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Kylie Minogue is happily single

Kylie Minogue has opened up about splitting from her boyfriend and manager in the same year.
Kylie Minogue

The 45-year-old singer split from 35-year-old Spanish model Andrés Velencoso last October after five years together.

It was a busy year for the new coach on The Voice Australia, who also parted with her manager of 25 years, Terry Blamey.

Speaking on the Norway chat show, Skavlan, Minogue said: “I spent New Year’s Eve alone, it was one of my best New Year’s actually. No it’s not normal. I have never done it before. If it is the right time for you then I highly recommend it. It was very quiet. I did not do anything special, I did not even have a drink actually.

“Am I sounding very sad right now? I stayed up until midnight and I was happy to be quiet. I actually don’t like too much silence as I think too much but it was meant to be for me. I really enjoyed it. I really reflected on the year as I had known how difficult it had been for many reasons.

“So I wanted to reflect upon that and let those thoughts settle and put some out for the next year. This makes me sound very sensible. I am not normally like this. It was kind of amazing for me to be this organised in my mind.”

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Johnny Depp confirms engagement to Amber Heard

He’s never been one to shy away from the ladies but now the Hollywood heartthrob, once voted sexiest man alive, is officially off the market. (Sigh)

Following months of speculation, Johnny Depp, 50, has confirmed he’s engagement to girlfriend Amber Heard after popping the big question on Christmas Eve 2013.

Recently spotted wearing a single diamond band on his ring finger, the Lone Ranger star said it was too big for his soon-to-be wife, who happens to be 23 years his junior, so he’s wearing it instead.

Known for his quirky movie roles, Johnny, who has two young children to ex-girlfriend Vanessa Paradis, admits he will be leaving all the nuptial plans to Amber.

“I think I’d be better at making women’s shoes than I’d be at wedding planning. I can’t plan anything,” he told the Associated Press. “I’m really bad at that stuff.”

The loved-up couple recently celebrated their engagement with family and fellow Hollywood A-listers, including Steve Tyler, Mandy Moore and Marilyn Manson at The Carondelet House in LA.

And while a date is yet to be announced for the big day, our fingers are crossed it will work out second time around for The Rum Diary actor, who was previously married to Lori Anne Allison in the mid-80s. The pair called it quits after just two years.

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Wills in Oz: looking back at Prince William’s previous trips to Australia

The 2014 Royal Tour, which will see Royal couple Kate and Wills bring baby Prince George to Australia, echoes the trip made by a young Charles and Diana over three decades ago.

The Prince and Princess of Wales touched down in Alice Springs in March 1983 with a baby Prince William in tow. Wills was just nine months old – the same age Prince George will be when he arrives.

It was 17 years before the young Prince William would return, this time as a young man in January 2010, touring towns and meeting with survivors of the horrific fires that killed 173 people in rural Victoria in 2009.

And he quickly returned, travelling to Queensland in 2011 to visit the regions devastated by floods and Hurricane Yasi.

Prince William at Kerand South Primary School in Victoria, March 21, 2011. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Prince William waits to make his speech at Government House in Mellbourne on January 21, 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, arrive with baby son Prince William at Alice Springs airport on March 20, 1983. Photo: Getty Images

Two men wait in the rain for Prince William in Grantham, Queensland, March 20, 2011. Photo: Getty Images

Greeting members of the State Emergency Services in Cairns, Australia, March 19, 2011. Photo: Getty Images

At the Cardwell Community Hall in Queensland, March 19, 2011. Photo: Getty Images

Prince William makes a surprise visit to the Australian Open to watch Roger Federer play Victor Hanescu. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Shaking hands with spectators as he leaves the Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

BBQ duties at the bushfire affected township of Flowerdale, January 21, 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Arriving at at Government House on the third and final day of his unofficial visit to Australia, January 21, 2010 in Melbourne. Photo: Getty Images

Fans wait in the Royal Botanic Gardens, January 20, 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Prince William gives a speech at a reception in the Botanical Gardens, January 20, 2010. Photos: Getty Images

