect was huge. It’s not just my kids taken care of, it’s everyone else’s kids too.
In November 2019 we moved back to Perth to be closer to family and friends.
Our work meant that we would still have to travel but thankfully if one of us was working, the other would stay home and look after our boy.
One day, while Brett was working on a whale documentary out at sea, I got a call from a stunt coordinator.
“Are you free next week? We are filming Thor Love & Thunder in Sydney,” he said.
“Absolutely!” I lied. With the work just days away, I created a roster of babysitters and left a note on the fridge for Brett to come home to.
Gone to Sydney to work on Thor, Lockie is with your mum. Back in two weeks, it read.
In September 2022, Brett and I had our second son, Lando. On maternity leave, I focussed on building my business in Perth. I was even a finalist for an Australian business award.
As Lockie grows up, he too is turning into quite the adrenaline junkie. He’d often take a hard tumble from his bike as I watched on.
“Are you okay buddy?” I’d ask.
“I’m good,” he’d mutter, sticking his thumb up in the air before saddling back up for the next round.
When strangers meet me, they’d have no idea that I am a stunt performer. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, I’m pretty good at being knocked down but even better at getting back up again.
One look at Cassandra Allen’s smile on the first episode of Married At First Sight Australia 2024, viewers knew she was going to be the season’s sweetheart.
But as she continued to divulge her story to the camera crew, and by extension MAFS fans, we understood what her lovely being was hiding. Sadly, Cassandra’s life before the experiment was darker than we perceived.
In the MAFS 2024 debut episode, Cassandra, 30, confessed her high school sweetheart, the one she believed she would one day marry, was tragically killed.
“We were together for eight years. And then, one day, he was gone. Motorbike accident,” she told the crew.
“That was really, really insanely hard… you spend every day with someone…
The pair were together since the age of 14 when he sadly passed away, aged 23. Young and madly in-love, the couple had planned their future together.
“We would have definitely married, had kids, silly matching shirts, vacations, he was… yeah,” she said.
In a recent interview with TV WEEK, Cassandra confessed it was her ‘biggest heartbreak’.
“For me, like it was end game – he was the one. And then life was like, nope, just kidding,” she explained.
For roughly three or four years, Cassandra “blocked” out the world, admitting she was in a “very dark space.” But by applying for MAFS, she hoped to find help with the dates, calls, and messages, telling TV WEEK she was “so tired.”
Tragedy struck once more in 2020, when Cassandra lost her mother to cancer.
“Mum had this big light, this big light. I know that she is definitely with me today,” she said. “I love my dad. I was in a very dark space for a long time and he was with me.”
Dad, Moddy, stole the show with his beautiful personality at Cassandra’s wedding to Tristan, 30. Now, the young hopeful is on the hunt for someone as equally family-oriented and hopes to have plenty of children.
Former Australian Idol judge, Harry Connick Jr has said a final goodbye to his “hero” father who sadly passed away, aged 97.
The Grammy-award winner remained by his father’s, Harry Sr. side with his mother, Londa and siter Susanna while he passed peacefully in his New Orleans home.
Harry Jr.’s publicist reportedly confirmed his passing, however, a cause of death has not been disclosed to the public.
For three decades – from 1973 to 2003 – Harry Sr. served as a district attorney for the city of New Orleans. Following the announcement, the current district attorney Jason Williams shared his condolences with the Connick family.
“Mr. Connick remains the longest tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families,” he wrote.
“Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time.”
Harry Jr. nor his family have made any public statements or tributes following his passing.
The final post Harry Jr. shared to Instagram with his beloved father was in November 2023, with the pair smiling ear to ear for a selfie.
“Hangin’ with my dad – my FAVORITE thing in the world!” Harry Jr. captioned the heartwarming photo.
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“I come to see him about once a month in new orleans and it’s still not enough! at 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration… i love you sooooo much, dad!!!”
As for absence for Harry Jr.’s children, its believed his three daughters remain in Sydney after the singer relocated his family to Sydney for Australian Idol in 2023.
It wasn’t long ago we were watching the Married At First Sight Australia Season ten stars battle it out during the dinner party, and in the privacy of their own apartments.
But we haven’t seen numerous of these 2023 stars since the MAFS reunion episode which aired in April.