William is greeted by an indigenous elder during a smoking ceremony at the Redfern Community Centre on January 19, 2010. Photo: AAP/Getty Images

Former Governor General Dame Quentin Bryce greets the Prince as he arrives for lunch at Admiralty House, January 19, 2010. Photo Getty Images

Wills reads to children at the Redfern Community Centre, January 19, 2010. Photo: WireImage

Meeting crowds at the Redfern Community Centre, January 19, 2010. Photo: WireImage

At the Redfern Community Centre, January 19, 2010. Photo: WireImage

The Prince meets children at the Redfern Community Centre, January 19, 2010. Photo: WireImage

Playing table tennis at the Redfern Community Centre, January 19, 2010. Photo: WireImage

Prince William arrives at Sydney Airport on the first day of his unofficial visit to Australia on January 19, 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Her Excellency Marie Bashir chats with William in the Government House gardens. Photo: Getty Image

Wills reads a poster handed to him as he meets with members of the local Redfern aboriginal community, January 19, 2010. Photo: Getty Images

Wills chats with Delta Goodrem at Admiralty House, January 19, 2010. Photo: Getty Images

The Prince talks with Aboriginal elders in the Redfern community, January 19, 2010. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Prince William is carried by his nanny, Barbara Barnes, off the Royal Flight, March 20, 1983. Photo: Getty Images

Wills arrives at Government House in Melbourne (left) and playing cricket in the bushfire affected township of Flowerdale (right). January 21, 2010. Photos: Getty Images

William arrives by helicopter at a community BBQ in Murrabit, March 21, 2011 (right) and talking with the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, whose dog lies on the floor at Government House, January 21, 2010. Photos: Getty Images

A funny sign for the Prince’s visit to Kerang (left) and playing AFL at a community BBQ in Murrabit, March 21, 2011. Photos: WireImage/Getty Images

Diana, Princess of Wales, carrying baby Prince William beside Prince Charles after their arrival at Alice Springs airport for their tour of Australia, 20 March 1983. Photo: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Princess Diana with baby son Prince William at Alice Springs airport, March 20, 1983. Photo: Getty Images

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Bindi Irwin becomes beauty pageant judge

Bindi Irwin has put her reputation as a wholesome wildlife warrior on the line by becoming a judge at a beauty pageant on the Gold Coast.
Bindi Irwin

The 15-year-old, whose late father was irrepressible Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, will critique teens and young women competing in the Australia Galaxy Pageant on the Gold Coast next month.

It’s a world away from her usual habitat at Australia Zoo, where Bindi is more likely to been seen promoting conservation in khakis and boots than sequins and stilettos.

There is, however, a link: pageant contestants win extra points if they raise money for the events’ two designated charities, one of which is the zoo’s Wildlife Warriors program.

Nevertheless, Bindi’s decision to accept the role has come under fire from critics, who say beauty pageants promote unhealthy body image and objectify women.

Dr Emma Rush, an expert in the sexualisation of children at Charles Sturt University, told aww.com.au Bindi’s new role seemed like a misfit, with bush conservation and the beauty world “bizarrely at odds” with each other.

“At the same time, if you are passionate about saving animals, you might think whatever means is a good means,” she says. “But I think this kind of thing potentially has consequences more broadly for young women and girls.

“There are positive aspects of these beauty contests, which are about public speaking and girls developing confidence, but I think we should celebrate girls for who they are rather than what they look like.”

Bindi was also embroiled in controversy recently when she signed up as ambassador for the US Sea World, which has been criticised over its treatment of whales.

Contestants aged from 13 to 29 at the Gold Coast pageant will get judged on a combination of their beauty, style, brains and philanthropy.

The event, which runs from April 10 to 12, is run by the Australian branch of US-based Galaxy International.

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Prince William steps out with the Queen and Prince Philip

Prince William spent a rare morning out with his grandparents yesterday, accompanying them to unveil a new statue in Windsor.
Prince William, the Queen and Prince Philip.

William, the Queen and Prince Philip appeared to be in excellent spirits at the event, laughing and smiling throughout the engagement.