Following the finale, two couples actually found love – excluding the real-life couple swap – however, both couples have since departed ways. But all of these stars are taking advantage of their newfound fame.
Since the show’s end, we’ve spotted contestants at the club, launching brand deals and podcasts. MAFS is known for launching OnlyFans accounts, and while it took longer than we thought for someone to launch an account, the first side hustle was made.
Continue scrolling to find out what all the Married At First Sight Australia Season ten stars are doing now.
Shannon Adams
MAFS’ Shannon Adams welcomed his second child, daughter named Zarliah, with his on-and-off partner Jamea Drake in October 2023.
“PS why does this photo go so hard? 🔥🔥🔥Dad flexing is now a thing,” he captioned the announcement on Instagram.
It was a huge scandal when it was discovered that Shannon was still in contact with Jamea while filming the season.
Bronte Schofield
While MAFS is popular for producing OnlyFans stars, but surprisingly Bronte was the first among her 2023 contestants to sign up for the adult subscription based-platform which she said was made “by popular demand.”
Bronte took to Instagram to announce the news of her account, writing: “You asked for it”.
Followed by a flirty video of the former bride in a hot pink bikini where she then promoted her OnlyFans account by captioning the snap with: “Still busy showing off in my bikini… or without”.
Caitlin McConville
Next up on the OnlyFans agenda is Caitlin, who took to Instagram to reveal she had restarted her account.
“Drop it like it’s hot,” she captioned the photo, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 28-year-old has made just under $17,000 within a short period of time.
McConville’s presence on OnlyFans took numerous fans by surprise, but Caitlin confessed that she had been quite candid about her OnlyFans account on MAFS however, it “unfortunately didn’t make it to air.”
EVELYN ELLIS
Other than hard launching her new boyfriend and former co-star Duncan James, Evelyn has been attending Australian Fashion Week, posed for the cover of Maxim magazine and securing brand deals on Instagram.
Following her reality TV stint, a source reportedly told Yahoo Lifestyle that Evelyn was “Channel Nine’s new darling.”
“This could be anything from hosting segments on Today Extra to landing her own digital series or even appearing on Celebrity Apprentice if they bring it back. There’s a lot of possibilities and it’s all very exciting for her,” they said.
She later presented a perfect day out in Sydney segment on Getaway.
JANELLE HAN
As a beauty influencer even before entering the MAFS experiment, Janelle is definitely using her growth in followers to share even more beauty content.
From teaching her fans make-up techniques, how to do hairstyles and even making former co-star Ollie Skelton look like relationship expert John Aiken, Janelle is a busy girl!
She was even spotted attending Fashion Week in Australia.
HARRISON BOON
Harrison has had quite a few things to say about his time on MAFS, so it comes as no surprise that he announced a podcast launch titled ‘The Harrison Boon Podcast’.
In addition, Harrison stepped into the ring with former MAFS star Daniel Holmes. The fight was used to raise money for a non-profit organisation called Youth Off The Streets.
DUNCAN JAMES
During an explosive interview with 9Honey, Duncan and Evelyn confirmed their relationship with a MAFS ‘honesty box’ mock challenge.
Other than participating in multiple other interviews with his girlfriend, it seems Duncan has been busy showering her with love! Between helicopter dates, boat trips and keeping fit, he even attended fashion week with her.
MELISSA SHEPPARD
Recently, Melissa starred on radio show Hughesy, Ed and Erin to go on a date. The program ‘We love hot mums’ where Melissa went on a date with younger “Delicious Dave” to a pottery class. It seemed to go well as Melissa claimed she would love to see him again.
There were numerous questions regarding Melissa’s future on OnlyFans, however the mum confirmed she has no intention of joining the adult-subscription platform.
“To all my followers, I am so apologetic but no, you will not be seeing me on OnlyFans,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“Anybody that does that, my hat goes off to them and hand on heart, you do whatever floats your boat. But for myself personally, you won’t be seeing me on that kind of platform.”
MELINDA WILLIS
As a business owner, Melinda is keeping busy growing her companies.
Sadly, in October 2023, Melinda went separate ways from her MAFS boyfriend Layton. In January 2024, she went on Instagram stories to confess that she missed only ‘parts’ of their relationship.
“I miss the good times and the side of Lay that was sweet and caring. I don’t miss the relationship itself though unfortunately, it was not good for either of us,” she wrote.
As for the other contestants, while they are loving the popularity which comes from a show such as MAFS they all seem to be living their best lives!
On average, 80 per cent of Australian women are wearing the wrong size bra and many of them are over the age of 40.
While we often think of bra fittings as something reserved for teenage girls just coming into womanhood, the reality is that most women go far too long without getting fitted for a properly fitting bra.
It’s part of the reason so many women find their bras so uncomfortable, especially as their bodies change over time.
Because many women only get professionally fitted as teens, they can go for years or even decades accidentally wearing the wrong size.
In fact, it becomes even more important to get re-fitted as women enter their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, as their size and shape can go through major changes in these years.
“Most woman’s bodies change the most during these decades, regardless of weight fluctuation, breast tissue can diminish over the years so it’s not only important to regularly check the sizing is correct, but also the style and shape,” a Simone Pérèle fit expert tells Now To Love.
There are so many different life stages that require fittings as the body changes, from pregnancy, to menopause and other hormonal shifts.
“Generally, at Simone Pérèle we recommend a fitting with each purchase of a new bra, ideally at least once a year as the style could be slightly different or your body has changed.”
Of course, changes in your figure can lead to changes in your body confidence and it’s important to know that women can still feel sensual and confident in their lingerie at any age, be it 25 or 65.
“We adapt to suit varying needs as our body changes, because being comfortable brings on that confidence,” says the fit expert.
“The shape of the bra is just as important as the size to ensure the appropriate support and to give you the best silhouette in garments.”
Getting fitted for a bra by an expert like the ones at Simone Pérèle can help ensure you get the best fit in a bra that smooths and contours your body in a way that makes you feel phenomenal.
For some, that means a clean design with extra support and shaping, for others it will look like delicate lace or lines that flatter a full bust.
“Women should feel sexy regardless of age, size or shape,” she says – and aren’t those words to live by?
To get started on your way to more comfortable and sensual bras, get a professional fitting with a lingerie brand like Simone Pérèle.
Some brands – including Bras N Things, Triumph, Bendon and more – even offer virtual fittings that make it easier than ever to find your perfect size at any age.
The best bras for older women to shop in Australia
Simone Pérèle
For women who prefer a lightweight bra, try: Comete Comete Moulded Underwire Bra, $80 (usually $149.95), from Simone Pérèle.
Curvy
For extra support that doesn’t skimp on style, try: Fayreform coral underwire bra, $69.95 from Curvy.
Bras N Things
For women looking for a seamless everyday style, try: My Every Day Contour Bra, $30, from Bras N Things.
Simone Pérèle
For women with shallower busts, try: Wish Half Cup Bra, $159.95, from Simone Pérèle.
Triumph
For women who prefer something wirefree and padded, try: Fit Smart Padded Bra, $29 (usually $59.95), from Triumph.
Curvy
For something simple, sensual and wirefree, try: Playtex Ultralight Wirefree Bra, $54.95, from Curvy.
Bendon
For a classic silhouette with great coverage, try: Charlotte Underwire Bra, $69.95, from Bendon.
Myer
For a style that will minimise fuller busts, try: Triumph True Shape Sensation Minimiser Bra, $69.95, from Myer.
Triumph
For women who want a bit of a boost, try: Pure Invisible Wired Padded Bra, $99.99, from Triumph.
The brilliant minds behind Masters of the Air knew what attention they would bring after putting together some of Hollywood’s most desired actors for the war series.
Set during World War II, the television miniseries sees Callum Turner (Major John Egan), Austin Butler (Major Gale Cleven) and Barry Keoghan (LT. Curtis Biddick) unite as airmen, risking their lives in the 100th Bomb Group which suffered incomprehensible losses while carrying out bombings over Nazi Germany.
Despite working on iconic films, Callum revealed to TV WEEKthat Masters of the Air director Steven Spielberg “describes this as the biggest production he’s ever been a part of.”
“Which means this is serious,” he began. “We had this old school way of doing things, but we also had the future.”
“They left no stone unturned; they gave us everything – the base where they lived and where they ate is all real, live sets. There was even a church in there for the chaplain, and when they built that, they gave us a map that just tells you how big it was.”