The Queen looked lovely in a cream coat and matching hat, accessorised with a large diamond brooch while William chose a simple navy suit and Philip donned a tweed jacket and trousers with a spotted tie.

William and his grandfather appeared to be having a wonderful time out together.

Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to greet the royal trio, and were rewarded when William took time to chat with many of them.

William, his wife Kate and their son George will shortly depart on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand. It will be George’s first international visit.

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Iconic leading ladies line up for British retailer Marks and Spencer campaign

UK retail giant Marks & Spencer have unveiled a line-up of iconic leading ladies to model their Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

The ‘Leading Ladies’ campaign features the likes of actress Emma Thompson, international supermodel Alek Wek, music icon Annie Lennox , activist Baroness Lawrence and singer Rita Ora.

From left to right: Lulu Kennedy, Rachel Khoo, Alek Wek, Rita Ora, Emma Thompson, Annie Lennox and Baroness Lawrence.

Photographed by the legendary Annie Leibovitz in her signature Vanity Fair style, the collection’s advertising seems to be intent celebrating a diverse range of women.

From left to right: Rachel Khoo, Roma Agrawal, Alek Wek, Rita Ora and Lulu Kennedy.

“Marks & Spencer is a democratic brand which is relevant to women of all ages and strands of life; it is therefore natural for M&S to celebrate women in this way,” says Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, M&S Executive Director Marketing and Business Development.

“M&S is extremely proud to have convened such an extraordinary group of exceptional women; this campaign is the embodiment of true British style, quality, diversity and success.”

This is the second instalment of M&S’s ‘Leading Ladies’ brand advertising. Last year the brand featured Dame Helen Mirren, Vogue stylist Grace Coddington and model Karen Elson in its autumn/winter ads to mixed reviews.

From left to right: Katie Piper, Nicola Adams, Tracey Emin, Ellie Goulding, Helen Allen, Monica Ali, Grace Coddington, Laura Mvula, Helen Mirren and Karen Elson.

Only time will tell if the campaign’s all-star line-up will hit the right note with the brand’s retail customers but the images will be spread across the world in the windows of M&S’s flagship stores in France, the Netherlands, Greece, Hong Kong, China, India, Hungary, Russia, Turkey and Singapore.

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Blumenthal bringing Fat Duck to Melbourne

His three Michelin-starred restaurant, in Bray, Berkshire, will close in December when he will bring his entire staff to Melbourne’s Crown Casino complex to reopen in the new location in February next year.

“I guess you are expecting me to announce the opening of a new restaurant; I’ll move onto that in a bit. But, in fact, what I’m going to announce now is the closing of a restaurant. I’m going to shut The Fat Duck and bring it here to Melbourne,” Heston told a stunned press conference at Crown Towers yesterday.

“It’s the furthest migration a duck of any kind, let alone a fat duck, has made. I’m going to close the restaurant and I’m going to bring it here to Crown Melbourne Resort for six months.”

Diners can expect to pay anywhere up to $280 a head for a meal at the Melbourne eatery, in line with the prices charged at The Fat Duck in Britain.

The plan is that after six months at Crown, Heston and his entourage will pick up their aprons and tongs and head back to the UK leaving behind a permanent restaurant, Dinner, as the first foray into global expansion with other restaurants planned for Macau, The Philippines and Sri Lanka.

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Samantha Harris in stunning photo ahead of Indigenous Fashion Week

Samantha Harris is wearing spectacular designs ahead of Australian Indigenous Fashion Week’s inaugural runway show.

The Australian Indigenous Fashion Week’s (AIFW) inaugural runway show, trade fair and forum are approaching, with organisers saying that they plan to make the week a new fixture on the Australian fashion calendar.

The runway show has brought on board casting director Kannon Rajah who has produced shows for Victoria’s Secret, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace, to select the line-up of models for AIFW runways. Among the models will be some fresh new talent and the stunning Samantha Harris.

The event will also take people behind the scenes of Australian fashion with five interactive sessions featuring Sass & Bide’s Sarah-Jane Clarke among others.

AIFW says that it wants to nurture the talents of Australian Indigenous designers and artists by offering mentoring programs, design training and modelling workshops.