In order to give the scenes the most realistic feel, the boys were placed on a gimble 30 feet in the air, moving in sync with the images.
“So, if there’s a fighter jet coming towards you, you see it happening, the plane going down and it looks real,” Callum said.
“It was probably the best time of my life.”
Based on Donald L. Miller’s 2007 book *Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought The Air War Against Nazi Germany*, the actors portrayed very real people who risked their lives during the second world war. Raff Law who plays Sgt. Ken Lemmons revealed his children provided a lot of insight, from his personality right down to his smile.
“I felt very connected to him. He was a leader, he was a team player, he was very selfless. If I had the opportunity to speak to him now, I would salute him and it would be an honour to tell him how proud I am to represent him and his family,” Raff confessed.
To which Barry added: “A massive thank you, and I don’t think that covers it really. At the premiere we got the chance to be in the presence of some of the veterans, it was nice to give them that standing moment and thank them. But again, I don’t think that really covers it.
As of January 26, 2024, Masters of the Air officially premiered on Apple TV+, with episodes being released weekly.
You can never have too much white in your wardrobe. A classic that simply goes with everything, it’s no wonder why we try and get our swimwear in the colour too.
With a flattering v-neck, front tie detail, internal underwire, and scoop back, this stylish black-and-white one-piece provides compliments in all the right places.
This bandeau has been described as “really supportive” and “very comfortable” by a reviewer, with special mention to the gold detail that looks “beautiful” with the white.
CK Monogram Low Back Swimsuit, $129 at Calvin Klein
With its soft ribbed fabric and metal rivet details, this Calvin Klein number adds a touch of elegance to your swimwear range. It has moulded cups and removable padding for support and comfort.
Kaiami Lara Triangle Bikini Top, $19.99 at City Beach
This tie halter, sliding triangle top has removable padding and a tie fastener so you can get the fit just right, and it’s a total classic so you can mix and match with any bottoms.
Become a thrifty cook with these cheap but filling, salad recipes.
Check out these delicious salads that are all under $5 per serving:
Sausage, asparagus, tomato & haloumi salad recipe
Serves: 4
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
500g lamb sausages
250g haloumi cheese, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, shaved
4 roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
100g bag kale, spinach & chard leaves
lemon cheeks, to serve
Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
Method:
In a large frying pan, heat oil on medium. Squeeze meat from sausage casings in small portions into pan. Cook 2-3 mins, stirring, until cooked through. Transfer to a large bowl.
For the dressing: In a jug, whisk oil, lemon juice and mustard together. Season to taste.
In same pan, cook haloumi 1-2 mins each side until golden. Add haloumi, asparagus, tomato and leaves to sausage. Toss until combined. Drizzle with dressing and serve with lemon cheeks.
In a bowl, combine pork mince, coriander roots and stems, curry paste and breadcrumbs. Using 1 tbsp mixture at a time, roll into balls. Arrange on a tray. Chill 10 mins.
In a large frying pan, heat oil on medium. Cook meatballs, turning, 8-10 mins until cooked through.
Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine noodles, wombok, tomato, green onion, reserved coriander leaves, mint and peanuts.
Just before serving, toss with meatballs and dressing. Scatter with extra mint leaves to serve and accompany with prawn crackers.
Spiced cauliflower salad recipe
Serves: 4
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Ingredients:
¹/³ cup olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste or 2 fresh tomatoes, grated
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 head (900g) cauliflower, cut into florets
500g potatoes, cut into 1.5cm dice
1 cup baby peas
naan or roti, to serve
Minty yogurt:
½ cup Greek yoghurt
1 small clove garlic, crushed
2 sprigs fresh mint, shredded, plus extra leaves to serve
Method:
Preheat oven to 180°C and line a large oven tray with baking paper.
Heat olive oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Toast tomato paste and spices 1-2 mins or until fragrant. Stir through garlic and ginger.
Place cauliflower, potatoes and baby peas in a large bowl and toss in the seasoned oil, coating well. Season with salt and pepper.
Scatter onto lined baking tray. Bake 25 mins or until vegetables are tender.
For the minty yogurt: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Season to taste.
Serve with minty yoghurt.
TIP: You could also serve this with grilled naan or roti, if you like.