Samantha Harris posted to her Instagram, “Campaign Shot for the first ever Australian Indigenous Fashion Week which launches next month.”

Samantha Harris on the AIFW Instagram page.

Model @lillaconradsen. Photo: Instagram

Ambassdor Samantha Harris. Photo: Instagram

Gold sneakers at an AIFW photoshoot. Photo: Instagram

“Byron Bay AIFW #photoshoot behind the scenes.” Photo: Instagram

Male talent behind the scenes. Photo: Instagram

AIFW ambassador Greg Inglis with Sam Harris. Photo: Instagram

Introducing Rizwan Bawani. Photo: Instagram

Model Charlee Fraser. Photo: Instagram

Young model Sinead Grehan will be on the runway. Photo: Instagram

One of the youngest models, Mikhalyn Locke was found through the AIFW model search competition. Photo: Instagram

“Brana Wolf reviews AUSIFW designer @flannelbilly range.” Photo: Instagram

“Style queen Brana Wolf”. Photo: Instagram

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Elton John to marry long-time partner, David Furnish

British pop legend Sir Elton John plans to marry his long-time partner David Furnish following changes to laws in the United Kingdom.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

British pop legend Sir Elton John plans to marry his long-time partner David Furnish following changes to laws in the United Kingdom.

“We’ll do it very quietly,” Elton said in a US television interview, “but we will do it and it will be a joyous occasion.”

Elton’s partner David Furnish told an entertainment publication that they would marry in an English registry office in May.

The couple have been civil partners since 2005.

“I’m very proud of Britain and the laws that we’ve seen come into existence since we’ve been together,” Sir Elton said.

“Having our civil partnership was an incredible breakthrough for people that have campaigned for a long time – through the ’60s and the ’50s in England when it was so hard to be gay and hard to be open about it. And it was a criminal act.

“So for this legislation to come through is joyous, and we should celebrate it. We shouldn’t just say, ‘Oh, well we have a civil partnership. We’re not going to bother to get married.’ We will get married.”

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Miranda Kerr shocks in saucy GQ interview

Miranda Kerr's semi-naked portraits in the latest issue of GQ magazine are provocative, but it was what the model had to say that really shocking.
Miranda Kerr GQ

The May issue of the British mag sees the 30-year-old former Victoria’s Secret angel opening up about her sex life like never before.

In the candid interview newly single Miranda admitted that she has sexual curiosities when it comes to women and hinted at bisexual fantasies.

“I appreciate both men and women,” she sais. The model also confessed that she enjoys sketching nude women because she “loves the female body and truly appreciates the female form”.

Miranda Kerr shot by Mario Testino in GQ’s May 2014 issue.

Miranda’s sexually ambiguous remarks continued when she said she wouldn’t rule out experimenting in bed.

“I definitely need a man in the bedroom, however – a nice strong chest to lie on. Still, I want to explore. Never say never.”

When the subject of the mile-high club was broached Kerr cheekily implied that she was a member.

‘‘Let’s put it this way, I’ve had an orgasm in the air before,” Kerr says. “Alone. And together.’’

The supermodel was just a revealing in her interview as she was in her shoot.

The steamy interview was accompanied by equally raunchy pictures of Kerr’s flawless figure and, like one might suspect, she’s not short of male attention.

The supermodel frankly admits she still gets “chatted up a lot” by men and has had some “crazy, ridiculous proposals – stuff that you wouldn’t even see in the movies”.

The mother-of-one was also candid when she opened up about her relationship with her ex Orlando Bloom, who is the father of her three-year-old son, Flynn.

“Orlando and I always had great chemistry,” she said. “One-night stands aren’t my thing. I made Orlando wait for six months until I even kissed him … I always ask for a critique on my performance. I always want to better myself in every way.”

Miranda, Orlando and Flynn spotted in New York in October.

However Miranda doesn’t seem too hung up on the end of her three-year marriage to the actor telling GQ she was dating and “loving it”.

“Two happy parents are better than two unhappy parents,” she said. “This is my time to explore and have some fun. I’m not looking to fall in love again quickly.”

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